23 May 2012

Treasurer Fitzgerald Reminds Iowans it is Their Last Chance to Celebrate 529 Day

By Michael Fitzgerald

Register for a chance to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa Account

DES MOINES, IA (05/22/2012)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald wants to remind Iowans it is their last chance to celebrate 529 Day by registering to win a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account for a child in their life. "I encourage everyone to register for the giveaway and explore the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones' future higher education expenses," Fitzgerald said. "By starting early, saving a little at a time and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them." For more information and to register for the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com before May 31.

May 29, 529 Day, helps bring attention to the fact that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for the children in their lives. Those who begin putting away money early and save little by little can, over time, make their college savings add up to a significant amount. Because saving for future educational expenses is so important, Iowa families are encouraged to open a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their life.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $2,975 per beneficiary from their 2012 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.myiowa529plan.com or call1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

23 May 2012

FRIENDS OF JORDAN TACO TUESDAY - MAY 29th

By Rick Martin

Taco Tuesday to benefit the Friends of Jordan Scholarship Fund will be held on Tuesday, May 29th at Mulligan's, 310 W 1st Avenue, Coal Valley.

The event will run from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Please come and share a good time with friends and family! Rudy's Tacos will be sold
for 'donation' only. Proceeds will provide scholarships for the 2012-2013 school year.

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23 May 2012

Family Vacation Tips

By Ginny Grimsley

Family Time, Unplugged & Outdoors: Memories are Made on Vacations; Tips for the Road

Don't worry about record-breaking gas prices - the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates prices to be $3.79 a gallon this summer, less than in 2008.

That's good news for families considering reviving the tradition of a road trip vacation, one of the best experiences parents and kids can share, says Michael DiLorenzo, author of Adventures with Jonny: Road Trip to the Parks! (www.adventureswithjonny.com).

"This is a shared experience, and one that will be talked about during family gatherings for years to come," says DiLorenzo, a father of three. "For busy parents, this is a time to savor their children's youth. As moms and dads eventually find out, they grow up fast."

It's also a chance to get children outside and away from their computers, he says. Children today already have a deep-rooted interest in technology, which is why a road trip to a natural, outdoor destination is an opportunity to "give your child the gift of the outdoors, which is a gift for life," says DiLorenzo.

The journey to a national park in the United States or Canada - perhaps Yellowstone in Wyoming or Banff in Alberta - is as bonding an experience as whatever happens at the destination.

"And there are parks in every state," he notes. "If you don't have the time or money to go cross country, pick a park closer to home."

DiLorenzo offers these helpful tips for the road:

• Games, games, games!: Yes, there is ample entertainment for both drivers and riders in cars these days. BUT, the goal is to bond with the family, so consider a fun, albeit off-color game like "Road Kill Round-Up." A point system might break down like this: two points for the first to spot a poor critter; three for whoever first correctly identifies the species; two points subtracted for a false road-kill call; three points subtracted for misidentifying the kind.

• Beware of dairy drinks (and other smelly snacks): A spill in the backseat can eventually create quite a stink during a summer road trip. But do pack plenty of  healthy snacks to save on pricey pit stops and avoid all the sugar and salt in junk food.

• Avoid big-city rush hours: When traveling through metropolitan areas, consider the busiest traffic periods. Whether you plan to stop and check out the city or simply zip through it, bumper-to-bumper traffic is something to avoid. A bit of consideration can save your family hours of grid-locked misery.

• Tech help: Various apps and websites can help drivers find the cheapest gas prices, food options, hotel rates and travel routes. Also, don't forget a music mix that appeals to the entire family on one of these devices. (Remember, leave work at home - forget about work-related calls, texts and emails! Use a non-work-related smartphone, if needed.)

• Schedule pit stops: Being in a hurry should be left for the morning commute; vacation should be different. When traveling across states and provinces, consider local culture. For example, barbecue in South Carolina is very different from Missouri's version. Enjoy diners and unique attractions, and don't be afraid to take notes.

"The greatest family memories are created in shared adventure," DiLorenzo says. "Outdoor recreation is filled with these memories just looking for a family to bring them home."

About Michael A. DiLorenzo

Michael A. DiLorenzo is a married father of three living in the outdoor-rich environs of Michigan. He created the "Adventures with Jonny" series to entertain and educate children (and parents!) about the activities available in the great outdoors.

23 May 2012

Governor Quinn Talks Pension and Medicaid Reform with Students

By Nafia Khan

Hosts Town Hall About Illinois' Future at Julian Middle School

OAK PARK - May 22, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today hosted a town hall meeting with students at Julian Middle School about the urgent need for pension and Medicaid reform. With just 9 days left before the end of spring legislative session, the governor continued his push to stabilize Illinois' Medicaid and pension systems and educate the public about our fiscal challenges. During the visit, Governor Quinn took questions from 8th graders about their stake in what happens in Springfield this session and the impact that these two issues have on the future of Illinois.

"At its core, this battle to resolve our fiscal challenges is about the future of our children," Governor Quinn said. "If we want to educate our kids and ensure they are ready for the workforce, our moment is now. We must assume responsibility to build a better future for our children. We must work together to get these vital reforms done."

During the discussion at Julian Middle School, students had the opportunity to ask Governor Quinn questions about what state government does, how it is funded and why they should get involved in causes they believe in. The governor explained how education funding is being squeezed by the unsustainable growth in the Medicaid and pension systems, and what can be done to rescue the systems to ensure their sustainability for generations to come.

Public pensions and Medicaid currently take up 39% of state general revenue spending, and will grow to 50% next year without major reforms. Inaction could also severely limit the state's ability to fund core services like education and public safety, threaten the state's credit rating and hurt the long-term sustainability of both systems. The visit comes a day after the Medicaid restructuring legislation was filed to reform Illinois' Medicaid system and the Illinois Farm Bureau added its support to the governor's plans to rescue and stabilize Illinois' broken pension and Medicaid systems.

Governor Quinn's plan to stabilize public pensions would save taxpayers up to $85 billion, eliminate the unfunded liability over 30 years and allow public employees who have faithfully contributed to the system to continue to receive pension benefits. His Medicaid restructuring plan would create $2.7 billion in savings by cutting waste, fraud and abuse; raising the price of cigarettes by one dollar, and bringing in dollar-for-dollar federal matching funds.

For more information about the urgency of repairing Illinois' Medicaid and public pension systems and to take action, visit SaveOurState.illinois.gov.

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23 May 2012

The Moline Foundation To Announce a Major Gift to Assist Education In Three Illinois Quad City School Districts

By Linda Martin

Thenews conference will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd at 8:30 a.m. at Roosevelt Elementary School, 3530 23rd Avenue, Moline, Illinois to announce a major funding gift from a local community foundation, the Moline Foundation, to benefit over 600 students in Illinois Quad City elementary schools.

The funding gift is the result of a comprehensive review of needs conducted by the Moline Foundation called the Quad Cities Community Vitality Scan. Sandra Kramer, Chairman of the Moline Foundation, says, "For the first time in the 58-year history of the Moline Foundation, we, as a Board, studied the needs in the community and then embarked upon sessions in proactive grantmaking that has resulted in a major grant. We want to impact change through our community-needs funding."

Other invited guests at the announcement on May 23rd will include : members of the Moline Foundation Board, Moline School District No. 40 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cal Lee; Rock Island School District No. 41 Superintendent Mike Oberhaus; East Moline School District No. 37 Kristan Humphries; Moline Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Clint Christopher; East Moline Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction LaVonne Peterson; and Rock Island Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Bill Osborne.

As a Community Foundation, The Moline Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause such as education or the environment, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend individual grants. The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a Community Foundation which provides funding to health, human services, education, community, workforce and economic

The Moline Foundation to Announce a Major Gift to Assist Education in Three Illinois Quad City School Districts development, the arts and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of Scott County, Iowa and Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Warren, McDonough and Henderson counties in western Illinois. The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts; has a current endowment of approximately $17 million; and handles additional funds to benefit donor wishes. The Moline Foundation also serves as a catalyst and convener to bring about solutions to problems affecting quality of life in our region.

Members of the Moline Foundation Board include :

  • Sandra Kramer, Board Chairman
  • Jim McLaughlin, Board Vice Chairman
  • Darcy Callas, Board Secretary
  • Jon Tunberg, Immediate Past Board Chairman
  • Peter Benson
  • Gene Blanc
  • Dennis Fox
  • Mary Lagerblade
  • Ann Millman
  • Dennis Schwartz


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23 May 2012

The Old Creamery Theatre offers a special evening of entertainment July 15

By Shelley Klimes
Amana - The Old Creamery Theatre is offering a special evening of entertainment and
refreshments on Sunday, July 15 starting at 6 p.m. on the Main Stage in Amana.

Tom Milligan, producing director at The Old Creamery Theatre will portray Grant Wood,
Henry A. Wallace and Forrest Spaulding in three separate one-man plays written by
nationally known playwright Cynthia Mercati.

In Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel, Milligan will chat with the audience as Grant Wood and
talk about his life and how he changed the art world with his work.

In The Not So Quiet Librarian, Milligan will portray Forrest Spaulding, director of the
Des Moines Public Library and a leader in the library world. Spaulding wrote the Library
Bill of Rights, which was adopted by the American Library Council in 1938.

In American Dreamer: The Life and Times of Henry A Wallace, Milligan will portray
the agricultural innovator and founder of Pioneer Hi-Bred seed corn who became U. S.
Secretary of Agriculture and later Vice President under Franklin Roosevelt.

Tickets are $30 and includes all three plays plus delicious hors d'oeuvres and light
desserts from Phat Daddy's in Marengo. Call The Old Creamery Theatre box office at
800-35-AMANA or 800-352-6262 or visit the web site at www.oldcreamery.com.

The Old Creamery Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre bringing live
performances to the Midwest for 41 years.
23 May 2012

Family Museum Receives Grant for Upcoming Gallery Renovation

By Elly Gerdts

Bettendorf, IA - On May 16, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa, the Community Attraction and Tourism Board and the Vision Iowa Board voted in favor of a $195,000 grant to help support the Family Museum's upcoming gallery renovation project Rethink, Reshape, Reinvent. The entire project cost is estimated at $1.3 million.

Rethink, Reshape, Reinvent is a project more than two years in the making with the purpose to renovate and reuse the Family Museum's existing 7,100 square feet of exhibit gallery space in order to provide a new set of learning experiences and environments specifically designed to meet the needs of young learners age 8 and younger and their adult caregivers. After renovation, The Museum's new learning environments will encompass approximately 7,690 square feet, with an additional 2,000 square feet devoted to the traveling exhibit gallery.

Support from the community, both public and private, has been committed by the City of Bettendorf, the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, the Alcoa Foundation, the Family Museum of Arts and Science Foundation, the Dorothea LeClair Bequest, Modern Woodmen of America, the Scott County Board of Supervisors, the Riverboat Development Authority, the 3M Foundation, Miriam Kelm, the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, the Scott County Regional Authority, and Friends of the Family Museum.

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23 May 2012

President Obama to Hold a Campaign Grassroots Event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds

By Randy Stalsberg

CHICAGO, IL - On Thursday, May 24, President Obama will hold a grassroots event at the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.

 

In Des Moines, President Obama will continue to outline how far we've come and the clear choice that voters face in this election: whether we continue to move our country forward by creating an economy that's built to last based on a strong, secure middle class, or go back to the same failed policies that led to the financial crisis and left middle-class Americans struggling to make ends meet.

 


WHAT: President Obama to Hold Campaign Grassroots Event

 

WHEN: Thursday, May 24, 2012

Estimated Remarks Start Time: 7:00PM CDT

WHERE: Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center

Iowa State Fairgrounds

3000 East Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50317

 

PRESS ACCESS: This event is open to pre-credentialed members of the media.

 

RSVP: Members of the media interested in covering this event must request credentials online, by clicking here. Those receiving credentials will be notified via email.

 

 

**The deadline to request credentials is 6:00 PM EDT // 5:00 PM CDT on Wednesday, May 23.**

 

Logistical Information

 

Media entrance: All media should enter the Iowa State Fairgrounds at Gate 11, located at 30 East 30th Street. Media check-in will be at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and East 33rd Street.

Media pre-set: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

No access to equipment: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Media access: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Final media access: 5:30 p.m.

Live truck parking: South side of the Animal Learning Center next to the electrical building. Parking will be directed on-site. All live trucks should arrive at the Iowa State Fairgrounds by 12:00 p.m. in order to park and run cable before 1:00 p.m.

General media parking: All media should enter the Iowa State Fairgrounds at Gate 11, located at 30 East 30th Street. Parking will be available in the Midway parking lot on the north side of Grand Avenue.

Cable run: 300 feet

Throw: 35 feet

Limited power and workspace will be available.

Media contact for logistical and planning purposes only:  Stephanie Temaat, 202.503.5360

 

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23 May 2012

'Nothing Compares' to the Iowa State Fair's Free Stage Line-up

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (05/22/2012)(readMedia)-- The 2012 Iowa State Fair free stage line-up is packed with a variety of entertainment and acts. From musical legends to Vaudeville comedy, "Nothing Compares" to this much entertainment, all free with gate admission. The Iowa State Fair runs August 9-19.

Boyz II Men holds the distinction as the best-selling R&B group of all time, with an astounding 60 million albums sold. For the past two decades, Boyz II Men have given fans a rich catalog of hits, like "End of the Road" and "I'll Make Love to You." Most recently, Boyz II Men marked their 20th anniversary by releasing a landmark album, fittingly titled "Twenty."

Honored with 17 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards, WAR is one of the greatest rock groups of all time. WAR's album, "The World Is A Ghetto," attained the number one spot on Billboard Magazine. Their classic songs include, "Low Rider," "Slippin' Into Darkness" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?"

The Fair brings theater to the stage with the Handsome Little Devils' Squirm Burpee Circus, an exhilarating, fantastical adventure featuring classic Vaudeville comedy, high-skill circus acts and a plot rooted in American melodrama.

Thirty-six acts, including more crowd-pleasing favorites like The Afters, Here Come the Mummies, and Hunter Hayes will be featured on the Fair's five free stages. Throughout the 11 days, Fairgoers can enjoy more than half a million dollars worth of free entertainment.

Discounted admission tickets are available now through August 8, with savings up to 30 percent. Purchase tickets now online at www.iowastatefair.org. The Iowa State Fair Ticket Office opens July 9 for walk-up orders.

A complete listing of event dates, times and locations follows:

Anderson Erickson Dairy Stage sponsored by KCCI NewsChannel 8

August 9-10 The Nadas (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 11 Brother Trucker (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 12-13 Handsome Little Devils (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 14 Brett Eldredge (8 p.m.)

August 15 Dia Frampton (8 p.m.)

August 16 Glen Templeton (8 p.m.)

August 17-18 The Blue Band (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 19 Here Come the Mummies (7:30 p.m.)

Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi

August 9 JJ Grey and Mofro (8 p.m.)

August 10 Action Item (8 p.m.)

August 11 Iowa State Fair Queen Coronation (7 p.m.)

August 12 The Afters (8 p.m.)

August 13-17 Hypnotist Ron Diamond (7 & 9 p.m.)

August 18 The Downtown Fiction (8 p.m.)

August 19 Street Corner Symphony (7 p.m.)

Budweiser Stage sponsored by ABC5

August 9-10 Bob Wootton (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 11-12 Elvis Impersonator Travis LeDoyt (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 13-14 Restless Heart (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 15-16 Strawberry Fields (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 17-18 Dave Mason Duo (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 19 WAR (8 p.m.)

Susan Knapp Amphitheater with media sponsor KDSM FOX 17

August 9 Steve Holy (8 p.m.)

August 10 Mockingbird Sun (8 p.m.)

August 11 Will Hoge (8 p.m.)

August 12 Blackberry Smoke (8 p.m.)

August 13-14 Hairball (7:30 & 9:30 p.m.)

August 15 Hunter Hayes (8 p.m.)

August 16 Country Gold featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Narvel Felts, Rex Allen Jr. and The Quebe Sisters (6 & 8:30 p.m.)

August 17 Marlee Scott (8 p.m.)

August 18 JT Hodges (8 p.m.)

August 19 Boyz II Men (7 p.m.)

Fun Forest Stage sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union

(All shows ASL interpreted)

August 9-19 Babaloo (11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m.)

August 9-19 Matt's Family Jam (11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m.)

August 9-19 VSA Iowa Presents (various artists) (Noon, 2 & 4 p.m.)

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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23 May 2012

Animal Welfare Seminar Planned

By Mike Banks

Petfinder.com and the Petco Foundation will present "Adoption Options," a one-day animal welfare seminar, hosted by Iowa City Animal Services, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 12, at the Johnson County Extension Building, Iowa City.

Featured speakers include Steve Notaro, Ph.D., University of Illinois, whose topic will focus on adoption strategies, Karen Dashfield D.V.M., speaking on vaccination protocols, and noted dog trainer Sue Sternberg, who will demonstrate techniques for training shelter dogs for increased adoptability. Marketing pets online will also be addressed.  The seminar is open to anyone involved in animal welfare.
The cost is $20.00 ($10.00 for Petfinder.com members) and includes lunch, a Petfinder.com t-shirt, a gift from the Petco Foundation and educational materials. Space is limited.  For more information or to sign up, visit www.petfinder.com/adoptionoptions or email adoption options@petfinder.com.
Petfinder is the oldest and largest virtual animal shelter and represents over 13,500 animal welfare organizations nationwide and in Canada.
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