01 May 2012

Haiku as a Spiritual Practice

By Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Nancy Huse, retired professor of English at Augustana College, will lead a class on  "Haiku as a Spiritual Practice - writing in the springtime" at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities.  The class, which is open to the public, will be at 7 pm May 1 and May 8.  Haiku is a Japanese poem of seventeen syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five, traditionally evoking images of the natural world.
01 May 2012

Ceremony to Honor Illinois National Guard's Fallen Servicemembers

By National Guard PAO Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/30/2012)(readMedia)-- A wreath laying ceremony honoring the 34 Illinois National Guard servicemembers who died during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom is being held at the Illinois State Military Museum May 5.

WHO:

The Illinois National Guard and families of fallen servicemembers.

WHAT:

A wreath laying ceremony honoring the Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who have been killed during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

The memorial ceremony is open to the public. Following the ceremony, there will be a private, day-long event for the families of the fallen heroes.

WHEN: Saturday May 05, 2012 at 08:15AM Central Time (US & Canada)

WHERE:Illinois State Military Museum
Camp Lincoln
1301 N. MacArthur Blvd
Springfield, Illinois 62702

NOTES:

A total of 33 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and one Illinois Air National Guard Airman are among the 247 Illinois servicemembers killed since Sept. 11.

Of the 34 casualties, 18 Soldiers were killed during the historic deployment of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT). The 33rd IBCT was mobilized from June 2008 to October 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

For more information contact the Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569 or ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

01 May 2012

Broadway Tour of Homes

By Anthony Heddlesten
We will be having our annual Broadway tour of homes on Mother's Day, May 13th, 2012.  11 AM - 4 PM in Rock Island.
The tour will include 3 furnished homes, 1 "renovation in progress" home that is being rehabbed under the NSP grant, the Word of Life Church/Buford Mansion, the new Karpeles Museum (old Church of Christ Scientist) and the new Bent River Brewery.
The entire details haven't been solidified, but there will be samples from the brewery included with the price of the ticket.  There will be a shuttle to transport folks from location to location and a variety of other activities and information throughout the neighborhood.  More information is available at our facebook page and website: www.broadwaydistrict.org
Addresses of the houses:
725 19th St
NSP House - 544 23rd St
1217 21st St
727 19th St
Word of Life - 1855 7th Ave
Brewery - 5th Ave @ 23rd St
01 May 2012

Health Care Fairy Tales

By Dr. George Watson, D.O.

Retired Dr. Bill Roy proved again why he is a former Congressman from Kansas in a recent op-ed "GOP Solutions for Health Care Are Fairy Tales".

The correct statement is, "Both Democrat and Republican solutions for health care are fairy tales." They are fairy tales, and they are all un-Constitutional.

As would-be reformers generally do, Roy tells an emotional story. His example is an 11-year-old girl in Tarzana, California, with a bill for $4,852 for an emergency room visit for a stomach ache.

Roy laments, "This young lady's dad had lost his job at a movie studio. Desperate for some coverage, he chose to buy about all the health insurance he could afford, a $5,000 deductible policy."

Then Roy reports, "But the doctor ordered all kinds of diagnostic blood work at all kinds of unrevealed prices."

Roy says, "There's plenty to learn about this experience." He says, "We're overcharged, over-diagnosed, and over-treated." He adds, "The free market absolutely doesn't work in medical care." And he concludes, "Finally, we cannot run a system built on private, for-profit health insurers with billionaire CEOs."

And then Roy asks, "How long are movement conservatives going to insist on rationing health care by costs, while thousands die?"

Let's start with Roy's absurd statement, "The free market absolutely doesn't work in medical care." The fact is, the free market has not had a chance to work in medical care, because of the crooked, nit-wit schemes of politicians that think the way Roy does. If the parents had taken the little girl to a private physician (one who contracts directly with the patient and has no insurance or government contracts), the bill could have been $45 for lab work, $400 for an abdominal CT scan, and $75 for the office visit?payable by cash, check, or credit, the same way people pay for their cell phones, car payments, and car insurance payments.

Dr. Roy is correct in stating that in medicine we do have "all kinds of unrevealed prices." That's because of hospitals contracting with insurance companies and government?as a result of previous legislation. For example, the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1946 exempts the business of insurance from anti-trust legislation. Lyndon Johnson's fairy-tale Great Society legislation of 1965 poured trillions of dollars into "fighting poverty," as through Medicaid, which also results in hospitals shifting costs to private patients like this little girl. Then there was Nixon's HMO Act of 1974, requiring employers to offer plans that feature secret agreements with "providers."

A simple solution would be to require insurance companies to list what they will pay for certain procedures. Then the hospitals and doctors can charge fair prices. If Roy thinks patients can't make decisions for themselves, he probably thinks they can't read the menu in a restaurant, or they can't decide which of the latest cell phones they want or need.

Roy's lament, "this young lady's dad had lost his job (and insurance)" is another consequence of congressional malpractice, the fraudulently named Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). If the liars had written the law to do what the name implies, the girl's father could still have had his insurance from employment, because he would have owned it, just like he owns his car and homeowner's insurance.

Roy's question, "How long are movement conservatives going to insist on rationing health care by costs, while thousands die?" betrays the fact that he has not read the fraudulently named Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), under which an appointed board would ration health care by costs (Quality Adjusted Remaining Years--QuARY). This Act has no patient protection, and everyone knows it is not affordable. The Congressional Budget Office now estimates that it will cost $1.76 trillion, and Sen. Jeff Sessions says he has found $17 trillion in long-term costs.

The real questions are, "Who should determine the prices?the free market, or government bureaucrats and their cronies?" and "Who should decide what care a patient should have?the patient and her family, or the PPACA rationing board?"

###

http://www.aapsonline.org/

01 May 2012

Governor Quinn Proclaims "Jay Leno Day" in Illinois

By Rick Martin

CHICAGO - April 29, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed Sunday, April 29th "Jay Leno Day" Illinois in honor of the late-night comedian's work on behalf of Omni Youth Services, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary working towards positive change in communities through counseling, mentoring, and substance abuse treatment for at-risk youth and their families. The text of the proclamation is below.

 

WHEREAS, James "Jay" Douglas Muir Leno was born in humble beginnings in New Rochelle, New York on April 28, 1950 to parents Catherine and Angelo; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, the son of a Scottish immigrant mother and first-generation Italian American father; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno learned the value of hard work and overcame great adversity, going on to receive a bachelor's degree in speech therapy from Emerson College in Boston, defying the expectations of his teacher and guidance counselor; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno began performing comedy in 1970 and was performing 300 nights a year by 1973; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno, after several minor roles in television and film, became a regular substitute for Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show" in 1987; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno eventually replaced Carson on "The Tonight Show" as host, upon Carson's retirement in 1992; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno is the recipient of numerous awards, including an Emmy in 1995, a People's Choice Award in 2006 and has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and,

 

WHEREAS, in addition to comedy, Jay Leno is a published author, philanthropist and avid car collector; and,

 

WHEREAS, for the past forty years, Omni Youth Services has been dedicated to developing youth, strengthening families and serving communities through innovative programs and partnerships in the greater Chicago area; and,

 

WHEREAS, on April 28th, Jay Leno will appear in Chicago for a special performance to celebrate Omni Youth Services' fortieth anniversary; and,

 

WHEREAS, Jay Leno is an extraordinary comedian, celebrated actor, philanthropist, author and husband; and,

 

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim April 29, 2012 as JAY LENO DAY in Illinois, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the global community through the arts, and thank him for his partnership with Omni Youth Services.

###
01 May 2012

Volunteer to give a cancer patient the ride of their life.

By American Cancer Society
About Road to Recovery

Every day thousands of cancer patients need a ride to treatment, but some may not have a way to get there. You can help!

How can you be a Road to Recovery Driver? You need:
  • A current, valid driver's license
  • A good driving record
  • Access to a safe and reliable vehicle
  • Sufficient limits of automobile liability insurance
  • To be in good health
  • Complete volunteer driver's application and attend training
The American Cancer Society coordinates the Road to Recovery program, from recruitment, screening and training of these volunteers, to scheduling transportation pickups.

Can you give someone who needs it a ride? Click here for more info.
01 May 2012

Governor Quinn Proclaims "Philip Humber Day" in Illinois

By Rick Martin

CHICAGO - April 28, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed today "Philip Humber Day" in Illinois in honor of the White Sox pitcher throwing only the 21st perfect game in Major League Baseball history. The Governor will present a framed proclamation to Humber and the White Sox before tonight's game against the Boston Red Sox. The text of the proclamation is below.

WHEREAS, the people of Illinois are both entertained and inspired by demonstrations of athletic excellence and take great pride in the achievements of their favorite Major League Baseball teams; and,

WHEREAS, on April 21, 2012, Chicago White Sox Pitcher Philip Humber threw a perfect game in a 4-0 victory against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field in Seattle; and,

WHEREAS, with this accomplishment, Philip Humber became only the 21st pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball ever to pitch a perfect game; and,

WHEREAS, Philip Humber became the first pitcher to throw a perfect game in the month of April since former White Sox hurler and fellow Texan Charles Robertson in 1922; and,

WHEREAS, Philip Humber became the first pitcher to not allow a single base runner against the Seattle Mariners; and,

WHEREAS, this extraordinary occasion marks the third perfect game for the White Sox, combining the achievements of Humber, Robertson, and Mark Buehrle in making the Chicago White Sox the leader in perfect games of all Major League franchises; and,

WHEREAS, in his perfect game, Philip Humber showed extreme poise and pure domination in a 96-pitch outing with 9 strike outs, including striking out Mariners' pinch-hitter Brendan Ryan on a 3-2 count for the final out of the game; and,

WHEREAS, during his time on the mound, Philip Humber was able to pitch for a full eight innings without allowing a single batter to receive three balls and kept nearly every hitter from threatening to reach base; and,

WHEREAS, other players of the Chicago White Sox exemplified the highest ideals of teamwork in contributing to Philip Humber's achievement, namely Alex Rios whose over the shoulder catch of Dustin Ackley's line drive in the fourth stopped the Mariners attempt to get on base in their tracks; Paul Konerko, who struck first with a home run in the second inning and added another RBI in the third, and Anthony John Pierzynski, who not only caught Humber's perfect game, but also drove in a run in the third and preserved the perfect game with a heads up play in the bottom of the ninth to end the game; and,

WHEREAS, sports fans throughout the world acknowledge Philip Humber's contributions to the Chicago White Sox, the State of Illinois, and the game of baseball; and

WHEREAS, Philip Humber's remarkable performance on Saturday, April 21, 2012, now takes its place among the most memorable moments in the storied history of our national pastime:

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, commend and salute Philip Humber for his exemplary performance on the baseball diamond and do hereby proclaim April 28, 2012, as PHILIP HUMBER DAY in Illinois in recognition of this historic and extraordinary accomplishment.

###
01 May 2012

Davenport Parks and Recreation Programs

By Kenneth Asta

Recreation Programs

Family Friday Nights all spring and summer

Are you looking for a low cost way to spend QUALITY time with your family?  Davenport Parks and Recreation heard this need and has responded in a way that is sure to appeal to ALL members of the family.  We have developed a rotating schedule of activities at our various facilities to offer families a night full of FUN!  April - August you can count on spending the night with us from 6:00-9:00 and we will take care of everything for $2.50 a person pre-registered (you must register each family member attending over 2yrs old) $4.00 per person at the door.  This is FAMILY FRIDAY, parents or guardians need to accompany and participate with their kids.

  • First Friday of the Month:  Environmental Exploration, Sites vary
  • Second Friday of the Month:  Family Movie Night at Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave
  • Third Friday of the Month:  Golf at Red Hawk Event Center, 6364 Northwest Blvd
  • Fourth Friday of the Month:  " Around the world" at Roosevelt Community Center, 1220 Minnie Ave

Robin HoodRobin Hood

Robin Hood and his merry band take the stage at Davenport Junior Theatre!  Join us for this timeless classic, as Robin battles the evil Sherriff of Nottingham and wins a maidens heart.

$5.00 for anyone 3 years and up, tickets sold at door

 

@ 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM /

@ 2:00 PM

Chocolate Candy Making Class

If you like chocolate, you will love learning to make delicious treats for yourself or for gifts.  We will cover holidays, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and school treats.  You will go home with the chocolates you create in class.  Please bring:  pencil, waxed pape, and a small bag.  Class will meet Thursday, May 3, 6:30 - 8:30 pm.  Fee is $18.  Register on-line at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks.

 

Garlic Mustard Challenge

Garlic Mustard is an invasive, noxious plant that threatens our native woodlands, natural areas & wildlife habitat. Help us control it in our community by participating in the Challenge!  Register your family and friends to help fight this plant. Saturday, May 5, 2012, 9 a.m. to noon.  Davenport Parks and Recreation will coordinate Sunderbruch Park pull.

 

Senior Coffee - Hydrangeas

Come enjoy the sights, sounds, and fragrance of the Conservatory at Vander Veer Botanical Park.  Your $1.00 admission fee includes entertainment, and refreshments.  Entertainment will begin at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, May 9.

 

Hershey's Track & Field Program

This program was created to provide fun learning experiences for children 9 to 14 years old. This event is FREE to the youth participants, thanks to sponsorships that support youth physical fitness. Join us as we help kids discover their potential, make new friends, and gain newfound self confidence. Every child is a winner with the Hershey's Track & Field Games! Hundreds of athletes make it to the grand finale.  This event will be at Brady St. stadium from on May 12, 10 am - 2 pm.

 

Urban Rain Garden Workshop

Discover the benefits of urban rain gardens! In addition to improving water quality and reducing flooding, Rain Gardens address drainage problems, reduce mowing, beautify properties and attract birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects.  This workshop will provide participants with all the information they need to plan, design and build a rain garden. Participants will also learn how Scott County Residents can receive free technical assistance and cost share funding for rain gardens through the Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District. The $10 registration fee includes a Rain Garden Resource Packet with plant lists and other resources. The Workshop will be held on May 17th at 6pm in the Duck Creek Lodge.

 

Tennis Block Party

Let's make some "Raquet" for the 11th annual Tennis Block Party. Come join the neighboorhood and have fun playing and learning the sport of tennis. This grande event is brought to you in partnership by Davenport Parks and Recreation, United Neighbors, Davenports Schools, BI-State and Missouri Valley bring you this community event. The event will be held on the West high school courts and indoors in case of rain.  Saturday, May 19, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

 

 

Splash Bash at Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center

SPLASH BASH is here!!! We will have fun and enjoy the sun, while sharing all the great things we do at Davenport Parks and Recreation with you. We will have our instructors and camp counselors at the event to offer a sampling of our summer offerings, and so that they can answer any questions you have and enable you to register on the spot.  Friday, May 25, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  Cost is regular evening admission to the pool - $1.50 for youth; $2.00 for adults.

 

FREE Learn to Swim - try it day

Join us at Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center on

Saturday, May 26 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am for a FREE try it swim lesson day.  FREE try it sessions will begin at 10, 10:30 and 11:00.  Students will be given a basic swim skills assessment for 10 minutes and then divided into appropriate classes and taught swimming skills for 15 minutes.  A 5 minute free time will end each session.  This will be a great opportunity to see if your child is ready for swim lessons or to see what the appropriate swim level is for them.  Space is limited - register online!

 

Davenport Municipal Aquatic Facilities opening dates

for 2012 season:

Annie Wittenmyer Family Aquatic Center - Saturday, May 26

Fejervary Family Aquatic Center - Tuesday, May 29

Dohse Pool - Saturday, June 2

Centennial Park Spray Park - Saturday, May 26

 

MIDWEST BMX FEST

This FREE family event is to promote BMX and all types of cycling. We will have a vintage bike show, BMXX and cycling vendors, concessions and more. Race, freestyle, new and old, custom bikes and more are ALL invited. Ride your bike down to the skate park down town to check it out!

Saturday, May 26, 11am - 7pm, Centennial Park Skate Park

 

 
At The River's Edge

Parade of Nations Spring Skating Show

2:00pm - 4:00pm Sunday May 6th doors open at 1:30pm

Tickets on sale at The River's Edge Front Desk

$10 for adults $5 students/seniors 3 and under free

 

Picadilly Circus

Saturday May 12 and Sunday May 13

Saturday Shows at 1:30pm, 4:30pm, and 7:30pm

Sunday Shows at 1:00pm, 3:30pm, and 6:00pm

Advance tickets available at www.thefuncircus.com

 

Kick off Memorial Day weekend on the Ice!

Saturday May 26th Public Sessions from

1:30pm-3:30pm, 3:45pm-5:45pm, and 6:00pm-8:00pm
(The River's Edge will be closed Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28 to allow our employees to spend holiday time with their families.)
Golf

Military Appreciation Week

Davenport Public Golf Courses will provide free green fees to anyone with a military ID from May 12 - 29, 2012, as a kickoff for Military Appreciation Week in the Quad Cities.  The free green fees apply to the three public courses in Davenport - Emeis, Duck  Creek, and Red Hawk.

"It's our way of honoring the service men and women of our country," said Troy Evans, Superintendent of Revenue Facilities for Davenport Parks and Recreation.  "We hope that the military members of the Quad Cities take full advantage of our three great golf courses".

No increase in golf fees for 2012
We've held the line with no increase in fees for 2012! That's right, green fees and cart fees for this year are the same as 2011. We've also improved our rain check policy for this season.

 

Davenport Parks and Recreation is dedicated to constantly improving our three courses and keeping costs down to create the best golfing experience for our customers. We've made some great improvements to our courses, added a Player Card and an indoor golf range. So get those clubs shiny and head out to your favorite course.

Player Card
Player Card
Our new Player Card works like a credit card, only with a 10% bonus! Money added in multiples of $100 to the card is good for green fees and cart fees. Minimum purchase is $100, but you'll get $110 to use on the card.

 

Purchase at the River's Edge, 700 W River Drive in downtown Davenport during normal business hours.  Hurry though, the 10% bonus may not last forever.

 
01 May 2012

Secret Service Releases New Conduct Rules

By Grassley Press

Senator Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Secret Service released new conduct rules.  Grassley has been pressing for an independent investigation of the Colombia prostitution scandal and other misconduct that recently has been alleged.  The Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over the Secret Service.

"It's too bad common sense policy has to be dictated in this manner.  New conduct rules are necessary to preventing more shenanigans from happening in the future, and whether these are the best, and most cost effective, rules to stop future misconduct remains to be seen.  That's why a sheet of paper with new rules doesn't negate the previous actions, and why it remains necessary to hold the agency and the agents accountable following a complete and independent investigation."

01 May 2012

Iowa Legislative Update

By Peggy Huppert

Not much happened in the Iowa Legislature last week - not just on our issues, but on any issues. The House adjourned on Wednesday afternoon for the week. Apparently the House and Senate are at an impasse on crucial budget items that will need to be worked out by the leaders before work can continue.

That gives us an opportunity to be sure our voice is heard on our priority issues. One of those is our K-12 tobacco-nicotine-free schools language, which we hope will remain in the education reform bill and become law. That is now up to the conference committee negotiating differences between the House and Senate on the bill. We sent out an Action Alert on this last week and have generated 68 e-mails to the 10 members of the conference committee. It is not too late to be heard! If you have not had a chance to respond, please do so now. I would love to see 150 e-mails on this subject. That will make it very hard for conferees to ignore!

Unfortunately things look quite a bit less rosy for adjournment than they did a week ago.  The House and the Senate remain far apart on several big issues and this week did not show many signs of wanting to compromise.

And as always, feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns - peggy.huppert@cancer.org.

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