17 Apr 2012

Simon to release road map to streamlined school districts

By Kara Beach

Classrooms First could cut $1 billion in operation costs

 

SPRINGFIELD - April 16, 2012. The Classrooms First Commission is expected to release a set of draft recommendations Tuesday that would make it easier for school districts to consolidate and help them save up to $1 billion in operations costs by sharing services, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said today.

 

No districts would be forced to consolidate under the recommendations, but the state would require counties with small and declining school-age populations to study whether county-wide consolidation or sharing services would save money and boost learning.

 

Money recouped from what Simon calls "voluntary and virtual consolidations" would be redirected to public school classrooms so students and taxpayers would benefit from the efficiencies, according to the draft report.

 

"These recommendations are a road map to stronger, streamlined school districts," said Simon, chair of the Classrooms First Commission. "There's no one-size-fits-all way to achieve efficiency, but there are many ways to eliminate wasteful spending and free up money to improve learning in classrooms."

 

The Classrooms First Commission is a bi-partisan group of education stakeholders that was charged last fall by Governor Quinn and the General Assembly to reduce duplicative education spending and improve educational outcomes. It reviewed several paths and collected input from hundreds of Illinois educators and taxpayers through public hearings and an online survey.

 

The commission found that mass consolidation would cost state taxpayers nearly $4 billion up front under current law. A more cost-effective approach would be to eliminate or modify state regulations that discourage districts from voluntarily consolidating. At least 40 districts were in the process of or considering such realignments in the past year, according to the report.

 

"Forcing districts to merge is not realistic, but providing them the resources and tools to consolidate on a voluntary or virtual basis is well within reach." said State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia, a member of the Classrooms First Commission.

 

The draft recommendations to promote voluntary consolidation at little or no new cost to the state include :

 

·         allowing compact but not contiguous districts to consolidate; currently districts must be compact and contiguous

 

·         expanding the regional board of school trustees dissolution authority, by allowing local districts with under 750 enrollment to seek dissolution with or without a referendum; currently this is an option for districts serving communities with under 5,000 people

 

·         piloting a new capital project list that targets school construction money at districts willing to consolidate and that are in need of new buildings, additions, and/or building renovations

 

·         phasing in lower local tax rates for new unit districts; currently, elementary and high school districts become a lower, unit taxing district immediately after consolidating

 

·         requiring counties with small and declining school-age populations to conduct efficiency studies that could lead to shared services, district mergers, or even county-wide districts; 12 counties currently have county-wide districts and another 16 counties have small and declining student populations, according to state and federal population projections through 2030

 

"These changes will help to remove red tape so districts can more efficiently provide students with a quality education whether that be through consolidation or shared services," said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch.

 

The draft recommendations also include two legislative proposals that would promote shared services in areas such as technology, transportation and food service across districts.

 

The first proposal would create a revolving fund to provide short-term, low-interest loans to seed cooperative service agreements or conduct efficiency studies. The loans would be repaid with the money gained through resulting streamlining.

 

A second proposal would authorize the Illinois State Board of Education to provide a web-based resource management program to districts to help them identify potential savings in five major spending areas: instruction, transportation, food services, administration and facility maintenance. A pilot program of a similar service in Ohio resulted in at least a 5 percent operational savings at participating districts. At that rate, Illinois districts could realize a net savings of almost $1 billion.

 

"Right now districts are required to complete many annual reports, but they simply end up in a black hole and are never linked," said Michael Jacoby, executive director of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials and member of the commission. "This new service would create a business analytics tools for districts to compare their data, learn best practices and make operational changes to initiate new efficiencies. This could free up significant resources for instruction and offset the funding losses all districts are currently experiencing."

 

The Governor's office would establish a resource repository for the shared service agreements so districts could have samples to follow. It could be patterned after a shared service repository for municipalities in New Jersey.

 

"Shared services offer school districts the opportunity to provide more diverse curriculum options and expand educational opportunity, while streamlining delivery and saving money," said Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association and a member of the Classrooms First Commission. "It is my hope that the Classrooms First Commission recommendations will point districts towards the tools and resources they need to accomplish this goal."

 

A statewide health insurance pool and a state-run online professional development tool for various health/safety trainings are additional options for savings and streamlining, the report states.

 

"Through these recommendations, we hope to eliminate barriers to efficiency and provide school districts the tools they need to streamline operations and put resources into the classroom," said Paul Swanstrom, executive director of the High School District Organization of Illinois and a member of the Classrooms First Commission. "I look forward to working with Lt. Governor Simon and my fellow commission members as we gather public input and work to finalize these recommendations."

 

The Classrooms First Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday in Springfield to vote on the release of the draft recommendations, and public hearings are set to begin Thursday in Champaign. Comments will also be collected at www.ltgov.illinois.gov.

 

Simon said public input will be incorporated into the final recommendations. A final report will be delivered to the Governor and General Assembly by July 1.

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

EVENT: Classrooms First Commission meeting

TIME: 11 a.m.

DATE: Tuesday, April 17

PLACE: Fourth Floor Board Room, Illinois State Board of Education, 100 N. First St., Springfield

 

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17 Apr 2012

Illinois Military Museum to Highlight Three Illinois Women During Civil War

By Illinois National Guard PAO

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/16/2012)(readMedia)-- Author and historian Betty Carlson Kay will portray three women who significantly contributed to the Union efforts during the Civil War at the Illinois State Military Museum April 21. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Illinois State Military Museum at 217-761-3910.

WHO:

Betty Carlson Kay, the Illinois State Military Museum and the Illinois National Guard & Militia Historical Society

WHAT:

Three Illinois Women During the Civil War: Author and historian Betty Carlson Kay will portray Jennie Hodgers, Mother Bickerdyke and Julia Dent Grant during a 40 minute presentation, which is free and open to the public. The event is being hosted the Illinois State Military Museum and sponsored by the Illinois National Guard & Militia Historical Society

WHEN: Saturday April 21, 2012 at 02:00PM Central Time (US & Canada)

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

NOTES:

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17 Apr 2012

Empower Kids by Giving Them 'Keys to Peace'

By Rick Martin
Well-Meaning Parents Often Fail to Teach Vital Values, Author Says

Parents and educators are always trying to spark student participation whether it's in the classroom, in the local community, or throughout the world.

When middle-school students at Allison Academy in North Miami Beach were asked what they could do to improve their country, they focused on what they understood - bullying, violence and racism.

Those problems are all rooted in the same issues, says Rachel Albert, author of "Quest to Telos," (www.QuestToTelos.com), a young adult novel where fantasy meets reality and even world peace is possible.

"They stem from a lack of personal integrity and absence of social responsibility," she says.

"Children who choose to put those values into practice are actively working toward peace. But they can only put into practice what they've learned; instilling those values may seem simple, but many parents miss the mark and actually model the opposite."

Throwing money at social problems like racism or violence doesn't resolve them, Albert says. But children can.

"The energy from kids' excitement can make a real difference and we need their energy focused right here at home," says the mother of four. "They see problems; it's up to us to give them the tools to address them."

The following tips can help parents teach their children personal integrity and social responsibility, giving them the keys to world peace.

• Never lie in front of your kids. It may seem obvious, but many parents lie in front of their children or encourage them to lie; misstating a child's age to save money on movie tickets or allowing them to take credit for school projects completed by the parent.  These seemingly inconsequential lies suggest it's OK, even good, to distort the truth. This causes long-term damage a million times more costly than whatever was gained in the short term.

• Give your kids a reason why. Author Mark Twain once said that the two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why.  If you fail to tell your kids why we are here, you have missed the opportunity to
figure out what motivates them and gets them excited. This is the most important key to getting kids' cooperation and empowering them to help the world.

• Don't criticize your children. Criticism is toxic, so why do almost all parents criticize their kids?  When we focus on what they aren't, they believe they can't. This creates angry children who express their pain by bullying others.  It's better to tell them how you feel rather than what you think of them, e.g., "I feel frustrated that you didn't listen to me," or "Can you say that in a more loving way?"

• Don't speak badly about other people. This is probably one of the hardest things to do, considering we're a generation that pays for gossip.  Speaking badly about others teaches kids to look for what they view as the negative in others and take joy in sharing it.

• Model charity. Actions speak louder than any words. When you teach kindness to children, they tend to feel empathy and have more successful lives, a crucial step toward achieving world peace.

Once we tackle the issues plaguing America, then as a model nation, we will be ready to tackle world peace, Albert says. Kids are hungry to form an identity and make their mark on the world. It's easier to try to bring peace to another country, but that never works. We need to start at home.

About Rachel Albert

Rachel Albert is a certified court reporter and business owner. "Quest to Telos" is her debut novel; it's being used by a private school to develop an inspirational, critical-thinking curriculum for middle-school students ready by the summer. Albert is currently working on a sequel. She is a staunch advocate of boosting teen literacy while inspiring kids to make a difference starting with their own hearts.

17 Apr 2012

Braley Blasts Wasteful Spending at Center of GSA Scandal

By Jeff Giertz

House panel investigates $800,000 Las Vegas conference

 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today strongly criticized the US General Services Administration (GSA) for allowing the wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars in connection with a conference held at a luxury Las Vegas casino in 2010.  The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a hearing this afternoon to investigate the scandal.  Braley is a member of the committee.

 

In 2007, Braley led questioning of another GSA employee accused of wrongdoing who was called to testify before Congress.  GSA Administrator Lurita Doan was ultimately forced to resign for improperly holding political briefings on federal property.

 

"The GSA won't need a mind reader to know my feelings about their weekend in Vegas: it was an utter and complete waste of taxpayer dollars," Braley said.  "It's unconscionable that while taxpayers are struggling through a recession, a federal agency is wasting their money on fancy catered meals and luxury hotels in Las Vegas.  Something's got to change - and every person responsible for this outrageous behavior needs to be held fully accountable."

 

On April 2nd, the GSA Inspector General issued a report highlighting "excessive, wasteful, and...impermissible" spending in connection with a regional conference held at the M Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2010.  The report found that costs for the conference exceeded $800,000, including $75,000 paid for a bicycle-building project, excessive spending ($146,000) on meals, and over $136,000 in planning costs for the conference, including hotel stays at the Ritz Carlton Las Vegas.

 

The report prompted GSA Administrator Martha Johnson to resign.

 

Other improper spending at the conference included a clown, a mind reader, and a comedian.

 

The GSA Inspector General has asked the Department of Justice to consider criminal charges against GSA employee and event organizer Jeffrey E. Neely.  Neely was subpoenaed to testify before the Oversight Committee today.

 

# # #
17 Apr 2012

Quad Cities Interfaith Newsletter

By Quad Cities Interfaith

Rev. Ron Stewart Saying Good Bye

QCI leaders and staff attended Rev. Ron Stewart's last church service on March 11th. Photographed is Leslie Kilgannon, Rev. Ron Stewart, & Rev. David Geenen. His message to us and his congregation is saying "YES to Change". Yes for him in retirement, including a new chapter of life (moving out of state and getting married) and yes for his congregation accepting a new pastor. QCI and Board members attended his last sermon and gave him a gift to a weekend getaway at Starved Rock Lodge. Rev. Ron worked with QCI for 9 plus years serving at QCI president for 6 of those years. Rev. Ron feels that his work with QCI allowed him to grow and pass that growth on to his own congregation. Good Luck. We will miss you!


Leadership Assembly

QCI meets every month on the second Tuesday of the month. Next meeting is Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 at 6:30 pm at St. Mary's Parish Center (525 Fillmore, Dav.). Come and grow with us.

What's New

Help support QCI through the Birdies For Chartity (John Deere Classic). The Birdies for Chartity organization has been around for years and has given out millions of dollars to non-profit organizations in the Quad Cities Area. On the average, if you donate just $.01 you will give $15 - $20. You may also give a one time gift of your choice for a dollar amount that you chose. This program also gives QCI a bonus of 5 to 10 % of the dollar amount donated in our name. Our Birdies for Chartity # 1065 is what you want to use so QCI will get your donation. We will pledge cards at the QCI office or you should be able to download a pledge card from the birdies for chartiy website http://www.birdiesforchartity.com/birdies.html. All donations are tax deductible.


QCI Monthly Committees

Fundraising meets April 20th, 2012
The Fundraising Committee is currently working on QCI's 25th Anniversary Fundraising Celebration to be held in the fall of 2012. We are very excited about this event and will give you more details as our event details unfold. Please save this date. We hope to have all of you there. Our Trivia Night Fundraiser was a success. We raised $2200. We had a great time and enjoyed having all of you there. Thanks for all your support. As we grow with each event we hope our profits grow too. We have decided to have hold at least two more fundraising event for this year. We are very excited about all the FUN we are having this year!

Transportation Equity and Jobs Coalition
The Transportation Equity and Jobs Coalition has been working hard to ensure minority hiring on the jobs created by the Chicago to Moline Passenger Rail is a priority. The Coalition continues to grow and has participation from the US Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship, Youth Build Quad Cities, NAACP Davenport and NAACP Rock Island County, as well as many people of faith. We are continuing to meet with local stakeholders for the passenger rail and are holding true to our strategic campaign. One of our leaders participated in the Transportation Equity Network (TEN) annual conference in Washington D.C. to connect with others who are working on similar projects across the US and also met with our legislators to tell them about what the Quad Cities is doing and seeking their support. Our next meeting is April 25th at 10 AM at Church of Peace in Rock Island. 

SAVE THE DATE! QCI's Fire of Faith Prayer Vigil for Economic and Racial Justice on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 . As part of the Transportation Equity Network, (TEN) QCI will be hosting a prayer vigil to join in a nationwide movement April 29 through May 6, as we take our faith into action around our values of Love Thy Neighbor and The Common Good. More information to come! 

During this time, Congress will be home to hear from you before they decide on the Federal Budget priorities for 2013. As the budget is moral document laying out the direction of our nation, we will remind our leaders that our faith instructs us to TAKE ACTION in the name of our values of LOVE THY NEIGHBOR and THE COMMON GOOD!  For more information about TEN's Fire Of Faith Movement, visit www.transportationequity.org

On April 5th, 2012, QCI Transportation leaders joined leaders from Chicago, E. St. Louis, & Springfield for a meeting with IL Dept of Transportation Chief Counsel, Ellen Haskins to discuss implementation of the state wide Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). Pictured from the QC is Vera Kelly, President of Davenport NAACP, Kent Ferris, Director of Social Action, Diocese of Davenport, Rev. David Geenen, QCI Vice President and Pastor at 15th Ave. Christian Church, Rock Island, and Leslie Kilgannon, Executive Director of QCI.

Immigration Task Force  
The Immigration Task Force is focusing on voter registration, making sure eligible voters are registered. Friday April 20th, QCI leaders will join a national webinar training on GOTV, voter registration. Task force is also focusing on know your rights sessions for the immigrant communities in the Quad Cities. A broader concern is that each immigrant understands the rights and challenges pertinent to his or her immigration status. The task force is looking at ways to work with other entities in the community to make this information available. Training will  be provided to task force members so they will have a fuller understanding of immigration legal issues. Lastly, the task force has been discussing the problem of human trafficking along Interstate 80 in Iowa.  The task force will continue to explore this issue. Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 24th, 2012at 5:30pm at Village Inn (Harrison Street).

Health Equity Task Force
The Health Equity Task Force is looking at health care issues that arise when patients are not fluent in written and spoken English.  We know that clear communication is often a challenge in health care encounters, especially those that are stressful, but a whole level of complexity is added when a third party translator is involved.  Finding ways to help these situations locally will help reduce certain disparities in health care, improve equity in health care services, and ultimately, we hope, improve the health of a significant number of members of our community.  Please join us at our next meeting:  5:30 PM, Monday, April 30th, 2012, QCI Conference Room, 111 E. 3rd St (4th floor), Davenport.
Hear Us Now Youth Leaders
Yvonne Villagomez has organized and is leading a group of 10 or so Latino youths from St. Mary's Davenport parish.  The youth have made it clear that they're interested in tackling the issues of immigration/discrimination and bullying.  The leader are planning their meeting with our elected congress persons to discuss the need for humane immigration reform that keeps families together. If your youth groups wants to get involved, please call QCI office.
Upcoming Events:

QCI monthly Leadership Assembly -- Tuesday, May 8th at St Mary's Church - 912 Fillmore, Davenport 

Gamaliel of Illinois Advocacy Day in Springifeld Illinois - 10 am - 3pm, Springfield, Illinois


Community Events

Open House for The Muslim Community of the Quad Cities, Saturday, May 5th, 2012 from 2-5 pm, at 2115 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722. For more information please call Talia Alvi (563) 505-0708 or email at taliaavli@yahoo.com.

Welcome to Quad Cities Interfaith Newsletter


Hi, we are hoping you are enjoying our newsletter. Please take some time and check out our new website. It's the same web address, but a whole new look. Bare with us as we get all our information moved. We'd  love to hear any feedback from all of you about our newsletter and our website. Also, we would welcome information about faith-based activities to post on our newsletter. We reserve the right to edit for space and content.  Be patient with us as we grow in using the newsletter.  If you like this, please forward to your friends. Have a Blessed Day!
17 Apr 2012

Governor Quinn Urges Illinoisans to Volunteer Time and Talents during National Volunteer Week

By Leslie Wertheimer

Serve.Illinois.gov Connects Volunteers with Opportunities

Across the State

SPRINGFIELD - Monday, April 16, 2012.  Governor Pat Quinn today joined the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Serve Illinois Commission in encouraging Illinoisans to give back to their communities by volunteering during National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, 2012.  Those who are interested in volunteering can find a resourceful search portal that connects them to over 100,000 volunteer opportunities throughout Illinois by visiting Serve.Illinois.gov.

 

"Service to others is the rent we pay for our place on earth," Governor Quinn said. "National Volunteer Week is the perfect opportunity to give back, set a great example for others and work together to strengthen our communities."

 

According to the Volunteering in America Report, last year nearly 2.8 million Illinoisans gave back through churches, non-profits, businesses, little leagues, scout troops and countless other organizations.  They volunteered 378.5 million hours, or about 34.8 hours per person.  This service equates to over $8.4 billion in economic impact.  Along with time, a majority of Illinoisans gave at least $25 to a local charity.

 

"We believe that service is one of our State's greatest resources," Scott McFarland, deputy director of the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, said. "We envision an Illinois where everyone recognizes their ability and responsibility to help strengthen their communities by volunteering."

 

Research shows that communities with higher rates of volunteering see decreased crime, improved governmental services and higher educational achievement among other things.  In addition, evidence supports the idea that those who engage in their communities on a regular basis live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

 

The Serve.Illinois.gov website is a project of DHS and the Serve Illinois Commission: "Building Stronger Communities Through Service."  More information and volunteer opportunities can be found at Serve.Illinois.gov.

 

 

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17 Apr 2012

Relay For Life Ceremony to Honor Cancer Survivors and Remember Those Lost

By Cindy Bruhn
Davenport, IA - A special Luminaria Ceremony will be held during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life® of Scott County to remember those lost to cancer and honor those who have survived. Luminaria will be lit at the Davenport RiverCenter on April 20  at 9:00 p.m. to represent these individuals.

Anyone desiring to make a luminaria donation may do so by visiting the Scott County Relay For Life® website:  www.relayforlife.org/scottcountyia. Each luminaria is a suggested $10 donation. "Each luminaria represents the life of someone who has battled cancer. It is a beautiful sight when all the bags with candles are illuminated around the track," said Nina DeMay, volunteer luminaria chair. "The Luminaria Ceremony is a moving way to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to pay tribute to cancer  survivors."

Relay For Life celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and provides participants with an opportunity to fight back against the disease - all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society's vision of a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Prior to the Luminaria Ceremony, the Survivors Lap will kick off the 2012, Relay For Life event in Scott County on April 20 at 7:00 p.m. as survivors will circle the track, surrounded by friends and family cheering them on.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; by helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

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17 Apr 2012

PRINGLES® RENEWS FLW SPONSORSHIP FOR 2012 SEASON

By Joe Opager
MINNEAPOLIS (April 16, 2012) - FLW, the world's premier tournament-fishing organization, announced today that it will continue its partnership with Pringles® for the upcoming 2012 season.
Professional angler Vic Vatalaro will once again represent Pringles® on the Walmart FLW Tour. Vatalaro has more than $800,000 in career tournament winnings, has 18 career top-10 tournament finishes and has qualified for the Forrest Wood Cup four times.
Through its sponsorship agreement, Pringles® will receive exposure across all of FLW's platforms, including its tournaments and Expos, multiple websites, FLW Bass Fishing and FLW Walleye Fishing magazines and the "FLW" television show on NBC Sports Network. "FLW" is broadcast Sundays in high-definition (HD) to more than 559 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.
"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Pringles®," said Trisha Blake, President of FLW Marketing Division. "Their line of snack products are enjoyed by people around the world, and are a great fit with the FLW family of sponsors."
Pringles® offers consumers a variety of snacking options including Original Pringles®, Pringles® Multigrain, Pringles® Xtreme, and Pringles® Stix.

ABOUT PRINGLES®
Over the last 40 years, consumers are "loud in love" for Pringles® ... the can, its unique shape that cradles the mouth, that crunch, and the crisps' unique taste and texture.  Over the years, the love of Pringles® has spread around the world and it is now available in over 140 countries.  For more information on Pringles, visit www.Pringles.com.
ABOUT FLW
FLW is the industry's premier tournament-fishing organization, providing unparalleled fishing resources and entertainment to our sponsors, fans and host communities. FLW is offering anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2012 over the course of 191 tournaments across five tournament circuits, each providing an avenue to the sport's richest payday and most coveted championship trophy - the Forrest Wood Cup. FLW is committed to providing a lifestyle experience that is the "Best in Fishing, On and Off the Water," through a variety of platforms including tournaments, outdoor expos and the world's richest fantasy sports game - FLW Fantasy Fishing. For more information about FLW and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com and look for FLW on Twitter and Facebook.
17 Apr 2012

Region 6 Homeland Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership Announce Week 11 of "20 Weeks to Preparedness Program"

By Ross E. Bergen
Release Date: April 23, 2012
Release Number: 12

Welcome to Week 11 of the 20 Weeks to Preparedness Program brought to you by the Region 6 Homeland
Security Board and Safeguard Iowa Partnership. This program will help to better prepare you and your family,
a little at a time, over a 20 week period. Each week new preparedness information will be shared including a
list of items to gather or purchase for your disaster supply kit. Sign up at www.safeguardiowa.org/subscribe-to-
be-prepared to receive weekly reminders and announcements related to the 20 Weeks to Preparedness program.

Use this program to gather items for your kit in small steps over a five month period. Remember to change
and replace perishable items by the expiration date. Purchasing the food suggested by this program would last
approximately 3-5 days.

Place in storage bin:

One gallon of water per person per day
Paper, pen, pencil, and scissors
Sunscreen
Protein bars

Personalized Item (if applicable):

Litter pan

To do:

Determine signal with family and friends to be used to communicate safety.

Additional assistance is available by contacting your local Emergency Management Coordinator at
563-484-3050 or visiting their website at www.iascema.com. Visit Safeguard Iowa Partnership at
www.safeguardiowa.org, on twitter @safeguardiowa or Facebook at www.facebook.com/safeguardiowa.

The Region 6 Homeland Security Board is comprised of fourteen counties in eastern Iowa that coordinate homeland security planning,
training, exercise, response, and recovery. The counties included are Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Cedar, Clayton, Clinton,
Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Scott.

The Safeguard Iowa Partnership is a voluntary coalition of the state's business and government leaders, who share a commitment to
working together to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in Iowa.
17 Apr 2012

Brucemore's Nooks and Crannies Tou

By Rick Martin

Learn the history of Cedar Rapids' most well-known, evocative, and imagination-capturing residence, as if the walls themselves can tell their story. Explore every room in the mansion during the Nooks and Crannies Tour, Brucemore's most popular specialty tour, Tuesday through Friday, May 15 through 18 at 6:00 p.m.

This 90-minute tour is guided by Brucemore staff who open the doors to the Skinner pipe organ room, point out architectural marvels and oddities in the attic, and bring the Tahitian Room to life with rain dripping off the tin ceiling. Visitors have the opportunity to roam each floor, peek behind all doors, and satisfy their curiosity through the expanded access to the mansion and the extremely knowledgeable Brucemore staff. Not only will the quirky and curious aspects of the mansion be revealed, but also the superior craftsmanship and ongoing preservation projects of this historic structure.

 

"Discover America's Hidden Gems is this year's theme for Preservation Month," said April Kamp-Whittaker, Director of Learning and Museum Projects. "Artistry, architecture, craftsmanship, preservation, conservation, and sustainability are at the heart of the Nooks and Crannies Tour, giving participants the first-hand opportunity to see how Brucemore continues to be a national historic gem."

 

Advance ticket purchase for the Nooks and Crannies Tour is required. Space is limited. Call (319) 362-7375 or visit the Brucemore Store. Admission is $15 per person and $12 for Brucemore members.  The tour is not recommended for children under 10 or individuals who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

 

Brucemore, Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site, is located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The 26-acre park-like estate in the heart of Cedar Rapids boasts a Queen Anne style mansion built between 1884 and 1886. Brucemore has been home to three prominent families who used the estate as a center for culture and the arts. The estate continues to be a hub for cultural, philanthropic, and educational activities. Each year thousands of visitors attend specialty tours, concerts, fine arts performances, children's programs, holiday celebrations, preservation events, and garden workshops on the estate. For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

 

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