10 Apr 2012

To Ensure a Bright Future, Your Teen Needs to be Reading

By Ginny Grimsley
Author Offers Tips for Getting Adolescents to Turn the Page

Being able to read well is more important than ever for young adults to achieve economic success. But more than 60 percent of middle and high school students score below "proficient" in reading achievement, according to a December 2011 report by the Alliance for Excellent Education.

"Teen literacy is a huge problem in the United States - its 15-year-olds rank 14th among developed nations in reading - behind Poland, Estonia and Iceland," says Rhiannon Paille, 27, an advocate for teen literacy whose new fantasy novel, Flame of Surrender (www.yafantasyauthor.com) targets young adults. (South Korea, Finland and Canada rank 1st, 2nd and 3rd.)

"Kids need strong reading skills if they hope to graduate from high school AND they really need to plan for college - 59 percent of U.S. jobs today require some postsecondary education, compared to 28 percent in 1973."

The best thing parents can do to help boost their 12- to 18-year-olds' literacy is to get them reading - anything.

She offers these suggestions:

• Buy them comic books. Boys persistently lag behind girls in reading, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, Paille says. If your son isn't a reader, try getting him hooked on comic books. "Stephen King started off reading comics, 'Tales from the Crypt.' Hey, if it was good enough for him ...!'' From comic books, they may move into graphic novels, a popular young adult genre. As long as they're reading, they're building comprehension skills and vocabulary, so it needn't be "War and Peace."

• Look for book-to-film novels. Chances are, if it was a great movie, they saw it, and that's often enough to get a non-reader curious. This is another especially good hook for boys, Paille says.

• Tune into what they're interested in. What kinds of video games do they play? Some popular games have spawned novels, including Halo, EverQuest, ElfQuest and Gears of War. Even gaming guides, which players read to unlock new clues to advancing in the game, can motivate a teen to crack a book.

• Read the same book your teen is reading. Book clubs are popular because people like talking to others who've read the same book. Your teen may not be ready for an evening of petit fours and grape juice while discussing the pacing of "Hunger Games," but it can make for some interesting conversation on the way to soccer practice. And you can always nudge them along with comments like, "Oh, you haven't gotten to that part yet? It's really good!"

"People tend to think their young adults aren't reading if they're not reading novels," Paille says. "But novels aren't for everyone, and whether it's a comic book or a gaming guide, all reading helps build comprehension skills and vocabulary."

Good magazines, with shorter articles suited for distractible adolescents, might include Sports Illustrated, People, Seventeen or Mad.

"When you're out shopping, think about what they're interested in and pick up something just for them. Sometimes, it's as simple as putting the right reading materials right into their hands."

About Rhiannon Paille

Rhiannon Paille is an active advocate for youth literacy and an avid reader of young adult novels. Her first book, the non-fiction Integrated Intuition: A Comprehensive Guide to Psychic Development, remains a popular seller on amazon.com. Paille is the founder of the Canadian Metaphysical Foundation. She's married and the mother of two children.

10 Apr 2012

Braley Presents Overdue WWII Medals to Cedar Falls Veteran

By Jeff Giertz

Decades after earning them, Henry A. Johnson finally presented Purple Heart, Bronze Star,

and six other medals he never received 

 

Cedar Falls, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today traveled to Cedar Falls to present seven military service medals - including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star - to Henry A. Johnson, 93, a World War II Army veteran who earned the medals but never received them after he was wounded in Italy during the war.

In discharge papers, the Army told Johnson he was awarded the medals, but they were never given to him.  Johnson recently approached Braley's office for assistance in finally obtaining the medals - decades after they were granted.

"On behalf of the American people, I want to thank Henry Johnson for his service to our country," Braley said.  "His sacrifice and the sacrifices of millions of others paved the way for decades of American freedom and prosperity.  Six decades is a long time to wait for such an honor, but I'm proud to stand with Henry today and present him these distinguished medals.  Henry is more than deserving of our gratitude for his honorable service."

 

Braley presented Johnson the following medals for his service in World War II: the Bronze Star; the Purple Heart; the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal; the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; the World War II Victory Medal; the Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award; and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.

Johnson was stationed in Italy as an Army telephone switchboard operator during World War II.  Johnson was wounded and spent time in a Chicago hospital before being discharged.  Johnson worked for the Carnation Company in Waverly for 30 years before retiring.

It is thought that thousands of World War II veterans have never received medals they earned due to shortages in materials after the war.

After getting a request for assistance from Johnson, Braley's office worked with the National Personnel Records Center to obtain the medals.  Braley's office is well-equipped to help veterans who have lost medals, never received them, or who have had them destroyed due to natural disaster, fire or other circumstances.  Veterans seeking assistance should contact Braley's Waterloo office at (319) 287-3233.

Braley is a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and is the top-ranking Democrat on the House Veterans Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

# # #
10 Apr 2012

Me-TV is for YOU, Quad Cities!

By John Bain

Grant Communications, owners of KGCW-TV/The Quad Cities' CW and KLJB-TV/Fox 18, are proud to announce a brand new TV station - Me-TV (Memorable Entertainment Television) Quad Cities! This new digital classic television network is available over-the-air on channel 26.3 and channel 18-3!

Me-TV Quad Cities features a wide range of classic television programming. Me-TV's library includes almost 100 series from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, CBS Television Distribution, NBCUniversal Television as well as independent series owners and producers. Me-TV's line-up include some of the most beloved television programs ever produced, including:  M*A*S*H, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Bob Newhart Show, the original Star Trek and Hawaii Five-O series.

John Bain, Director of Programming for Grant Communications, said, "Me-TV stands for Memorable Television.  This network truly is memorable and that made it an easy choice for us.  Me-TV's library of classics allows us to provide our viewers with some of the most popular and enjoyed shows ever on television.  These are favorites of many and will be new favorites to many more."

For schedule highlights, check your local listings or visit www.metvnetwork.com.

About Grant Communications

Grant Communications owns and operates KLJB-TV/Fox 18 (channel 18.1), KGCW-TV/The Quad Cities' CW (channels 26.1 & 18.2), Me-TV Quad Cities (channels 26.3 & 18.3) and This-TV Quad Cities (channel 26.2).

# # #

10 Apr 2012

Galesburg Jobs Fair Provides Opportunities

By Andie Pivarunas

Galesburg, Illinois - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) joined the offices of U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk, Illinois State Senators John Sullivan (D-47) and Darin LaHood (R-37) and State Representatives Don Moffitt (R-74) and Norine Hammond (R-94)  in support of Carl Sandburg College's 21st Annual Jobs Fair held today in Galesburg.  

"Jobs fairs like today's serve as a great reminder that there openings right  here in the 17th District," Schilling said.  "With unemployment at a federal level and here at home having been too high for too long, it's easy for folks looking for work to become discouraged.   I can't emphasize enough how important it is for folks in Springfield and in Washington to work together on creating an environment that encourages private-sector job creation, giving our unemployed friends and neighbors hope, opportunity, and a bright career path."

"With the national unemployment rate above 8 percent and rates even higher in many communities throughout Illinois, job fairs like the one in Galesburg today provide important resources and connections for those hunting for new jobs or those looking to expand and enhance their careers," said a spokesperson for Senator Kirk.

The unemployment rate in Knox County was at 9.5 percent as recently as February, significantly higher than February's national unemployment rate of 8.3 percent.  The jobs fair enabled job seekers from Galesburg and the surrounding area to connect with the more than 60 employer representatives attending, develop contacts in the many industries represented, explore career options, and collect information for their job hunt.

# # #

10 Apr 2012

Local Students Take Top Honors at State Science Fair! April 10, 2012

By Rachel Chamberlain

580 students from 56 schools around Iowa traveled to Iowa State University on March 30th-31st for the Iowa State Science and Technology Fair.  Of those, 11 students from Rivermont Collegiate, an independent school in Bettendorf, Iowa, won an impressive 27 awards and scholarships.

For the third time in her high school career, top honors went to Rivermont senior, Pavane Gorrepati, winner of the prestigious Grand Championship award for her project on the impact different genes have on the nutritional characteristics of rice.  Pavane will represent the State of Iowa at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in May, 2012.  Pavane also won 1st place in the Plant Sciences category, 3rd place in the Senior Individual Biological Seminar, and was awarded over $7,200 in prizes and scholarships for her project.

 

Also high school students at Rivermont Collegiate, Maghana Pagadala (12th grade) and Shravya Pothula (10th grade) both had impressive projects that made them Semi-finalists for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.  Meghana won first place in the Cellular & Molecular Biology category and was awarded over $5,700 in prizes and scholarships for her project on the Mechanism By Which CD8+ FoxP3+ T-Cells Regulate Osteoclast Activity.  Shravya won second place in the Medicine and Health Science category for her project on how Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Reduces Mitral Valve Regurgitation.

 

But the high schoolers weren't the only winners at the competition!  Not to be outdone by her older sister, 7th grade Rivermont student Manasa Pagadala was the winner of the Grand Champion award in the Overall Junior High Biological division for her project titled How Do Spices Affect the Growth of Bacteria and Fungi? Manasa also won 1st place in the 7th Grade Biology division, a University of Iowa College of Engineering scholarship, and she will compete at the Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering for Rising Stars) National Middle School Science Fair in Washington DC in the fall, 2012.  Sixth grade Rivermont students Collin Smith, Klaus Storl-Desmond, and Aviana Zahara will also compete at the Broadcom MASTERS.

 

Headmaster of Rivermont Collegiate, Rick St. Laurent, is extremely proud of this year's award winners and attributes much of the school's success to science teacher Linda Hampton who has been with the school for over 28 years.  "Rivermont has a long list of graduates who have gone on to do amazing things in science and technology.  Mrs. Hampton's passion for teaching science and inspiring students is one of the main reasons Rivermont does so well year after year at the State and National science competitions." says Mr. St. Laurent.  "We continue our commitment to outstanding science and technology classes as part of our students' education and look forward to seeing what our students come up with next year."

 

Rivermont Collegiate has approximately 200 students in PreSchool - 12th grade.  The science curriculum starts in Kindergarten.  With a dedicated science teacher in their Lower School, students as young as 5 go to the science classroom 3 times a week.  Mr. St. Laurent says, "Science is one of our younger students' favorite subjects.  They love doing hands-on experiments and learning how things work.  We tie science in with what they're doing in math, reading, and even social studies, so it provides a good, solid foundation for life-long learning."

Other Rivermont Collegiate winners at the Iowa State Science and Technology Fair include :

  • Klaus Storl-Desmond (6th grade) - Do Moon Phases or Weather Factors Affect Different Coyote Calls? - 2nd place winner in 6th Grade Biological division and Broadcom MASTERS Junior High Finalist.
  • Naina Ninan (6th grade) - How Does Temperature Affect Scindapsus Plants? - 10th place winner in 6th Grade Biological division.
  • Lana Meier (6th grade) - Do Background Distractions Influence a Person's Hand-Eye Reaction Times? - 8th place winner in 6th Grade Biological division.
  • Collin Smith (6th grade) - Do the Number of Magnets on a Guitar's Pick-Up Influence the Sound Frequency? - 4th place winner in 6th Grade Physical Science division, BroadcomMASTERS  Junior High Finalist, and Student Incentive Prize Winner.
  • Aviana Zahara (6th grade) - Which kinds of Bacteria Do We Find in the Mouths of Cats, Dogs, Horses, and Humans - 3rd place winner in 6th Grade Biological division, Broadcom MASTERS Junior High Finalist, and Horizon Award winner.
  • Sarah Bowman (8th grade) - How Does Road Run-Off Affect the Germination and Growth of Common Seeds?- 5th place winner in 8th Grade Biological division.
  • Marta Storl-Desmond (8th grade) - Does Precipitation Influence the pH, D.O. or Nitrate Levels in a Local River? - 9th place winner in 8th Grade Biological division and winner of special award from the Association for Women Geoscientists.

 

When asked the secret to her success, teacher Linda Hampton humbly said, "I just love teaching science.  The kids come up with their own science fair ideas; I am just here to provide guidance and support.  Their enthusiasm and curiosity inspires me to keep learning myself.  I am always amazed by what the students here are capable of."

- END -


10 Apr 2012

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities

By Margaret Thomas

Unitarian Universalist and other ministers from around the midwest participated in an installation ceremony for Rev. Jay Wolin at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities March 18.

The sermon for the ceremony was given by Rev. Kent Hemmen Saleska of the UU Church of Minnetonka in Wayzata, Minnesota, He is the son of former Davenport UU minister Rev. Charlotte Justice Saleska, and a former Youth Group Advisor in the Davenport Congregation.  His topic was "Found in Translation."

A charge from the community was given by Rabbi Henry Karp of Temple Emmanuel and Rev. Katherine Mulhern of Edwards Congregational United Church of Christ, both of Davenport.  The three congregations were neighbors at one time, and since then have offered joint programs together every year for the Quad Cities community.

A charge to the congregation was given by Rev. Eva Cameron of the UU Society of Black Hawk County, Cedar Falls, and a charge to the minister was made by Rev. Tom Capo of People's Church Unitarian Universalist, Cedar Rapids.  Also participating in the service was Nancy Heege, District Executive of the Prairie Star District of the Unitarian Universalist Association, headquartered in Minneapolis.

The installation service was followed by a dinner for the congregation and visiting guests.
10 Apr 2012

Scott County Continues Prescription Drug Discount Program

By Chris Berge
County Residents Take Advantage Of Free Discount Cards To Save Money On Prescription Drugs

April 12, 2012 ? The NACO program has changed with an option for a $1 per transaction
revenue sharing fee for participating counties. Scott County has decided not to participate
in the transaction revenue sharing fee and pass the savings onto our citizens. Last year, the
Scott County free prescription drug discount program, saved Scott County residents $349,481.
Chairman Tom Sunderbruch announced that 34,183 prescriptions were filled with the card last
year at discounts averaging 28.3% or $10.05 per prescription.

Scott County launched the program in September of 2007 to help consumers cope with the
high price of prescription drugs. The county is making the free prescription drug discount cards
available under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) that offers
average savings of 24 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.

Best of all, there is no cost to county taxpayers for NACo and Scott County to make these money
saving cards available to our residents.

The cards may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health
coverage, and are accepted at all the major pharmacies in Scott County. A national network
of more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies also honors the Scott County Prescription
Discount Card.

Cards are available at County offices and participating pharmacies. County residents can call
the County Administration Office at 563-326-8604 or visit www.scottcountyiowa.com for
information on where to pick up the card. For assistance with the program, please contact your
pharmacy or www.caremark.com/naco.

"Using the NACo prescription discount card is easy," said Chairman Sunderbruch. "Simply
present it at a participating pharmacy. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no
restrictions or limits on frequency of use. Cardholders and their family members may use the card
any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance."
10 Apr 2012

RING KINGS: Mayweather vs. Cotto LIVE in Movie Theaters Nationwide on May 5

By Fathom Events
NCM Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions,
Miguel Cotto Promotions and O'Reilly Auto Parts Bring Two Electrifying Bouts from Las Vegas to Movie Theaters Nationwide in High-Definition on May 5
Centennial, Colo. - April 10, 2012 - This Cinco de Mayo, boxing superstar and seven-time World Champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather will take on current WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto in the big screen event, Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto Fight Live on Saturday, May 5 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.  Broadcast in high definition to nearly 440 movie theaters nationwide from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the highly anticipated match-up will give fans a ringside seat as Mayweather steps up in weight to challenge Cotto for the super welterweight championship.  Also featured on this blockbuster card, will be young superstar Canelo Alvarez facing six-time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley.
Tickets for Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto Fight Live are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.  For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Presented by NCM Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and O'Reilly Auto Parts, Rings Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto Fight Live is the latest boxing event to be broadcast live in select movie theaters across the country through NCM's exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.  Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions first teamed up in September of 2009 to bring the highly successful presentation of Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez fight to theaters.  Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy also presented live boxing on the big screen in 2010 and 2011 including Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortiz last Mexican Independence Day weekend.
"I love the fact that people can see my fights in movie theaters across the country," said Mayweather.  "Everyone knows when I fight it is nothing but lights, camera, action.  Seeing it on the big screen is going to give fans a great experience.  I say buy some popcorn, candy and a soda and enjoy the show because they are definitely going to get their money's worth."
Mayweather (42-0, 26 KO's) is recognized worldwide as one of the best fighters of this generation and is always a major attraction when he steps in to the ring.  In his last ring appearance, Mayweather took on the younger Victor Ortiz and showcased his boxing skills, taking Ortiz to school in the first three rounds before knocking him out in the fourth.  Throughout his extraordinary career, Mayweather has faced boxing's best including Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Sugar Shane Mosley, yet remains an undefeated, seven-time world champion in five weight classes.
"This is the first time one of my fights will be shown in movie theaters in the United States.  We have done it in Puerto Rico in the past, with great success," said Cotto.  "This gives my fans across the country a new way to watch me in the ring.  It is exciting.  Now there is no way to miss this great fight."
Cotto (37-2, 30 KO's) is Puerto Rico's most exciting fighter, one of its greatest of all time and defined by his warrior spirit.  He has held a world title every year since 2004 and has won 16 of the 18 world championships bouts in which he has fought.  Capturing the WBA Super Welterweight title in June of 2010, Cotto took on then undefeated defending champion Yuri Foreman at Yankee Stadium, handing him his first defeat.  He is coming off of the second defense of his title, which he defended with a spectacular tenth-round knockout of Antonio Margarito.  With this knockout, he also avenged his July 2008 loss to Margarito.
"This fight card is going to be so electrifying with the action from both Mayweather vs. Cotto and Alvarez vs. Mosley that anyone watching it on the big screen in movie theaters across the country will have a fantastic experience on Cinco de Mayo weekend," said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions.  "We are pleased to have NCM Fathom as partners in this event and thank them for bringing championship boxing to the big screen for an unparalleled level of entertainment."
With his ferocious and fan-friendly style in the ring, at just 21 years of age Alvarez (39-0-1, 29 KO's) is Mexico's latest boxing superhero.  After turning pro at just 15 years old, Alvarez tore through the local competition in Mexico and to date has only one blemish on his record - a four round draw with Jorge Juarez (which took place in 2006).  Since then no one has come close to beating him.  Alvarez took home his first world championship in 2011 and defended it with knockouts of Ryan Rhodes, Alfonzo Gomez and Kermit Cintron respectively later in the year.  On May 5, he faces his most significant opponent to date in Sugar Shane Mosley.
Having defined the word "fighter" for nearly two decades, Mosley is one of the most revered boxers of this era.  A stellar amateur that just missed out on the 1992 Olympics, Mosley has gone on to strike gold as a professional.  With his stunning defeat of Oscar de la Hoya in 2000, Mosley jumped to the top of the list of the best pound for pound fighters in the world.  He held that position until losing his belt to Vernon Forrest in 2002 but has since climbed back to the top by being a regular in boxing's biggest super fights from 2005-2011.  With this fight against Alvarez, Mosley looks to win his seventh world title at 40 years old.
"Over the past few years, boxing fans have filled movie theaters across the country to see Mayweather take on the best fighters in the world," said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events.  "This bout promises to be as exciting as the first time Mayweather appeared on the big screen in 2009 as he now moves up in weight to challenge Cotto for the super welterweight championship."
-30-
10 Apr 2012

Herbert Hoover NHS News Release: National Park Service Offers Tree Pruning Demonstration on Arbor Day

By Adam Prato

WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Homeowners or anyone interested in learning about pruning trees and shrubs can join arborist Ed Rinderspacher and the staff of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site for an Arbor Day presentation on Friday, April 27. Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees.

The program is free and begins at 2:00 p.m. at the visitor center. It will last about one hour and may involve about a half-mile of walking to different plantings around the park. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. In the case of inclement weather, please call (319) 643-2541 before attending. 

Ed Rinderspacher is the owner and operator of Rindy Tree and Turf Care, Inc. and a West Branch, Iowa  arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Mr. Rinderspacher will provide a one-hour, hands-on tree pruning demonstration of cuts and techniques for small, young, newly planted trees.   "There are about a thousand trees in this 187-acre national park," said Pete Swisher, superintendent of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. "We hope our visitors can see examples of the careful work we do to maintain the landscape commemorating Herbert Hoover's life."

April 21 through 29 is National Park Week, the annual week for celebration and recognition of your National Parks. 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

10 Apr 2012

Trivia Night Fund-raiser

By Jared Johnson

In support of Churches United's Emergency Fund

Friday, June 1st

Doors open 6:00 pm - Trivia begins at 7:00 pm

at St. John Vianney Church, 4907 18th Street, Bettendorf

Baby Boomers! Wear your best 60's & 70's clothes but there will be questions for all generations!

Food available to purchase thanks to the generous support of "The Blue Iguana"
(Tacos, Salsa & Chips, beverages etc.)

$10/person, $80/table

SILENT AUCTION!

Before the vacations begin, COME and support those less fortunate!

NO Alcoholic Beverages please.

For more information or to sign up, please call Churches United 563-332-5002.

Thanks for your support!

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