21 Nov 2011

FARMERS TO DISCUSS TRANSPARENCY AND INNOVATION IN FOOD PRODUCTION, OTHER PRIORITY ISSUES AT IOWA FARM BUREAU 93rd ANNUAL MEETING

By Heather Lilienthal

Governor proclaims Dec. 4-10 as "Iowa Farm Bureau Week"

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Nov. 15, 2011 - Members of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) will gather for the organization's 93rd annual meeting Dec. 7-8 at the Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines to discuss the many aspects of food and energy production and the important role Iowa farmers play as international leaders in ag technology, innovation and environmental sustainability.

To celebrate the annual gathering, Governor Terry Branstad has declared the week of Dec. 4-10 as "Iowa Farm Bureau Week."

"This year, our annual meeting theme 'Setting the Table for the World,' focuses on how our Iowa farmers, our members, help feed and energize a growing world," said Craig Lang, IFBF president and a fifth-generation dairy farmer from Brooklyn. "The world population will grow to more than 9 billion people by 2050, and these people will need food and energy. Iowa farmers lead the nation in the production of corn, soybeans, livestock, ethanol and wind energy. We must be at the table to discuss how our farms can support our nation and the world in a sustainable way. It's a huge task and one that can be met if we continue to focus on developing technology, production efficiencies and conservation practices."

Lang added that food production discussions also need to address consumers and their needs and demands.

"More than ever, people want to know more about the food they eat; where it comes from, how antibiotics are used by livestock farmers or how waterways and soils are protected," said Lang. "Farmers want to be transparent about why they do what they do. I know that we'll have some enlightening discussions that will benefit farmers and consumers, alike."

The IFBF annual meeting educational seminars will discuss the environmental, health and economic aspects of today's food production system and will be kicked off with a luncheon panel discussion of ethical food production. Moderated by Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, the panel will include experts from Pioneer, Elanco and Hy-Vee.

The three seminar topics include : 1."Environment: Optimizing Resources to Feed A Hungry World," with Marv Wilson , Pioneer, and Craig Chase, from the Leopold Center; 2. "Health: Meeting Consumer Demand for Safe and Healthy Food," featuring Scott Hurd with the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Bahia Nightengale of the Golden Hills RC&D, and Ellen Reis, HyVee dietician; and 3. "Economics: The World Food Economy," with Grady Bishop, Elanco swine business unit director; Frank Mitloehner, ag researcher from the University of California-Davis; and Daniel Whitley, deputy director of the U.S. Foreign Ag Service.

Lang will address members and special guests on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 9 a.m. In addition, Dave Miller, IFBF director of research and commodity services, will lead a session focused on farm revenue risk and the Food Security Act of 2012 on Dec. 8. The organization will celebrate the contributions of dedicated Farm Bureau members with a recognition banquet on Dec. 7 and a young farm leaders' achievement luncheon on Dec. 8.

Farm Bureau will wrap up its annual meeting with a voting delegate session and elections.   The following directors are up for re-election this year: IFBF President Craig Lang, District 2 board member Charles Norris, District 7 board member Andy Hora, and District 9 board member Jim McKnight.

Members can register for the 2011 IFBF annual meeting at their county Farm Bureau offices.  For more information about the annual meeting, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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21 Nov 2011

The Arc Holiday Choir Announces Annual Recital

By Maureen A. Dickinson
The Arc of the Quad Cities Area invites you to "The Arc Holiday Choir in Concert," a recital performance to be held Sunday, December 4, 2011, at 7 p.m. with a reception immediately following the concert. The performance will take place at First Lutheran Church, 1230-5th
Avenue in Moline.  The recital performance is free of charge and open to the public.

The Arc Holiday Choir is directed by Mary Vande Voorde, LSW, graduate of Augustana College and 22-year member of Hersong, the Quad Cities Women's Chorus. Vande Voorde, a Qualified Support Professional with The Arc of the Quad Cities Area, directs The Arc Holiday Choir and coordinates Music Therapy for The Arc's day program, thanks to generous grants from The Wilber L. Burress Endowment.

Founded in 1952, The Arc of the Quad Cities Area serves more than 325 individuals with developmental and other disabilities daily. Day programs are offered in both Moline and Rock Island. The Arc promotes living and working in partnership with the community to support
individuals with developmental and other disabilities, through a variety of support services.

The Arc welcomes volunteer support of its programs and activities, including an Assistant Choir Director for the 2012 Holiday Choir.

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21 Nov 2011

Lt. Governor Simon testifies on rural EMS issues

By Kathryn Phillips

Asks state to consider more online training for rural EMTs

GALESBURG - November 15, 2011. As chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon asked a state task force today to consider expanding online training for rural emergency medical service (EMS) providers.

Simon said greater online training could improve recruitment and retention of paid and volunteer workers who must take 120 hours of continuing education every four years to remain certified. Rural emergency medical technicians often pay out-of-pocket for continuing education, which can require costly overnight travel and lost wages for volunteers who must take time off from their regular jobs, Simon said.

Simon's request came during a House EMS task force hearing at Galesburg City Hall. The 24-member House EMS task force, which is co-chaired by Reps. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Lisa Dugan (D-Kankakee), is holding public hearings across the state and will issue recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by the end of the year.

"The EMS providers we rely on to handle life or death situations are finding themselves on life support," Simon said. "We need to find creative ways to help them attract qualified employees and manage the high cost of doing business in large areas with small populations."

Rural providers are facing revenue problems because reimbursement rates from third-party sources such as Medicaid do not cover the increased cost of providing services, Simon said. Rural providers also report that non-emergency calls for transportation or assistance, which may not be billable or go unpaid, place further strain on budgets.

"It is a privilege to work with Lt. Governor Simon, Rep. Moffitt, fellow task force members and all the EMS personnel on this important state issue," Dugan said. "It is imperative that we realize and help solve some of the problems EMS providers face so they can continue to serve the public."

Under the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, Simon is creating an EMS subcommittee to improve emergency services for rural residents. Dottie Miles, the executive director of Jackson County Ambulance Service, and Greg Scott, EMS coordinator for the McLean County Area EMS System, will serve as co-chairs of the subcommittee.

"This subcommittee will bring together a diverse group of volunteers from across rural Illinois with a variety of EMS experience," Simon said. "I look forward to working with the subcommittee, as well as the House EMS task force, to identify innovative solutions to the problems facing rural providers and residents."

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21 Nov 2011

Upcoming American Red Cross blood drives December 1-15

By Marvin Whittaker
Think outside the box this holiday season.  The perfect gift is at the nearest American Red Cross blood drive or blood donation center.  And, unlike the latest fashion trend, video game or golf club, it costs nothing but an hour of time. When someone donates blood, they give the perfect gift - another hug, another laugh, another smile, another chance - to a patient in need.

All blood types are currently needed. Approximately every two seconds a patient in the United States needs blood. By taking time to donate this winter, you can help the Red Cross ensure a stable blood supply for all patients who need blood products.

How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation's blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.


Blood Donation Opportunities

CARROLL COUNTY
12/2/2011, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Plumtree Lodge, 15-940 Plum Tree Drive, Lanark

CLINTON COUNTY
12/4/2011, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, Assumption Catholic Church, 147 Broadway Street, Charlotte

12/15/2011, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm, Lyondell Chemical Company, 3400 Anamosa Road, Clinton

HENRY COUNTY
12/2/2011, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm, Wethersfield High School, 439 Willard, Kewanee, IL, Henry,

12/14/2011, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St., Kewanee, IL, Henry,

12/14/2011, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Kewanee High School, 1211 East 3rd Street, Kewanee, IL, Henry,

12/15/2011, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, American Legion, 509 N. School Street, Atkinson, IL, Henry,


MERCER COUNTY
12/12/2011, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, New Windsor Presbyterian Church, 4TH & Walnut/ Box 245, New Windsor

WHITESIDE COUNTY
12/1/2011, 9:45 am- 4:00 pm, CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling

12/6/2011, 8:00 am-11:00 am, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton

12/7/2011, 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls

12/7/2011, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm, Fulton High School, 1207 12th Street, Fulton

12/10/2011, 8:00 am-12:00 pm, St. John's Evangelical Church, 703 3rd Avenue, Sterling

12/12/2011, 11:30 am- 5:30 pm, Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St., Prophetstown

12/13/2011, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton
21 Nov 2011

Grassley Praises Restored Funding for U.S. Counternarcotics Programs

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, co-chairman of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today said House and Senate appropriators are restoring funding for Defense Department international counternarcotics programs.  Grassley, along with Sen. Dianne Feinstein, caucus chairman, had urged appropriators to restore the funding, which lapsed Oct. 1.

"The funding lapse was worrisome," Grassley said.  "It put counternarcotics efforts at risk of losing momentum and backsliding on progress in hotbed areas.  It's a relief that for the safety and security of the United States, funding for U.S. counternarcotics programs abroad will be restored very soon."

The appropriators' language restoring the funding is available here, p. 280.  Letters from Grassley and Feinstein to try to restore funding are available here, here and here.

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21 Nov 2011

PIZZA MAN Quad Cities feature film update

By Doug Miller
The live action motion picture production of PIZZA MAN to be made by Brookspics Productions is slated to begin in the spring of 2012. Brookspics, which is owned by Mel Brooks, has been approved for production by Betsy Steinberg, Managing Director of the Illinois Film Office. PIZZA MAN is a horror/thriller film and has been in active development and preparation since June of this year through the efforts of Producer, Rainer Soehnlein in cooperation with Great River Studios, LLC of Rock Island, Illinois. Great River will be the production management, service, equipment and facilities company associated with the local production of the film in the Illinois Quad Cities area.

An extensive location scout took place during the months of August and September of this year with the film's director Steve Haberman and Great River Production Executive, Doug Miller, along with numerous associates from Great River Studios. Production budgets have been finalized and logistics have been coordinated for the production with the cooperation of numerous Quad Cities residents, various Great River production partners and the Cities of Rock Island and Moline with locations selected in both of these communities thus far. The projected budget of the film is $5 million dollars

Steve Haberman, the writer-director of PIZZA MAN, is a longtime collaborator with Mel Brooks having written two movies with him: LIFE STINKS and DRACULA - DEAD AND LOVING IT. He also wrote the feature SCREW LOOSE and the documentary SHADOWS IN THE DARK: THE VAL LEWTON LEGACY. His short film, BLIND CURVES, which he wrote, produced and directed, won 17 international film festivals, including the Eastman Kodak Film of the Year and Best Short Film of the Year from the Photographic Society of America. An expert on horror films, he authored the book SILENT SCREAMS, the definitive history of horror in the silent era. He performed the commentary on 15 classic horror films including the original Universal Pictures' DRACULA and THE MUMMY for which he won the Rando Award for Best Commentary of the Year. He recently produced, directed and edited the HBO special MEL BROOKS AND DICK CAVETT - TOGETHER AGAIN.

For more information about PIZZA MAN and or interviews with Mr. Haberman please contact Doug Miller, Great River Studios Production Executive at 563-349-1041.
21 Nov 2011

Village Christmas Walk

By Karen Anderson
You won't want to miss the Village of East Davenport Christmas Walk, Friday night, Dec. 2 & Saturday night, Dec. 3--featuring free horse drawn wagon rides through the Village, living Christmas window tableaus, live nativity--with real animals to pet, Santa, street carolers, musicians and performers. The fun begins each night at 6-9 P.M.. Village Sparkle Fireworks display will light up the Village skies at 9 P.M. on Saturday night, Dec. 3rd. The Village of East Davenport is located at the intersection of East River Drive and Mound Street extending northeast for a few blocks over to Lindsay Park and the McClellan Heights area.
15 Nov 2011

Herman Cain Campaign War Chest Skyrockets

By J D Gordon
Presidential candidate Herman Cain is "in it to win it," according to newly released financial numbers. The Herman Cain Campaign reports receiving over $9 million of financial support from Cain backers since October 1st. Twenty-five percent of these newly received contributions have come in the last ten days.

The generosity of Mr. Cain's followers has more than doubled in the past five weeks, compared to the financial gifts received in the previous two quarters combined. According to the campaign's third quarter FEC filing, Mr. Cain's campaign received $4.7 million from May through September 30th. The campaign has received a total of $14.1 million in financial support since the start of the campaign.

"Mr. Cain's vision to renew our country and create new jobs via his bold "9-9-9 Plan" is resonating across America," said Mark Block, Chief of Staff to the Herman Cain presidential campaign. "Mr. Cain's business experience and executive leadership is needed to put America back on the track to prosperity. Voters want to be part of the Cain Train so they are donating their time, talent and treasure to make sure Mr. Cain is our next president."
15 Nov 2011

Cain Favors Supreme Court to Strike Down Obamacare

By J D Gordon

Cites New Job Layoffs in the Medical Device Industry

Des Moines - Presidential candidate Herman Cain favors the Supreme Court to strike down Obamacare citing Constitutional concerns and recent news that Stryker medical devices will lay off 5% of its workforce, about 1,000 jobs, in preparation for the medical device tax contained in the legislation.

"We cannot afford a piece of legislation that robs Americans of their freedom to choose whether or not they want to purchase insurance," said Cain. "The news this week that Stryker will layoff 5% of its workforce is more evidence that Obamacare is costing jobs, extending our unemployment problem."

The Supreme Court announced Monday that it would review President Obama's health care plan, particularly the mandate for the purchase of insurance.

Michigan based Stryker, is a maker of hip replacements and other medical devices. Unemployment in Michigan in September of this year was running higher than 11% and the layoffs were another piece of bad news for this pivotal election state.

"I spent 40 years in business creating jobs and fixing broken companies. I can fix this broken economy with the help of voters in 2012," said Cain.
15 Nov 2011

Rivermont Collegiate Open House Coffee

By Tammi Burrell
RIVERMONT Open House Coffee

Saturday, November 12th - 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college prep
school, serving preschool through grade 12.

• Dedicated faculty
• Small class sizes & individualized attention
• Safe, family-life environment

Can't make it Saturday?
Join us Thursday, November 17th
Open House - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Brittany Marietta - Director of Admission
(563) 359-1366 ext. 302
marietta@rvmt.org

RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE
1821 Sunset Drive - Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 359-1366 - www.rvmt.org

(located directly off 18th Street, behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf)

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