25 Oct 2011

For Iowa College Students, Voting Has Never Been Easier!

By Veronica Lorson Fowler
Changes in election laws have given Iowa college students more options than ever on
how they cast their votes. And it's especially important that college students vote.
"Of all the people in society, young adults have the most to lose if democracy falls off
the rails," said Ben Stone, ACLU of Iowa Executive Director. "They are the ones who, as
older adults, will have to deal with all the problems we create now. It's important that
they make their voices heard."
Are You Registered?
Before you vote, you must make sure you're registered to vote. Go online to the Iowa
Secretary of State's office at www.sos.state.ia.us. There's a handy tool you can use to plug
in your zip code and other info to find out if you're registered. In fact, the entire site has
tons of handy college student voter information.
If you're not registered to vote, the deadline in Iowa to register for the November 8
election is October 28. If you cannot meet this deadline, you can also register on the spot
at your polling place on Election Day. To prevent hassles, bring a valid, current driver's
license or a student ID with photo.
As a college student, you have the option of registering to vote in your hometown or in
your college town. Your decision of where to register will determine which candidates
and what issues will appear on your ballot. You can register in only one location. You
can't register to vote in both your hometown and in your college town.
When it comes to actually voting, you have four options:
1. Absentee Voting
If it's hard for you to get to your polling place; you travel a lot; or you're simply a busy
person who doesn't want stand in line or break away from work or classes, an absentee
vote is a convenient option.
First, you must request that an absentee ballot be sent to you. Go to the Secretary of
State web site (www.sos.state.ia.us) and print out an "absentee ballot request form." Or
call 1-888-SOS-VOTE (1-888-767-8683) to ask for the form.
Once you have the request form in hand, fill it out and mail it to the county auditor's
office in the county in which you are registered.
A few days later, you'll receive the actual absentee ballot in the mail. Fill out the actual
ballot and mail it promptly back to your county auditor's office. Absentee ballots
received after November 8 will not be counted.
2. Absentee Voting "In Person"
Another convenient way to vote before the November 8 election is to cast an absentee
ballot "in person." Simply show up at your local county auditor's office during normal
business hours. For the upcoming election, county auditors' offices will also have
special hours Saturday, October 29 and Saturday, November 5.
No need to do any paperwork in advance (other than make sure you're registered). Just
show up!
3. Satellite Voting
In some counties, to make voting easier, county auditors have set up convenient
"satellite" voting stations, usually on college campuses, schools, libraries, or shopping
centers. Hours vary so check in advance.
Keep your eye on local media or contact your county auditor's office to find out when
and where satellite voting is in your community.
4. Traditional Voting
And, of course, you always have the option of traditional voting--going to the
designated voting place for your neighborhood and casting a vote in a voting machine.
Polls are open November 8 from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. If you're unsure where to
vote, simply Google "polling places" and use the handy tool to find your precinct's
voting place.
If you experience any unfair difficulties or hassles in casting your ballot, it's important
to report it. Please contact the ACLU of Iowa at legal.program@aclu-ia.org or call 515-992-
0150.
-- end --Changes in election laws have given Iowa college students more options than ever on
how they cast their votes. And it's especially important that college students vote.
"Of all the people in society, young adults have the most to lose if democracy falls off
the rails," said Ben Stone, ACLU of Iowa Executive Director. "They are the ones who, as
older adults, will have to deal with all the problems we create now. It's important that
they make their voices heard."
Are You Registered?
Before you vote, you must make sure you're registered to vote. Go online to the Iowa
Secretary of State's office at www.sos.state.ia.us. There's a handy tool you can use to plug
in your zip code and other info to find out if you're registered. In fact, the entire site has
tons of handy college student voter information.
If you're not registered to vote, the deadline in Iowa to register for the November 8
election is October 28. If you cannot meet this deadline, you can also register on the spot
at your polling place on Election Day. To prevent hassles, bring a valid, current driver's
license or a student ID with photo.
As a college student, you have the option of registering to vote in your hometown or in
your college town. Your decision of where to register will determine which candidates
and what issues will appear on your ballot. You can register in only one location. You
can't register to vote in both your hometown and in your college town.
When it comes to actually voting, you have four options:
1. Absentee Voting
If it's hard for you to get to your polling place; you travel a lot; or you're simply a busy
person who doesn't want stand in line or break away from work or classes, an absentee
vote is a convenient option.
First, you must request that an absentee ballot be sent to you. Go to the Secretary of
State web site (www.sos.state.ia.us) and print out an "absentee ballot request form." Or
call 1-888-SOS-VOTE (1-888-767-8683) to ask for the form.
Once you have the request form in hand, fill it out and mail it to the county auditor's
office in the county in which you are registered.
A few days later, you'll receive the actual absentee ballot in the mail. Fill out the actual
ballot and mail it promptly back to your county auditor's office. Absentee ballots
received after November 8 will not be counted.
2. Absentee Voting "In Person"
Another convenient way to vote before the November 8 election is to cast an absentee
ballot "in person." Simply show up at your local county auditor's office during normal
business hours. For the upcoming election, county auditors' offices will also have
special hours Saturday, October 29 and Saturday, November 5.
No need to do any paperwork in advance (other than make sure you're registered). Just
show up!
3. Satellite Voting
In some counties, to make voting easier, county auditors have set up convenient
"satellite" voting stations, usually on college campuses, schools, libraries, or shopping
centers. Hours vary so check in advance.
Keep your eye on local media or contact your county auditor's office to find out when
and where satellite voting is in your community.
4. Traditional Voting
And, of course, you always have the option of traditional voting--going to the
designated voting place for your neighborhood and casting a vote in a voting machine.
Polls are open November 8 from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. If you're unsure where to
vote, simply Google "polling places" and use the handy tool to find your precinct's
voting place.
If you experience any unfair difficulties or hassles in casting your ballot, it's important
to report it. Please contact the ACLU of Iowa at legal.program@aclu-ia.org or call 515-992-
0150.
-- end --
25 Oct 2011

Midland Communications Help SMBs Utilize Softphone Technology to Enhance Mobility

By Janet Dufour
DAVENPORT, IA - October 20, 2011 - Midland Communications, a leading unified communications provider, announced today that the company is deploying softphones to help small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) increase their mobility and flexibility. Softphones are the ultimate solution for the road warrior, and they enable workers to function "as if" they're in the office, regardless of their physical location.
Softphones are software programs which enable users to make phone calls over the Internet using their laptop or home computer eliminating the need for a physical instrument. Recently, they have been gaining in popularity among SMBs primarily because they reduce the cost of calls to virtually nothing.  Also, they have a surprising number of ancillary advantages for end users.
Firstly, softphones are extremely easy to setup. Typically they require little more than a bluetooth headset and the proper software, and employees can be up and running in minutes. Softphones can also easily integrate with existing phone systems and leverage all current capabilities. For example, many phone systems in today's market have Instant-Messaging (IM) embedded so co-workers can supply one another with answers to customer service questions on the fly. The goal of softphones is to better connect an organization and create more opportunities for mobility and collaboration.
Jason Smith, Vice President of Midland Communications comments, "softphones are predominantly utilized by companies that desire additional levels of mobility. In an increasingly globalized world, mobility and speed have become even more important to survive and this helps explain why demand is up." Jason also adds "With the call quality equivalent to that of a cell phone, softphones are making a big impact in the technology sector and businesses across all industries are jumping on board. The bottom line with softphones is that they enhance productivity, increase profitability and create a competitive advantage regardless of industry."

ABOUT MIDLAND COMMUNICATIONS
Midland Communications began more than 60 years ago in 1946 as the Worldwide Marketing Arm of Victor-Animagraph Projectors. In 1977 a communications division was formed due to a partnership with NEC America. Today, As a distributor of NEC America, for 33 years, Midland Communications has a customer base of more than 3,000 satisfied customers that include general businesses, government agencies, Universities, colleges, hospitals, and hotels.
Midland provides a wide range of communication services including VOIP, PBX and key systems, Wide Area and Local Area networking, computers, Computer integration, voice mail, CCIS, and video conferencing and paging systems. Our philosophy is simple, provide quality products at a fair price, backed by an average emergency response time of twenty minutes, and the best service in the industry. For more information on Midland Communications, call (563) 326-1237 or visit www.midlandcom.com.


# # #
25 Oct 2011

Louie Bellson Run

By M. McNeil
This Saturday, Oct 22nd, at 9:00 a.m. the 2nd Annual Louie Bellson 5K Run will be held.  The starting time will be 9:00 a.m. in the west parking lot of Moline Senior High School.

Race Director Rob Moon encourages all QC-area runners to show up to run for a good cause.  "Proceeds from this 5K race will go to music education in the Moline Public School system -- a fitting honor for Louie Bellson's life and legacy here in Moline."
25 Oct 2011

With bipartisan support, charter schools are on the march

By Ben Velderman

WASHINGTON D.C. -- There's no question that 2011 has been good for charter schools.

And if lawmakers in Michigan, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania can get pro-charter school legislation across the finish line in the next few weeks, 2011 could be a banner year for the taxpayer-funded public schools that are generally operated by independent organizations.

The reason for the banner year? President Barack Obama's "Race to the Top" education reform initiative and the Tea Party-fueled 2010 midterm elections that resulted in pro-charter school legislative majorities in a number of states.

That's according to Todd Ziebarth, the vice president of state advocacy and support for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

In an interview with Education Action Group, Ziebarth said that a number of cash-strapped states implemented policies favorable to charter schools, in hopes of winning "Race to the Top" education reform dollars.

Those commitments to charter schools were acted upon when a record number of reform-minded, Tea Party-friendly candidates were voted into state offices nearly a year ago. Since then, 16 states have passed nearly 30 laws to either expand or preserve the role of charter schools.

"This year, we made pretty good progress in a number of states," Ziebarth said. "Hopefully, there will be more good news in the weeks and months ahead."

Ziebarth believes the year's biggest charter school victory occurred in Maine, which became the 41st state to allow the creation of charter schools.

North Carolina families won big when lawmakers repealed the cap that limited the number of charter schools allowed in the state.

Illinois passed a law that allows a state-appointed commission to authorize charter schools, instead of leaving that decision to self-interested school districts.

Expanding access to charter schools was part of Indiana's historic education overhaul.

But not all the charter school victories were glamorous and headline-grabbing, as Ziebarth points out.

For instance, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio all passed laws allowing charter schools to use a school district's surplus buildings, a move that allows charters to spend their resources on students instead of rent.

Teachers unions in several cities, including Boston and Toledo, have recently fought efforts to allow charters to use vacant public school buildings. Those were obvious attempts to stymie the competition.

"Shrinking state budgets makes funding charter schools a challenge," Ziebarth said. "Having access to public buildings really helps. And it makes sense because taxpayers have already paid for these buildings, many of which have been designated for educational purposes."

In New Mexico, charter advocates played good defense and staved off an attempt to impose a moratorium on charters.

Looking ahead, Ziebarth is "optimistic that we can finally break through in Alabama next year." He also expects charter schools will be allowed to expand in Missouri, and may be allowed to form in Montana - though that will have to wait until the state legislature reconvenes in 2013.

Ziebarth acknowledged that charters have "made pretty good progress in a number of states," but have suffered a few disappointments, too.

Several politically conservative states such as Texas, Idaho, Alabama and Mississippifailed to pass charter school measures in 2011. While Republicans run the show in those states, and typically favor school choice and charter schools, Ziebarth thinks there is a misperception among some that charters only benefit urban areas, and not rural and suburban communities.

Teacher unions also present a problem for charter schools. Ziebarth said the unions employ a three-pronged approach to stopping the spread of charter schools: legislation, litigation and organization.

If charter laws survive the legislative and legal hurdles, unions will often try to organize the charter school teachers. If the union succeeds in forcing charter schools to collectively bargain with employees, the schools lose their flexibility and innovation, and become virtually indistinguishable from their traditional public school counterparts.

Without a doubt, teacher unions will try to roll back the gains charter school supporters have made over the past year, Ziebarth said.

"Teacher unions are still fighting hard in statehouses across the country," he said.

The unions will continue to fight their charter school competitors, likely because charters have become so popular with families all across the country. Educationnews.org reports that "six school districts now have more than 30 percent of their public school students enrolled in public charter schools: New Orleans, Washington D.C., Detroit, Kansas City (Missouri), Flint, MI and Gary, IN."

The site also reports that the Los Angeles district has 79,385 students enrolled in charter schools, the highest  number in the nation.

Ziebarth believes the best way to inoculate charter schools from the volatility of politics is to make the movement as bipartisan as possible.

"But that's easier said than done," he said.

- Ben Velderman can be contacted at ben@edactiongroup.org, or by phone at (231) 733-4202.

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25 Oct 2011

This week in downtown Davenport

By QC Chamber
Hello!
Darden Smith We have a nice variety of events this week including two shows at the Adler Theatre featuring talented singer/songwriters.  Darden Smith will be playing a show honoring those who serve in the military this evening, and on Sunday, Matt Maher & Laura Story will take the stage. 

Ruby Slipper We're very excited to announce that a new high-end women's shoe boutique, The Ruby Slipper, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday at 312 Main Street downtown!  Check out the Quad-City Times article about this fantastic locally owned business, and consider shopping downtown this Saturday to show your support.

March Fourth Marching Band Stilt-walkers, unicycles, twirlers, and burlesque dancers are just part of the insane show scheduled at River Music Experience on Tuesday.  The crazy March Fourth Marching Band is playing live at RME, and this big-band spectacular puts on a raucous performance unlike any other.  DO NOT miss this concert, or you'll regret it later!  Just watch the video and see for yourself how cool this is going to be.

Smooth Jazz This weekend, RME will be a bit more relaxed during the Great Sound Promotions Smooth Jazz Festival.  Local musicians can take part in the new Mandolin Junction or Open Mic Night, and next Thursday, River Roots Live veterans 500 Miles to Memphis return for another show!

New Freight House Businesses Local beer lovers will be pleased to hear that Great River Brewery is unveiling a new brew, and GRB is throwing a party on Saturday in its honor.  Speaking of local brew, we're thrilled to share  that Front Street Brewery will soon be expanding its brewing capacity over at the Freight House!  The Nostalgia Farm Fresh Deli will be opening soon within the Freight House too, and we couldn't be happier to see new energy next to the Freight House Farmers Market.
Boho Ball 2
Help raise funding for the Midwest Writing Center during the Bohemian Ball at Hotel Blackhawk.  This unique event will feature a 1920's theme, and guests can take dance lessons and learn how to do the Charleston or the Lindy!  Teen Anime

Get animated for the fourth annual Teen Anime Day at the Figge!  Teen manga artists and anime enthusiast ages 12 and older won't want to miss this afternoon of fun at the museum.  Tonight, Thursdays at the Figge will feature an Art Talk regarding printmaking.  On Saturday, the African American Heritage Center will host a screening of the documentary, Against All Odds, in the Figge theater.

Seance IP Studio is hosting a Seance with Dr. Alfred Egan in the haunted Hibernain Hall tonight, and if you're looking for something a tad less spooky, the Jaycees Haunted House will host its Lights on Matinee for kids this week. 

The Quad-City Symphony Orchestra is partnering with the Putnam Museum to host a performance by the innovative Calder Quartet, and a little further west of downtown, the Friends of Credit Island are providing a family-friendly Haunted Island Hay-rack Ride. On an unrelated note, you really need to check out the new Breakfast Bowls at Bowls: Urban Eats if you haven't yet!

See you downtown!
25 Oct 2011

Connect Iowa Releases 2011 Residential Broadband Adoption Survey Results

By Jessica Ditto

37% of Iowa residents still do not have broadband at home

Des Moines, IA - Today, Connect Iowa released new residential broadband adoption survey results revealing the top trends in technology use among key demographics in Iowa. The preliminary indicators from the survey are available online, which gives a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities for expanding broadband in targeted sectors. According to the survey, approximately 37% of the population still does not subscribe to broadband. Most notably, the majority of low-income, senior, disabled adult, and Hispanic households are without broadband at home, leaving them facing an uphill battle in keeping up with essential online resources, job and educational opportunities, and social services.

"Improved broadband connectivity is vital in terms of spurring economic development," said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. "Better broadband access stimulates job creation, boosts productivity, improves educational resources for tomorrow's workforce, and ultimately enhances the state's economic standing in the international arena."

This survey is conducted in support of Connect Iowa's efforts to close the state's digital gap. The survey explores the main barriers to adoption - cost, digital skills, and relevance - and also provides unique insights into the national broadband landscape.

"These findings are key to helping us create custom local and regional broadband deployment plans," said Connect Iowa Program Manager Amy Kuhlers. "Connect Iowa's goal is quality broadband access, adoption, and use across all corners of the state."

The survey reveals that:

  • 45% of Iowans living in rural areas do not subscribe to broadband service at home.
  • When comparing to the 63% of all households that do subscribe, there remain large gaps among key demographics:
    • 62% of low-income households;
    • 66% of seniors are without broadband.
  • 42% of low-income households with children are without access to this essential tool at home.
  • The biggest gap is among low-income seniors. Only 26% of low-income seniors subscribe to broadband and only 41% have a computer at home.
  • The largest barrier to non-adopters is relevance - 26% of non-adopters say there isn't Internet content worth viewing. The second most commonly cited barrier is that it is too expensive.
  • The top reasons Iowans say they started using broadband is because they realized it was worth the cost or it became available.

These results and comparisons to many others are available on Connect Iowa's new consumer trends widget. This interactive tool gives people the ability to view, share, and download the results. Connect Iowa will use these survey results to target solutions in communities based on the demographic and economic barriers that the surveys indicate are most relevant to those communities.

This release comes on the heels of the FCC's newly released plans to launch a comprehensive public-private initiative called Connect to Compete, aimed at extending digital literacy training and providing employment assistance to communities. Connect Iowa's parent organization, Connected Nation, is one of the top strategic advisors in the national initiative.

Connect Iowa's 2011 residential survey was conducted in the summer of 2011 and includes responses from 3,600 residents. The survey was conducted as part of the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and by the American Recovery and Reinvestment of 2009.

# # #

About Connect Iowa: Connect Iowa is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a nonprofit in the state of Iowa to promote broadband access, adoption, and use. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is leading the initiative to increase broadband Internet access throughout rural Iowa. Connect Iowa was commissioned by the state to work with all broadband providers in Iowa to create detailed maps of broadband coverage and develop a statewide plan for the deployment and adoption of broadband. For more information visit: www.connectiowa.org.

25 Oct 2011

Information from Herman Cain's Camp

By J D Gordon

Cain Strikes Gold in Western Republican Leadership Conference Straw Poll

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain's message continues to resonate with voters, showing his staying power with a decisive win of 31 percent of the votes in the Western Republican Leadership Conference straw poll in Las Vegas Friday.  Cain's straw poll victory followed the four-day Western Republican Leadership Conference, and confirmed Cain's Tuesday success at one of the liveliest debates of the race.

"I thank the Western Republican Leadership Conference for their support and vote of confidence.  There are many unique challenges facing Western states including housing prices, struggling local economies, unemployment and the environment.  As president, I look forward to addressing these challenges with real solutions?not Washington promises," said Cain.

The Western Republican Leadership Conference straw poll win follows Cain's successful wins of major straw polls in Florida, Kansas City, Minnesota, and Illinois.

The Western Republican Leadership Conference straw poll, conducted by Citizen Outreach, polled 552 attendees at the Western Republic Leadership Conference over a period of three days on the GOP presidential contenders. Citizen Outreach's David Mansdoerfer, who oversaw the straw poll, stated. "The results at the top aren't surprising. Herman Cain has spent a lot of time in Nevada and it shows. You can see people reacting to his message about the economy and job creation."

Cain's View on Abortion Policy

"Yesterday in an interview with Piers Morgan on CNN, I was asked questions about abortion policy and the role of the President.

I understood the thrust of the question to ask whether that I, as president, would simply "order" people to not seek an abortion.

My answer was focused on the role of the President. The President has no constitutional authority to order any such action by anyone.  That was the point I was trying to convey.

As to my political policy view on abortion, I am 100% pro-life.  End of story.

I will appoint judges who understand the original intent of the Constitution.  Judges who are committed to the rule of law know that the Constitution contains no right to take the life of unborn children.

I will oppose government funding of abortion.  I will veto any legislation that contains funds for Planned Parenthood.  I will do everything that a President can do, consistent with his constitutional role, to advance the culture of life."

--- Herman Cain

Herman Cain Launches Opportunity Zone Plan, Clarifies "9-9-9 Plan" Details

As part of his bold vision for the American economy, Presidential candidate Herman Cain unveiled his Opportunity Zone Plan, designed to create an environment in designated communities that allows production to drive the economy, not spending; which encourages risk-taking to drive growth, speaking Friday outside of Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Michigan.

"Opportunity Zones are fundamentally different from other attempts by some public policy makers in the 1990s," said Cain, "as we are trying to energize local small business and indigenous start-ups to participate in these Opportunity Zones."

Addressing recent questions about the "9-9-9 Plan", Cain said, "We carved out a substantial amount from the aggregate "9-9-9 Plan" tax base, enough to exempt those in poverty, and we will work with Congress to best apply these in a way to break the "poverty trap" and replace it with positive incentives that encourage people to work and take risks in this economy."

Mr. Cain's Opportunity Zone Plan has three key principles; First, empower Americans to achieve economic dreams; Second, incentivize Americans to work, invest, and take responsibility for their behavior; and Third, promote widespread equality of economic opportunity."

Mr. Cain explained: "Opportunity Zones in conjunction with the '9-9-9 Plan' will turn the whole country into one giant Opportunity Zone. Some of the most attractive features will be zero capital gains tax, immediate expensing of business equipment, and no payroll taxes are "factory installed" in the '999 Plan' for the whole country to benefit."

Opportunity Zones will allow employers in Zones to make deductions for payroll (as opposed to income) and allow deductions for those living and working in the Zone.  The Zones will provide relief and reward those already struggling in the Zone and likely to lead to economic renewal.

"I will never support equality of results, but I will raise a little Cain and fight for equal opportunity, economic growth, and jobs. And in doing so, we will empower the engine of American Exceptionalism," said Mr. Cain.

Mr. Cain's Opportunity Zones Advisory Committee Co-Chairs, Jerry Gonzalez, J.D.; Niger Innis and Roger Campos, J.D. are well respected national business leaders and legal experts.

Herman Cain Campaign Announces Leading Iowa Republican

The Herman Cain presidential campaign announced Wednesday that former Republican Party of Iowa Chairman, Steve Grubbs, will join the campaign as the Iowa State Chairman.

"We tried a community organizer as president, maybe it's time we put a CEO in the White House," said Grubbs. "I've had the good fortune to work with Bob Dole, Steve Forbes and Tommy Thompson and I can honestly say that I've never quite seen the groundswell of excitement that I'm seeing for Herman Cain."

"Having Steve Grubbs join our team demonstrates the commitment the Cain campaign has for its state-by-state strategy. We believe in our national strategy, but we know that we will need a strong ground based organization to do well in Iowa," said Mark Block, chief of staff for the Cain campaign. "Steve Grubbs has been a part of the Dole Presidential campaigns in '88 and '96 as well as the Forbes campaign in 2000. These presidential bids were well organized campaigns and that's our goal for the caucuses."

Steve Grubbs is considered one of the leading Republican strategists in Iowa. He has worked on four presidential campaigns and more than 100 state and local campaigns in the state. He served as Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa in '97-98 and served six years in the Iowa House of Representatives prior to that.

"I've looked at the Cain campaign organization and while there's a lot of work to do, it has the ingredients to win. Herman Cain has deep support in Iowa and that makes the job of finding precinct leaders easier," said Grubbs. "Mitt Romney has five years behind his organization in Iowa and that makes him the frontrunner, but the momentum of the Cain campaign is only getting stronger and the enthusiasm for Herman's vision to turn our country around is only getting louder."

25 Oct 2011

LOCAL PILOT HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE DISCOVER FLIGHT THROUGH EAA YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM

By EEA Communications

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. - (Oct. 20, 2011) - An area pilot has now given more than 100 young people a free demonstration airplane ride as part of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program, which is introducing a new generation to the world of flight.

Among the more than 45,000 pilots around the world who have donated their time and aircraft to the effort is Stephen Beert of Blue Grass, IA.

All pilots in the Young Eagles program explain the safe operation of airplanes and principles of flight before the short trips. Young Eagles flights are provided by volunteer EAA-member pilots in aircraft ranging from the newest airplanes to vintage biplanes. Such interesting aircraft as gliders, helicopters, and even hot air balloons and blimps have also been used for Young Eagles flights.

Since 1992, the EAA Young Eagles program has flown more than 1.6 million young people free of charge. Recent research shows that these young people are five times more likely to become pilots than non-Young Eagles. They also already comprise more than seven percent of the nation's pilot population under age 35, as nearly 20,000 pilots are former Young Eagles participants.

Participating young people become official Young Eagles with the flight, with the names of the pilots and the participants are also included in the "World's Largest Logbook" that is on permanent display in the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., and online through the Young Eagles website.

A Young Eagles flight is the first step in EAA's Flight Plan, which helps young people move from an initial flight toward the full potential of aviation. Among the menu of Flight Plan activities available is a free EAA student membership, free access to Sporty's Online Pilot Training Course, a free flight lesson, and reimbursement for the costs of a successful FAA written test in addition to more than $300,000 in scholarships and awards available to young people each year.

Visit www.youngeagles.org for more information.

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 170,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

-30-
25 Oct 2011

Illinois Enters Race to the Top Competition for New $70 Million Grant

By Katelyn Tye

Funding Would Boost Early Childhood Services Statewide and Ensure Better Coordination and Excellence

SPRINGFIELD - October 20, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that Illinois submitted an application to the federal "Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Fund," which is worth $70 million in early childhood education funding and would significantly improve the coordination and quality of early childhood services in Illinois. The application was submitted to the federal Department of Education as part of the $500 million dollar competition. As a large state, Illinois would be eligible for up to a $70 million award.

Illinois' comprehensive application aims to build on Governor Pat Quinn's strong emphasis on early childhood education by developing a more unified approach to supporting young children and their families. The funds would help ensure that Illinois children enter kindergarten with the necessary skills and knowledge for success.

"The best long-term economic plan Illinois can have is a solid education system that prepares our children for a 21st century workforce," Governor Quinn said. "This proposal gives our state an opportunity to increase access to quality early learning and development programs and to help serve many more children from low income families in high quality programs."

The collaborative multi-agency grant requests funds to expand and intensify initiatives the Illinois State Board of Education, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Family Services currently fund in communities of high need. Home visiting, child screening and assessment, and family support services would be enhanced based on the latest best practice to positively impact the development of children early in life. The U.S. Department of Education will announce awards later this year for states that are leading the way with ambitious, achievable plans for implementing coherent, compelling, and comprehensive early learning education reform.

The  Illinois State Board of Education has proposed new Early Childhood rules that would require any school district that offers kindergarten- half or full day- to administer the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey, or KIDS, starting in the 2014-15 school year.

KIDS will provide comprehensive information about children's developmental competencies over time and inform whether Illinois' kindergarteners have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in school. Additionally, ISBE proposes to share information about its preschool programs in a rating system already used for childcare programs registered through the Illinois Department of Human Services. The Board will review public comment and make a final decision on these proposals next spring.

"Investing in early childhood programs and collaborating with other state agencies to benefit young children is one of the most cost-effective strategies for improving education and our economy,'' said State Board of Education Chairman Gery Chico. "I'm confident that Illinois' history as a state with strong early childhood programming makes us a perfect candidate to earn this grant and develop practices that can be used in Illinois and replicated around the nation.''

IDHS currently administers the voluntary Quality Counts Quality Rating System for child care centers and homes operating full day. The Governor's office and state agencies listed above will work together over the next four years to dramatically expand the rating system to include part and full day, school and center-based early learning and development programs and all licensed child care. Part day programs will include Illinois' Preschool for All programs and federally funded Head Start programs. The expanded 5 Star system will have state facility requirements and quality criteria that must be met for programs to be at a Star Level.

If Illinois is successful in receiving the grant, funds will support extensive professional development resources and coaching opportunities for early learning and development program providers to aid them in achieving higher Star levels.

Illinois' "Early Learning Challenge Fund" application is designed to provide consistency and ensure improvement in the quality of programs offered through state funds by focusing on educational and developmental components, family support and staff competency. Through greater inter-agency collaboration, Illinois aims to offer a coordinated system of high-quality early learning and development services available, particularly for children and families considered to be at risk.

For more information about the Illinois Early Learning Council and to view Illinois' application, visit www2.illinois.gov/earlychildhood/Pages/EarlyLearningChallenge.aspx

###
25 Oct 2011

Safe Kids Releases First-of-Its Kind Halloween Research Study

By Craig Cooper
Twice As Many Child Pedestrians Are Killed While Walking on Halloween

Quad Cities - Safe Kids Quad Cities shares the newest research report on Halloween safety to Quad Cities area; a key finding showing that only one third of parents talk to their children annually about Halloween safety. This is a first-of-its kind study on Halloween-safety, which was commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a poll of 935 parents with children ages 12 and younger to assess their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to Halloween safety.

"Given children's limited attention spans, repeated and consistent messages about safe behaviors are key to preventing injuries," says Keene Hart. "By following the basic safety tips provided by Safe Kids, Halloween can be a fun and safe night for children of all ages."

On average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year. On this potentially dangerous night of the year for child pedestrians, Safe Kids Quad Cities strongly recommends that parents prepare children to behave safely and for drivers to take extra precautions.

While most of the parent participants in the study have talked to their children about Halloween safety at some point, many have not made it an annual conversation. Safe Kids Quad Cities urges parents to engage in repeated discussions with each child, every year to reinforce safety messages and safe behaviors because of the risks they face on Halloween.

According to the study, 40 percent of parents allow their child to use one or more unsafe item on Halloween such as a mask, loosing fitting clothing, and / or a sharp object - any of which could contribute to falls, burns or pedestrian injuries. These are preventable hazards that could be avoided by following Safe Kids Quad Cities safety tips.

Another key finding of this report shows twelve percent of children five years of age or younger are permitted to trick-or-treat alone. Not only should these young children be accompanied by an adult, but it is also recommended by Safe Kids that no child under 12 years of age spend Halloween night navigating the streets unsupervised. This recommendation was made to protect children who often lack the maturity and cognitive ability to make appropriate decisions to accurately judge speeds and distance.

"It is alarming to hear that children ages five years and younger are trick-or-treating without adult supervision," added Keene Hart. "If they are old enough and mature enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, parents should make sure children go out in groups and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting."

In preparation for Halloween, Safe Kids Quad Cities will team up with Walk This Way program sponsor FedEx to provide kids with reflective materials to promote visibility, including zipper tags that can be attached to costumes and trick-or-treat bags, as well as important safety information to children, parents, and drivers. The Halloween study was made possible through funding provided by FedEx.

To ensure a safer celebration of Halloween, Safe Kids Quad Cities and FedEx recommend the following tips to parents and caregivers:

Trick-or-Treating Safety:

  • Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.

  • Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

  • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

  • Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, choose light colored costumes that fit properly and avoid carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects.

  • Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded, torn, or unwrapped.

What Drivers Need to Know:

  • Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

  • Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on early in the day so you can spot children from greater distances.

  • Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.

  • Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

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