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.

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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

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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.

25 Oct 2011

Calder Quartet performs this Saturday

By Jared Johnson

The Signature Series, a collection of small acoustic ensembles performing in diverse halls around the Quad Cities begins this weekend with the Calder Quartet. This group from Los Angeles, brought to the Quad Cities as part of the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series, performs in the Grand Lobby of the Putnam Museum Saturday at 8 PM. The Calder Quartet performs a unique array of repertoire including traditional quartet music, as well as that from innovative, modern composers and emerging musicians across genres.

 

Tickets for the concerts are just $18, and if you buy all three Signature Series concerts you can save 15%. January 21 will feature the Lyrebird Ensemble at the Figge Art Museum and May 19 will feature the driving rhythms of composer Marc Mellits at the River Music Experience. The first thing you'll do after each concert in is tweet: "That was the best music I've heard in a long time."

 

To read more about the Calder Quartet, click here. Or see them playing Mozart's 'Dissonance' Quartet and other videos by clicking here.

 

I see a concert in your future...

 

The 2011-12 Masterworks season continues on November 5th and 6th with Poems on Fate: a collection of symphonic poems all dealing with the question of why we do what we do. This concert brings together four sonic essays: Verdi's Overture to the La Forza del Destino, Brahms' choral Song of Destiny, and Strauss' glorious Death and Transfiguration, and Liszt's well-known meditation Les Preludes, portraying all of life as a well-orchestrated prelude to that which comes after.

 

Tickets for Masterworks II may be purchased at 800.745.3000, at all Ticketmaster outlets, or by clicking here. A portion of the proceeds from this concert benefits community health and the charity care needs of our neighbors through the Genesis Health System.

 

Holiday Pops featuring Todd Eldredge

 

Ice skating returns to the Holiday Pops as Olympic ice skater Todd Eldredge, couples skating team Andy and Lindsey Seitz, and the Figure Skating Club of the Quad Cities join the Quad City Symphony Orchestra for this year's Holiday Pops! Guest conductor Michael Butterman, a favorite with the Holiday Pops audience, also returns to lead this star-studded spectacular. Holiday Pops is on November 19 at 7:30 PM and kicks off Quad City Arts' Festival of Trees, along with the Festival of Trees Parade and the Lighting of the Commons. This concert is sponsored by John Deere.

 

Conductor Michael Butterman and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra will also be joined on stage by actor John Getz, known for his roles in such films as the Social Network and Zodiac, and jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis. Both John Getz and Jon Faddis are brought to the Quad Cities by Quad City Arts. And of course the Holiday Pops concert would not be complete without the hundreds of voices from the Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church, Davenport, and the Holiday Pops Children's Chorus.

 

Tickets are on sale now at the i wireless Center box office, at 800.745.3000, or online at www.qcsymphony.com. Tables along the ice are $45 per seat, with tiered pricing in the arena ranging from $15 to $35. Seniors and children can save $2 per ticket and groups of 15 or more can save even more by calling the i wireless Center group sales department at 309.277.1356.

25 Oct 2011

Ron Paul Presidential Campaign Announces Major New Ad Buy

By Randy Stalsberg
Two new ads capture momentum following 'Plan to Restore America' rollout
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today the release of two new broadcast campaign ads that capitalize on the aggressive posture Dr. Paul displayed during his Las Vegas, Nevada "Plan to Restore America" launch.

The 30-second spot "Plan" clearly explains Paul's balanced budget plan to voters, and the 60-second spot "Consistent" compares his distinguished record of advocating conservative principles with the records of his establishment opponents Herman Cain, Mitt Romney and Rick Perry. 

"Plan" and "Consistent" are part of a two week, multi-million dollar blitz in the key early states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada.  The campaign will also run radio versions of these spots, and complement the broadcast push with substantial voter outreach on the same topics.

"The absolutely positive reception of Ron Paul's 'Plan to Restore America' means we're obligated to meet an even higher standard of outreach and discussion," said Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton, a "Plan to Restore America" co-author.

"No other Republican candidate's economic plan matches that of Dr. Paul's, so in turn we thought it only right to follow with a worthy campaign advertising effort," said Mr. Benton.

To view "Plan" click here.  To view "Consistent" click here.
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25 Oct 2011

A Behind the Scene Look at the Asian Carp

By Narveen Aryaputri

October 27,  2011

2nd Floor of  the Moline Commercial Club

1530 Fifth Avenue.  Moline. Illinois.

by Michael Grady, Export Manager at Schafer Fisheries, Thompson, Illinois,

will present why the newest species of carp in America is the most misunderstood fish in America.
Denigrated as inferior and invasive by the media, the Asian carps are in fact delicious, nutritious and an excellent low calorie alternative to hamburger in the American diet.

7.00 p.m. at the The Moline Commercial Club

1530 Fifth Ave. Moline.

Light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.

The event is free and open to the public, doors open at 6.30

Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996. www.qcinstitute.org tel.# 309-762-9202

25 Oct 2011

Legislation to Strengthen, Update Whistleblower Protections Clears Committee

By Grassley Press

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that legislation to strengthen and update the Whistleblower Protection Act unanimously passed the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.

Grassley is one of the primary authors of the bill, known as the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act.  The bill was introduced on April 6.  The legislation is sponsored by Senator Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii and is cosponsored by Grassley along with Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, Carl Levin of Michigan, Tom Carper of Delaware, Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Tom Harkin of Iowa, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Jon Tester of Montana, Mark Begich of Alaska, Ben Cardin of Maryland, and Chris Coons of Delaware.

"Whistleblowers come forward when it isn't easy.  They risk their livelihoods to bring the truth to light.  Yet, they are often vilified by their supervisors and coworkers for doing the right thing and revealing fraud, waste and abuse in the federal government," Grassley said.  "Moving the bill through committee is a step in the right direction, but further improvements, like adding timelines for the Attorney General to address FBI whistleblower retaliation cases, are necessary to make sure these cases don't languish at the Justice Department, as two have for more than 5 years."

The legislation would:

  • clarify that "any" disclosure of gross waste or mismanagement, fraud, abuse, or illegal activity may be protected, but not disagreements over legitimate policy decisions;
  • suspend the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals sole jurisdiction over federal employee whistleblower cases for five years;
  • extend Whistleblower Protection Act coverage and other non-discrimination and anti-retaliatory laws to all employees of the Transportation Security Administration;
  • clarify that whistleblowers may disclose evidence of censorship of scientific or technical information under the same standards that apply to disclosures of other kinds of waste, fraud, and abuse;
  • codify the anti-gag provision that has been part of every Transportation-Treasury Appropriations bill since 1988;
  • allow jury trials under certain circumstances for a period of five years;
  • provide the Merit System Protection Board with authority to consider and grant summary judgment motions in Whistleblower Protection Act cases for a period of 5 years;
  • clarify that employees protected by the Whistleblower Protection Act may make protected classified disclosures to Congress using the same process as Intelligence Community employees;
  • establish protections for the Intelligence Community modeled on existing whistleblower protections for FBI employees;
  • establish a process within the executive branch for review if a security clearance is allegedly denied or revoked because of a protected whistleblower disclosure;
  • establish Whistleblower Protection Ombudsmen to educate agency personnel about whistleblower rights; and
  • provide the Office of Special Counsel with the independent right to file "friend of the court" briefs, or amicus briefs, with federal courts.

A long-time advocate for whistleblowers, in addition to co-authoring the 1989 whistleblower law, Grassley sponsored changes made in 1986 to the President Lincoln-era federal False Claims Act to empower private sector whistleblowers.  Since the 1986 amendments were signed into law, the False Claims Act has brought back more than $27 billion to the federal treasury, and has deterred even more fraudulent activity. In 2009, in coordination with Senator Patrick Leahy, Grassley worked to pass legislation to shore up whistleblower protections in the False Claims Act that had been eroded by the courts after years of litigation by defense and healthcare contractors.

Grassley is also the author of legislation that would give whistleblower protections to employees in the legislative branch as provided already to employees of the executive branch of government. He recently won approval of an amendment that would give whistleblower protections to employees in the judicial branch.  The amendment was added to a bill considered in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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25 Oct 2011

Governor Quinn Helps Illinois Consumers Access Important Information about their Doctors

By Nafia Khan

Illinois Launches New Searchable Physician Profile Website

CHICAGO - October 19, 2011. As part of his ongoing efforts to increase consumer protections and transparency in Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today launched a website that makes important information regarding Illinois' physicians available to the public. Maintained by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the site offers consumers the information they need to make good decisions about their families' health care.

"Information is power, and we want to make sure that people get the information they need to make informed decisions about the doctors who treat them," Governor Quinn said. "This online tool will provide valuable assistance for patients as they choose health care providers for their families."

The website allows health care consumers to review important information about the professional and disciplinary backgrounds of the more than 46,000 physicians and surgeons licensed to practice in Illinois. It offers a search engine that is easy to use, and enables consumers to search by the physician's name, specialty, geographic region or hospital affiliation. The program also allows consumers to compare several doctors who have similar specialties.

More than 85 percent of all licensed physicians and surgeons have provided the information necessary to create or update their profiles. Categories of information available to consumers include : the location and scope of practice; the type of insurance the physician accepts; specialties and certifications; legal and disciplinary actions taken against the physician; educational background; and professional activities or honors.

"It is clear that Illinoisans are craving this information and  they should," said Brent Adams, Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. "Everyone is entitled to providing informed consent to medical treatment - not just being informed as to the procedure or medication, but also being informed as to who is recommending that course of treatment."

The new website takes the place of Illinois' original physician profile website, which was available between 2008 and 2010 and was removed as part of a larger Supreme Court decision. At the time, it averaged over 150,000 hits per week by over 42,000 unique visitors. The Patients' Right to Know Act (House Bill 105), signed into law by the Governor earlier this year, restored Illinois' consumers' right to access this important health care information.

"This legislation is needed even more today than it was in 2008, especially as more doctors are receiving performance-based pay," Representative Mary Flowers, House sponsor of HB 105, said. "It provides valuable information to patients when they go to select a health care provider."

"The Patients Right to Know Act will help to ensure that consumers are choosing the right physician for their needs," Senator Delgado, Chairman of the Senate Public Health Committee and Senate sponsor, said.  "The database created under this Act will enable anyone to search by a doctor's partial first or last name, city, specialty, keyword, or hospital affiliation. Patients will be able to find out ahead of time if the physician has any the specialty certifications or legal and disciplinary actions for the past 5 years in addition to being able to see their resumes."

To find a physician's profile, visit the IDFPR's website: www.idfpr.com, or visit DoctorInfo.illinois.gov.

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25 Oct 2011

Braley Statement on Iowa Bridges Ranking Third Worst in US

By Jeff Giertz

Report ranks Iowa bridges among most "deficient" in the country 

 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after a report by the nonprofit group Transportation for America released today said Iowa has the third worst bridges in the United States in terms of their condition and upkeep:

"For four summers in college, I worked for the Poweshiek County Roads Department fixing roads and bridges.  Iowa's economy moves on its roads.  If they're crumbling, our ability to attract new jobs and new businesses to Iowa will crumble too.

 

"We can create jobs in the short-term and make a lasting boost to economic growth - not to mention keeping Iowans safe - by investing in new highways and proper maintenance of our bridges and roads.  We spent billions rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan - it's irresponsible not to make the same investment here at home."

The report says that nearly 22 percent of Iowa's bridges statewide are considered structurally "deficient."  The only states ranking below Iowa were Pennsylvania and Oklahoma.

The full report can be found at the following link: http://t4america.org/

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25 Oct 2011

TRIVIA NIGHT AT IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

By Jared Johnson

WHO:                  GENERAL PUBLIC

WHAT:                TRIVIA NIGHT

WHEN:                SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2011

TIME:                   5:30 PM SERVING DINNER 6:30 PM TRIVIA

WHERE:             IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3834 ROCKINGHAM ROAD, DAVENPORT, IOWA

Immanuel Lutheran Church & Preschool in Davenport, is having a Trivia Night on Saturday, November 12, 2011 Door open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner. Trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. with 1st and 2nd Place Prizes for the 2 high scoring tables. Tables are available in groups of 6-8 people. Cost is $10 per person. There will also be a Silent Auction and door prizes. Mulligans will also be sold for $1 each with a limit of 10. Bring your own snacks or purchase some from our concessions. Food items: Soup, Chili, Hot dogs, Chili dogs, Nachos, Popcorn, Brownies, Cookies, Coffee, Tea and Lemonade. All Proceeds go towards our Preschool & Christian Education Scholarship Fund.

This event is open to the public. We hope you are able to join us! For more information contact the church office at 563-324-6431

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