29 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Strengthen Rights for Consumers Denied or Dropped by Health Insurers

By Andrew Mason

New Law Permits Independent Review of Health Insurance Rescissions and Denials for Pre-Existing Conditions

CHICAGO - August 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to strengthen the state's Health Carrier External Review Act, which allows a consumer to appeal certain health insurance claim denials to independent review organizations approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI). House Bill 224 ensures that Illinois law conforms to numerous minimum consumer protections required by federal law.  

"Too many Illinois patients and their families have paid expensive premiums for health insurance only to see coverage dropped or denied, often when it is needed most," Governor Quinn said. "This new law will help protect individuals - especially those with pre-existing conditions - by increasing fairness in the process." 

The Health Carrier External Review Act, which was passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 2009, requires health insurance companies to establish and maintain external review procedures that allow a consumer to appeal the denial of certain health insurance claims to independent review organizations. Independent review organizations are composed of medical experts and are approved by the DOI.

The federal Affordable Care Act mandates that all state external review laws must meet certain minimum consumer protections, including the timeframe in which a decision must be reached or who can assign an independent review organization to review an appeal. State external review laws that fail to meet these minimum consumer protections will be pre-empted by a federal external review process.

House Bill 224 amends Illinois' external review law to meet the required consumer protections. The law also extends Illinois' external review rights to consumers whose coverage has been rescinded or who have been denied a benefit due to a pre-existing health condition. 

Rescission refers to the practice of canceling coverage for individuals. Rescission sometimes occurs after a consumer files a claim, putting their coverage into effect; the practice can leave a patient suddenly uncovered by insurance after an expensive procedure has already taken place.  Illinois has far more rescissions than any state in the United States and, per capita, is second only to New Mexico.

Sponsored by Rep. Mary E. Flowers (D-Chicago) and Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), House Bill 224 was an initiative of the Illinois Department of Insurance and is based on model law adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) through a public process with stakeholders including consumers, health care providers, health insurers and insurance agents.

"This is a significant step in providing stronger recourse for individuals facing rescissions or denials due to pre-existing conditions," Rep. Flowers said.  "This new law protects consumers and brings Illinois law in line with federal requirements."

House Bill 224 goes into effect immediately.

###

29 Aug 2011

Gene and Shirley Newell Inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

By Joy Venhorst

Gene and Shirley Newell of Scott Coounty have been inducted into the 2011 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 21.

Eighty-eight Iowa counties are participating this year and have selected 121 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members will be presented a certificate by the Iowa 4-H Foundation as they are introduced on stage.

Gene and Shirley Newell feel 4-H is an educational experience no one should miss! Their lives have been involved with Extension and they value the influences it has had in their lives and the lives of their children. Skills learned in 4-H enabled their 3 children to find fun filled careers. Projects such as dairy and public speaking taught responsibility and leadership. Shirley has been an advocate for 4-H for 32 years on the fair board for the Mississippi Valley Fair with Gene assisting as a 4-H supervisor at the fair. They have been generous donors to the Iowa 4-H Foundation and Scott County 4-H. Their perseverance and enthusiasm has been an asset to generations of 4-H members and Extension staff.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program, said Becky Bray ISU Extension Director.  Many inductees served as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa's 4-H'ers through the years.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the counties and state to recognize and celebrate 4-H volunteers and staff who have shown outstanding service and dedication to Iowa's 4-H program," said Chuck Morris, director of ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development.

The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame was initiated in 2002 to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of 4-H. Information about previous inductees will be available at the 2011 Iowa State Fair in the 4-H Exhibits Building. Information about previous inductees also is available on the Iowa 4-H Foundation website, organized by year and by county. Go to http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/ and select "Recognition."

-30-

29 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Requests Federal Assistance to Speed Recovery from Flash Flooding in Northwest Illinois

By Katelyn Tye

Would Help Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties

CHICAGO - August 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today requested federal assistance to help people, businesses and local governments in Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties recover from flash flooding in late July. In a letter to President Barack Obama, Governor Quinn requested federal assistance to help local governments in the three counties recoup 75 percent of their disaster-related expenses. Governor Quinn also requested assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help people and businesses in Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties that were affected by the 15 inches of rainfall.

"The people in Northwest Illinois have suffered through three major weather-related disasters in the past 12 months," Governor Quinn said. "With many roads washed out and hundreds of homes damaged, federal assistance is needed to help these communities quickly recover."

Earlier this week, representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) met with local government representatives in the three counties to review flood and storm-related expense information, including costs for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or replacement of government-owned facilities. That review determined that local government expenses related to the flooding total more than $7.5 million.

Representatives from IEMA, FEMA and the SBA also toured the area this week to assess damage to homes and businesses. Governor Quinn used information from the damage assessments to certify that Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties each had at least 25 homes or businesses that have sustained uninsured losses of 40 percent or more, as required for SBA assistance.

If Governor Quinn's request is approved, low-interest loans would be available to people and businesses in Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties, as well as adjacent Carroll County.

On August 10, Governor Quinn declared the three counties state disaster areas and pledged the state's commitment to helping the area recover.

###

29 Aug 2011

Samantha Adrales of Davenport picked for Cornhusker Marching Band

By readMedia

LINCOLN, NEB. -- (08/26/2011)(readMedia)-- Samantha Adrales of Davenport will be part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's 290-member Cornhusker Marching Band in 2011. A freshman English major, Adrales is in the flag corps. The band will make its debut Sept. 3 at Memorial Stadium with pre-game and halftime performances at Nebraska's football season opener against the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.

This year's band includes representatives from nearly every region of the country, but 80 percent of the students are from Nebraska. Nearly one-fourth (23 percent) of the students are music or music education majors. The rest of the students are studying in more than 70 other degree programs across campus. Each band member passed two auditions to gain admittance to the group.

Anthony M. Falcone, associate director of bands in the UNL School of Music, is the director of the Cornhusker Marching Band. Douglas W. Bush is the assistant director of bands and assistant marching band director. Carolyn Barber, associate professor of music, is director of bands. Other band staff members are graduate teaching assistants Raul Barcenes, Jeremy Cardamone and Eric Chrostoski. Ben Coleman is the band's percussion instructor and Ashlea Jurgens-Woitzel is the color guard instructor. Rose Johnson is the administrative technician for the band program, Jan Deaton is the office associate and Nolan Schmit is the marching band's announcer.

The drum majors for the 2011 marching band are seniors Joanie Halouska of Plattsmouth, Andrew Kroeger of Omaha, and Tommy Krueger of Lincoln. The twirler is junior Rachel Foehlinger of Omaha.

The Cornhusker Marching Band was founded in 1879 as an ROTC unit and is one of the oldest marching bands in the nation. The Marching Red has received many honors throughout its 132-year history, including a Distinguished Recognition Trophy presented by John Philip Sousa in 1927 and the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Trophy in 1996 for high musical standards and innovative marching routines. The Sudler Trophy is the highest honor given to collegiate bands.

The Marching Red has been seen by millions of viewers on television including in 2005, when the band was featured on the NBC prime-time series, "Tommy Lee Goes to College," and in 2007 on ABC's "Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition."

The band was the first collegiate ensemble to perform at all the major football bowl games (Rose, Orange, Fiesta, Sugar and Cotton). The full marching band will be traveling to the Nebraska game at Michigan on Nov. 19. Pep bands will travel to the Wyoming, Wisconsin and Minnesota games.

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Samantha-Adrales-of-Davenport-picked-for-Cornhusker-Marching-Band/2965347.

26 Aug 2011

Ron Paul Issues Statement on Libya

By Ron Paul 2012 in Iowa
Yet another unconstitutional and costly adventure
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - Today, 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul issued a statement on the situation in Libya. See comments below.

"The current situation in Libya may be a short term victory for Empire, but it is a loss for our American Republic. And, I fear it may be devastating to the Libyan people.

"There is no doubt that Moammar Gadhafi is a bad guy, and that he has brought harm and misery to his country. However, our involvement in another country's civil war is costly and unconstitutional.

"We have spent over $1 billion on a war that this administration has fought not with the consent of Congress but under a NATO flag and authorization from the United Nations.

"It is a serious thing for a President to engage us in a war. He is bound by our Constitution to seek authority from the People, through our Congress, prior to engaging in any military action unless that action is to address an imminent threat to our safety and security. The situation in Libya is a civil war contained within that country's sovereign borders, and it presented no imminent threat to the United States.

"And so, our government continues to spend trillions of dollars in overseas foreign wars while we face unsustainable debt, a looming dollar crisis, and our Constitution seems to lose any meaning. These actions will sink our country if we do not reverse course.

"Meanwhile, we must beware of any 'Mission Accomplished' euphoria. The conflict in Libya is far from over, and there could very well be war in Libya for a long time to come.

"While I hope and pray that the hostility draws to a close and the people there find peace, I fear this is only wishful thinking. We face a situation where a rebel element we have been assisting may very well be radical jihadists, bent on our destruction, and placed in positions of power in a new government.

"Worse still, Gadhafi's successor is likely to be just as bad, or worse, than Gadhafi himself.   Alternately, Libya may descend into anarchy like Somalia after the overthrow of dictator Siad Barre.  Much like when we removed Saddam Hussein, another thug in Iraq, the likelihood of either a new brutal dictatorship or tribal violence and a protracted insurgency are much more likely than the peaceful transition to democracy we are all hoping for.

"With all these problems and the predictable chaos that will likely ensue, we must ask why this administration was so eager to embark on this Libyan operation in the name of 'humanitarianism.' Governments in Bahrain and Yemen have this year used military force to put down democratic protestors. The Saudi regime, which practices Sharia Law, has also been repressive, yet we have not intervened there. These countries continue to sell us oil, while Libya had begun to turn their exports toward Russia, China, India, and Brazil. Could this war largely be about protecting our oil interests at the expense of our Constitution?

"This episode is all too familiar. We were already involved in two wars that have dragged on years longer than the people who led us into them initially predicted.  We can no longer afford to police the world, in terms of both dollars and American lives. We will destroy ourselves if we do not stop, build a strong national defense at home, and focus on trade and commerce with the world instead of Empire."

Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC. www.RonPaul2012.com

###
26 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Thursday, August 25, 2011**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - August 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:  

   

Bill No.: HB 78  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Creates the offense of criminal trespass to a safe school zone.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 190  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Allows for at least 5 charter schools in the Chicagoland area to educate students from low-performing or overcrowded schools and also be devoted to those high school students at risk of dropping out.   

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 237  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Creates the Illinois Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission.     

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 242  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Creates a timeframe for counties to respond to requests from townships to demolish or repair buildings considered to be a nuisance or hazard to the community and extends the time allowed for townships to pay back loans on new building projects.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 299  

An Act Concerning: Public Health  

Creates a reporting requirement for all CD4 and HIV viral load test results.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

Bill No.: HB 806  

An Act Concerning: Safety  

Places notification requirements on landowners who apply sludge to farmland.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1056  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows municipalities to adopt rules of procedure concerning participation during public hearings.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1069  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Requires director of the Illinois State Police to develop a process for waiver applications for qualified State police officers to act as death and homicide investigators and may grant waivers.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1095  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

The bill prohibits the use of controls in forced air heating equipment "in any non-residential structure," except for structures used for production agriculture, and provides for criminal penalties for violations of rebuilt flame safeguard controls.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1153  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Creates the Illinois Residential Real Property Transfer on Death Instrument Act.  

Action:  Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1193  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Sets an 18-month time limit for insurance companies to recoup payments made to providers in error.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1218  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Changes a number of requirements concerning tax sales and other changes to the property tax code.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: July 1, 2012  

Bill No.: HB 1488  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Creates a Management Improvement Initiative Committee to implement recommendations made in a report concerning streamlining oversight of human service providers.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1571  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Makes technical changes to the Care of Students with Diabetes Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1908  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Prohibits persons on parole/release for meth charges to buy pseudoephedrine unless prescribed by a physician.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1909  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Amends service of process requirements under the Counties Code for property owners who have repeatedly violated the code.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1929  

An Act Concerning: Corrections  

Increases from $2 to $5 the amount of co-payment the Illinois Department of Corrections is authorized to collect for non-emergency medical and dental care from inmates.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 1973  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Amends the fee-splitting prohibition in the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2094  

An Act Concerning: Wildlife  

Clarifies the definition of "baiting" in the Wildlife Code.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

Bill No.: HB 2193  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Creates a criminal offense for possession and sale of caustic and noxious substances, and provides for restrictions on the purchase or acquisition of corrosive or caustic acid.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 2362  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Clarifies how a defendant's medical records are given to a court-appointed expert for a determination of the defendant's fitness to stand trial.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 2804  

An Act Concerning: Wildlife  

Allows for the donation of unwanted or unclaimed deer meat by licensed meat processors.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediate  

   

Bill No.: HB 3005  

An Act Concerning: Parentage  

Restricts the definition of the term "parent" as it relates to child protection proceedings in juvenile court.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3012  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Requires stable keepers to have an enforceable lien for the cost of unpaid boarding and related expenses for horses as well as all personal property left on the premises.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3115  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Authorizes the Illinois State Board of Education to provide funding to K-12 public and private schools for the purchase of selected textbooks through a new state block grant, replacing the former Illinois Textbook Loan Program.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

Bill No.: HB 3237  

An Act Concerning: Employment  

Creates a criminal penalty of a Class A misdemeanor for violating the Prevailing Wage Act and debars those convicted or found guilty of violations of the Act for a period of 4 years.  Permits state, local and federal law enforcement agencies to obtain relevant documents from contractors and subcontractors.  Also, ensures that officers and agents of corporations who perform prevailing wage work are held accountable for the actions of their corporations.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3300  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Amends the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act regarding victim impact statements at sentencing hearings and expands the duties of victim advocate personnel.     

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 3414  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Transfers the Illinois Main Street Program to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council to the Governor's Office.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

   

###

26 Aug 2011

Help Us Reach 1,700 Runners in Run with Carl's 17th Year

By Administrator

BETTENDORF, IA - The Bettendorf Rotary's Run with Carl will be held on Monday, September 5th. The 5Mile Run and the  5K run/walk and 1/2 and 1-mile fun runs for children 12 and under start and finish at the Bettendorf Life Center (2222 Middle Rd., Bettendorf) with Awards to follow at approximately 9:30 a.m. The course remains the same as in previous years. Entry fees are $20 for the 5K Run/Walk or 5 Mile Run for no t-shirt and $25 for the 5K Run/Walk or 5 Mile Run with a t-shirt. The youth entry fee for the ½ and 1-mile fun run is $10.

Race Day registrants are not eligible for awards so pre-registration is encouraged.

For pre-registered runners, packet pick up will take place at the Bettendorf Life Fitness Center parking lot (2222 Middle Road) on:

  • Friday, September 2nd 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 3rd Noon until 3:00 p.m.

The 2010 Run with Carl attracted 1,300 runners and raised funds to support college scholarships for Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley graduates. This year, we hope to knock that number out of the park by registering 1700 runners for the 17th year of the race. Participants may register online only at www.runwithcarl.com.

Carl Schillig was 15 years old when he was killed in a car-pedestrian accident in 1994. Carl was active in a variety of community, school and church activities. In commemoration of his life, the Run With Carl Walk/Run attracts participants to the challenging, but scenic, course following city streets, neighborhoods and the Bettendorf Recreation Path.

For more information or to register, visit the website at www.runwithcarl.com or find us on Facebook by searching for "Run with Carl."

About the Bettendorf Rotary: The Bettendorf Rotary Club was chartered in 1957. The group meets every Wednesday at noon at Fortune Garden Restaurant (2211 South Kimberly Road, Bettendorf). They are the Title Sponsor of Run with Carl.

About the Carl D. Schillig Memorial Fund, Inc.: The Carl D. Schillig Memorial Fund was established in 1995 in memory of Carl Schillig who was killed at the age of 15 in a car-pedestrian accident. The fund provides a $4000 college scholarship to graduates of Pleasant Valley High School - which Carl attended - and Bettendorf High School graduates. With Carl's philanthropy as its inspiration, the nonprofit also distributes proceeds from the run to organizations in which Carl was active, including the Bettendorf Pleasant Valley Aquatics, the Cornbelt Running Club, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

-end-

26 Aug 2011

Last Chance To Sign Up German Language Classes

By Kathryn Davis

The German American Heritage Center is offering German Language Classes to be held on twelve consecutive Thursdays beginning September 1 through November 17.

 

The Level l Beginning Class will be 5:00 - 6:30

The Level ll Advanced Class will be 7:00 - 8:30

 

The course is $95.00 for non GAHC members and$75.00 for GAHC members plus $20 for the textbook (members receive a 10% discount off books purchased at the GAHC.) 

 

Registrations are due by phone at (563)322-8844 or by email at info@gahc.org by August 26.

26 Aug 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Electric Car Coming To Illinois This Fall

By Katelyn Tye

Early Introduction of Nissan LEAF Driven by State's Targeted Green Investments

 

CHICAGO - August 25, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today joined representatives from Nissan to announce that its zero-emissions, all-electric LEAF will arrive early in Illinois, thanks to the Quinn administration's targeted green state investments in car-charging technology and strong interest among Illinois consumers. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's ongoing commitment to ensuring that Illinois continues its leadership in sustainability and the green economy while protecting consumers.

"Illinois is laying the groundwork for electric vehicles and a more green economy, and our efforts are paying off," Governor Quinn said. "By investing in electric vehicle technology, both the state of Illinois and Nissan are making transportation in our state more efficient, sustainable and affordable."

The Nissan LEAF is the first and only 100-percent electric, zero-emission vehicle available on the mass market. Early rollout of the vehicle in Illinois was driven in part by availability of electric vehicle charging stations in the Chicagoland area. Throughout this year, 280 car-charging stations are being installed throughout the metropolitan area thanks to a $1 million investment from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital program and an additional $1 million grant secured by the city of Chicago through the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program.

"Governor Quinn, Mayor Emanuel and other visionary Chicago-area leaders have paved the way for mass market adoption of electric cars in their community," Scott Becker, senior vice president, Administration and Finance, Nissan Americas said. "Chicagoland consumers want a transportation solution that uses no gas and produces no emissions, and the introduction of the Nissan LEAF to Illinois makes that a reality."

Nissan has accelerated the timeline for the LEAF rollout in Illinois due to strong consumer demand spurred by rising gas prices, the spread of charging infrastructure and the availability of state incentives to encourage the adoption of electric and other alternative technology vehicles. In addition to a $7,500 federal tax credit for alternative fuel vehicles, Illinois also offers up to $4,000 in state rebates, making the LEAF an affordable option for consumers.

The LEAF is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the most efficient car it has ever certified, regardless of fuel, rating a gasoline-equivalent of 99 miles a gallon, with a range of over 100 miles per charge. It was named as the 2011 Eco-Friendly Car of the Year by Cars.com, ranked as the top green car of 2011 by the Kelley Blue Book and was chosen by international journalists as the 2011 World Car of the Year.

###

26 Aug 2011

A VACATION THAT TURNS INTO A MISSION TRIP

By Janine Parr

In early March 2011, Vernon and Loma Wegerer were among a group of twenty four on African Safari to Tanzania with Linda Meadors of Blue Horizon Travel. Upon arriving at the Kilimanjaro Airport, we were met by the Bushdrifters in their five land cruisers. The Bushdrifters is a locally owned company providing transportation and guided tours. We toured national parks, observing thousands of animals in their natural habitat.

The Bushdrifters took us to a grade school that they were building in Babati, Tanzania, approximately 300 km from Arusha. At that time the school had just walls, a roof, and wooden desks, but no teaching supplies. Since then, windows and doors have been added. Many small villages have no school at all.

Ann McConachie, a retired school teacher from Downers Grove, Illinois, was among the Safari group. Ann stayed on in Tanzania to teach English. The children in Babati can speak English but need help with sentence structure and writing. After three weeks, Ann returned to the U.S. with a desire to outfit the school with supplies. Supplies that we take for granted. Among those items are educational books, desks, chairs, teacher desks, world maps, supplies, paper, marker boards, notebooks, story books, educational games, and toys.

Vernon is working with Jordan Catholic School on a new building addition which includes new science, computer, and engineering labs outfitted with the best equipment available. Learning of the needs of the school in Babati, Jordan's administration offered to donate old, unused furniture being stored at the former Sacred Heart School, Rock Island.

On Friday August 26th, a truck with be loaded with the furniture and sent to Hinsdale, Illinois. It will then be placed in a container and shipped to Arusha, where Bushdrifters will transport the contents to Babati School.

Ann plans to return to Africa in January, 2012, for four months to instruct teachers to be more effective in teaching the English language.

Members of the tour group have established a non-for-profit fund, "AMKA AFRIKA SCHOOL FOUNDATION". Donations will be used to help pay miscellaneous expenses for the school.

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