Davenport, Iowa -- On September 6, Iowa State University Extension of Scott County, Lutheran Social Services of Iowa and Genesis Bright Beginnings will sponsor the parenting support and education program PACT (Parenting All Children Together) for an eight week series. The program is financially supported by Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa. The program is designed to educate and offer support to parents and caregivers of children age birth through five years old and reside in Scott County.

"Parenting is the most important job we will ever have. It is also the toughest! What we provide our children from birth through age five stays with them for the rest of their life. With this huge responsibility, we need to work together. This series will bring together parents and caregivers who want the very best for the children in their life," said Jennifer Best, Extension Educator and PACT instructor.

The upcoming PACT series will be the second time the program has been offered to the Scott County community. The last series ending in June was very successful. "It was very rewarding to watch the families open themselves up to the learning process," said Marisa Bloom, Families Program Assistant. "A lot of learning was happening and families were forming bonds and creating informal support systems with their peers. PACT is a needed resource for these very reasons."

For participating in the PACT program member will receive a free meal at every session, free childcare while adults are learning, a free gift at each session, bus tokens to get to the sessions if transportation is needed, $40 worth of items chosen by the participant if they attend at least 5 of the 8 sessions, fun and friendship with other families, and great information to help parents and caregivers help their children be all they can be.

For more information about PACT or to register, contact Marisa at the Iowa State University Extension office at 563-359-7577 or mbloom@iastate.edu.

-30-

Grant will help create a health education program for older adults

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will use a $21,580 grant from The Wellmark Foundation to help revise the Chef Charles nutrition education program for older Iowans.

The Chef Charles Revision Project

According to the Administration on Aging (AoA) and the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA), Iowa ranks fifth in the nation in adults over age 65, with almost 15 percent of the state's population at least 65 years of age. By 2030, more than 22 percent of Iowa's total population is expected to be 65 or older.

Good nutrition and physical activity are integral parts to successful aging, making it important to remind older adults of the best choices in purchasing and preparing food and staying active and alert, said Carlene Russell, IDA Nutrition Manager. "Older adults who consume an adequate diet are more likely to maintain a healthy weight, be mentally and physically fit, and live independently for a longer time."

The Wellmark Foundation grant will fund the Chef Charles Revision Project. The revision will integrate information attained through qualitative program evaluation, professional independent program review, and future needs and preference assessment to create an evidence-based nutrition education program for older adults. This collaborative project is being conducted by ISU Extension and Outreach, Iowa Nutrition Network at the Iowa Department of Health and the IDA.

Currently, the Chef Charles program is offered at about one-third of Iowan congregate meal sites serving more than 3,000 older Iowans, said Sarah Francis, ISU Extension and Outreach nutrition specialist and assistant professor. "We expect this project will result in a nutrition education program that has greater impact and is more cost effective. Our goal is that older Iowans will be less at-risk for poor nutrition, eat more fruits and vegetables, and learn to make more healthful food choices overall. We also expect higher participant satisfaction than the current Chef Charles program."

Grant one of only six competitively selected

The Wellmark Foundation is a nonprofit foundation that seeks to improve the health of Iowans, South Dakotans and their communities. Through its initial 2011 Healthy Communities Grant Program, the foundation received more than 80 grant requests seeking seed support for smaller community health projects. This grant award to Iowa State represents one of six competitively awarded grants to establish pilot efforts or expand health initiatives throughout Iowa and South Dakota.

The Wellmark Foundation awarded a cumulative total of $140,000 to these six grants to serve as catalyst funding for local health projects.

"With a significant number of Iowans age 65 and older, the revised Chef Charles Program has great potential to make an even more significant impact on the physical and mental health of older Iowans, and we're excited to see results in the years to come," said Matt McGarvey, director of The Wellmark Foundation.

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers practical, how-to education based on university research. It's available to any resident of Iowa and is tailored to meet the needs of Iowans. ISU Extension and Outreach educators, specialists and volunteers live and work in all 99 Iowa counties.

For more information on the Chef Charles Revision Project, contact Sarah Francis, 515-294-1456 or slfranci@iastate.edu. For more information regarding The Wellmark Foundation and its grant programs, visit www.wellmark.com/foundation.

About The Wellmark Foundation

The Wellmark Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created by Wellmark Inc., doing business as Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. Please visit The Wellmark Foundation's website at www.wellmark.com/foundation to learn more about the grant program, as well as a list of previous grant recipients. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and The Wellmark Foundation are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

- 30 -

The garden peony is a popular, long-lived perennial that provides abundant flowers in spring and attractive foliage throughout the growing season. If given a good site and proper care, an established peony will flower for many years. To have additional questions answered, contact the horticulturists at hortline@iastate.edu or call 515-294-3108.

 

When is the best time to transplant peonies?

September is the best time to transplant peonies. Begin by cutting the peony stems near ground level. Then carefully dig around and under each plant. Try to retain as much of the root system as possible.  Promptly replant the peony in a sunny, well-drained site.

 

What would be a good planting site for peonies?

Peonies perform best in full sun and well-drained soils. When selecting a planting site, choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Avoid shady areas near large trees and shrubs. Poorly drained soils can often be improved by working in large amounts of compost, peat moss or leaf mold.

 

What is the proper way to divide peonies?

September is the best time to divide peonies. The first step is to cut off the peony stems near ground level. Then carefully dig up the plant. Gently shake the clump to remove loose soil from the root system. Using a sharp knife, divide the clump into sections. Each division should have at least three to five buds (eyes) and a good root system. Smaller divisions will require several years to develop into attractive plants.

 

When planting a peony, dig a hole large enough to comfortably accommodate its entire root system. Position the peony plant in the hole so the buds are 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface (peonies often fail to bloom satisfactorily if the buds are more than 2 inches deep). Fill the hole with soil, firming the soil around the plant as you backfill. Then water thoroughly. Space peonies 3 to 4 feet apart.

 

Is it necessary to periodically divide peonies?

Peonies do not need to be divided on a regular basis. Peonies can be left undisturbed in the garden for 50 or more years. However, large, vigorous peonies can be divided if you want additional plants.

 

When should I cut back the peony foliage?

Peony foliage should not be cut back until it is destroyed by a hard freeze in fall. The foliage manufactures food for the plant. Some of the food is stored in the plant's root system. The more food the peony plant can store in its roots, the better the flower display next spring. Cut off the peony stems at ground level in late October or November. Remove the peony foliage from the garden and destroy it. The removal and destruction of the peony debris helps to control leaf blotch and other fungal diseases.

 

 

-30-

Many of the bids in the 41st Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup included putting native grasses or native pollinator habitat on a portion of the CRP acres. To help landowners learn more about getting good establishment of the native grasses, a field day has been set for Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Iowa State University (ISU) Southeast Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville.

Native grasses are slower to establish than many of the cool season forages farmers normally use for haying and grazing. The seed is also fluffier and may require some different seeding techniques. With proper planning, seeding, and weed control, excellent stands can be established in the first year.

Field day topics will include species selection, seeding mixes, seeding methods, weed control and maximizing wildlife benefits. Special focus will be on establishing native grasses on existing CRP where presently there is brome grass cover. Participants will also have the chance to compare native grass stands that were done as a dormant seeding in the late fall, an early spring frost seeding, and a late spring seeding.

To get to the SE Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm, go 1¾ miles south of Crawfordsville on Hwy 218, then 2 miles east on G-62, then ¾ mile north on the Louisa - Washington Rd. Watch for signs.

The field day is sponsored by ISU Extension and Outreach, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). For more information, call 319-337-2145.

-30-

September 2                        Pesticide Applicator Testing

10am-2pm at the Extension Office

 

September 27                      Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office

7pm

 

October 5                              Aquatic, Forest and Roadside Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 9/28/11, after that $45

At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am

 

October 7                              Pesticide Applicator Testing

10am-2pm at the Extension Office

 

October 25                            Scott County Extension Council Meeting at the Extension Office

7pm

 

October 27                            Mosquito & Public Health Pest Management CIC, $35 if registered by 10/20/11, after that $45

At the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am

 

November 4                         Pesticide Applicator Testing

10am-2pm at the Extension Office

 

November 9                         Ornamental & Turf Applicators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/2/11, after that $45

At the Scott County Extension Office, 1:30pm-4pm

 

November 16                       Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management CIC, $35 if registered by 11/9/11, after that

$45, at the Scott County Extension Office, 9am-11:30am

 

November 29                       Fumigation CIC, $35 if registered by 11/22/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension Office,

9am-11:30am

 

December 2                         Pesticide Applicator Testing

10am-2pm at the Extension Office

 

December 7                         Pest Control Operators CIC, $35 if registered by 11/30/11, after that $45, at the Scott County Extension

Office, 9am-11:30am

 

 

 

Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

Survey shows Paul beating President by 10 percent among unaffiliated voters
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - In a new Rasmussen survey of likely voters, it looks like 2012 Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul is locked in a tight race with President Obama. The poll shows Paul at 38 percent versus the President's 39 percent in a head-to-head matchup. 

"Our campaign is surging and this is further evidence of that," said Ron Paul 2012 Campaign Manager John Tate. "In poll after poll, we see that Americans are eager for true leadership on the important issues we face, and they want real change from a leader who stands for individual liberty and limited government, and who follows the Constitution."

Paul is coming off of a strong finish in the Iowa Straw Poll, where he barely missed the top spot by less than one percent. In addition, recent surveys taken in both New Hampshire and Iowa show the Congressman in the top three of Republican contenders.

A recent Gallup survey, conducted August 17-18, shows Paul only 2 points behind Obama in a general election match up. In a similar head to head survey from last year done by Rasmussen , Paul actually drew a statistical dead heat with the president. And earlier this year in a survey by CNN, he did the best out of the other Republicans put up against Obama in a head-to-head poll.

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

###

CHICAGO - August 23, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:  

   

Bill No.: HB 297  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Requires the Task Force on Inventorying Employment Restrictions submit findings and recommendations concerning employment restrictions that are not reasonably related to public safety.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1091  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Creates a Public-Private Partnership ("P3") Act authorizing P3s and establishing a framework for P3 transportation projects.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1216  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Creates the School District Realignment and Consolidation Commission to study school districts across the state and make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on their findings.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1670  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Requires any elected or appointed member of a public body to complete online training conducted by the Attorney General's Public Access Counselor.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 2934  

An Act Concerning: Public Aid  

Permits the state to interfund borrow for the purpose of enhancing Medicaid reimbursements prior to June 30, 2011.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediate  

   

Bill No.: HB 2955  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Makes technical changes to statute to make sure that the Illinois Compiled Statutes are consistent with laws that were enacted in the 96th General Assembly.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3041  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Adds trust companies to the definition of financial institutions included in the Illinois Notary Public Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3620  

An Act Concerning: Safety  

Requires that structural fill made from coal combustion waste must meet the standards of the American Society of Testing Materials or the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in order to be considered for beneficial use.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 87  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Exempts currency exchanges from the Transmitters of Money Act for the sale, loading, or unloading of stored value cards.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 90  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Removes the requirement that Secretary of State driver facilities have deputy registrars and allows driver facilities to be permanent places for voter registration.   

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 115  

An Act Concerning: Employment  

Increases the civil penalty to $5,000 when an employer interferes or discourages an individual from exercising their rights under the Equal Pay Act or retaliates against an individual for exercising their rights under the Act.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 152  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Requires arbitration for smaller automobile insurance damage claims where the amount in dispute involves less than $2,500.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 153  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Extends the repeal date of the Massage Licensing Act from Jan. 1, 2012, to Jan. 1, 2022 and makes various substantive and technical changes.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 170  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Designates the Governor authority to appoint superintendents for the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) with advice and consent of the Senate.  

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1234  

An Act Concerning: Civil Liabilities  

Allows for more integration between mental health and physical health providers.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1235  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Eliminates a duplicative child care law.     

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1240  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows the Emergency Telephone System Board to purchase real property if the purchase occurred before March 16, 2006.     

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1292  

An Act Concerning: Courts  

Broadens a juvenile court's jurisdiction in order to conduct permanency hearings and allows the Department of Juvenile Justice to obtain matching federal funds under Title IV-E.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1357  

An Act Concerning: Safety  

Allows the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to collect fines for violations of Compliance Commitment Agreements.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1364  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows municipal hospital contract employees to serve on public hospital board.    

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1386  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Allows Cook County residents to apply for a refund of excess property taxes between Sept. 1, 2011 and Sept. 1, 2012.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1470  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Provides that the Prisoner Review Board may schedule a rehearing no later than five (rather than three) years from the date of the parole denial.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1471  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Prohibits the Prisoner Review Board from releasing any material containing any information from the victim to the inmate or inmate's attorney unless the victim provides a waiver.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1553  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Amends the filing dates for semi-annual expense reports required from insurance carriers.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1578  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Grants educational support staff the opportunity to upgrade their skills through professional development institute day attendance.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1602  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Makes various changes regarding mobile dental vans in the Illinois Dental Practice Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1607  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Attempts to protect seniors from being mislead when purchasing or learning about life insurance policies and amends life insurance provisions concerning both proof of death and payment of proceeds.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1622  

An Act Concerning: Health  

Requires the Department of Human Services to conduct a geographic analysis of support services for persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness and report the findings to the General Assembly.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1623  

An Act Concerning: Health  

Requires the Department of Human Services to report on the progress of implementation of Williams v. Quinn consent decree and propagate a new rule governing community-based residential settings.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1740  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Requires parole or mandatory supervised release to be written as part of the sentencing order; changes a condition of mandatory supervised release from mandatory to discretionary.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1761  

An Act Concerning: Public Health  

Provides for expanded screening to identify new diseases and disorders in newborns.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1804  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Guarantees that a restrictive covenant may not limit a person's right to a notice of public hearing.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1821  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Creates the Carbon Dioxide Transportation and Sequestration Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1972  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Requires the purchaser of a property at a foreclosure sale of common interest community unit to pay the court costs incurred by the association in an attempt to collect assessments that are past due.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1996  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Requires the Department of Public Health to develop a plan regarding the relocation of mobile home and manufactured home residents.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2007  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Removes the requirement that the Treasurer's Office publish in Chicago and Springfield newspapers the investment or management policy for the College Savings Pool and the Public Treasurers' Investment Pool.    

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2040  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Provides that the Illinois Anti-Piracy Statute comports with Federal law, with respect to sound recordings, and applies only to those that were initially fixed prior to Feb. 15, 1972.        

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 2042  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Removes a reference to reapportionment by the General Assembly for the Lincoln Land Community College District No. 526, and instead provides that Board of Trustee members must be elected by district at the 2013 consolidated election.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2064  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Grants the Secretary of State the ability to suspend a car's registration if it is confirmed that the car was used for gun running.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 2082  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Requires the Secretary of State to publish a report on the number of businesses in Illinois every quarter.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2170  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Makes changes to the School Facility Occupation Tax Law which requires the imposition of a sales tax earmarked for school construction if the voters approve the referendum.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2236  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Requires applicants for land surveyor-in-training licenses must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university program.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

Bill No.: SB 2268

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Provides that within 14 days of seizure, the state shall seek a preliminary determination from the circuit court as to whether there is probable cause that the property may be subject to forfeiture.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

###

Rock Island
Library Lines

September 2011

 

Rock Island Public Libraries - Main, 30/31 and Southwest
Did you know?

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you live in Rock Island or the Milan-Blackhawk Library District area, you probably qualify for a free card. See the link below for how to apply.

 

Details

Big Book Sale

Friends of the Rock Island Public Library will hold their next every-other-month big book sale on Thursday, September 1. Sale hours are 9:00 am to 8:00 pm at the 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street. Stop by for shelf-clearing deals!

 

The Friends bookstore is open Monday to Saturday during branch hours. Donations of gently-used books and other materials are always welcome. Please bring them to a volunteer at the Friends bookstore.

Regular Hours Start Sept. 6

All locations make the transition from summer toregular hours on Tuesday, September 6.

 

Main Library is closed Saturday, Sept. 3 due to the cart races downtown. All locations closed Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day.

Furlough Day Sept. 29

The next budgetary furlough day for Rock Island Libraries is Sept. 29. All locations and bookdrops will be closed.

 

Library Closing page

Click to Connect with Us
Find us on Facebook Follow us on TwitterBookletters logo 75 pix Library Logo

Events

Newsletters/Event Calendar

Bookletters advertisement
Signup or Forward to a Friend Sign up at the City of Rock Island eNews site. Choose several options!
Independent Movie for Adults

A Screaming Man posterOur September 1 Independent Movie series title is "A Screaming Man" showing for free at 6 p.m. in the Community Room of the Main Library, 401 19th Street. "A Screaming Man" (Chad/France, 88 minutes) is the story of Adam, a 60-something former swimming champion who's been displaced from his job by his son. Meanwhile, his country is in the throes of a civil war.

 

Independent movies are free. They are not rated. Content may not be suitable for all audiences. Popcorn & discussion included!

Duct Tape for Teens

Teens ages 12 to 18 can tape their way to a fun project at our next teen program:

 

Duct Tape for Teens: Tuesday, Sept. 13, 6:00 pm. at our Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road. Free - colorful duct tape will be supplied!

On Tuesday, September 27, the library will offer a Teen Banned Books night. The program is at 6:00 p.m. at the Main Library. Banned Books Week, September 24-Oct. 1, is held nationwide to celebrate the freedom to read.

 

For more teen events, see our Find us on Facebook teen Facebook page or email Natalie for details.

 

Southwest Map

Learn How to Download eBooks & Audio
Overdrive Ebook and Audio Book download service

The OverDrive digital media collection is a great way to download FREE eBooks and digital audio from the Rock Island Public Library. You'll find instructions via the"Download This" or the OverDrive site, but if you want more help, try this free 'How-to Download" program:

 

Thursday, Sept. 15, 6:00 to 7:00 pm

Main Library Community Room, 401 19th Street

 

The Rock Island Library OverDrive collection is available for use by Rock Island Library cardholders. To make this a hands-on demonstration, please bring your library card, your portable device, the device's owner's manual and a laptop, if you have one. The hands-on class is free.

Children's Programming for September

September storytimes for ages birth to five:

10:30 am, Tuesdays at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch; Wednesdays at the Rock Island Southwest Branch

Fridays at the Rock Island Main Library.

 

Wednesday Lego Clubs for ages three to 11:
· 4:00 pm, Sept. 7, Rock Island Southwest Branch
· 4:00 pm, Sept. 21, Rock Island Main Library
· 4:00 pm, Sept. 28, Rock Island 30/31 Branch

Friends, Alpha Book Club Meet Sept. 12

Friends of the Rock Island Library meet at 11:30 am Monday, Sept. 12 at First Baptist Church. John Phillips, retiring city manager, will present the program. Fee is $6.50 for lunch and an RSVP is required. Call 786-5293.

 

Alpha Book Club meets at 3 p.m. on Sept.12, to discuss "Cutting for Stone" by Abrahm Verghese. Main Library, free.

Learn About Some 'Unlikely Heroes'

Photo of actress Elaine RembrandtThe Rock Island Public Library and the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities wil co-present a free one-woman play about the shadowy world of female spies onThursday, September 22.

 

Actress Elaine Rembrandt will present her play,  'Unlikely Heroes' from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

 

In this free theater program, Rembrandt reveals the untold stories of Jewish spies from three privotal moments in history -- Palestine on the brink of World War I, the invasion of France by Nazi Germany and the conflicts surrounding the newborn state of Israel. Says Rembrandt, "Women like Sarah Aaronsohn, Shulamit Cohen Kishik and Marthe Cohncould have chosen safety, but instead they put themselves in harm's way, facing life-threatening decisions and risks."

 

The actress recently won rave reviews for her performance in the title role in Golda, by William Gibson, at the Halle Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio.

 

The show is free and open to the public.

 

CHICAGO - August 23, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:  

   

Bill No.: HB 297  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Requires the Task Force on Inventorying Employment Restrictions submit findings and recommendations concerning employment restrictions that are not reasonably related to public safety.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1091  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Creates a Public-Private Partnership ("P3") Act authorizing P3s and establishing a framework for P3 transportation projects.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1216  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Creates the School District Realignment and Consolidation Commission to study school districts across the state and make recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly on their findings.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 1670  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Requires any elected or appointed member of a public body to complete online training conducted by the Attorney General's Public Access Counselor.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: HB 2934  

An Act Concerning: Public Aid  

Permits the state to interfund borrow for the purpose of enhancing Medicaid reimbursements prior to June 30, 2011.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediate  

   

Bill No.: HB 2955  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Makes technical changes to statute to make sure that the Illinois Compiled Statutes are consistent with laws that were enacted in the 96th General Assembly.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3041  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Adds trust companies to the definition of financial institutions included in the Illinois Notary Public Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: HB 3620  

An Act Concerning: Safety  

Requires that structural fill made from coal combustion waste must meet the standards of the American Society of Testing Materials or the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in order to be considered for beneficial use.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 87  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Exempts currency exchanges from the Transmitters of Money Act for the sale, loading, or unloading of stored value cards.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 90  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Removes the requirement that Secretary of State driver facilities have deputy registrars and allows driver facilities to be permanent places for voter registration.   

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 115  

An Act Concerning: Employment  

Increases the civil penalty to $5,000 when an employer interferes or discourages an individual from exercising their rights under the Equal Pay Act or retaliates against an individual for exercising their rights under the Act.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 152  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Requires arbitration for smaller automobile insurance damage claims where the amount in dispute involves less than $2,500.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 153  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Extends the repeal date of the Massage Licensing Act from Jan. 1, 2012, to Jan. 1, 2022 and makes various substantive and technical changes.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 170  

An Act Concerning: Government  

Designates the Governor authority to appoint superintendents for the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) with advice and consent of the Senate.  

Action: Amendatorily Vetoed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1234  

An Act Concerning: Civil Liabilities  

Allows for more integration between mental health and physical health providers.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1235  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Eliminates a duplicative child care law.     

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1240  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows the Emergency Telephone System Board to purchase real property if the purchase occurred before March 16, 2006.     

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1292  

An Act Concerning: Courts  

Broadens a juvenile court's jurisdiction in order to conduct permanency hearings and allows the Department of Juvenile Justice to obtain matching federal funds under Title IV-E.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1357  

An Act Concerning: Safety  

Allows the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to collect fines for violations of Compliance Commitment Agreements.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1364  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Allows municipal hospital contract employees to serve on public hospital board.    

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1386  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Allows Cook County residents to apply for a refund of excess property taxes between Sept. 1, 2011 and Sept. 1, 2012.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1470  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Provides that the Prisoner Review Board may schedule a rehearing no later than five (rather than three) years from the date of the parole denial.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1471  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Prohibits the Prisoner Review Board from releasing any material containing any information from the victim to the inmate or inmate's attorney unless the victim provides a waiver.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1553  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Amends the filing dates for semi-annual expense reports required from insurance carriers.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1578  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Grants educational support staff the opportunity to upgrade their skills through professional development institute day attendance.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1602  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Makes various changes regarding mobile dental vans in the Illinois Dental Practice Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1607  

An Act Concerning: Insurance  

Attempts to protect seniors from being mislead when purchasing or learning about life insurance policies and amends life insurance provisions concerning both proof of death and payment of proceeds.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1622  

An Act Concerning: Health  

Requires the Department of Human Services to conduct a geographic analysis of support services for persons with developmental disabilities or mental illness and report the findings to the General Assembly.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1623  

An Act Concerning: Health  

Requires the Department of Human Services to report on the progress of implementation of Williams v. Quinn consent decree and propagate a new rule governing community-based residential settings.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1740  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Requires parole or mandatory supervised release to be written as part of the sentencing order; changes a condition of mandatory supervised release from mandatory to discretionary.   

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1761  

An Act Concerning: Public Health  

Provides for expanded screening to identify new diseases and disorders in newborns.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1804  

An Act Concerning: Revenue  

Guarantees that a restrictive covenant may not limit a person's right to a notice of public hearing.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1821  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Creates the Carbon Dioxide Transportation and Sequestration Act.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 1972  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Requires the purchaser of a property at a foreclosure sale of common interest community unit to pay the court costs incurred by the association in an attempt to collect assessments that are past due.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 1996  

An Act Concerning: Civil Law  

Requires the Department of Public Health to develop a plan regarding the relocation of mobile home and manufactured home residents.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2007  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Removes the requirement that the Treasurer's Office publish in Chicago and Springfield newspapers the investment or management policy for the College Savings Pool and the Public Treasurers' Investment Pool.    

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2040  

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law  

Provides that the Illinois Anti-Piracy Statute comports with Federal law, with respect to sound recordings, and applies only to those that were initially fixed prior to Feb. 15, 1972.        

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 2042  

An Act Concerning: Education  

Removes a reference to reapportionment by the General Assembly for the Lincoln Land Community College District No. 526, and instead provides that Board of Trustee members must be elected by district at the 2013 consolidated election.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2064  

An Act Concerning: Transportation  

Grants the Secretary of State the ability to suspend a car's registration if it is confirmed that the car was used for gun running.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

   

Bill No.: SB 2082  

An Act Concerning: State Government  

Requires the Secretary of State to publish a report on the number of businesses in Illinois every quarter.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2170  

An Act Concerning: Local Government  

Makes changes to the School Facility Occupation Tax Law which requires the imposition of a sales tax earmarked for school construction if the voters approve the referendum.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Immediately  

   

Bill No.: SB 2236  

An Act Concerning: Regulation  

Requires applicants for land surveyor-in-training licenses must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university program.  

Action: Signed  

Effective Date: Jan. 1  

 

Bill No.: SB 2268

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Provides that within 14 days of seizure, the state shall seek a preliminary determination from the circuit court as to whether there is probable cause that the property may be subject to forfeiture.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1

###

Three New Laws Support Servicemembers and Their Families

SPRINGFIELD - August 21, 2011. As part of his ongoing commitment to servicemembers and their families, Governor Pat Quinn today signed three laws that will protect Veterans and support military families.

"Our servicemembers are the heart and soul of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Whether they are returning home from service or defending our country overseas, we want them to feel confident that they and their families are taken care of back home." 

Sponsored by Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) and Sen. David Koehler (D-Pekin), House Bill 2870 will provide schools with another way to identify students with active duty parents and provide much-needed counseling and support. The new law requires K-12 public and private schools to allow students to voluntarily identify themselves as having parents actively serving in the armed forces. This allows the school to provide counseling and support for students whose parents are currently or will soon be deployed.

"Governor Quinn stands with Veterans and their families on military issues, and we will continue to fight together to improve life for our Veterans," Rep. Chapa LaVia said. "This new law will help make sure that we are giving the children of servicemembers the support they need."

House Bill 3255 allows Illinois State Police troopers, Illinois National Guard members and volunteer nonprofits serving small populations to apply to a fee wavier for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. Sponsored by Rep. Donald Moffitt (R-Galesburg) and Sen. Carole Pankau (R-Bloomingdale), this bill will encourage more first responders, including state troopers and members of the National Guard, to complete additional emergency medical training and become certified EMTs, which will also improve unit safety when servicemembers are deployed.

"Many times, troopers, volunteer ambulance members, volunteer firefighters or members of the National Guard are the first to reach a victim of an accident, disaster or other situation involving life-threatening injuries." Rep. Moffitt said "The more emergency medical training they have, the better they will be able to help until paramedics or doctors can take over."

Sponsored by Sen. Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (D-Orland Park), Senate Bill 1672 requires all pension funds and retirement systems to comply with the federal Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 (HEART ACT). This law ensures that additional tax and pension benefits are granted to Illinois servicemembers who are absent from work due to duty in uniformed military service.

The new laws all take effect immediately.

###

Pages