12 Jul 2011

State Fair Advanced Admission Tickets on Sale Now

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (07/11/2011)(readMedia)-- Save up to 30% off Iowa State Fair gate admission with advance admission tickets, on sale now through August 10. The 2011 Fair is August 11-21.

Adult admission tickets are just $7 in advance (regularly $10), and children's admission is only $3 in advance (regularly $4). Children 5 and under are admitted free every day. Tickets are good any one Fair day.

New this year, Fairgoers can print advance admission tickets at home when purchasing them online at www.iowastatefair.org. This fee free option is easy and convenient. Beginning July 1, tickets may also be purchased at participating Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee Drugstores, Dahl's Foods, Fareway Stores or, beginning July 11, the State Fair Ticket Office.

Fair Play Packs, 11-day punch cards, food coupons and Midway tickets are also available at iowastatefair.org or, beginning July 11, at the State Fair Ticket Office, located in the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Online orders will close July 29. Walk-up orders will be available until August 10. Cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard or Discover are accepted. All offers good while supplies last.

Fairgoers can enjoy an even bigger benefit when buying early: advance admission tickets have a coupon for a free small Potato Olé® at participating Iowa-area Taco John's. Coupon expires 9/30/11. See store for details.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visitiowastatefair.org.

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/State-Fair-Advanced-Admission-Tickets-on-Sale-Now/2809485

 

12 Jul 2011

Local Students Named to Dean's List at Cornell College

By readMedia

MOUNT VERNON, IA (07/11/2011)(readMedia)-- Cornell College has named 364 students, or about 30 percent of its enrollment, to the Dean's List for the spring semester.

A grade point average of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale is required for this designation. "Highest honors" are granted to students with 4.0 averages; "high honors" are awarded to students with 3.8 to 3.99 averages; and "honors" include grade point averages of 3.6 to 3.79.

Leanna Doyle of Davenport was awarded High Honors.

Christine Nguyen of Davenport was awarded High Honors.

Cynthia Hampton of Illinois City was awarded High Honors.

Featured in Colleges That Change Lives, Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a national liberal arts college with a distinctive One Course At A Time (OCAAT), or block, academic calendar. The OCAAT provides students with intellectual immersion, academic focus, and unique freedom to shed the confines of the traditional classroom to study off-campus, pursue research, or accept an internship-all without missing out on other classes. Cornell's excellent faculty, majors and pre-professional programs, and engaging residential life all combine to offer numerous extraordinary opportunities in the classroom, on campus, and around the world. Founded in 1853, the college's entire hilltop campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For details, go to www.cornellcollege.edu.

12 Jul 2011

VERIZON ANNOUNCES $100,000 IN GRANTS - ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGENCIES

By Administrator

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. - The Verizon Foundation is offering up to $100,000 in grants for Iowa nonprofits that provide services to families whose lives have been upended by domestic violence.

"Our goal is to break the cycle of domestic violence by lending financial support to outstanding organizations in Iowa that have a track record of success with public outreach, education, and providing relief and resources for families," said T.J. Fox, region president for Verizon Wireless.

To be eligible, a grant applicant must file an online request for proposal and be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Iowa. Proposals submitted should focus on programs that aid survivors of domestic violence in the state or involve prevention, awareness and safety enhancements addressing domestic violence.

All grant applications must be submitted through the Verizon Foundation's website, www.verizonfoundation.org/apply. Additional information regarding grant guidelines can be found at the foundation's website.

The deadline for submitting proposals is 10:59 p.m. Central time, Friday, Aug. 12. Verizon will notify recipients of grant decisions by Friday, Sept. 16.

Verizon has a long history of supporting survivors of domestic violence and aiding in its prevention. The HopeLine® program from Verizon collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider. Verizon Wireless then provides wireless phones and airtime to nonprofit organizations for use by domestic violence survivors and cash grants to local shelters and nonprofits that focus on prevention, awareness and advocacy.

Since its inception, HopeLine has collected more than 8 million phones and provided $10 million in grants. Phones that cannot be refurbished are recycled in an environmentally sound way under a zero landfill policy.

In the past four years, the Verizon Foundation has awarded more than $21 million to nonprofit organizations that assist domestic violence survivors.

For Verizon Wireless Updates on Twitter

Stay in the know about Verizon Wireless news in the Midwest by following @VZWcarolyn on Twitter at

About the Verizon Foundation

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. In 2010, the foundation awarded nearly $67 million to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered nearly 6 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

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12 Jul 2011

Harkin Encourages Iowa Students to Apply For Fall Internships

By Harkin Press Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Iowa college students can now apply for fall 2011 internships in his Washington, D.C. and Iowa offices.  An internship in Harkin's personal office, or with the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, is designed for college undergraduates, graduates and law students. Interns assist the staff in the areas of legislation, press, casework and outreach to the state.  Intern responsibilities include performing office duties, writing and researching current legislative issues and acting as general project support to the Senator's staff.

"Years ago, I interned for Representative Neal Smith in the House of Representatives.  The experience provided me with an invaluable firsthand education in how government operates and was the start of my political career.  I encourage bright, young men and women who share this interest in public service to apply for an internship in my offices," Harkin said.

Part-time and full-time internships are available in Harkin's Washington, D.C. personal office, on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee that Harkin chairs, and in his five Iowa offices (Des Moines, Davenport, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City).  Interns typically work during one of three sessions: spring, summer and fall.

Students who are interested in becoming an intern can apply via the web at http://harkin.senate.gov/students/intern.  Questions can be directed to the intern coordinator in Harkin's Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3254.

Deadline: July 22, 2011

12 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Efforts to Boost Development of South Suburban Cook County

By Laurel White

Announces $6.6 Million "IKE" Funding to Revitalize Communities Throughout South Cook; Signs Laws to Support Economy

TINLEY PARK - July 11, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced $6.6 million in federal funding to increase affordable housing, stabilize communities and make infrastructure improvements in six south suburban Cook County communities. Awarded through the "IKE" Disaster Recovery Program, the funding will be used to purchase and rehab or demolish vacant or abandoned homes and to upgrade water-sewer lines and roads in the vicinity of the targeted housing projects. 

"This funding will help revitalize the economy with much needed improvements for several suburban cook county communities," said Governor Quinn. "With this assistance, we're helping to ensure the expansion of affordable housing and improvement of the infrastructure needed to prevent future damage."

The recovery program is named for Hurricane Ike, the 2008 disaster that was one of the costliest hurricanes ever to make landfall in the United States. Illinois received a total of $169 million in federal disaster funds under the IKE to assist communities within 41 Illinois counties recover from devastating floods and storms in 2008 and minimize the impact of future disasters.

Last month, Governor Quinn announced $48 million in public infrastructure investments that were awarded in 85 Illinois communities, including six awards in south suburban Chicago totaling nearly $3.7 million. The awards will support long term recovery by upgrading core public infrastructure severely damaged by the 2008 storms and subsequent flooding throughout the Midwest. Projects range from levee improvements and culvert restoration to upgrades to water and sewer systems, pump stations and replacement of emergency power generators.

Governor Quinn announced the housing and public infrastructure grant awards on behalf of communities in south suburban Chicago during the July meeting of the Southland Chamber of Commerce. A complete list of projects is attached.

During the meeting, Governor Quinn also signed legislation that will help support economic growth in south suburban Chicago. House Bill 1730 sponsored by Rep. Al Riley (D-Hazel Crest) and Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) helps municipalities appropriate funding dedicated to economic development. The Governor also signed House Bill 1215 sponsored by Rep. Riley and Sen. Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest) extends the deadline for the city of Markham to complete a redevelopment project in that TIF district.

For additional information on the IKE Disaster Recovery Program, visit www.ildceo.net/disasterrecovery.

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12 Jul 2011

Brett Vacek named to Dean's List at Taylor University

By readMedia

UPLAND, IN (07/12/2011)(readMedia)-- Brett Vacek of East Moline, IL was named to the Spring 2011 Dean's List at Taylor University.

Full-time students are named to the Dean's List when they have earned a GPA of 3.60 or higher for the term and at least 12 hours carry credit point values.

About Taylor University: Founded in 1846, Taylor University is an interdenominational liberal arts university of evangelical faith located in Upland, Ind. The 2011 U.S. News and World Report survey America's Best Colleges ranked Taylor the number one Baccalaureate College in the Midwest. It marked Taylor's fourth straight top ranking following ten straight years of being ranked in the region's Top Three.

Taylor University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Brett-Vacek-named-to-Deans-List-at-Taylor-University/2811748.

11 Jul 2011

TOPS "Losers" Are Treated Like Royalty

By Administrator

International Royalty and Runners-Up Lose Combined Total of More than 850 Pounds!


MILWAUKEE, WI - Recognition is an important element of any journey to overall wellness - but a little friendly competition can make it more fun along the way.  Members of TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, were recently celebrated for their weight-loss efforts at its annual three-day event, International Recognition Days (IRD).  This year's event took place July 7 through July 9 in Milwaukee, Wis., the city where TOPS was founded more than 63 years ago and is currently headquartered.  The festivity honored TOPS award winners who, with determination, perseverance, and support from fellow members, achieved the greatest weight loss in their category in 2010.

Dione Housden of Portland, Ore., was crowned 2010 International Queen with an incredible total weight loss of 228.5 pounds.  Tom Carano of Wakefield, Mass., 2010 International King, lost an equally impressive total of 230 pounds.  Royalty are those individuals who, at the end of the year, have officially recorded the largest weight loss from their original, starting weight to goal weight, regardless of the time taken to reach goal.

"I hadn't been to a doctor in many, many years and finally decided that it was time one day in 2007," says Housden.  "I affectionately call that doctor's visit 'the day I found out I was dying.'  No, not literally, but yes, I was killing myself.  I knew something had to be done.  I went to a diabetes class, saw a nutritionist, and joined TOPS.  I kept a food journal, weighing and measuring everything that I ate.  I was being thrown a life jacket - I just had to grab hold.  Eating right, exercising, and drinking plenty of water has become a part of my life now.  Do I ever let go of my life preserver?  Yes, sometimes I loosen my grip, but then I just grab it and hold tight again, because this time I know it means my life. Without the accountability and support of my TOPS chapter, I wouldn't be standing here today."

Carano notes, "At close to 500 pounds, it was an exhausting, possibly stroke-inducing chore just to reach my ankles to put my socks on.  My doctor recommended weight-loss surgery, and as I reviewed information about the process, all of it stressed that healthy foods and physical activity would be needed to maintain a successful surgery.  At that point, I made the decision for an honest attempt to eat healthy and get active instead of getting the procedure.  I joined a water aerobics class and met a gentleman who told me about TOPS and his 60-pound weight loss.  When I walked into my first TOPS meeting, I was welcomed with encouragement and hope.  Being a member has given me a feeling of belonging, a sense of being part of something - which I had never known or felt previously.  I truly feel wind in my sails and that the anchor has been lifted.  TOPS has given me the faith to move a mountain.  Today I can climb them!"

"It was a joy to celebrate our members' weight-loss successes at this year's IRD, particularly here in Milwaukee, where our organization was founded," says TOPS president Barbara Cady.  "Esther Manz, TOPS' founder and first president, believed in the power of mutual support on the journey to better health and that anyone who succeeded in losing weight deserved the royal treatment.  TOPS' weight-loss 'losers' are truly winners in our eyes."

International Royalty and Runners-up include :
• International Queen:  Dione Housden; Portland, Ore.; 228.5 lbs.
• International King:  Tom Carano; Wakefield, Mass.; 230 lbs.
• International Queen Runner-up:  Sandra Burnison; Hamilton, Ontario; 190 lbs.
• International King Runner-up:  Lee Hibbard; Ovid, Mich.; 202 lbs.

International Division Winners are members who lost the most weight of all TOPS members in their weight division during 2010:
• Division 1, First Place, Female:  Anne Stinebrickner; Utica, N.Y.; 161 lbs.
• Division 1, First Place, Male:  Kevin Carter; Botwood, Newfoundland; 126.5 lbs.
• Division 1, Second Place, Female:  Julie Vanden Berg; Zeeland, Mich.; 154.75 lbs.
• Division 1, Second Place, Male:  Brian Collins; Eugene, Ore.; 116 lbs.
• Division 2, First Place, Female:  Valerie Wood; St. Albert, Alberta; 109.5 lbs.
• Division 2, First Place, Male:  John Gill; Russellville, Ky.; 102 lbs.
• Division 2, Second Place, Female:  Shirley Pelz; Clearwater, Kan.; 105.75 lbs.
• Division 2, Second Place, Male:  Clifford Harris; Port Orange, Fla.; 98.25 lbs.
• Division 3, First Place, Male:  Don Whiting; Kanata, Ontario; 77.5 lbs.
• Division 3, Second Place, Female:  Shari Farrell; Hamilton, Ontario; 88 lbs.
• Division 3, Second Place, Male:  Anson Myers; Carlisle, Pa.; 68.5 lbs.
• Division 4, First Place, Female:  Barbara Harness; Monroe, Mich.; 65.25 lbs.
• Division 4, Second Place, Female:  Linda Crow; Valles Mines, Mo.; 62 lbs.
• Division 4, Second Place, Male:  Jack Tenney, Jr.; Fulton, Mo.; 48 lbs.
• Division 6 (teens), First Place, Female:  Heather Perry; Ledyard, Conn.; 45.5 lbs.
• Division 6 (teens), First Place, Male:  James Morrison; Redkey, Ind.; 41.75 lbs.
• Division 6 (teens), Second Place, Female:  Corrina Chrisman; Wayland, Mich.; 40.75 lbs.
• Division 6 (teens), Second Place, Male:  Jordan Ulicki; Fort Dodge, Iowa; 39 lbs.
• Division 7, First Place, Female:  Sharlean McKee; Lakeview, Ore.; 116 lbs.
• Division 7, First Place, Male:  Ron Olson; Meridian, Idaho; 106.5 lbs.
• Division 7, Second Place, Female:  Karla DeGreenia; Sutton, Vt.; 112.5 lbs.
• Division 8 (preteens), First Place, Female:  Mary Carson; Cincinnati, Ohio; 11.75 lbs.
• Division 8 (preteens), First Place, Male:  Grant Whitfield; Altoona, Pa.; 13.5 lbs.
• Division 9, First Place, Female:  Donna Steiner; Greenville, N.C.; 153.25 lbs.
• Division 9, First Place, Male:  Peter Copley; Midland, Ontario; 162 lbs.
• Division 9, Second Place, Female:  Darcelle Numainville; Cochrane, Ontario; 152.5 lbs.
• Division 9, Second Place, Male:  Anthony Spilker; Grandview, Mo.; 155.5 lbs.

State Royalty includes:
• Alabama Queen:  Linda Gaylor; Attalla; 66 lbs.
• Alabama King:  Dale Hutchens; Huntsville; 78 lbs.
• Alaska Queen:  Kathleen Daymude; Anchorage; 94.5 lbs.
• Alaska King:  Roger Duncan; Kasilof; 66.5 lbs.
• Arizona Queen:  Teena Conrad; Salome; 135.75 lbs.
• Arizona King:  Walter Richardson; Phoenix; 61.75 lbs.
• Arkansas Queen:  Karen Fritchie; Scranton; 118 lbs.
• Arkansas King:  Frank Lieblang; Atkins; 21.75 lbs.
• California Queen:  Diane Cannon; Napa; 97.75 lbs.
• California King:  Fred Dougherty; La Puente; 55 lbs.
• Colorado Queen:  Diane Bonnell; Arvada; 70.25 lbs.
• Colorado King:  Dannie Thompson; Colorado Springs; 34 lbs.
• Connecticut Queen:  Victoria Kolyvas; Madison; 127 lbs.
• Connecticut King:  Peter Kaplenski; Bristol; 37.75 lbs.
• District of Columbia Queen:  Margaret Haggerty; 15.5 lbs.
• Delaware Queen:  Cornelia Mitchell; Felton; 65.5 lbs.
• Florida Queen:  Jackie Christen; Iron River; 105.25 lbs.
• Florida King:  Clifford Harris; Port Orange; 97.75 lbs.
• Georgia Queen:  Sadie Bostick; Covington; 88 lbs.
• Georgia King:  Philip Baker; Warner Robins; 63 lbs.
• Hawaii Queen:  Carol Wendel; Kula; 52.25 lbs.
• Idaho Queen:  Carol Applegate; Middleton; 73.5 lbs.
• Illinois Queen:  Catherine Hays; White Heath; 119.75 lbs.
• Illinois King:  Daniel McGinty; Port Byron; 124 lbs.
• Indiana Queen:  Lori Bauch; Fort Wayne; 159 lbs.
• Iowa Queen:  Corine Webb; Runnells; 76 lbs.
• Kansas Queen:  April Bond; Wichita; 142 lbs.
• Kansas King:  William Cunningham; Olathe; 48.5 lbs.
• Kentucky Queen:  Tina Moore; Mayfield; 76.25 lbs.
• Kentucky King:  John Gill; Russellville; 99.25 lbs.
• Louisiana Queen:  Joleen Melancon; Golden Meadow; 126.25 lbs.
• Maine Queen:  Cel Paquette; Chelsea; 129.5 lbs.
• Maine King:  Richard Gile; Wales; 41 lbs.
• Maryland Queen:  Rosalind Morrow; Annapolis; 106.75 lbs.
• Maryland King:  Herbert Walker; Frederick; 44 lbs.
• Massachusetts Queen:  Anna Corbett; Peru; 143 lbs.
• Massachusetts King:  Tom Carano; Wakefield; 230 lbs.
• Michigan Queen:  Ruth DeYoung; Cedar Springs; 109 lbs.
• Michigan King:  Lee Hibbard; Ovid; 202 lbs.
• Minnesota Queen:  Gloria Goble; Stillwater; 103.5 lbs.
• Minnesota King:  Jason Heilman; Albert Lea; 18.25 lbs.
• Mississippi Queen:  Jane Kay Pool; Laurel; 57 lbs.
• Mississippi King:  Roger Redfern; Brandon; 28.5 lbs.
• Missouri Queen:  Theresa Roe; Barnhart; 126 lbs.
• Missouri King:  Joshua Hamilton; Independence; 83 lbs.
• Montana Queen:  Leslie Berkey; Seeley Lake; 77 lbs.
• Montana King:  Larry Bonefeole; Clinton; 28.5 lbs.
• Nebraska Queen:  Betty Svanda; Ravenna; 64.5 lbs.
• Nevada Queen:  Nola Reid; Mesquite; 52 lbs.
• Nevada King:  Frank Bybee; Las Vegas; 42 lbs.
• New Hampshire Queen:  Virginia Fairbanks; Windham; 85.5 lbs.
• New Hampshire King:  Mark Papantones; Manchester; 89 lbs.
• New Jersey Queen:  Nancy Duvall; Cape May; 24.25 lbs.
• New Jersey King:  Robert McLaughlin; Cape May Court House; 62.75 lbs.
• New Mexico Queen:  Joyce Wall; Deming; 79.75 lbs.
• New York Queen:  Jaclyn House; Rochester; 128 lbs.
• New York King:  Joshua Maryniewski; Lancaster; 152.25 lbs.
• North Carolina Queen:  Polly Lincoln; Winston Salem; 114.5 lbs.
• North Carolina King:  Charles Seighman; Albemarle; 30.5 lbs.
• North Dakota Queen:  Jamie Olson; East Grand Forks; 76.5 lbs.
• Ohio Queen:  Janice Ommert; Clyde; 102.5 lbs.
• Ohio King:  Morgan Davies; Bluffton; 65 lbs.
• Oklahoma Queen:  Bonnie Peebles; Sapulpa; 88.25 lbs.
• Oklahoma King:  Robert Kuntz; Rush Springs; 30 lbs.
• Oregon Queen:  Dione Housden; Portland; 228.5 lbs.
• Oregon King:  Wayne Elven; Hillsboro; 75.75 lbs.
• Pennsylvania Queen:  Eleanor Bird; Walnutport; 112 lbs.
• Pennsylvania King:  James Kneubehl; Conneautville; 92.5 lbs.
• Rhode Island Queen:  Lisa Scott; Westerly; 87.5 lbs.
• Rhode Island King:  Bruno Kurowski; Manville; 31 lbs.
• South Carolina Queen:  Patricia Volcke; Elgin; 86 lbs.
• South Carolina King:  Stanley Kemp; Rock Hill; 50.5 lbs.
• South Dakota Queen:  Marilynn Sour; Watertown; 77 lbs.
• Tennessee Queen:  Kristy Griner; Hendersonville; 100.25 lbs.
• Tennessee King:  Harold Griffin; Cleveland; 36.25 lbs.
• Texas Queen:  Karen Norrod; Jarrell; 100 lbs.
• Texas King:  Billy Bodine; Cleveland; 63.5 lbs.
• Utah Queen:  Lisa Edens; Providence; 126 lbs.
• Vermont Queen:  Rose Nunn; West Danville; 32.75 lbs.
• Virginia Queen:  Caroline Nicholson; Strasburg; 59 lbs.
• Virginia King:  John Walton; Roanoke; 48 lbs.
• Washington Queen:  Penny Carson; Kalama; 135.75 lbs.
• Washington King:  Brian Steinwand; West Richland; 67 lbs.
• West Virginia Queen:  Brenda Rider; Shady Spring; 66 lbs.
• West Virginia King:  Greg Ward; Kermit; 30 lbs.
• Wisconsin Queen:  Mary Linssen; Green Bay; 106.75 lbs.
• Wisconsin King:  Larry Orlando; Elkhorn; 100 lbs.
• Wyoming Queen:  Linda Kolar; Thermopolis; 67.25 lbs.

Provincial Royalty includes:
• Alberta Queen:  Darlene Crick; Bonnyville; 81.25 lbs.
• Alberta King:  Ken Ralstin; St. Vincent; 82.5 lbs.
• British Columbia Queen:  Barbara Balon; Comox; 127.75 lbs.
• British Columbia King:  Mark George; Port Moody; 86.5 lbs.
• Manitoba Queen:  Linda Reavely; Winnipeg; 111.5 lbs.
• New Brunswick Queen:  Lisa Will; Petitcodiac East; 115 lbs.
• New Brunswick King:  Gordon Piper; Minto; 36 lbs.
• Newfoundland Queen:  Mary Price; Grand Bank; 79.75 lbs.
• Nova Scotia Queen:  Laura McGrath; Truro; 91.25 lbs.
• Nova Scotia King:  Peter Thomson; New Minas; 48.5 lbs.
• Ontario Queen:  Sandra Burnison; Hamilton; 190 lbs.
• Ontario King:  Don Whiting; Kanata; 166 lbs.
• Prince Edward Island Queen:  Gloria Stewart; Charlottetown; 44.75 lbs.
• Prince Edward Island King:  Michael Weeks; Charlottetown; 65 lbs.
• Quebec Queen:  Gisele Villeneuve; Longueuil; 100 lbs.
• Saskatchewan Queen:  Melody Mills; Yorkton; 139.5 lbs.
• Saskatchewan King:  Paul Morin; Edam; 37.5 lbs.

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 63 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success.  Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS promotes successful, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.


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11 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation Strengthening Access to Healthcare for Cancer Patients

By Laurel White

New Laws Ensure Coverage for Trial-Related Medical Expenses, Extends 'Ticket for the Cure'  

   

CHICAGO - July 11, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed two pieces of legislation strengthening access to healthcare for cancer patients in Illinois. House Bill 1191 prohibits insurance companies from excluding coverage for related medical costs for patients participating in clinical cancer trials, and Senate Bill 1279, extends the "Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure" scratch-off lottery game until 2016.  

   

"Access to quality healthcare is a basic right, and Illinoisans - particularly those who are fighting cancer - should not be denied coverage for participating in trials that might save their lives," said Governor Quinn. "It is important that Illinois takes the lead in increasing women's access to new science that can save lives."  

   

Many patients who qualify for clinical trials - and the potential benefits of these innovative therapies - cannot access them because their insurance plans do not cover the routine care they need while participating in the trial. These uncovered expenses include the costs of medical visits, hospitals stays, clinical lab tests, scans and x-rays. The new law amends the Illinois Insurance Code so that a group insurance policy cannot deny routine patient care to an insured patient participating in a qualified clinical cancer trial.  

   

The lack of coverage for routine care has created a barrier to patient participation in clinical trials and limited access to additional treatment options for cancer. The cost barrier has led to lower participation rates for low-income and minority women in clinical trials.  

   

House Bill 1191 was an initiative of Susan G. Komen Foundation. Sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) and Sen. Heather A. Steans (D-Chicago), the bill passed both houses unanimously. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.  

   

Senate Bill 1279, sponsored by Sens. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) and Reps. Constance A. Howard (D-Chicago) and Mary E. Flowers (D-Chicago), extends the "Ticket for the Cure" lottery scratch-off game an additional five years, until Dec. 31, 2016. The ticket was the first nationwide lottery scratch-off game to provide grants to non-profit organizations supporting breast cancer research and education. The ticket originally was scheduled to be discontinued at the end of 2011.  

   

Launched in 2006, the ticket was renamed in honor of former Illinois Lottery Superintendent Carolyn Adams, who died of breast cancer in 2007 at age 44. More than 8,700 Illinois women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and more than 1,700 died as a result.  

 

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11 Jul 2011

The Artist in You Art Exhibition

By Dawn Wohlford-Metallo

WHERE: Quad City Arts Center Gallery,   Rock Island

EXHIBITION DATES: July 15- August 26, 2011

RECEPTION: Friday, July 15,  7-9 pm

FREE

From July15 through  August 26, 2011  Quad City Arts presents "The Artist in You Group Exhibition." The public is cordially invited to attend the opening reception on July15th from  7-9 pm  at Quad City Arts' Rock Island Gallery. The reception is free and open to the public.

"The Artist in You" is the 4th biennial exhibition for emerging and accomplished artists living within a 250-mile radius of the Quad Cities. 28 artists were chosen to be part of this group exhibit, presenting a total of 37 works of art.   Quad   City   Arts received 96 entries for the competition for which each artist received a written constructive critique of their submission by a panel of three outside jurors, all professional artists. Awards will be announced and awarded at  8 pm  on July 15th during the opening reception.

The Quad City Arts Center Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island.  Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by Festival of Trees; Quad City Arts Partners; and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Quad City region through the presentation, development and celebration of the arts and humanities. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo 309-793-1213X108.

11 Jul 2011

American Red Cross National Blood Supply Drops to Critically Low Levels

By Theresa Kuhlmann

All eligible blood donors asked to make and keep appointments

PEORIA, Ill. (July 11, 2011) - Due to a critical shortage of donated blood across the nation, the American Red Cross - the single largest supplier of blood products in the United States - is asking eligible donors of all blood types to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.

With many donors busy or traveling, and with school out of session where up to 20 percent of donations are made during the academic year, donations have dropped dramatically. In fact, during May and June 2011, while the need for blood products remained steady, donations were at the lowest level the Red Cross has experienced in more than 12 years.

The Red Cross needs blood donors - now more than ever - to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible. All blood types are needed, but especially O negative, B negative and A negative. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

The American Red Cross has responded to more than 40 major disasters in over 30 states during the past three months - delivering help and hope to people affected by floods, tornadoes and wildfires. But there's another, more personal, kind of disaster which can happen to any of us at any time if we need blood and it's not available.

"As a physician, I have seen firsthand how blood transfusions can truly help save lives," said David C. Mair, M.D., chief medical officer of the Mid-America Blood Services Division of the American Red Cross which provides blood products and specialized laboratory services to more than 326 hospitals in the Midwest and central U.S. "However, a critical blood shortage like the one we're experiencing right now could have a devastating effect on patients whose survival may depend on blood being there when and where needed. Blood donors can help ensure a readily available blood supply locally as well as throughout the country."

A year and a half ago, 15 year old Cora Peters of Princeton, Illinois was diagnosed with stage 4 synovial sarcoma. Since her diagnosis, Cora has gone through three surgeries and countless lifesaving blood product transfusions to replace the blood cells that her body was no longer able to make.

Cora's story highlights the importance of each and every blood donation. Because of that, the Red Cross is reaching out to eligible blood donors, sponsors and community leaders to ask them to recruit blood donors to help meet the needs of patients in communities across the United States.

A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

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

Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

7/11/2011, 11:00 am- 4:00 pm, DHL Global Forwarding, 3100 69th Ave #2, Moline

WHITESIDE COUNTY

7/12/2011, 1:00 pm- 5:15 pm, Old Fulton Fire Station, 912 4th Street, Fulton, IL, Whiteside

7/13/2011, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls, , IL, Whiteside

7/14/2011, 3:00 pm- 8:00 pm, Fairfield Amish Mennonite School, 29467 425 E. Street, Tampico, , IL, Whiteside

7/15/2011, 11:30 am- 6:00 pm, Sterling National Manufacturing Education Center, 1 First Avenue, Sterling, , IL, Whiteside

7/16/2011, 9:00 am- 1:00 pm, Culver's, 1901 Harley Davidson Drive, Rock Falls, IL, Whiteside

7/16/2011, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm, Army National Guard, 716 Sixth Ave, Rock Falls, IL, Whiteside

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