Help Spark the American Red Cross Blood Supply this Summer

The Independence Day holiday will surely ignite many spectacular fireworks extravaganzas, and the American Red Cross is also counting on a spark of donors to boost the blood supply. All blood types are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients in need. During the holiday week and throughout the summer donations tend to dip, but the need for blood is constant.

While all blood types are needed during the critical summer months, Rh negative blood types are always in high demand because they potentially can be transfused to patients with Rh positive or Rh negative blood types.Type O negative, the universal blood type, can potentially be transfused to patients with any blood type.
To show appreciation to those who help save lives near the upcoming Independence Day holiday (June 27 - July 6), all presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives and blood donation centers in the Heart of America region will automatically be entered for a chance to win a portable GarminGPS unit. This is a part of the Red Cross' summer-long Good to Give. Good to Go. promotion that features holiday-themed raffles and a chance for one lucky donor (21 and older) in the Mid-America Blood Services Division to win a trip for four (4) to Orlando, Florida.

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.
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 generally in 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 life saving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Blood Donation Opportunities

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
7/11/11
11:00 am- 4:00 pm
DHL Global Forwarding
3100 69th Ave #2
Moline

WHITESIDE COUNTY

7/5/11
8:00 am-11:00 am
Old Fulton Fire Station
912 4th Street
Get a chance to win a portable GPS unit when you present to donate between June 27th & July 6th, 2011!
Fulton

7/6/11
12:00 pm-6:00 pm
Rock Falls Blood DonationCenter
112 W.Second St.
Get a chance to win a portable GPS unit when you present to donate between June 27th & July6th, 2011!
Rock Falls

7/12/11
1:00 pm- 5:15 pm
Old Fulton Fire Station
912 4th Street
Fulton

7/13/11
10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Rock Falls Blood Donation Center
112 W. Second St.
Rock Falls

7/14/11
3:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Fairfield Amish Mennonite School
29467 425 E.Street
Tampico

7/15/11
1:30 pm- 6:30 pm
Sterling Education Center
1 First Avenue
Sterling

Mrs. Mary Arnold served the students of Jordan for over 20 years. Her dedication and love for her students was always evident. Mrs. Arnold not only taught her young students to read and do math, but she introduced them to Jesus. Mrs. Arnold has been a blessing to Jordan and she is wished the best in her retirement.

Mrs. Linda Johnson has graced the halls of Jordan Catholic School for 18 years with her loving, compassionate spirit and faith-filled example. Linda sparked a strong curiosity for science in her fifth grade students through hands-on chemistry. We will miss this kind, patient, and loving teacher and wish her blessings in her retirement.

For 18 years, Mrs. Diane Hansen has led Jordan middle school students with humor, story-telling, and hands-on learning. Mrs. Hansen challenged her students to "think" outside the box, and taught that this was the link to exploring one's imagination, opening new worlds of opportunity. She has been an inspiration and will be greatly missed.

Following is Senator Grassley's schedule this week in Washington, D.C.  The Senate is in session.   

Grassley will meet in Washington with Iowans from the American Health Care Association, eCybermission, the Genetic Alliance, Hike to Help Refugees, the Iowa Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the National Retail Federation, the National Stroke Association, Pioneer, and Results.

Grassley also will meet with Iowans from Ames, Ankeny, Audubon, Cedar Falls, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, De Witt, Hiawatha, Ionia, Le Mars, Manchester, Marion, Pleasant Hill, and Sioux Center.

Grassley will meet with the Iowa Pharmacy Association Karbeling Award winners, Andrew North and Courtney Gent.  They are being recognized for their contributions to professional organizations and the political process.  The Karbeling Award is given annually to Iowans who have demonstrated successful activism for the improvement of rural health and a commitment to community service.

Grassley will present Jefferson Awards to Iowans Kay Graber and Chuck Cavanaugh.  The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America.  Graber is being recognized for starting the Brain Injury Association of East Central Iowa, and for being an advocate to change state legislation to benefit victims of brain injuries.  Cavanaugh is being recognized for his extensive volunteer service, including volunteering for Sisters of Mercy, the Knights of Columbus, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, pre/post flood of 2009 work in Cedar Rapids, The Arc of East Central Iowa, and the St. Patrick's Day Parade Society.

Grassley will meet with Presidential Scholar David Huang of Iowa City.  The Presidential Scholar Program is a government program that provides leadership development opportunities for outstanding graduating high school seniors.  The scholars travel to Washington, D.C. where they attend lectures, meet with government leaders, and receive the Presidential Medallion.

Grassley will meet with the Iowa winner of the U.S. Institute of Peace's National Peace Essay Contest, Stephanie Wenclawski of Cedar Rapids.  The National Peace Essay Contest is designed to promote discussion among high school students, teachers and national leaders about international peace and conflict resolution.  Each year, over 1,000 students submit essays and the first place winners from each state are invited to Washington, D.C. to receive their awards and meet with government leaders.

Grassley also will meet with Central Iowa 4-H youth.

  •  On Wednesday, June 22, at 8 a.m. (CT), Grassley will meet with Brigadier General John McMahon, the Army Corps of Engineers Division Commander for the Northwest Division, which covers western Iowa.  Grassley and McMahon will discuss the current flooding in western Iowa and the Corps of Engineers' performance in anticipation of and reaction to that flooding.   
  •  On Wednesday, June 22, at 9 a.m. (CT), Grassley will participate in a Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of intellectual property law enforcement efforts.  The hearing will focus on federal agencies' efforts to enforce intellectual property rights, including the coordination among agencies, as well as coordination with industry.  Grassley recently introduced legislation with the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Patrick Leahy, to crack down on websites dedicated to the sale of infringing or counterfeit goods.  
  • On Wednesday, June 22, at 9:30 a.m. (CT), Grassley will participate in a meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate.  Grassley will focus on the availability of FEMA funds for those affected by the Missouri River flooding.
  • On Wednesday, June 22, at 1:30 p.m. (CT), Grassley will participate in a Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of: Christopher Droney, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit; Robert D. Mariani, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Cathy Bissoon, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania; Mark R. Hornak, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania; and Robert N. Scola, Jr., to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.
  • On Thursday, June 23, at 8:30 a.m. (CT), Grassley will participate in an Agriculture Committee hearing on farm bill accountability and the importance of measuring performance while eliminating duplication and waste.  The Senate Agriculture Committee recently began holding hearings to explore ideas and options for the 2012 farm bill.  Grassley recently introduced legislation that will likely be considered during debate of the upcoming farm bill.  The bipartisan Grassley-Johnson Rural America Preservation Act would limit the total amount of farm-program payments that a single farmer could receive to $125,000 and would narrow the guidelines used to define who is considered actively engaged in farming in order to close a loophole that non-farmers have used to improperly receive farm payments.
  • On Thursday, June 23, at 9:00 a.m. (CT), Grassley will participate in a Judiciary Committee executive business meeting.

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LINCOLN, NE (06/20/2011)(readMedia)-- The following local students qualified for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Deans' List/Honor Roll for the spring semester of the 2010-11 academic year.

Bettendorf: Hannah Marjorie Kurth, junior, College of Fine and Performing Arts, music.

Bettendorf: Nathaniel Robert Sullivan**, sophomore, College of Fine and Performing Arts, music.

Qualification for the Deans' List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Honor Roll for the Division of General Studies. Listed below are the minimum grade-point averages on a 4-point scale (4.0 equals A) for each entity and the name of its respective dean. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a minimum of 12 or more graded semester hours. An asterisk (*) following a student's name denotes a 4.0 grade-point average. Students can be on the Dean's List for more than one college.

* College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Steven F. Waller.

* College of Architecture, top 10 percent of the students in the college; Dean Wayne Drummond.

* College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean David Manderscheid.

* College of Business Administration, 3.6; Dean Donde Plowman.

* College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Dean Marjorie Kostelnik.

* College of Engineering, 3.5; Interim Dean James O'Hanlon.

* College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Dean Gary Kebbel.

* Division of General Studies Honor Roll, 3.6; Dean of Undergraduate Studies Rita Kean.

* Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Dean Giacomo Oliva.

The full list of students on the Deans' List/Honor Roll can be found at http://go.unl.edu/w5e.

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) sent a letter to United States Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe demanding answers about the United States Postal Service (USPS) reduction of service at the Eldridge post office.

"I'm very concerned that my constituents in Eldridge will not receive the same quality of service they've come to rely on once these changes go into effect," said Rep. Braley. "Small communities depend on their local post office and I know how much this service means to Eldridge. That's why I'll continue fighting to protect access to this post office and I'll work to make sure we all receive timely and accurate information about how these reductions in service will affect the community of Eldridge."

The USPS confirmed last week that the delivery operations at the Eldridge Post Office will be relocated to the Northwest Station in Davenport, IA as part of the Delivery Unit Optimization (DUO) process. The DUO initiative involves moving city and/or rural letter carriers from one Post Office, station, or branch to another nearby postal facility. 
Services such as purchasing stamps, mailing packages, Post Office boxes, passports, and any other service currently available at local postal facilities will continue to be offered at the Eldridge facility and ZIP Codes will remain the same.

A copy of the letter is available here: http://go.usa.gov/Wwp

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Visitors to state increase by 5 percent, generating $29.3 billion for economy

CHICAGO - June 20, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois' tourism industry generated $29.3 billion in revenue in 2010, an increase of more than $2.2 billion as visitor spending continued to provide a strong economic impact for the state, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

"The gains we experienced in 2010 clearly show that the tourism industry continues to play a critical role in our state's ongoing economic recovery," said Governor Quinn. "With our world-class destinations and accessible locations, more people from around the world are coming to Illinois and staying longer, which is creating new jobs and bringing additional revenue throughout the state."

The economic impact of tourism in Illinois has grown by more than $3 billion during the past five years. Additionally, the travel industry generated 287,500 jobs in Illinois in 2010, directly and indirectly supporting one in 10 jobs in the state. On average, visitors spend nearly $80 million with Illinois businesses every day.

State and local tax revenues from tourism totaled more than $2 billion in 2010, an increase of $93.5 million. The total tourism tax revenue (federal, state and local) saves the average Illinois household more than $1,000 in taxes each year.

Illinois hosted nearly 84.7 million visitors in 2010, according to D. K. Shifflet & Associates. This is up 5 percent from 2009. Both business and leisure travel saw increases in visitor volume, with leisure travel up 6 percent and business travel up 2.5 percent. Overnight leisure travel to the state was up 13.8 percent, increasing market share by 11 percent in this category and ranking Illinois 10th in the U.S.

Chicago was relatively flat in visitor volume, down less than one percent, drawing 38.11 million visitors. Business travel was up 4.9 percent while leisure travel was down 2.9 percent. Both overnight business and leisure travel increased 8.9 percent and 7.4 percent, respectively.

"Chicago's economic vitality is driven by its visitor industry, which generates more than $11 billion in direct spending, $616 million in tax revenue, and sustains more than 124,000 jobs for our city's economy," said Don Welsh, President and CEO, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. "It is essential that Chicago continues to grow as a preeminent convention destination as well as a premier choice for visitors from around the globe. Success requires thoughtful branding, messaging, and coordination of the entire visitor experience - efforts in which the CCTB plays a critical role."

Dorothy Coyle, Executive Director of Chicago's Office of Tourism and Culture, said she is pleased with Chicago's tourism numbers.

"We are very encouraged that overnight leisure travel to Chicago has increased 7.4 percent, outpacing the U.S. average of 6.6 percent," Coyle said. "Visitors continue to be drawn to Chicago as a premier leisure destination that offers great value. Hundreds of free events and one-of-a-kind attractions keep visitors coming back and lengthening their stay."

Visitor volume outside the City of Chicago was up 10.8%, with leisure travel leading the way with an increase of 13.3%. Overnight leisure travel outside of Chicago was up 22.3%

Illinois maintained its ranking as the 7th most popular state for overseas visitors to the U.S. in 2010, hosting 1,186,000 such visitors, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Tourism Industries. The City of Chicago, the 10th most popular U.S. city for overseas visitors, hosted 1,134,000 international visitors in 2010, a 2 percent increase over 2009 arrivals. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), today announced that several Iowa regional airports will receive a total of $6,974,811. The funds will be used to improve airports' ability to cope with inclement weather and to maintain and update existing airport facilities across Iowa.

"Airports in Iowa are impacted by so many elements: be they weather, general wear and tear or time.  This funding will ensure that our airports are running safely during every month of the year: from the winter snows to the heat of summer, making travel safe for passengers," said Harkin.

Today's funding comes from the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds the DOT.

Details of the funding for inclement weather are below:
Belle Plain Municipal Airport- $228,000
Creston Municipal Airport - $218,500
Fairfield Municipal Airport - $76,000
George L. Scott Municipal Airport - $156,750
Les Mars Municipal Airport- $194,252
Oelwein Municipal- $421,420
Sioux Gateway/Col. Bud Day Field Airport- $380,000


Details of the funding for general maintenance are below:
Ankeny Regional Airport-$ 1,530,000
Audubon County Airport- $429,875
Decorah Municipal Airport- $296,000
Dubuque Regional Airport- $266,000
The Eastern Iowa Airport- $285,000
Fort Madison Municipal Airport: $301,874
Greenfield Municipal- $66,500
Knoxville Municipal Airport- $107,280
Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport- $66,500
Pocahontas Municipal Airport- $233,000
Sac City Municipal- $76,000
Shenandoah Municipal Airport- $76,000
Sioux Gateway/Col. Bud Day Field- $156,750
Waverly Municipal Airport- $250,656
Washington Municipal Airport- $1,096,704
Webster City Municipal Airport- $61,750

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MOUNT VERNON, IL (06/20/2011)(readMedia)-- The Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) unveiled a statue June 18 honoring female veterans in Mount Vernon. The statue, which shares the likeness of Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Maj. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, was sculpted by Don Morris, a native of Flora. The statue depicts Duckworth standing adjacent to Revolutionary War hero Margaret Ludwig Hays, better known as Molly Pitcher.

"I am proud that America now finally realizes that her daughters are just as capable of fighting for liberty and freedom as her sons," said Duckworth.

In 2004, while co-piloting a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Duckworth's aircraft was hit by a rocket propelled grenade fired by Iraqi insurgents. The explosion resulted in the loss of both her legs and extensive damage to her right arm. In 2006, the governor appointed her director of Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs, and in 2009 President Obama appointed her to serve as the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Many people were on hand for the ceremony, including Congressman John Shimkus of the 19th Congressional District, numerous spectators, and a large contingent from the DAR, of which Duckworth is a member.

"I appreciate the fact that the state of Illinois (has) recognized women's service to the military," said Army Lt. Col. Natalie Northern, commander of the 633rd Theatre Gateway Personnel Accountability Team and a Springfield resident. Northern was deployed to Iraq the same time as Duckworth.

The ceremony was preceded by a parade that led to the Brehm Memorial Library, the site chosen by the DAR to house the veterans' memorial.

The memorial stands as a reminder of both the challenges faced and the strides women have made in the military.

"Women are rarely recognized, and as a woman, it's nice to be recognized," said Hallie Scott of Woodlawn. "It's nice that something big like this happens, (and) a big crowd from all over Illinois came here for people who are fighting for our country."

Duckworth said teamwork unites the country and makes the U.S. stronger.

During the ceremony Duckworth declared, "We are stronger as a nation when all of us participate, when it's not just men or women, or blacks or whites, when all of us participate together."

Photo 1: Photo by Spc. Brian Vorce, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Illinois Army National Guard Maj. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates speaks at the statue unveiling June 18 in Mount Vernon. A statue sharing her likeness was uncovered at the ceremony.

Photo 2: Photo by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ From left, Richard Groharing, the commander of the Illinois American Legion; Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent Luanne Frosch Bruckner; Maj. Tammy Duckworth; Mount Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley; Statue Sculptor Don Morris; Statue Architect Brian Edmison all stand before the new statue in Mount Vernon. The statue was unveiled June 18 and honors women veterans.

Photo 3: Photo by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/ Maj. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates is presented with a miniature replica of the Women Veterans Sculpture by Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent Luanne Frosch Bruckner and statue sculptor Don Morris. A statue bearing her likeness was unveiled in Mount Vernon June 18. The statue honors all women veterans for their sacrifice.

Story by Sgt. Charlie Helmholt and Spc. Brian Vorce. 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

For high resolution photos, please contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at ngilstaffpao@ng.army.mil

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Program is Designed to Help Homeowners at Risk of Foreclosure

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in conjunction with NeighborWorks® America announced the launch of the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program (EHLP) today, to help homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure in 27 states across the country and Puerto Rico.

Congress provided $1 billion dollars to HUD, as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, to implement EHLP. The program will assist homeowners who have experienced a reduction in income and are at risk of foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment, due to economic conditions or a medical condition.

Under EHLP program guidelines eligible homeowners can qualify for an interest free loan which pays a portion of their monthly mortgage for up to two years, or up to $50,000, whichever comes first.

"Through the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program the Obama Administration is continuing our strong commitment to help keep families in their homes during tough economic times," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "Working with our community partners across the nation through NeighborWorks® America, we are pleased to launch this program today in 27 states and Puerto Rico to help families keep their homes while looking for work or recovering from illness."

The EHLP program will pay a portion of an approved applicant's monthly mortgage including missed mortgage payments or past due charges including principal, interest, taxes, insurances, and attorney fees. EHLP is expected to aid up to 30,000 distressed borrowers, with an average loan of approximately $35,000.

"Through our work around the country, NeighborWorks® America knows all too well that in these tough economic times, homeowners facing foreclosure are seeking help wherever they can find it. The deadline is July 22, 2011, so we encourage homeowners to apply now in order to find out if  they qualify for this new mortgage assistance program and learn more about the many options available to assist those with housing needs," stated Eileen M. Fitzgerald, CEO of NeighborWorks® America.

The EHLP program is a complement to the Hardest Hit Fund which makes available $7.6 billion to 18 states and the District of Columbia that were hardest hit by the housing crisis. The EHLP program will be offered in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming and Puerto Rico.  Five states operating substantially similar programs are administering EHLP directly: Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. With today's launch, mortgage assistance is now available for unemployed and underemployed homeowners in every state.

Contact information for participating agencies, the Pre-Applicant Screening Worksheet and more information on the EHLP program and its eligibility requirements can be found at www.FindEHLP.org or by calling toll free at 855-FIND-EHLP (346-3345).

About the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

About NeighborWorks® America

NeighborWorks® America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. Since 1991, we have assisted nearly 1.2 million low- to moderate-income families with their housing needs. Much of our success is achieved through our support of the NeighborWorks network ? more than 235 community development organizations working in more than 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $15 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation's leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.

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WEST HAVEN, CT (06/20/2011)(readMedia)-- Garrett Alderson of Davenport IA graduated from the University of New Haven on May 15, 2011 with a M.S. in Forensic Science.

A leader in experiential education, the University of New Haven provides its students with a valuable combination of solid liberal arts and real-world, hands-on professional training. Founded in 1920, UNH is a private, top-tier comprehensive university with an 80-acre main campus. The University has an enrollment of more than 5,900: approximately 1,700 graduate students and more than 4,200 undergraduates, 70 percent of whom reside in university housing. The University offers more than 80 undergraduate degrees and more than 25 graduate degrees through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, the Tagliatela College of Engineering and University College. University of New Haven students study abroad through a variety of distinctive programs.

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