30 Dec 2010

Harkin: America Rings in the New Year with New Health Reform Benefits

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Americans across the country prepare to welcome the New Year, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) today highlighted new health care benefits that will take effect on New Year's Day.  These new provisions, established by the Affordable Care Act, will require insurance companies to give Americans better value for their premium dollars and provide seniors with discounts on prescription drugs and free preventive care.   

"What many Americans may not know is that as they're ringing in the New Year, they're also ringing in important new health care benefits created by the Affordable Care Act," said Chairman Harkin.  "Starting Saturday, insurance companies will be required to dedicate at least 80 percent of health care premiums to actual health care services rather than profits or executive salaries - and if they don't comply, their customers will get a refund.  Meanwhile, our senior citizens will be able to get big discounts on their prescriptions and free preventive care to keep them healthy."       

The Affordable Care Act was signed on March 23, 2010 by President Obama.  Harkin, as Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, played a pivotal role in the bill's passage and was on hand for the bill signing.

Among other new protections taking effect on January 1, the health care law will:

  • Give Americans Better Value for Their Premium Dollars - Insurance companies will now be required to spend 85 percent of all premium dollars collected for large employer plans on health care and improving quality of care.  For plans sold to individuals and small employers, at least 80 percent of the premium must be spent on benefits and quality improvement.  If insurance companies do not meet these goals because their administrative costs or profits are too high, they must provide rebates to consumers.
  • Offer Prescription Drug Discounts to Seniors - Seniors who reach the Medicare coverage gap known as the "donut hole" will receive a 50 percent discount on prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part D.
  • Provide Free Preventive Care to Seniors - Seniors on Medicare will now be offered free preventive services, such as annual wellness visits and personalized prevention plans.

For a full list of provisions taking effect on January 1, please visit Healthcare.gov: http://www.healthcare.gov/law/timeline/index.html and for more information on the Affordable Care Act, please visit http://www.healthcare.gov/, http://www.whitehouse.gov/HealthReform or http://harkin.senate.gov/.
30 Dec 2010

Midwest home to world's largest synthetic ice rink

By Kylie Crull

The world's largest synthetic ice rink opened in December in Rockford, Ill., as part of the first Harris Winter Wonderland.  Synthetic ice is widely used around the world, but no one has attempted a rink of this size outdoors until now.  What makes this venue unique is the 12,000-square-feet of synthetic ice, which includes an 800-foot skating trail around the park.  The surface is great for beginners and children, and it can be used whether it's 10 degrees or 90.

An empty, unused park was transformed to create the new Harris Winter Wonderland, complete with the ice skating surface, benches, evergreen trees, a fire pit, warming area and hundreds of twinkling lights.  The construction of the rink took only four days thanks to the hard work of volunteer union laborers.

Admission to skate is only $3 and skate rental is $2.

30 Dec 2010

Illinois Soldiers Deploy to Afghanistan and Iraq

By readMedia

Specialized Illinois National Guard Unit Mobilized for Afghanistan, Nearly 20 Soldiers Mobilize Jan. 3 As Part of an Embedded Training Team

SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/29/2010)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony is scheduled for approximately 20 Soldiers who will deploy to Afghanistan as part of an embedded training team. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A7 will be Jan.3 at 10 a.m. at the Illinois Military Academy at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.

The Bilateral Embedded Staff Team Soldiers will train for a brief time at Camp Atterbury, Ind. before deploying to Poland for approximately two months to train with the Polish Land Forces. The unique mission allows Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. Following the training, the Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan for a six-month mobilization. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.

"This mobilization illustrates the diverse skill sets and training of our Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and the variety of missions we support in today's challenging international environment, as well as in our state and community," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "These troops are instrumental in helping train foreign Soldiers to defend their country all the while polishing our Guardsmen's skills."

The team will assist the Afghan government to extend its authority across the country, perform security operations and help stabilize the war-torn nation. The Soldiers will also mentor and support the Afghan National Army and support Afghan government programs to disarm illegally armed groups.

709th Medical Company Mobilizes for Iraq, Deployment Ceremony Scheduled for Jan. 4 for Peoria Army National Guard Unit

PEORIA, IL (12/30/2010)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony for approximately 75 Soldiers from the Peoria-based 709th Area Support Medical Company will be Jan. 4 at 11:30 a.m. at Pere Marquette, 501 Main St. in Peoria.

The Soldiers will train for a brief time at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash. before deploying to Iraq for approximately 10 months in support of Operation New Dawn. This operation is the new name for Operation Iraqi Freedom as the U.S. military continues to withdraw troops from Iraq.

The mission of the 709th will be to provide medical care for U.S. and coalition servicemembers in Iraq. The unit will also assist in evacuating injured personnel.

Some Soldiers with the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago, 708th Medical Company in North Riverside and 710th Area Support Medical Company in North Riverside are deploying with the 709th. The Soldiers come from all parts of Illinois and parts of Iowa, with a majority of the servicemembers from the Chicago area.

The unit will be mobilized for approximately one year, returning home around Christmas of 2011.

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30 Dec 2010

Johnny's Hosts Culinary Classes

By Katrina Padron

Secrets of a Johnny's Chef with Chef Steve Hall

Culinary Class January 11th at 6:30


Johnny's Italian Steakhouse will host a culinary class, Secrets of a Johnny's Chef, on January 11th at 6:30pm. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Chef Steve Hall will reveal concise, easy to master techniques in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. By showcasing professional secrets to preparing full flavor food, Chef Steve Hall translates your favorite Johnny's foods into amazing at-home meals.

The culinary class is $40 per participant and the fee is all inclusive: two glasses of wine, generous samples of each course, recipe cards, class fee, tax and gratuity (or 2 martinis for $45). Space is limited; for more information or to sign up, please call Johnny's Italian Steakhouse at 309.736.0100.

The class will be held the second Tuesday of every month in 2011. Below is a complete schedule.

January 11th

A Fresh Look at Supperclubs

Lump Crab Dip with Seasoned Pita Chips

Steak and Seafood Combo

Lava Cake

 

February 8th

Wine and Dine for Valentine's

Deluxe Bruschetta

Goat Cheese Salad

Beef Wellington

Strawberry Shortcake

 

March 8th

Cooking with Wine

Chilled Shrimp with Brandy Louis

Pork with Cabernet Demi-glace

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Chicken Madeira

Atlantic Salmon with Beurre Blanc

Mixed Berries with Marsala Zabglione

 

April 12th

Do It Yourself Celebrations

Spicy Seared Scallops with a Lemon Cream Sauce

Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Goat Cheese and Asparagus

Bananas Foster

 

May 10th

VIP Access - Johnny's Signatures

Veal Sinatra

Italian Stuffed Mushrooms

Buffalo Mozzerella Caprese

 

June 14th

Casual Summer Party

Grilled Shrimp and Vegetable Spiedini

Insalata Spinaca with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Classic Chicken Picatta with Italian Style Green Beans

 

July 12th

Everyday Italian with Local Produce

Baby Spinach Salad

Chilean Seabass Caprese

Limoncello Cake with Berries

 

August 9th

A Trip through Italy

Tuscany: Ribollita - Bread thickened vegetable soup

Rome: Vittelo Saltimbocca (Veal with prosciutto, lemon and sage)

Pomodori Ripieni (Tomatoes stuffed with rice)

Umbria: Crostini Umbriachi (Drunken Bread or Toast)

 

September 13th

Dinner with a Vibe

Bruschetta Wedge

Pan Seared Pork Chops with Cabernet Demi-glace

Warm Banana Bread Sundae

 

October 11th

Classic Dinner Party

Rumaki Sampler

Trout Amadine with Haricot Vert and Wild Rice Pilaf

Crème Brulee

 

November 8th

Hollywood at Home

Shrimp Cocktail with 3 unique presentations

Prime Rib

Tiramisu

 

28 Dec 2010

Siouxland Film Festival

By Iowa Film Office

ATTENTION FILMMAKERS

SIOUXLAND FILM FESTIVAL

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Sixth Annual Siouxland Film Festival will be held at Sioux City, Iowa's Orpheum Theater on Saturday, March 5, 2011.

Don't miss the exciting chance to see your work on the big screen.

For more information, contact

Siouxlandfilm@aol.com

DON'T DELAY. THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS JANUARY 24, 2011.

28 Dec 2010

Be a Tourist in your Own Backyard!

By Jessica Waytenick

Quad Cities - Head out on the town during a fun-filled weekend of discounts during the 10th annual "Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard Weekend" on January 14-17, 2011.  This year, over 50 Quad Cities businesses and organizations have issued coupons that are good for this special weekend and continuing for several months.

The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (QCCVB) invites everyone to the Quad Cities for a weekend filled with special prices, activities, and events for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend.  Almost 20 hotels/motels in the Quad Cities area are offering special rates and packages for the weekend.  And over 30 other area attractions, businesses, spas, and restaurants are offering great discounts.

"With Monday, January 17th a holiday for many parents and students, that weekend is a great time to be a tourist in your own backyard and enjoy an affordable hotel stay," says Joe Taylor, President/CEO of the QCCVB.  "People don't have to travel far or spend a lot of money to have a great and affordable weekend getaway."

Go to www.visitquadcities.com/beatourist for a list of all the specials and discounts for the weekend and to easily print the coupons that you'd like to use.  All of the participating businesses have a supply of the coupon booklets.  Supplies of the booklets are limited so it would be a good idea to pick up a booklet before the weekend starts, or just print the same coupons from the website.  Call 309-277-0937 for more information.

Faces of the Quad Cities Contest

Every day from January 5-14, 2011, a new photo of a Quad Cities "face" will be released.  Faces are contained within public art pieces in the Quad Cities and may include statues, paintings, murals, and more.  All faces are accessible by the general public.  People can enter the contest at www.visitquadcities.com/beatourist with all 10 answers submitted by midnight on Monday, January 17.  The winner will receive 2 round-trip tickets on Allegiant.  The runner-up will receive a $100 gift certificate to John Taylor Salon & Day Spa in Rock Island, IL.

Borders Benefit Days

In conjunction with the weekend, the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau is holding a Benefit Days event with Borders in Davenport and Waldenbooks in Moline's SouthPark on January 15-16, 2011.  With the voucher that can be downloaded from www.visitquadcities.com/beatourist, a percentage of the in-store and online sales will be donated to the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau.

 

28 Dec 2010

Join Team In Training and Help Save Lives, One Mile at a Time

By Patricia Davis

December 27, 2011 - If completing an endurance sporting event is on your life-list then The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training® (TNT) is for you. TNT is recruiting participants now for a summer season of marathons, half marathons, triathlons, 100-mile (century) bicycle rides or hike adventures.

TNT, the leading endurance sports charity training program, provides four to five months of personalized fitness training by certified coaches and the opportunity to be part of a supportive team. Participants come from all walks of life–from novice to seasoned athlete.

The Iowa Chapter is recruiting teams now to participate in summer events, such as the Capital of Texas Triathlon in Austin, Texas, Ojai Valley Century Ride in California, Dam to Dam in Des Moines, Iowa, Rock N' Roll San Diego Marathon and Half Marathon in San Diego, California, and Mayor's Marathon and Half Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska. Learn more at an information meeting being held on: January 18th at the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center in Davenport at 6:00 PM.

In addition to weekly training sessions under the guidance of a certified coach, TNT offers clinics on nutrition, equipment, injury prevention and safety. Participants are also given tools to help them fundraise. LLS arranges airfare and lodging to send participants to the event of their choice.

And if you're looking for a program to fit your busy schedule, now there's TNT Flex, a flexible, customized, online training option developed by TNT's renowned coaches.

"TNT provides a supportive environment to help you accomplish your goals," said executive director, Melanie Brown. "Helping fund lifesaving research will become your motivation, and knowing that your efforts are paying off by helping others will make you feel great."

For additional TNT information, call the Iowa Chapter at 319.693.9948; or visit: www.teamintraining.org/ia.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

27 Dec 2010

Farm Credit Services of America to Hold 17 GrowingOn Meetings in January

By Lisa Yager

GrowingOnSM 2011 Meetings Encourage Producers to Spend More Time on Crop Controllable Factors in 2011


OMAHA, Nebraska - (December 27, 2010) - Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) is hosting 17 meetings in January. The purpose is to share information and insights to help producers plan, reduce risk and grow in 2011.

Steven Johnson, farm management specialist with Iowa State University Extension, will be the main presenter. He will go over seasonal trends and provide a 2011crop price outlook, but more so, he will dedicate his time to sharing strategies for managing farm revenue and demonstrating how to use crop insurance as part of an overall risk management strategy.

"The potential for 2011 row crop profits are unprecedented," says Johnson. These crop prices will trigger much higher input costs, especially for fertilizer, fuel and, perhaps, even seed and land. Producers will want to maintain adequate working capital to help cover operating costs and debt servicing. Successful producers need to focus on the crop factors they can control, not the multitude of things they have no control over."

Johnson says it's also important for producers to work with a lender who understands the changes taking place in row crop agriculture. "It will be increasingly important to manage cash flow with higher operating fund requirements that cover multiple years' crop inputs. Successfully implemented crop marketing plans along with crop insurance coverage is becoming as important as cash flow projections."

"Producers are contracting more of their 2011 crop now - even before anything is planted," said Doug Burns, VP-Insurance for FCSAmerica. "We cannot stress enough how important it is for producers to talk to their crop insurance agent about their marketing plan changes to make sure they are comfortable with their coverage levels. At Farm Credit Services of America we have the tools that easily allow our customers to see how many bushels are insured, which helps with their marketing planning. We can show them how many bushels will be protected if they change their coverage levels, too." FCSAmerica crop insurance agents will go over this information at the GrowingOn 2011 meetings as well as share information regarding changes to the federal crop insurance plans and policy provisions. And they will also discuss options to reduce insurance premiums, such as the Enterprise Unit option and the Biotechnology Endorsement.

This two and one-half hour program will be held Wednesday, Jan. 5 in Newton and Marshalltown, Iowa; Thursday, Jan. 6 in Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa; Friday, Jan. 7 in Yale, Iowa; Monday, Jan. 10 in Eddyville, Iowa; Tuesday, Jan. 11 in Harlan and Corning, Iowa; Wednesday, Jan. 12 in Storm Lake, Iowa; Thursday, Jan. 13 in South Sioux City, Nebraska and Carroll, Iowa; Friday, Jan. 14 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Monday, Jan. 17 in Mason City and Manchester, Iowa; Tuesday, Jan. 18 in Festina and Waterloo, Iowa and Wednesday, Jan. 19 in Webster City, Iowa.

Pre-registration is required. Specific times, locations and registration details can be found at www.cropinsurancespecialists.com or by calling the local Farm Credit Services of America office or by calling 1-800-884-FARM.

Farm Credit Services of America is proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers. With more than 85,000 customers, a cash patronage program and assets of $15.3 billion, FCSAmerica is one of the region's leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.


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27 Dec 2010

Governor Pat Quinn Takes Clemency Action

By Alicia Anderson
CHICAGO - December 23, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today granted 34 and denied 51 clemency petitions. This action marks another step in a series of clemency decisions aimed at eliminating a massive backlog of more than 2,500 cases that built up during the previous administration.

The 85 clemency petitions acted upon by Governor Quinn date back to the January 2004 docket.  Each person granted clemency has recently undergone a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police's Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS).

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has acted on 895 clemency petitions. Governor Quinn has granted 371 and denied 524 petitions. Those actions include granting 362 pardons, authorizing eight people who had already received pardons to seek expungement of their convictions, and granting one commutation.

For additional information on the granted clemency cases, please contact the Prisoner Review Board at (217) 782-7274.

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27 Dec 2010

BOWLING INDUSTRY YES FUND TO HELP HIGH SCHOOL TEAM FOLLOWING FIRE

By Jason Overstreet
ARLINGTON, Texas - The new Youth Education Services (YES) Fund will be sending a holiday gift to the high school bowling team in Rock Island, Ill. Every member of the team will receive new equipment from one of the YES Fund's founding partners.
In the early morning hours of December 21, fire tore through the Town & Country Bowl in Rock Island. The bowling center along with most of the high school team's equipment was destroyed.
"My bowlers were devastated," Rock Island High School coach Jim Braet said. "I have been coaching there 31 years and feel like we lost a friend."
The fire meant Braet's team in the middle of the season had lost its home center and gear for upcoming competitions. When staff at the International Bowling Campus was contacted about the Rock Island team's loss, they quickly mobilized the YES Fund to help.
"The YES Fund is here to bring the bowling industry together in support of youth bowling," Bowling Proprietors' Association of America Director of Youth Chad Murphy said. "When we heard about this great high school team that lost nearly everything they needed to compete right before Christmas, we decided to step in."
The YES Fund's partner brands Brunswick, Columbia 300, Ebonite, 900 Global, Hammer, Roto Grip, Storm and Track donated new equipment for the Rock Island High School team. Nearby Milan Lanes will be the school's home center the remainder of the season.
"The YES Fund is a great, fantastic thing to keep a program going," Braet said. "This is going to be a boost to the kids' morale."
In November, the YES Fund introduced a new high school grant program. The Yes Fund-High School Grant Program will provide $2,500 to four high school programs annually. The high school teams must show financial need because of budget cuts or other changes, or may request funding to start a new program.
The YES Fund is a joint initiative of the BPAA and the United States Bowling Congress and is made possible by many of the leading brands in bowling including Brunswick, Columbia 300, Ebonite, 900 Global, Hammer, QubicaAMF, Roto Grip, Storm, Track, the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America, the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association, Luby Publishing International and  Bowlers Journal International.
About International Bowling Campus
The International Bowling Campus (IBC) is the headquarters for the bowling industry and directly serves the more than 71 million bowlers in the United States. The IBC houses the resources of the United States Bowling Congress, the governing body and membership organization for the sport; the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America, representing the business interests of bowling centers; Strike Ten Entertainment, the marketing arm for the industry; the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame; The Bowling Foundation; the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association; the Bowling Writers Association of America; the Bowling News Network; the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America; and the International Training and Research Center.
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