30 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Names New Head of Illinois Department of Human Services

By Kara Beach

Grace Hong Duffin Named Acting Secretary of Social Service Agency

CHICAGO - August 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today named Grace Hong Duffin as Acting Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). Hong Duffin has served as the department's Chief of Staff since 2009. She replaces Michelle R. B. Saddler who left the post this week when Governor Quinn named her as his new Chief of Staff.

"Grace Hong Duffin has been a faithful public servant to the people of Illinois, working to help our most vulnerable residents," said Governor Quinn. "As the helm of DHS, she will oversee the many important programs that low-income families throughout the state depend on every day."

Born in South Korea, Hong Duffin immigrated to the United States in 1975. She was raised in the Chicago area and received a Bachelor of Science in human development and social policy from Northwestern University and a Juris Doctorate from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. She also earned her Master of Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
"I look forward to working closely with Governor Quinn and his administration to provide effective and efficient services for vulnerable Illinoisans," said Acting Secretary Hong Duffin. "We will continue to look for ways to meet the current budget challenges while maintaining quality human services for those we serve."

Hong Duffin spent eight years working as an assistant state's attorney in the office of Cook County State's Attorney Richard A. Devine. She has also previously served as a Senior Policy Advisor for the Governor's Office and Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Grace Hou was recently named to the position of Acting Secretary of DHS and declined for personal reasons. Hou will remain Assistant Secretary for Programs at DHS, a position she has held since 2003. Prior to joining DHS, Hou was the Executive Director of the Chinese Mutual Aid Association, a nonprofit social service agency that serves Chinese immigrants and refugees. Hou has a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Illinois and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Springfield.

Governor Quinn rounded out the DHS leadership team by naming Matthew Hammoudeh as Assistant Secretary for Operations. Hammoudeh previously worked as Acting General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services where he assisted with DHS and other agencies with implementing accountability and fiscal initiatives that resulted in millions of dollars in savings for the state and significant improvements in agency operations. He has a Master's degree in biology from the University of Illinois and a Juris Doctorate from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

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30 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Announces Start of Home Heating Assistance Enrollment

By Laurel White

Seniors, People with Disabilities Can Apply for LIHEAP Program Beginning Sept. 1

CHICAGO - August 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that seniors and people with disabilities can begin applying for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning Sept. 1.

"Winter in Illinois can be treacherous, especially for vulnerable populations like seniors and people who have disabilities," said Governor Quinn. "Even though there are still hot days ahead, it's important to beginning planning for the cold weather now. Through the LIHEAP program, we're helping Illinois citizens get the assistance they need to stay safe, healthy and warm this winter."

LIHEAP is a state and federally funded energy assistance program for low income families, in which heating bill payments are made on behalf of households.

A single-person household can qualify with a monthly income of up to $1,354; a two-person household up to $1,821; and a family of four can earn up to $2,756. Benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of eligible households. The exception is households whose heating costs are included in their rent.

LIHEAP energy grant applications are processed through a network of 35 local administering agencies around the state. These agencies will begin accepting applications on a first-come, first?served basis from the elderly and people with disabilities on Sept. 1.

Households with children under the age of five can begin applying for LIHEAP assistance beginning Oct. 1. Individuals not eligible for priority enrollment can apply beginning Nov. 1.

LIHEAP is expected to make energy assistance payments on behalf of more than 300,000 households this winter with an anticipated $150 million in federal and non-federal funding.

For a complete listing of LIHEAP's local administering agencies and additional information about the program, go to LiheapIllinois.com, or call the toll-free hotline at 1?877?411-WARM.

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30 Aug 2010

ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY DEDICATES $11.5 MILLION HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION CENTER

By Jane Kettering
DAVENPORT, Iowa?On Thursday, Aug. 26, St. Ambrose University dedicated its new $11.5 million Center for Health Sciences Education at Genesis, located on the southeast corner of Genesis Medical Center, West Central Park, Davenport. Sen. Chuck Grassley was on hand to participate in the ceremony. Grassley, along with Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and Rep. Bruce Braley, were instrumental in securing $1.6 million of congressionally directed funding for the facility.

"We are honored that Senator Grassley is with us on this exciting day," said Sister Joan Lescinski, president and CEO of St. Ambrose. "As a result of the wonderful collaboration with Genesis Health System and the generosity of many, this state-of-the-art facility will help prepare even more highly qualified health care professionals to serve our community. And in these challenging economic times, I am also pleased that the construction of this new facility has also provided jobs for fellow Quad Citians."

Construction of the facility, which houses the university's academic programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy, provided 200 jobs and fueled an estimated $20 million impact on the local economy.

Doug Cropper, president and CEO of Genesis Health System said, "The new St. Ambrose Center for Health Sciences Education at Genesis is an investment in the Quad Cities community. We believe in supporting the education of healthcare professionals who will deliver the highest level of patient care."

Along with its Health Services Foundation, Genesis Health System provided more than $3 million in support for the project including the donation of land and site work.

The completion of the center marks an era of major capital projects to support the university's commitment to academic excellence. St. Ambrose has a long history of meeting the community's health care needs by providing quality education with nationally accredited academic programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program offers one of only 28 orthopedic physical therapy clinical residency programs in the nation. Considered a "Best Career" according to a 2009 U.S. News & World Report, recent DPT graduates achieved a 100 percent employment and licensure pass rate.
The Master of Occupational Therapy degree program is the only master's level program in the state of Iowa and recent OT graduates report a 100 percent employment rate. The OT program's assistive technology lab?the only one of its kind in the state?serves disabled Quad Cities residents with individualized equipment and home environment adaptations. Faculty and student assistive technology inventions have consistently won national awards.
The Nursing Department offers a traditional bachelor of science in nursing degree program and one for Registered Nurses (RNs) who can complete their degree while employed, as well as a master of science in nursing administration. Responding to the community's critical need for highly qualified nursing professionals, approximately 75 percent of St. Ambrose nursing graduates remain and practice in the Quad Cities area.
For more information, go to www.sau.edu.

- end -
30 Aug 2010

Expanded Hours of Operation at Locks and Dam #14 Auxiliary

By Dennis Shannon,
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project announces the auxiliary lock at Locks and Dam #14 in Pleasant Valley, Iowa will expand its hours of operation this late summer to accommodate pleasure boats negotiating the river. The expanded hours will be on Saturdays and Sundays only for the following dates and times: September 11-12, September 18-19, and September 25- 26 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. There will be no expanded Friday hours of operation.

To learn more about the Mississippi River, you are encouraged to visit www.missriver.org. For further information on these expanded hours of lock operation, please call Locks and Dam #14 at (309)794-4357.

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26 Aug 2010

Senator Working to Combat Stolen Valor in Iowa

By Sen. Shawn Hamerlinck

DIXON - After recent headlines of a court ruling in California that protects lying about military honors, Senator Shawn Hamerlinck (R-Dixon) filed legislation this week that prevents disingenuous Iowans from lying in order to profit from prestigious military awards, such as the Purple Heart.

In 2006 Congress passed the Stolen Valor Act which made it a federal crime to lie about receiving medals of honors from the United States military. On August 17th the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California ruled the Stolen Valor Act unconstitutional in a 2-1 vote citing it violates the First Amendment. The case is being appealed to the Supreme Court.

Appeals Judge Milan D. Smith wrote if the courts upheld the law, "then there would be no constitutional bar to criminalizing lying about one's height, weight, age or financial status on Match.com or Facebook, or falsely representing to one's mother that one does not smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, is a virgin, or has not exceeded the speed limit while driving on the freeway.  The sad fact is, most people lie about some aspects of their lives from time to time."

"If upheld as it currently stands, it becomes acceptable for individuals to lie about military service and honors of valor in order to profit in some way," stated Senator Shawn Hamerlinck (R-Dixon). "Demeaning the Congressional Metal of Honor, Navy Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart to the weight recorded on a driver's license is appalling."

Per capita, Iowa has more active duty soldiers currently deployed than another other state in the nation. "In Iowa, those who volunteer for service are held at a higher regard than the credit offered by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California," Hamerlinck went on to say.  "Knowing that the U.S. Supreme Court process could take another two years, I have filed a Stolen Valor Act in Iowa and am confident that it will be embraced by the Legislature and win approval in the upcoming session."

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26 Aug 2010

Galena Lions Club to host 4th annual Oktoberfest

By Lisa Schoenrock

Wiener dog racing, polka dancing will highlight this German celebration

GALENA, Ill. - Prepare to have one of the best days of your life, by attending the 4th Annual Galena Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 2, in Galena, Illinois! The day begins with a cannon blast and the ceremonial tapping of the keg. Activities will take place throughout the day, including wiener dog races and events, a bean bag tournament, polka dancing and lessons, beer stein endurance contest, raffle drawings for cash and prizes, plus a bounce house and games for the kids.

Galena Oktoberfest will take place at the Eastside Riverfront in Galena from noon to 11 p.m. There will be live music continuously throughout the entire day. This year polka music aficionados will be entertained by the Jim Busta Band from Spring Grove, Minnesota and The Goodtime Dutchman from Kewaskum, Wisconsin, both of which are very talented polka bands, well-known locally and nationally. A favorite local band, Sunshine, will play out the night with popular music. Galena's own Jennifer Mulcahey, of Ballroom by Jennifer, will provide free polka dancing lessons, having taught a variety of dance styles for 20 years. Food will be offered by Galena favorites Benjamin's Restaurant, the Elks Club, and Extra Batch Bakery. A wide variety of German beers and soda will be available for purchase too.

Gate tickets to Galena Oktoberfest are $5 for adults and teens, children 12 and under are admitted free. Proceeds from Galena Oktoberfest will go to the Galena Lions Club, which serves the community by helping those with sight and hearing needs.

For more information, go to www.galenaoktoberfest.com. The website provides complete, up-to-date information on the schedule of events, registration forms for the races and events, and much more. For those without internet access, call (815) 331-0180 and leave a message to receive more information. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling (877) Go-Galena. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

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26 Aug 2010

Governor Quinn Marks 90th Anniversary of Women's Right to Vote; Proclaims Women's Equality Day

By Andrew Mason

Highlights State Laws that Protect Women from Gender-Based Discrimination

CHICAGO - August 26, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today joined women leaders from across Illinois to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the passage of legislation that gave women the right to vote. During a ceremony at the James R. Thompson Center, Governor Quinn proclaimed today as Women's Equality Day in Illinois, and highlighted the state's efforts to combat gender-based discrimination and to protect women's rights to equal pay for equal work.

"Dedicated women throughout history have enriched our society, economy and families, and today we honor their courageous fight for equality and respect," said Governor Quinn. "I am proud to continue the fight to strengthen our labor and human rights laws to protect women's fundamental rights."

Last year Governor Quinn expanded protections under Illinois' Equal Pay Act by extending the time period for individuals to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor and the statute of limitations for individuals to sue for back pay in court. Governor Quinn also signed a new law that requires all institutions of higher education covered by the Illinois Human Rights Act to prominently display posters outlining sexual harassment laws and policies.

"I am proud to host today's Women's Equality Day celebration. Our department has been working diligently to ensure freedom from unlawful discrimination and to promote equal opportunity and affirmative action for all individuals in Illinois through enforcement of the Illinois Human Rights Act," said Rocco Claps, Director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights. "Today's celebration reminds us of our duty to protect women from gender-based discrimination."

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution became law on Aug. 26, 1920, granting women the right to vote. That day also marks the 90th Anniversary of the Women's Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor, created by the U.S. Congress in recognition of the challenges confronted by women in the workplace.

"As we remember the challenges faced by so many women on Women's Equality Day, I am pleased of our Department's tireless efforts to ensure all workers receive wages they're entitled to, whether it's equal pay for equal work, minimum wage or overtime," said Catherine Shannon, Director, Illinois Department of Labor. "We will continue to ensure pay equity in the workplace."

Along with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the commemoration was coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau, Illinois Department of Labor and the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Women.

Former WGN-TV personality Merri Dee emceed the event, which was attended by representatives from the Young Women's Leadership Charter School, dozens of state agencies and health care and social service organizations. Actresses portrayed famous suffragists and other women who fought to improve women's rights. Governor Quinn's mother Eileen Quinn, who will turn 93 this October, also attended the event.

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26 Aug 2010

HUD AWARDS $312 MILLION IN DISASTER RECOVERY GRANTS TO HELP STATES REDUCE DAMAGES FROM FUTURE DISASTERS

By Brian Sullivan

Disaster Recovery Enhancement Fund to support buyouts, relocations, home improvements

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded nearly $312 million to 13 states to invest in efforts to reduce the human, physical, and economic toll of future disasters.  The grants announced today are provided through HUD's Disaster Recovery Enhancement Fund (DREF) and are intended to encourage states to undertake activities and long-term strategies that focus on reducing damages from future natural disasters.

In the past two years, HUD allocated more than $5.6 billion in disaster recovery funding through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to these states.   The DREF was established to support the long-term recovery following dozens of natural disasters in 2008.  As a result of having received CDBG funds for those disasters, these 13 states were eligible to receive additional allocations based on the significant investment they've made by targeting their CDBG funds to disaster mitigation.

"An ounce of prevention today can spare communities a world of hurt tomorrow," said Donovan.  "We're making a serious investment in our future by making certain that when disaster strikes, the impacted communities in these states can weather the storm."

Disaster mitigation, like those that qualify for funding through the DREF, are a sound investment.  According to an independent study by the National Institute of Building Sciences, every dollar spent on disaster mitigation activities saves taxpayers $4 in future disaster recovery expenses.  The 13 states that received funding through the DREF invested nearly $876 million in disaster mitigation which translates into a total anticipated return on investment of more than $3.5 billion.

The purpose of the DREF is to reward states that invested CDBG disaster recovery funding in activities that reduce risks from future disasters.  HUD recognizes that while these types of activities are often more expensive in the short-term, they dramatically cut recovery costs over the long-term.  To help assist with the additional cost of mitigating future risk, DREF funds can be used toward projects meeting unmet disaster recovery needs, and those that include :

Ø Buyout payments for homeowners living in high-risk areas;

Ø Optional relocation payments to encourage residents to move to safer locations;

Ø Home improvement grants to reduce damage risks (property elevation, reinforced garage doors and windows, etc.);

Ø Improving and enforcing building codes; and

Ø Developing forward-thinking land-use plans that reduce development in high-risk areas.

HUD is awarding DREF grants to the following states:

State

DREF Allocation

Iowa

$84,126,989

Texas

$67,949,391

Louisiana

$32,487,882

Florida

$26,616,675

Illinois

$23,517,970

Indiana

$23,208,985

Wisconsin

$15,276,319

California

$15,000,000

Puerto Rico

$12,000,000

Mississippi

$5,438,712

Missouri

$5,000,000

Kentucky

$500,000

Georgia

$480,000

Total

$311,602,923

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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.

26 Aug 2010

Celebrate with your girlfriends in historic Galena

By Galena Area Chamber of Commerce
GALENA, Ill. - The Galena Area Chamber of Commerce once again plans a special weekend for "girlfriends" of all ages from Friday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 12. This annual Galena Girlfriends' Getaway will feature sales, contests, spa specials, Quartermania and more - just for the ladies - in beautiful, historic Galena in scenic northwest Illinois.

A pre-registration fee of $15 includes a martini glass, soy wickless candle, and a chance to win a fabulous shopping spree. Girlfriends may pre-register for all activities, $70 per person, which includes the martini glass, candle, shopping spree drawing, admission to the scavenger hunt, belly dancing class, yoga class, Quartermania auction, slipper party, and Sunday brunch. Participants may also register for as few or as many activities as they choose.

The Galena Girlfriends' Weekend gets underway with the scavenger hunt from 4-7 p.m. It will be a challenging test to see just how well you know Galena. Each participant will receive a clue bag that includes hints, tips & tidbits that will aid in completing all of the questions.

The ever-popular Quartermania auction will happen once again, this time Saturday night at DeSoto House Hotel starting at 6 p.m. Ladies can buy a roll of quarters, bid on a variety of interesting items, and see who gets the fun and great bargains. A Saturday night "Slipper Party" at the Wal-Mart Supercenter beginning at 9:30 p.m. will feature games, refreshments, coupons and a gift card.

Saturday's events will also include the second half of the scavenger contest from 12-4 p.m., a belly dancing class at A Wild Clover on Main beginning at 3 p.m. (limit 25 people); and a yoga class beginning at 4:30 p.m. (limit 25 people).

Sunday's finale at the DeSoto is a brunch with your "girlfriends" as the weekend will wrap up by announcing the winners of the scavenger hunt, shopping spree and gift baskets.

Throughout the entire weekend, there are more than 55 businesses throughout Galena and Jo Daviess County that are offering specials, drawings, and events to participants of the Galena Girlfriends' Getaway.

For more event info, including venues and fees, call the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce at 815-777-9050 or visit galenachamber.com. Pre-registration is also available online at galenachamber.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau by calling 877-Go Galena or at www.galena.org. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.
26 Aug 2010

Galena Cellars Vineyard hosts first annual Fall Harvest & Art Festival

By Janelle Keeffer
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of rural Jo Daviess County

GALENA, Ill. - August 25, 2010 - Celebrating the fruits of their labor, Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery and the Galena Cultural Arts Alliance are excited to announce their partnership in planning a new Fall Harvest & Art Festival.

The first annual two-day event will take place at Galena Cellars Vineyard, 4746 N. Ford Road, Galena, on Saturday and Sunday, September 25th and 26th, with activities spanning from noon until 6 p.m. both days.

Nestled in the vineyard clearing will be tents of area artists, each demonstrating their talents. Artist wares will range from watercolors to pottery, textile arts to exotic wooden pens. "We think this partnership will create a great weekend for everyone. Our artists participate in our shop 'Hello Galena!', as well as in galleries, museums and art fairs throughout the year, but to be able to exhibit and sell in such a beautiful setting is a real treat," said Toni Klingler, Galena Cultural Arts Alliance president.

"In addition to showcasing the amazing work of our local artists, we have a full weekend of fun for the entire family: food booths, hayrides, pumpkin painting and grape stomping," said Rob Steger, events and tours coordinator for Galena Cellars.

The Jo Daviess County Beef Association will be grilling up succulent steak and chicken sandwiches along with beef brats and hot dogs. Locally produced cheeses and fruit will also be featured. And of course, there is always the opportunity to sample wine, explore "tasting" through all of your senses and tour the vineyard.

Visitors are also invited to "kick up their heels and have a little fun" as the vineyard barrel room comes to life with music - rags, waltzes and hoe downs - with more local talent, the Fever River String Band.

Admission to the event is free. Vineyard tours are $5 each and include a sensory tour and wine tasting. An art auction will be held a 5 p.m. on Saturday, with proceeds benefiting the Galena Cultural Arts Alliance, a 501©(3) not-for-profit organization.

For more information, visit www.galenacellars.com/harvest.htm. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau by calling 877-Go Galena or at www.galena.org.

Galena Cellars, a Lawlor family winery, offers more than forty varietals of wine produced in Galena, Illinois. Many Galena Cellars wine utilize Illinois-grown grapes from the recently appointed Upper Mississippi River Valley Area Viticulture Area, the largest designated AVA in the world. Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery is proud to offer three tasting room locations: 515 S. Main and at the Vineyard at 4746 N. Ford Road in Galena, and in 477 S. Third Street, Dodson Place in Geneva, Illinois.

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