08 Feb 2010

Community Non-Profit Organizations Can Enlist Farmer Support to Apply for Chance to Win $2,500 Donation

By Randy Myers

Deadline Nearing for America's Farmers Grow Communities  ProjectTo Help Communities During Tough Economy


ST. LOUIS (Feb. 5, 2010) - In this tough economic climate, fundraising can be particularly challenging for many non-profit organizations. But now, agricultural youth groups as well as civic organizations across Iowa can enlist support from local farmers to win a $2,500 award. The application process for farmers is simple. With the deadline fast approaching, they just need to visit www.growcommunities.com and fill out a short form by Feb. 28, 2010.


The America's Farmers Grow Communities  Project is a pilot program that enables farmers throughout Iowa and in parts of Arkansas and Missouri to enter a local agricultural organization or other non-profit community group to win a donation. Monsanto Company, the program sponsor, will award one $2,500 donation in each of the eligible counties, which include all 99 Iowa counties amounting to nearly $250,000 in statewide funding.


"Although only farmers can submit an award application, we're also encouraging eligible community organizations to approach farmers they know to ask to be entered," said John Raines, Monsanto Vice President of Customer Advocacy. "From looking at the entries coming in, we are impressed by the diversity of very worthwhile community groups that are important to Iowa farmers."


Ag youth organizations, such as 4-H and FFA, account for many of farmer entries received to date. Other community groups also receiving a high number of entries include schools, libraries, fire departments and emergency medical services, economic development groups, hospitals and community centers.


To participate, Iowa farmers must be age 21 and over and be actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres of corn and/or soybeans. The application period runs through Feb. 28, 2010. The program is open to all qualifying farmers, and there is no purchase requirement.


Farmers can apply online or request a copy of the official rules of the award program at www.growcommunities.com, by calling 1.877.267.3332 or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Grow Communities Project, 914 Spruce St., St. Louis, Mo. 63102.

08 Feb 2010

Operation Gratitude Twin 500,000th Packages Delivered

By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Susan Wilt
2 Paratroopers in Afghanistan Receive Keys to Harley Bikes

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Two deployed 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers got a nice surprise when they opened up boxes from Operation Gratitude and each found a set of keys to a new motorcycle in his care package.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Fullerton, a squad leader with Company B, 82nd Division Special Troops Battalion, and U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Herne, an infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, were lucky recipients of the Operation Gratitude Milestone 500,000th Twin Care Packages shipped on December 19, 2009.  A new Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycle will be waiting for each Paratrooper upon his redeployment from Afghanistan.

Fullerton 1


"I'm still in shock from winning, so I'm a little lost for words. It's the coolest thing I've received in my life," said Herne, a native of Addison, N.Y.

 

Herne 1

Fullerton, a native of Quincy, Mass., was happy because his wife likes motorcycles, so it will be a nice treat for her.


The Paratroopers weren't the only ones glad they'd received Harley's, their leadership was pleased to see their Paratroopers get such a generous care package.

 

"Sergeant Herne is a very dedicated soldier," said 1st Sgt. Michael Black, Herne's company first sergeant.  "When asked to perform a task he goes above and beyond his duty and always gives 110 percent. All the other Paratroopers look up to him for guidance and mentorship. The day he came off of leave he volunteered to go on mission. That is the type of Paratrooper Sgt. Herne is."

Fullerton's first sergeant echoed similar sentiments.

"He's one of my strongest (noncomissioned officers), an outstanding leader, very deserving of the motorcycle," said 1st Sgt. John S. Woodson, a Charleston, W. Va., native and Fullerton's first sergeant at Co. B.

Not only was Woodson happy that Fullerton won a motorcycle, but he also thought the gesture showed there was a lot of outside support for Servicemembers who are deployed. The Milestone 500,000th packages were sent by Operation Gratitude along with 1,800 additional care packages personally addressed to Soldiers of

the Task Force.


Herne 2The two motorcycles were purchased by Mr. Don Allen, the CEO of American Veteran Traveling Tribute and Mr. Lee Rawcliffe, the CEO and owner of Sands Resorts, as a way of rewarding two Soldiers for all their service.

"Mr. Allen and Mr. Rawcliffe wanted to show their appreciation by asking Operation Gratitude to randomly select two Soldiers to receive their gift," said retired Army Col. Melinda S. Woodhurst, the director of operations for AVTT.


Fullerton 2


"Staff Sgt. Fullerton and Sgt. Herne are wonderful representatives of the U.S. Military and we are delighted that they received the Milestone 500,000th Care Packages," said Carolyn Blashek, founder of Operation Gratitude.   "The volunteers and supporters of Operation Gratitude are also honored to send expressions of respect and appreciation to all of our heroic warriors on the front lines of freedom."

As far as future plans go for the most recent recipient of the motorcycle, when Herne redeploys from Afghanistan he's looking forward to learning how to actually ride a motorcycle.                                                                                     

"I've ridden a lot of dirt bikes, so it should be the same," said Herne, who ironically was saving his money to buy a motorcycle when he returned from Afghanistan.

About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude (www.OperationGratitude.com ) is the 501 (c) (3) non-profit, volunteer organization that annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individual U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions.  Our mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to all Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$100 and costs the organization $11 to assemble and ship.  Since it's inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude has sent more than 515,000 care packages to American Military overseas.
08 Feb 2010

Iowa Wesleyan College Announces Fall Semester Dean's List

By Martha Potts-Bell

MOUNT PLEASANT, IA (02/04/2010)(readMedia)-- Dr. Nancy Erickson, vice president for academic affairs at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, has announced the names of students who have qualified for the 2009 fall semester Dean's List. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must attain a grade point average of 3.50 or better on a 4.00 scale with 10 credit hours or more and no incomplete grades at the time the list is declared.

Those from the Quad Cities area include :

Timothy Bean, a Senior from Durant, IA

Meredith Frasier, a Senior from Moline, IL

Travis Parker, a Senior from Taylor Ridge, IL

Ayla Serrano, a Freshman from Rock Island, IL

The mission of Iowa Wesleyan College is to prepare students to succeed in a changing global environment. Iowa Wesleyan is a four year liberal arts college providing quality, individualized learning experiences that combine the development of the intellect with adaptive life skills. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, with which it shares a commitment to spiritual values, social justice and human welfare.

Iowa Wesleyan College is the oldest private coeducational liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River. For more information about Iowa Wesleyan College please visit the website at www.iwc.edu

08 Feb 2010

RIVERMONT JOINS ACADEMIC FAIR WITH EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT TO COMMUNITY

By Brittany Marietta

The Quad City community and members of the press are invited to Rivermont Collegiate's 2009-10 Academic Fair, which will be immediately followed by an exciting announcement regarding future student opportunities at the School.  Join us on Thursday, February 11th at 6:00 p.m. to immerse yourself in knowledge and information as Rivermont students share a diverse assortment of projects at the Academic Fair.  Over 130 projects will be on display in the gymnasium, where guests and students will gather to view the results of months of research. Stay to hear the results of projects entered into competition, which will be followed by a special announcement from Headmaster Richard St. Laurent at approximately 7:15 p.m.

The annual Academic Fair is a proud tradition at Rivermont, with projects that span numerous academic areas, from inventions to genealogy to the performance of living biographies.  Guests will also have the opportunity to take guided tours of the Rivermont campus, which includes the historic Joseph Bettendorf Mansion, and learn more about Rivermont Collegiate.  The Academic Fair is the culmination of months of students' hard work - prepare to be amazed! The Rivermont community could not be more eager to pair this display of academic merit with our exciting announcement to the community!

08 Feb 2010

WLLR tunes in to help save the lives of children fighting cancer and other deadly diseases

By Tammi Hardy

WLLR is among 32 Clear Channel radio stations nationwide hosting radiothons February 11-12

(Quad Cities, IA) - (February 8, 2010) - Radio station WLLR will host its 18th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radiothon Thursday, February 11th and Friday, February 12th from 6am to 6pm on both days, live from the HyVee in Rock Island, IL and Davenport, IA. The radiothon raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, one of the world's premier center for the research and treatment of cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.


Among this year's highlights, Quad Cities-area St. Jude patient Eric will share his experience with radiothon listeners. Eric was a former St. Jude patient and is now healthy and living in the Quad Cities area. Eric is just one of the tens of thousands of children who have benefited from the cutting-edge research and treatment at St. Jude since it opened in 1962. Local listeners interested in helping Eric and other children like him can pledge a donation by calling 800.345.4673 or by visiting WLLR's Web site, www.wllr.com.


At St. Jude, families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance, and no child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. Like most organizations, St. Jude has not been immune to the effects of the economy. Now more than ever, St. Jude needs the support of country music listeners to continue its mission of finding cures and saving children.

 

The radio fundraising program began in 1989 after Randy Owen, lead singer of the music group ALABAMA, met St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. Since its inception, Country Cares has grown to be one of the most successful radio fundraising events in the nation with more than 200 radio station partners raising more than $365 million in pledges.


"I'm so proud that the music that helped me put bread on my table and have a career is the same music and the same fans, to a certain degree, that have made incredible contributions to Country Cares," Owen said. "I look forward to the future. I absolutely know we're making a difference in a very positive way."


St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.

 

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08 Feb 2010

A STRONG NATIONAL Renewable Electricity Standard would support over 8,000 new jobs in iowa

By Josh Smith

Renewables industries will grow manufacturing, construction and engineering jobs by 2025 with national policy, new study finds

Washington, D.C., February 4, 2010 - The renewable energy industry in Iowa will support thousands of new jobs if the federal government passes a strong national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) this year, according a major new study announced today. A national policy requiring electrical utilities to get 25% of their power from renewable sources by 2025 would drive new jobs in the wind power industry in Iowa, with similar results across the U.S.

The "Job Impacts of a National Renewable Electricity Standard" study, conducted by independent firm Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: NCI) and released by the RES Alliance for Jobs, found that a 25% by 2025 national RES would result in an additional 8,350 renewable energy jobs in Iowa, part of 274,000 jobs nationwide, compared to continuing without a national policy. This is equal to 59,800 job-years of work for Iowans through 2025.

In addition, the study found that without stronger near-term targets than currently envisioned, Iowa industries like wind power will experience flat job growth and long-term stagnation.  The RES Alliance recommends raising near-term RES targets in federal legislation to 12% in 2014 and 20% in 2020.

"This new study supports that, with proper federal policies like a strong RES, the U.S. wind energy industry can create long lasting jobs over the next decade," said Steve Lockard, CEO of TPI Composites, which has a wind blade manufacturing facility in Newton, Iowa.  States like Iowa have a great opportunity to revitalize their manufacturing base as a result of this recommended policy."

With a 25% by 2025 RES, Iowa's wind energy industry would support an additional 8,000 jobs annually by 2025.

"If we don't create a stable environment for wind energy investment and turbine manufacturing in the U.S. we are literally giving away jobs to China and India," said Peter Duprey, CEO of Acciona, which has a manufacturing facility in West Branch, Iowa.  "The Renewable Electricity Standard is a stabilizer.  It's the difference between one shift and three at our West Branch plant.  It's the giant step forward that our industry needs for the jobs it promises to create."

China and the EU have national incentives for clean energy production, the report noted, and unless the U.S. creates a strong national policy of its own we will be at a major disadvantage.

"The report analysis clearly shows that an RES of 25 percent by 2025 results in significantly expanded job opportunities in renewable energy," said Lisa Frantzis, Managing Director for Renewable and Distributed Energy at Navigant Consulting, which conducted the study.  "Each renewable technology will support jobs in different regions across the country, with the bottom line being a marked increase in job opportunities nationwide."

The RES Alliance / Navigant Consulting study is the first to examine the job impacts in these five industries across states in both the near- and long-term.

More information, including downloadable job growth maps, is available at www.res-alliance.org.

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04 Feb 2010

College-Bound Students Should Apply Now for Financial Aid

By Heather Doe


Des Moines, IA, February 3, 2010 - Now is the time for college-bound students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2010-2011 academic year.  The FAFSA is a standardized federal form used to determine eligibility for federal, state, and in some cases, institutional financial aid.
Filing the FAFSA is easier this year with fewer questions to answer and a simplified online process.  "We encourage students and parents to complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov because it contains instructions, help features, and built-in edits to reduce applicant error," explained Karen Misjak, Executive Director of the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid).  "It is also processed faster than the paper version, which can be an important factor when meeting financial aid deadlines."

Iowa College Aid urges all college-bound students to complete the FAFSA regardless of their financial situation.  "Most families are eligible for some form of financial aid, but they need to apply early to meet the priority deadlines associated with different programs," said Misjak.
To help Iowa families, Iowa College Aid offers the following FAFSA filing tips.

File the FAFSA no matter your financial situation.  Even if you do not think you will qualify for need-based financial aid, you should still file the FAFSA.  Many colleges require that you file the FAFSA to be considered for institutional aid.  In addition, you are required to complete a FAFSA to be eligible for federal Stafford loans.

Never pay to file the FAFSA.  You can file the FAFSA for free at www.fafsa.gov.  Reputable resources, such as Iowa College Aid, are available to help you for free.

Meet state and college deadlines.  Many states, including Iowa, have a FAFSA filing deadline for state-funded scholarships, grants and work-study opportunities.  To be eligible for Iowa-funded financial aid your FAFSA must be completed and received at the federal processing center prior to July 1, 2010.  You also need to complete the Iowa Financial Aid Application, which can be accessed through the statewide community web portal,

www.IHaveaPlanIowa.gov.  Keep in mind, most colleges and universities have earlier financial aid deadlines.  Students should check with their college of choice to determine its priority deadline for financial aid and if additional documentation is required.

Double check information to avoid delays.  Review your FAFSA information before you submit it for processing.  Make sure the student's Social Security number and the parent's Social Security number are typed in the correct spaces.  Mix-ups like these will cause processing delays.

Electronically sign your FAFSA.  The electronic application is not complete until both the student and parent electronically sign the FAFSA using their Federal Student Aid Personal Identification Numbers (PIN).  You can apply for student and parent PINs while completing the FAFSA online, or you can go to the Federal Student Aid PIN website at www.pin.ed.gov.

Students and families who have questions about applying for financial aid, or are interested in learning more about the resources available through the statewide community web portal, can contact Iowa College Aid's Information Service Center at 877-272-4456.  In addition, more information to help Iowa families plan, prepare and pay for college is available on Iowa College Aid's website at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov.

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04 Feb 2010

Braley Introduces Legislation to Invest in Clean Energy Jobs

By Caitlin Legacki

Audio Available: New Era Expansion Act will invest in clean energy job training

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Waterloo) introduced legislation today to authorize the Secretary of Labor to invest in clean energy job training at Iowa's community colleges. The New Era Expansion Act would build on the success of Braley's New Era Act of 2007, which established a recurring grant program at the US Department of Agriculture to provide grants to community colleges and advanced training facilities that train the next generation of agricultural-based energy professionals.

"Investing in clean energy job training is an important step to preparing Iowa's workforce for the 21st Century economy," Braley said. "In this difficult economic climate, legislation like this is key to generating job opportunities for Iowa's middle class families.

"The New Era Expansion Act allows Iowa to continue to lead the way in clean energy production by creating a workforce education program in clean energy technology.  This bill is an important step toward equipping our state's workforce with the skills they need to fill clean energy production and manufacturing jobs that are being created throughout Iowa and the Midwest."

The New Era Expansion Act would authorize the Secretary of Labor to award grants to community colleges so they can establish a grant program for community colleges to start wind energy and energy efficient construction workforce training programs.

Under the bill, the Department of Labor would be charged with overseeing the implementation and scope of the training program.  Funding for the program would be determined through Congressional appropriations to the Department of Labor to satisfy the demand for and requirements of the program.

In his recent budget, President Obama requested $85 million for the Department of Labor to prepare more than 120,000 workers for work in the clean energy sector by June of 2012.

In the first year of the original New Era program, Braley was able to secure $276,318 in two-year grants from the New Era Rural Technology Competitive Grant Program for Eastern Iowa Community College and Hawkeye Community College.

Audio of Braley's weekly reporter conference call is available here.

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04 Feb 2010

Muscatine man on front lines of Navy's relief mission in Haiti

By Tim Page
Navy Seaman Andrew Alvarado, a native of Muscatine, is currently deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) off the coast of Haiti.

USS Carter Hall is presently conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the wake of the Jan. 12 earthquake. USS Carter Hall, with its compliment of helicopters, hospital facilities and an embark of Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU 22), make them well-suited for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response missions.

Seaman Alvarado is a Ship's Serviceman responsible for inventory of ship's store and contributing to the morale and well-being of the crew. Seaman Alvarado also participated in community relations projects in Haiti. His motherCruz Martinez resides in Muscatine.
04 Feb 2010

Select assortment discount grocer ALDI to close Brady Street store in Davenport April 3; reopens fall 2010

By Katherine Davis

Nearby stores remain open

Dwight, Ill. (Feb. 2, 2010) - Beginning April 3, ALDI will close its Brady Street store location in Davenport.  The select assortment discount grocer will reopen with a replacement store in the same location this fall.  ALDI continues to offer Davenport grocery shoppers a smarter alternative at its other Davenport stores, located at 5266 Elmore Ave. and 2825 Rockingham Road.  Known for its premium ALDI select brands, ALDI is able to offer high quality grocery items at unbeatable prices.

"As many loyal Davenport shoppers know, our Brady Street location has been in operation since 1976," said Heather Moore, ALDI Dwight division vice president. "We look forward to giving our customers a new, modern shopping experience.  In the interim, we have two nearby locations that will continue to provide customers with high quality products at unbeatable prices."

Customers can expect to find more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased items sold under its select brands for prices up to 50 percent less than traditional supermarkets.  A model of efficiency, ALDI eliminates overhead costs by offering smart and efficient practices including a cart deposit system where shoppers insert a quarter to release a cart and get the quarter back upon the cart's return.  Other cost-saving practices include a smaller store footprint, open carton displays and encouraging customers to bring their own shopping bags.

ALDI also saves consumers money by keeping stores open during prime shopping times - typically from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

A grocery retailer that has grown without merger or acquisition, ALDI opened 80 new stores across the United States in 2009 and plans to open another 80 U.S. stores in 2010, including 30 new stores in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas.

About ALDI Inc.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry since 1976, ALDI has more than 1,000 U.S. stores located in 30 states primarily from Kansas to the East Coast serving more than 20 million customers each month.  Beginning in the spring of 2010, ALDI will enter the Texas market with approximately 30 new stores planned for the Dallas/Ft. Worth region.  A select assortment discount grocer featuring its own ALDI select brands, ALDI applies smart and efficient operational and business practices to save customers up to 50 percent on their grocery bill.  ALDI, named 2009 Retailer of the Year by PL Buyer, sells more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased grocery and household items in manageable, non-bulk packaging.  For more information about ALDI, go to www.aldi.us.

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