09 Mar 2010

Genesis Earns Communitas Award For Flu-Free Quad Cities Initiative

By Craig Cooper

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- March 8, 2010 -- Communitas Awards has recognized Genesis Health System for Leadership In Community Service.

Genesis received a Communitas Award award for its Flu-Free Quad Cities project that provided seasonal influenza vaccinations to more than 10,000 elementary school children in 2009.

The Communitas Awards are an international effort to recognize exceptional businesses, organizations and individuals that are unselfishly giving of themselves and their resources, and those that are changing how they do business to benefit their communities. Nominees are evaluated on the extent and effectiveness of their efforts.

The Communitas Awards is an outgrowth of the pro bono recognition program of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). Founded in 1995, AMCP fosters and supports the efforts of its members who contribute their unique marketing and communication talents to public service and charitable organizations.

Genesis Flu-Free Quad Cities is an initiative of Genesis Health System that started three years ago with the idea to protect thousands of elementary school children against seasonal influenza.

Starting out as a pilot project in 2007 with 300 students in three schools, the program has expanded to reach 10,000 children in 82 schools throughout the Quad Cities area of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

Children in elementary schools often go unvaccinated. They are not generally considered to be a high-risk group because they rarely suffer severe complications of flu, but they are very efficient carriers.  They carry seasonal flu into their homes and into the communities where they reside.  They carry the flu to baby siblings who may be at higher risk from complications and to grandparents, who also are at higher risk of complications.

Through the Genesis Health Services Foundation, more than $250,000 was raised to fund the project in 2009.

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09 Mar 2010

Water Education Programs Sponsored by Iowa American Water Continue this Week in Local Schools

By Lisa Reisen
Final performances March 8 - 9 teach local students important water lessons

Davenport, Iowa. (March 8, 2010) - Iowa American Water and The National Theatre for Children, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are bringing the live theatrical show, "Alice in Water Land" to 12 local elementary schools in the Iowa Quad Cities. Final performances are scheduled at four local elementary schools on March 8 - 9. A schedule of performances dates/times and a program summary is included at the end of this release.

The presentations by the National Theatre for Children are part of Iowa American Water's youth education program. Iowa American Water has worked to enhance water education in area classrooms for decades by sponsoring an annual poster contest for over 20 years and sponsoring local Newspapers in Education "Water" and "Earth Day" issues. The Theatre for Children is an extension of that effort to bring water and conservation education to local elementary school students.

The National Theatre for Children, a Minnesota-based national touring company, works with corporations to relay their educational and public messages to students. Using simple sets and audience participation, the troupe will be presenting their program to hundreds of students in Iowa American Water's service areas throughout eastern Iowa. The shows share information on water education, water usage tips, and pollution control with students in a fun, interactive atmosphere.
About Iowa American Water Iowa American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 200,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com
09 Mar 2010

Scott County Historic Preservation Society

By Robert Jackson Jr.
The next meeting for the Scott County Historic Preservation Society (SCHPS)  will be held on March 11, 2010 at 7pm at the Beer Cellar Room at the Front Street Brewery located at 208 E. River Dr., Davenport, IA

Dr. Frank Claudy will perform on the Irish flute, playing authentic music of Ireland. Come early for optional dinner from 6-7pm
For more information contact Duane Timm at bigdaddydtimm@yahoo.com or  563-323-4088.
09 Mar 2010

Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities Presents Education Day

By Steve Dobbins

(Moline, IL - March 7, 2010)    Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities will host Education Day on Saturday, March 20, 2010. Grow Your Life. Evolve Your Mind. Become Your Vision.  Learn about targeted education for future careers; convenient "one course a month" day, afternoon, and evening schedules.  Meet the president, faculty, staff, students, and have the opportunity to tour classrooms and labs. Also, stay to watch the Metro Youth Group of Rock Island perform. Join in the fun, food, and enter to win one of the many fantastic prizes that will be given away.

Education Day is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. To register online, visit brownmackie.edu/EducationDay.

EVENT:  Brown Mackie College Education Day
'Grow Your Life. Evolve Your Mind. Become Your Vision.'

DATE:    Saturday, March 20, 2010

TIME:     10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Where:   Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities
1527 47th Ave.
Moline, IL 61265

For additional information about Education Day at Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities, contact Ann Sandoval at (309) 762-2100, (309) 292-7633, or visit http://www.brownmackie.edu/pr.aspx?ID=BMC2182.

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09 Mar 2010

THE PEOPLE WHO BRING YOU FOX 18 AND THE QUAD CITIES' CW ARE PROUD TO PRESENT THIS QUAD CITIES, MGM'S FREE MOVIE CHANNEL!

By Rick Martin

Davenport, IA - March 3rd, 2010 -THIS TV, the free broadcast movie network from MGM Studios and Weigel Broadcasting, is coming to the Quad Cities!  While over-the-air viewers have been able to watch THIS Quad Cities on channel 26.2 since December 10th, 2009, Muscatine Power & Water Cable subscribers were recently introduced to THIS Quad Cities on digital channel 146 while Mediacom Cable viewers were able to start enjoying the station on digital channel 113 starting March 3rd! Some of Hollywood's finest motion pictures from the treasured MGM library of over 4,100 timeless films have been blended with 10,000 hours of television's golden age to create THIS TV.

"THIS TV gives viewers in the Quad Cities area a new and free programming alternative," stated John Bryan, Executive Vice President, Broadcast Strategy, MGM. "Audiences know the MGM brand stands for quality entertainment and THIS TV delivers on that promise and more.  With blockbuster films and nostalgic television series from MGM's vast library, movie and TV buffs of all ages will find it equally entertaining."

THIS TV is a free movie and entertainment channel that airs a wide variety of films featuring first-rate star power, ranging from sweeping motion pictures such as "The Alamo" starring John Wayne, to Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland in "The Great Train Robbery" and "Moonraker" with Roger Moore as James Bond; to more contemporary fare including "At First Sight" with Oscar winner Mira Sorvino and Val Kilmer, and Mickey Rourke in "A Prayer for the Dying."

Television classics include :  "Stargate SG-1," "The Addams Family," "Mr. Ed," "Flipper," "The Outer Limits" and "Cagney & Lacey." Saturday mornings feature a children's block with such shows as the "Busy World of Richard Scary," "Wimzie's House," "The Country Mouse, City Mouse Adventures," and "The Adventures of Paddington Bear."

In addition to a great selection of iconic films and television series from the MGM library, THIS TV features original specials, Hollywood tributes and uniquely themed program nights that make the channel relevant to what's happening in today's entertainment scene. Recent specials include a behind-the-scenes look at Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Basterds" starring Brad Pitt and tributes to such stars as Farah Fawcett and David Carradine.

"Adding THIS TV was an easy choice for us," said John Bain, Director of Programming. "THIS TV has an ability to offer an enormous amount of high quality, star-studded movies that aren't the usual oversaturated fare found on other networks and we felt that a free movie channel will have mass appeal to our viewers."

For schedule highlights, viewers may check their local listings or visit http://www.this.tv/.

About THIS TV

THIS TV, cleared in over 80% of the United States, is a programming service for local television stations delivered over their digital platform. Created jointly by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Weigel Broadcasting, the channel leverages MGM's treasured library, which features over 4,100 films and 10,000 hours of television programming.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles.  Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com.

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09 Mar 2010

Senator David Hartsuch Announces Re-election Bid!

By David Hartsuch

Friday, March 05, 2010

Senator David Hartsuch announced his intention to seek re-election for Iowa Senate District number 41, representing Davenport, Bettendorf and Riverdale.

Senator Hartsuch said, "I believe that my ongoing leadership is important for the prosperity of our district and state."

Senator Hartsuch is now completing his first term of office.  He was elected in 2006 after defeating Senator Maggie Tinsman in a heated Republican primary.  Senator Hartsuch emerged as only one of two freshman Republican Senators to win in a bad election year for Republicans.

Senator Hartsuch said, "I ran on a platform of limited government, lower taxes, and stronger families.  I have remained true to these promises, and voters have come to depend on that."

Senator Hartsuch brought a conservative voice to the Iowa Senate, but more importantly changed the balance of power within the caucus ushering in the much needed leadership of Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley.

Senator Hartsuch said "When I was elected, it was like being on a football team where the coach and quarterback were cheering for the other team.  Nobody was willing to move the ball forward.  While there aren't enough of us to stop the opposition, at least we all agree on which goal is ours.  I am proud of the Republican minority under the leadership of Paul McKinley, and I am proud to have contributed to this change.  It is refreshing to see the Republican caucus united around a platform directed at growing the economy rather than government, promoting real job growth, and providing true property tax reform by limiting unfunded mandates."

"Today, most Iowans are faced with economic hardships.  The future cost of the Governor's excessive spending will only make matters worse as current debts must be repaid. These next four years are critical to the future of our state as the legislature will be under pressure to raise taxes.  My record indicates that I have the courage resist this pressure.  "

Senator Hartsuch said, "The Democrat majority has overspent and refuses to curtail any of their government expansion programs such as the $890 million I-Jobs program. While many of my constituents cheer for the recent $9.5 million grant check which Governor Chet Culver brought to the city of Davenport, little attention has been given to Scott County's $44 million share of the total debt which was incurred for the program and which will stifle future economic growth."

While Senator Hartsuch is best known for his defense of traditional marriage and pro-life stand, he has shown significant leadership by championing the cause of minority and small businesses.  At the request of local minority business leaders, Senator Hartsuch successfully garnered support for a program called "Ongoing Covenant With Black Iowa" which included a study to examine barriers to minority and small business contracting in Davenport.  The findings of this report have great implications for all small businesses which are the engine of our economy.

In the recent floor debate on the government reorganization bill, Senator Hartsuch said, "Centralized purchasing and the aggregation of government contracts will limit competition since many small businesses will by unable to meet contract requirements.  This will have a stifling effect on disadvantaged business enterprises and targeted small businesses."

As ranking member of the Human Services Committee, Senator Hartsuch has worked to preserve choice and competition rather than promote government run health care.  Said Senator Hartsuch, "The American public clearly prefers patient controlled health care rather than government controlled health care.  We have proposed solutions that empower patients by promoting competition, individual responsibility, and by reducing frivolous lawsuits.  Unfortunately, the majority has ignored all of our proposals."

Senator Hartsuch said, "Past Republican behavior has left many people distrustful of the party.  I will continue to reform the Party and bring integrity to the office.  We will be working to regain the public's trust.  My reelection will encourage all legislators to defend good public policy rather than just what is politically popular."

Senator Hartsuch authored one of the four Republican bills which survived the funnel.  SF 2171 permits some children to have better access to their grand-parents.  Senator Hartsuch has also worked in a bipartisan fashion to get in-state tuition for Military personnel stationed at Rock Island Arsenal, and also to pass a resolution regarding the contributions of disabled Americans.

Senator Hartsuch said, "I am optimistic about the prospects for 2010, but it is important that the Republican Party once again become the party of fiscal restraint that the public expects.  It is clear that the Democrats have extended unsustainable promises during the last two election cycles.  Our state can not afford four more years of Democratic control of both houses and the Governor's mansion.  I will be doing my part to restore common sense to the Legislature."

09 Mar 2010

FDA Criminal Division

By Sen. Charles Grassley

Senator Chuck Grassley issued the comment below about a newly released report of the Government Accountability Office regarding the criminal division of the Food and Drug Administration.  Grassley requested the review, in 2009, in response to allegations about lax standards and poor accountability in the criminal division.  The senator has conducted extensive oversight of the FDA's performance and he has worked to hold federal officials accountable for mismanagement.

The report is linked below and also posted with this memo at http://finance.senate.gov and http://grassley.senate.gov.  Also linked below and posted with the report is a letter from the FDA Commissioner to Grassley regarding agency plans to respond to the shortcomings identified by the GAO.

Senator Grassley's comment:

"This report has made a difference already by securing a much needed commitment from the Commissioner to make the FDA's investigative unit live up to its significant responsibilities.  There's no excuse for the fact that this division's failures have gone unchecked for years, and having the FDA leadership focused on fixing what's broken is the first, very important step needed."

GAO Report

FDA Commissioner's letter to Grassley

09 Mar 2010

Braley Announces Free Tax Filing For Constituents

By Amanda Crawford

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced today Iowans can receive free tax filing services from the Internal Revenue Service. All taxpayers making less than $57,000 can visit http://braley.house.gov and use the IRS Free File Program link to complete their taxes.

"I'm happy to provide this service to my constituents," Braley said. "This program is a fast, free and safe way to complete federal taxes this season, and I encourage all who are eligible to take advantage of this opportunity. As our economy recovers, programs like this are crucial to providing middle class families with the financial assistance they need."

Free File is safe, secure and provides a step-by-step guide to filing federal tax returns. Additionally, those who use Free File with direct deposit may receive refunds in as little as 10 days.

To learn more about this service and to see a list of tax service centers in the First District, please visit http://braley.house.gov and click on the Free File link on the homepage.

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08 Mar 2010

Gordmans Raises $105,000 for the Haitian Disaster Relief Effort

By Mitch Swain

OMAHA, Neb. -  Mar. 5, 2010:   Gordmans, Inc., an Omaha-based apparel and home fashions retailer, raised $105,000 during a three-week campaign to support American Red Cross relief efforts for victims of the Haitian earthquake disaster.

"Gordmans initiated this campaign to allow our guests and associates to easily make a contribution to aid the victims of this unprecedented tragedy," said Jeff Gordman, president and CEO. "Our guests and associates have traditionally been very generous in giving back to the communities in which they live and work through their strong support of the many fundraisers conducted by our Company over the past several years."

Gordmans guests purchased paper "Helping Hands" at the checkouts of each of the 66 stores throughout its 16 state trade area for $1 each. Associates made personal contributions to the campaign via payroll deduction, cash or check, and Gordmans also made a contribution.  All monies collected were donated to the American Red Cross Haitian relief effort.

08 Mar 2010

Yearning to See Something Green? Try the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt

By readMedia Newswire

Iowans encouraged to check to see if they have unclaimed property waiting for them

DES MOINES, IA (03/04/2010)(readMedia)-- According to State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Iowans who are yearning to see something green after the long winter do not have to wait until St. Patrick's Day or for spring weather to roll around. A visit to the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt website at www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com might just add some green in the form of unclaimed property to their wallets.

Treasurer Fitzgerald encourages everyone to visit the website even if they have searched for their names in the past. "We are consistently updating the list of those who have unclaimed property. This year you may find your wallet growing with green before the trees and grass have a chance to catch up," stated Fitzgerald. "In today's economy every little bit helps."

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $100 million in unclaimed property to more than 280,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Unclaimed property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report and deliver unclaimed property to the State Treasurer's Office, where it is held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed property include : savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life insurance policies, utility security deposits, and safe deposit box contents.

All Iowans are encouraged to visit www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com and check to see if they have unclaimed property waiting for them. Individuals may also send an email to foundit@iowa.gov. For those who prefer corresponding by mail, please write to State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319. Please make sure to provide current name, previous names and addresses.

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