BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 12, 2010 --- From a history of decades of dedication and service to country to an annual community outreach
effort during a week-long state tour, military veterans have long been served - and continue to be supported - by activities of the American Legion and community members.

The annual membership caravan offers a forum to share and update military service personnel about the issues that directly impact them, and to attract new members to the ranks to strengthen the backbone of the Legion's active base. This year's 2010 Annual American Legion Department of Illinois Membership Caravan takes to the state's highways and byways on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010, and is scheduled for stops at 24 Legion Posts. Leading the way will be Army veteran, National Vice Commander James C. Morris, Illinois State Commander William Flanagan, Illinois Auxiliary President Julia Moore, along with State and local leaders.

The route on their week-long statewide tour will begin at Heyworth Legion Post on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 6:00 p.m. Along the way, other Legion Posts on the program are:  - Morton - Fairview - Monmouth - Galva - Sterling - Lena - Sycamore - Huntley - Deerfield - Evanston - Elvin J. Carey-Chicago - Calumet City - Buckley  - Gibson City - Sullivan - Mt. Vernon - Carmi - Orient - Chester - Granit City - Pittsfield - Chatham - Lincoln  A complete and comprehensive schedule is available at ILLegion.org ('http://www.illegion.org').

Since its founding in 1919 and subsequent Congressional Charter, The American Legion organization has operated unlike any other, exerting a compelling
influence on national leaders on issues of global significance. Legion operations enhance the lives of military families struggling through wartime and economic sacrifices. Members serve the community by building homes for disabled veterans, raising money for scholarships, coaching baseball teams, adopting military units, fighting to protect and enhance veterans benefits, promoting wholesome youth activities and much more.

National Commander Clarence Hill affirmed his belief in the strength of the American Legion by saying, "It is indeed an honor to represent an organization of this caliber as National Commander for 2009-2010."  Hill stated, "The slogan we're moving with is simple to remember: T.H.E. (The Hardest Easy) Job Challenge. "The 'easy' part is explaining who we are and what we do, under the Legions' four pillars of service - Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth, and veterans will join our ranks." "The 'hardest' part is getting that message delivered, welcoming new members aboard and mentoring them to become leaders.

I invite everyone to join us in our annual family membership caravan at a post near you," added Hill. To learn more about how to get involved and support the activities of the American Legion, visit JoinTheLegion.org ('http://www.jointhelegion.org') or ILLegion.org('http://www.illegion.org').

"We're doing everything we can to help Illinois residents make it through these tough economic times," said Governor Quinn. "The appliance rebate program is a good way to help consumers be more economical and environmentally responsible while also boosting Illinois' 'green job' creation."

The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program will provide consumers with a point-of-sale rebate on ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dishwashers, room air conditioners, and water heaters, as well as highly efficient heating and air conditioning systems.

Rebates on water heaters and heating and cooling equipment will be available beginning January 31. A 25 percent point-of-sale rebate will be available to purchasers of ENERGY STAR water heaters from participating retailers. HVAC customers will receive an instant rebate from participating contractors that are listed on the ComEd, AmerenIU, or Participating Energy Efficiency Contractor (PEEC) Network.

The second phase of the program, which will run from April 16 - 25, provides a flat 15 percent rebate to consumers who purchase energy efficient appliances at participating retail stores. Consumers who turn in their old appliances for recycling will also be eligible for an additional mail-in rebate of $50-$100.

"The average home spends about $2,200 a year on energy bills," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Warren Ribley. "By making small changes and incorporating more energy efficient practices in our daily routine, we can reduce the cost of our energy bills and reduce our impact on the environment. The appliance rebate program provides a three-fold benefit by also providing a much-needed boost to the economy."

The Illinois ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program will be managed by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) on behalf of DCEO. The state is also partnering with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) to enroll retailers in the program. Retailers interested in participating in the program can visit IRMA's website at www.HelpGreenIllinois.org.

DES MOINES, IA (01/19/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants every second and third grade teacher in the state to take advantage of the free pencils being offered through Prepare for the Basics. This no-cost program, which provides pencils for students to use during the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, supplied almost 13,500 during the 2008-09 school year. "Any teacher interested in receiving free pencils for their class have until April 1st to submit their requests," stated Fitzgerald. "I really hope all teachers take advantage of this program. It is a small gesture of appreciation for all that they do."

Teachers who would like to take part in the Prepare for the Basics program can register online by visiting www.treasurer.state.ia.us and clicking on the financial literacy tab. Materials should be requested at least two weeks prior to testing to ensure timely arrival, and will be delivered directly to the participating schools. Supplies are limited, so early registration is advised. For more information about College Savings Iowa, go to www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

The Prepare for the Basics program will also provide information about College Savings Iowa, the state's 529 plan designed to give families an affordable way to save money for college. "Families who begin saving early are better prepared to meet the educational needs of their children. Any little bit that can saved now will offset what has to be borrowed in the future," stated Fitzgerald.

College Savings Iowa lets anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - invest for college on behalf of a child. Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $2,811 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income in 2010.* Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and room and board at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.**

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

** Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

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The Independent Physicians of the Quad Cities Fund is looking for local nonprofit organizations that are seeking funding for projects designed to improve public health in the local community. Grants area available for up to $5,000 and will be awarded based on a program's impact on public health.

Consideration will be given to projects that:

• Monitor health status to identify community problems
• Inform, educate and empower individuals about health issues
• Link those in need to personal health services
• Assure a competent public health and personal health care workforce
• Research new insights and innovative solutions to health problems

The Independent Physicians Association of the Quad Cities Fund is now accepting grant applications. Visit www.cfgrb.org to download an electronic version of the application, guidelines and budget form. All applications must be received by the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend by February 28, 2010.

If you are interested in learning more, contact Community Foundation of the Great River Bend Program Associate Pat Miller at 563-326-2840 or patmiller@cfgrb.org.