2010 Congressional Page applications now available

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced today that applications are now available for 2010 Congressional Page positions in Washington D.C. High school juniors are encouraged to apply.

"This is an outstanding opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and a first-hand look at the workings of our federal government," Braley said. "It's aimed not only at those interested in politics and public policy, but any student looking to challenge themselves, meet new friends and expand their horizon.

"Students gain insight, outstanding networking skills and long-lasting friendships. Not to mention a great love and understanding for our nation's capitol. I look forward to welcoming a student from the First District to Washington D.C."

The internship begins on January 24th, 2010 and concludes on June 4th.  The applications are due by November 9th and should be submitted to the Waterloo District Offce, at 501 Sycamore St., Suite 610, Waterloo, IA 50703.

Applications are available at http://www.braley.house.gov and are due on November 9th.

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Davenport, IA, October 15, 2009:  Davenport Parks & Recreation is teaming up with the Roosevelt Community Partnership (RCP) to hold a Health  Families event.  This event will include tips on families spending quality time together, how to manage work and families, and being healthy by exercising and eating right.  The event promises to be hands-on experience  for the whole family, including: games, family craft ideas, presentations, facility tours, and a glimpse into all the Roosevelt Community Center has to offer families.

    Date:  Saturday, October 17th, 2009

    Age:  All Ages

    Time: 10:00am-2:00pm

    Fee:  FREE

    Location: Roosevelt Community Center, 1220 Minnie Ave., Davenport

    For questions regarding event, please contact 563-326-7812 or www.cityofdavenportiowa.com

Join us both days as we celebrate our 1st Anniversary. Light refreshments and birthday cake will be served.

Oct. 19th

Roosevelt Community Senior Activity Open House 5:30pm - 8:00 pm

Vintage Voices will perform "My Friend Irma" at 6:00 pm.

Oct. 21st

Exercise 9:00a.m

Musical performance "Steenbach" 10:00am - 11:00am

Sing-a-long with Dave Layton 11:00am. - 12:00pm

FREE for all ages.

Location: Roosevelt Community Center, 1220 Minnie Ave., Davenport.

For questions regarding event, please contact 563-326-7812 or www.cityofdavenportiowa.com

Governor's 10 Percent Budget Cut Hits Iowa Property Taxpayers Hard


WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Oct. 9, 2009 -Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) members are disappointed with the Governor's decision to make a 10 percent across-the-board cut for the fiscal year 2010 budget because members know it equals a $251 million property tax hike.  "Although the Governor said he will not burden Iowans with a tax hike to balance the budget, that's exactly what he's doing," said IFBF President Craig Lang.

"A $251 million property tax hike now looms over the head of hardworking Iowans and there is no relief in sight," said Lang.

Farm Bureau members will ask Governor Culver and state leaders to redesign the state's budgeting process during next year's legislative session.  "We have to make the necessary changes to avoid the budget disruptions we are seeing today.  The state's budget default process of leaning on property taxpayers has to stop.  Homeowners, farmers and main street businesses simply can't afford a tax increase and a property tax increase is a tax increase," said Lang.

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IOWA vs. ILLINOIS TRIVIA NIGHT

to Benefit Winnie's Place Women's Shelter

Last chance to sign up for Friday's match!

Trivia Questions, Silent Auction, Food & Drinks,

Friendly Competition and Fellowship!

Friday, October 16 beginning at 6:00 pm

@ First Congregational UCC, 2201 - 7th Ave, Moline.

$10 per person, teams of eight players.

Sign up by calling Jo at 309-786-6494.

Will visiting Iowa take home the "trophy" or

will Illinois play the not so hospitable host?

Winnie's Place is a ministry of Churches United of the Quad City Area

Davenport, IA, October 12, 2009: Discover the truth and dispel the myths about bats just in time for Halloween!  Find out why these creatures are so important to our environment and how we can protect them.  Vera Blevins, local wildlife rehabilitator, brings her live bats and discusses valuable information regarding the animals.  On this spooky hike, you will learn about Halloween myths and legends.  Crafty bat ideas will be inside after presentation for a fee of $1.  Registration is not necessary.

Date:  Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Time:  6:30pm

Age:  All Ages

Fee:  Presentation and hike are free; bat crafts are $1

Location: Wiese Building -  1757 W. 12th St. Davenport, IA 52804

For questions regarding event, please contact 563-326-7812 or www.cityofdavenportiowa.com

Joins Rep. Yarbrough to Advocate for Crime Prevention Efforts

CHICAGO - October 10, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today joined parents, lawmakers and neighborhood activists to stress the need for more anti-violence programs for youths and to highlight the positive influence such efforts have on the community. Governor Quinn was joined by Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood), who has been a strong voice in the Illinois General Assembly for violence-prevention programs.

"I'm proud to join staunch advocates like Rep. Yarbrough who are working to confront violence in our neighborhoods," said Governor Quinn. "We must continue to support programs that strengthen our communities and provide our children with alternatives to risky behavior."

As Chairwoman of the Public Safety Appropriations Committee, Rep. Yarbrough has fought for increased funding for violence prevention throughout Cook County and Illinois. Rep. Yarbrough is also among the first to recognize the value of early intervention programs, which use trained mediators to diffuse tense situations before they become deadly.

"Young people who see violence every day need prevention programs and caseworkers to show them that it's not worth getting mixed up with gangs," said Rep. Yarbrough. "These programs help youth get back on the right track by providing new ways to resolve conflicts."

Last month, Governor Quinn announced that the Illinois Department of Human Services will receive nearly $4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Justice Assistance Grant funding. This funding will support evidence-based programs that help reduce community violence. Programs that will receive the funding include those that focus on child welfare, youth violence prevention and juvenile delinquency prevention and reduction programs.

Governor Quinn was also joined today by Hon. Henderson Yarbrough, Mayor of the Village of Maywood; Gary Slutkin, Executive Director of the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention and CeaseFire; Barbara Cole, Director of Maywood Youth Mentoring; Rev. Marvin E. Wiley, Senior Pastor at the Rock of Ages Baptist Church; Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero); Rep. Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago); Rep. Deborah Graham (D-Chicago); Rep. Susana Mendoza (D-Chicago); Rep. Esther Golar (D-Chicago); and Rep. Robert Rita (D-Crestwood).

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New Law to Highlight Contributions of Hispanics in U.S. History

CHICAGO - October 10, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn and Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez today raised awareness of a new law that requires the history of the United States taught in public schools reinforce the role and contributions of Hispanics.

"I salute Representative Hernandez for her work championing this important legislation," Governor Quinn said. "The new law ensures that U.S. History is taught accurately to our students and emphasizes the important contributions of Hispanics throughout our nation's history."

Senate Bill 1557, sponsored by Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) and Representative Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero), was passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support.

The bill amends Section 27-21 of the School Code by providing that curriculum on the history of the United States is to reinforce the study of the role and contributions of Hispanics, including on issues such as the events related to the forceful removal and illegal deportation of Mexican-American U.S. citizens during the Great Depression.

"It was alarming to learn how Hispanics Americans were treated during the Great Depression, and that it has gone unreported for so many years," Rep. Hernandez said. "It's critical that this period in history be taught in our schools so that we can learn from the mistakes of the past."

Section 27-21 of the School Code currently requires U.S. History to be taught in all public schools, and further outlines that curriculum must include the role and contributions of various peoples and ethnic groups.

The bill is effective as of January 1, 2010.

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This year's National Down Syndrome Society's BUDDY WALK has been relocated to the east end of the Ben Butterworth Parkway in Moline, along the riverfront at the boat launch.  The BUDDY WALK is still scheduled for October 10th and will begin at 10:30 a.m.  There will be a shuttle available from the former CASE IH Parking Lot.  For more information, plese contact the Upside of Down Syndrome Family Group at 563-271-3524.

October 9, 2009 - Davenport, IA - Celebrating life through programs and classes that enhance one's spirit, mind and body is the mission of the Scott County Family Y.  On Saturday, October 24, area cancer survivors and their supporters are invited to attend a wellness open house at the West Family YMCA that's especially designed to do just that.

At 9am, BODYVIVE will celebrate life with an energizing and uplifting combination of easy-to-follow cardio steps aimed at lifting the heart rate followed by creative strength building and flexibility exercises. Live Strong RPM group cycling classes geared towards empowering and energizing the whole body will be held at 8am, 9am, and 10:15am.  Inspiration will also be shared from YMCA members who are surviving cancer in addition to informational displays from area health care providers and cancer awareness organizations. Participants should come dressed comfortably and be prepared to have fun.

This Live Strong event is part of a Community Wellness Open House, from 8am to 5pm, Saturday, October 24, at the West Family YMCA, 3503 West Locust Street, Davenport.  In addition to the wellness classes, survivors and the community are encouraged to take part in other open house events and drawings, all aimed at enhancing total health - your Spirit, Mind and Body. Each person who attends will also receive a Livestrong or a Sur-VIVE-or wristband.

For information about this event, call the West Family YMCA at 563-386-4414 or visit the Scott County Family Y website, www.ScottCountyFamilyY.org.

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