29 Jul 2009

Nature's Air Conditioners

By Rick Martin

If you have ever escaped from blazing hot sun in a shady spot under a tree, you know how these natural air conditioners can make you feel more comfortable. A mature shade tree can block up to 90 percent of solar radiation, which could translate to a significant reduction in your home cooling cost. A Pennsylvania study found that air conditioning needs could be reduced by up to 75 percent by shading a house with trees!

Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of as few as three shade trees will save an average household $100-$250 in energy costs each year - and that study was done before energy costs soared!

Reduce energy use
With the increased costs of using fossil fuels for heating and cooling our buildings, it only makes good sense to take advantage of the following principles.

"Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of a building," advises Tchukki Andersen, staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association. "Those are the sides where the sun's rays are most intense. Since deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, they offer shade during summer but permit the winter sun to provide warmth," adds Andersen. "Where there isn't room for trees, shrubs and vines can provide similar benefits."

Deciduous trees with high, spreading crowns can be planted to the south of your home to provide maximum summertime roof shading. Trees with crowns lower to the ground are more appropriate to the west, where shade is needed from lower afternoon sun angles. Trees should not be planted on the southern sides of homes in cold climates because the branches of these trees will block some winter sun.

"Although a slow-growing tree may require many years of growth before it shades your roof, it will generally live longer than a fast-growing tree," notes Andersen. Also, because slow-growing trees often have deeper roots and stronger branches, they are less prone to fail during windstorms or heavy snowstorms. Slow-growing trees can also be more drought resistant than fast-growing trees.

Trees, shrubs and groundcover plants can also shade the ground and pavement around the home. This reduces heat radiation and cools the air before it reaches your home's walls and windows. Use a large bush or row of shrubs to shade a patio or driveway. Plant a hedge to shade a sidewalk. Build a trellis for climbing vines to shade a patio area.

Shrubs planted close to the house will fill in rapidly and begin shading walls and windows within a few years. However, avoid allowing dense foliage to grow immediately next to a home where wetness or continual humidity is a problem. Well-landscaped homes in wet areas allow winds to flow around the home, keeping the home and its surrounding soil reasonably dry.

Enhance property values
Beyond energy savings and beauty, homeowners who take care of their trees and keep manicured yards find the value of their properties increase. A research study at Clemson University lists maintaining beautiful landscaping as a cost-efficient way to increase the value of a home. In a comparison of house prices to house characteristics, location and landscape quality, the study showed houses that obtained an "excellent" landscaping rating from a local landscaping professional could expect to sell at a price 6 to 7 percent higher than equivalent houses with a "good" landscaping rating. Improving landscaping from "average" to "good" resulted in a home premium about 5 percent.

What to do
For a green household landscape audit, contact the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a 71-year-old public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture. It has more than 2,000 member companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA also has the nation's only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. An easy way to find a tree care service provider in your area is to use the "Locate Your Local TCIA Member Companies" program. You can use this service by calling 1-800-733-2622 or by doing a ZIP code search at www.treecaretips.org.

29 Jul 2009

Governor Quinn Signs Renewable Energy Bill

By Summer Beck

Environmental Finance Bill Jump-starts Jobs, Construction Projects

CHICAGO - July 29, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn signed a financing bill that provides a state-backed guarantee supporting construction of renewable energy and clean coal projects that will create jobs across Illinois.

"Illinois leads the way at protecting our environment while developing new green jobs for the 21st Century," said Governor Quinn. "This legislation boosts investment in clean energy and sustainable practices that reduce our carbon footprint while generating greater employment opportunities."

SB 1906 clarifies the Illinois Finance Authority's ("IFA") existing bonding authority for renewable energy and clean coal projects. Under this law, the State and IFA will work in partnership to make available up to $3 billion in guaranteed energy project financing for qualified renewable energy and clean coal efforts. In addition, the law also increases the state and IFA's loan guarantee from $75 million to $225 million for agricultural businesses. It also provides guarantees to back qualified renewable energy projects such as wind, biodiesel or biomass initiatives that are related to agriculture.

This law also positions Illinois to compete for federal stimulus loan guarantees designated for the new green projects.

"This legislation will help Illinois companies take a leading role in the green energy industry," said Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria), sponsor of the legislation. "It will create new jobs and move our state's economy in a promising direction."

"This is another great example of why Illinois will continue to be a national leader in taking advantage of all of our natural resources in a responsible way, while expanding our economy and creating good new jobs," said Mike T. Carrigan, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO.

"It is an important day for clean, renewable energy throughout Illinois, which will protect our environment and power our economy," said Howard Learner, executive director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center in Chicago.

At the bill signing ceremony, Governor Quinn was joined by Warren Ribley, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; William A. Brandt Jr., chairman of the Illinois Finance Authority; Dr. Roger Herrin, chairman of the Illinois Finance Authority Energy Committee; Rep. Deborah L. Graham (D-Oak Park); Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Des Plaines).

The Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) is a self-financed, state authority principally engaged in issuing taxable and tax-exempt bonds, making loans, and investing capital for businesses, non-profit corporations, agriculture and local government units statewide. For more information: www.il-fa.com.

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29 Jul 2009

Local Modern Woodmen volunteers demonstrate a nationwide focus on service

By Kim Woodward

 

Nearly 61.8 million Americans volunteered through an organization in 2008, up 1 million from the previous year. America's volunteers dedicated more than 8 billion hours of service in 2008, worth an estimated $162 billion, according to the Volunteering in America report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Locally, Modern Woodmen members have shown that volunteerism is alive and well. In 2009, hundreds of service projects have taken place in the community through the support of Modern Woodmen.


"In the Quad Cities, volunteers really make a difference," says Modern Woodmen Fraternal Director Stephen Van Speybroeck. "Modern Woodmen is proud to be a part of a nationwide focus on service. In 2009, local volunteers have collected items for the needy, assembled boxes for sick children and landscaped schools and parks. These are small gestures of kindness that display the strength of the community."


The following is a snapshot of the local impact Modern Woodmen and its members have made in 2009:


· 2,250 volunteers participated in 54 projects on Join Hands Day, a national day of service sponsored by Modern Woodmen and other fraternal benefit societies. These volunteers donated more than 6,400 volunteer hours on Saturday, May 2. Specific projects included assembling 350 Jared Boxes for children with chronic illnesses, planting flowers, collecting non-perishables and beautifying parks and schools.

· 2 trees were planted by Modern Woodmen members in the Quad Cities.

· Modern Woodmen members collected donations for King's Harvest, needy children, veterans and other local food pantries.

· More than 750 thank-you cards were distributed to military men and women serving overseas.


As a fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen sells life insurance, annuity and investment products not to benefit stockholders, but to improve the quality of life of its stakeholders - members, their families and their communities. This is done through social, charitable and volunteer activities. In 2008, more than $23.8 million and more than 1.7 million volunteer hours were contributed nationwide for local community projects.


A Rock Island-based business, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal benefit society offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.


Web links:

Volunteering in America report

Volunteering in America press release

Corporation for National and Community Service

Serve.gov

Modern Woodmen of America

 

Kim Woodward
Public Relations Specialist
Modern Woodmen of America
Direct: 309-793-5660
Email: Kim.Woodward@modern-woodmen.org
www.modern-woodmen.org

29 Jul 2009

20th ANNUAL BENEFIT SALE FOR HUMILITY OF MARY HOUSING, INC.

By Sister Mary Ann Vogel

The 20th annual benefit sale for Humility of Mary Housing, Inc. will be held at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in the 4H/Keppy Building from August 18 through August 21.  Opening event is Tuesday, August 18 at 6 pm - admission is $5.00.  Sale continues August 19 and 20 from 8 am until 5 pm and on August 21 from 8 am until Noon.  Tickets for a CASH RAFFLE will be available during the sale and are $5.00 each.  There are four prizes - one for $500.00 and three for $100.00.  The drawing will take place on Friday, August 21 at Noon.  One does not need to be present to win.

Donations of clean, gently used household items including furniture and appliances will be accepted.  Please, NO CLOTHING.

Drop off days and times at 1228 East 12th Street, Davenport:  before August 12th from 9 am until 3 pm; on Saturday, August 8 from 10 am until 2 pm; at the Fairgrounds on Monday, August 17 from 9 am until 4 pm, furniture and appliances only.

Proceeds from the Sale and Raffle are used directly to benefit our single parent families who have experienced homelessness.

For more information regarding the Sale, please call 563-326-1330.

28 Jul 2009

Five Iowa Farm Families, including one from Blue Grass, to be Honored at Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

Five Iowa farm families will be named as recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2009 Iowa State Fair. Each family will be honored in an award ceremony during the Fair. "State Fair Time" runs August 13-23.

The Way We Live Award, new to this year's Fair, recognizes industrious Iowa families who demonstrate a daily dedication to animal agriculture and exemplify farm values derived from hard work and a love for the occupation of farming. Entrants were asked to submit a short essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped their family's life. Five recipients were chosen from a pool of 32 entries representing a variety of commodities and locations throughout Iowa.

In addition to being honored in award ceremonies during the Fair, each family will receive a prize package including admission to the Fair and $150 cash.

The Martz Family of Blue Grass, Iowa

The Martz family established their farming operation in 1913. When Earl Martz married Phyllis Brus in 1957, the two added the Brus homestead to the already thriving Martz farm. Nearly twenty years later, eleven-year-old Keith Martz and his teenage brothers, David and Brian, began renting and farming their grandfather's land. The three harvested a bumper crop their very first year. Though Brian left to become a veterinarian, the two remaining Martz brothers have worked hard to diversify their technique producing everything from corn, soybeans, oats and hay to ketchup tomatoes. Today, the Martz family maintains 1000 acres of crops, 2400 hogs and 90 stock cows. Though they cite the sunshine, rain and deep, fertile soil as their primary resources, their close family bonds and dedication to Iowa agriculture are their biggest blessings. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Monday, August 17, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

The Hansen Family of Hudson, Iowa

The Hansen farm has passed through generations of family members since the land was purchased by their German ancestors in 1861. Jay and Jeanne Hansen took over operation and ownership in 1976. Today, they are in the process of passing on their stable, lucrative family business to their five adult children. The family began selling Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy products directly to consumers in 2002. Currently, they produce enough to supply two family-owned stores in Waterloo and Cedar Falls as well as 25 other retail outlets, restaurants, coffee shops and retirement homes throughout the Cedar Valley area. Their pet kangaroo, Kiwi, serves as farm mascot and appears on their product labels. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Thursday, August 13, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

The Godbersen Family of Arthur, Iowa

Robert and Twyla Godbersen and their children, Bryce and Leah, are committed to the production and care of healthy Hereford cattle. Their self-sustaining operation produces corn and alfalfa to feed their horses and cows which enjoy grazing in their extensive pastureland. Each member of the family is dedicated to celebrating the importance of Iowa agriculture through youth organizations like FFA and 4-H. Twyla and Leah continue to volunteer with 4-H at local county fairs and shows. Bryce is an enthusiastic member of Iowa Beef Producers and the Iowa Hereford Association Board. Several generations of Godbersen's have even garnered ribbons at the Iowa State Fair cattle shows. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Saturday, August 15, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

The Petersen Family of Knoxville, Iowa

Petersen parents James and Julie and their four children, Justin, Jacob, Joshua and Jenny, work 850 acres of crops and raise 800 head of ewes and cattle. Their farm has been in the family through several generations, and James' 79-year-old father continues to participate in daily farm work. They have been active in their local 4-H chapter and have entered several items in the 4-H division at the Iowa State Fair as well as livestock, horticulture and foods divisions. Every member of the family has earned a blue ribbon from the State Fair Food Department. The Petersens cite hope and tradition as their driving forces, paired with a commitment to producing healthy livestock and quality crops. Julie notes that their sense of humor continues to be a blessing, telling the story of how James surprised her with a silver-painted manure spreader for their 25th anniversary - traditionally a "silver" celebration. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Wednesday, August 19,! at 10:30 a.m. in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

The Van Manen Family of Kellogg, Iowa

The Van Manen family farm dates back to the late 1920s. Today, nearly a century later, parents Kevin and Julie and their children, Jacob and Emily, continue to maintain a sustainable operation raising Holstein steers and hogs. Each member of the family helps out with chores, fieldwork, gardening, mowing and preparing meals. In addition to their hectic schedule on the farm, both children are heavily involved in basketball and baseball leagues as well as their local 4-H chapters. Julie spends her mornings teaching math in the Sully Christian School District before heading back to the farm to help with public relations. The family's favorite part of farming is opening up their home to their non-farming neighbors - anyone from Boy Scout troops to city relatives. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Saturday, August 22, at 10:30 a.m. in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

"State Fair Time" in 2009 is set August 13-23. For Fair information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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27 Jul 2009

Rockin' Saturday Concert/Jimmy Buffett Night/Bobble Parrot Giveaway/Jersey Auction

By Rascal
The first 2,000 fans through the gates at Modern Woodmen Park, 209 S Gaines St, Davenport, will receive a Bobble Parrot on Jimmy Buffett Night!  Also, stick around after the game for a lively post-game concert with the Fry Daddies!
27 Jul 2009

Braley Secures $700,000 for Eastern Iowa Healthcare Provider Training Programs in House-Passed Funding Bill

By Bruce Braley

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) announced that he has secured $400,000 for Clarke College's Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DNP) Program and $300,000 for St. Ambrose University's Center for Health Sciences Education. The funding was included in the FY 2010 Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations bill, which passed the House this afternoon by a vote of 264-163.

Specifically, the $400,000 for Clarke College's Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DNP) program in Dubuque will help fund instructor salaries, course development, equipment purchases, and scholarships for students.

The $300,000 for St. Ambrose University in Davenport will help fund construction of the school's new 58,000 square foot Center for Health Sciences Education, which will house occupational therapy, physical therapy, and nursing training programs. Ground was broken on building the Center earlier this year.

"The funding included in this bill will help expand and strengthen healthcare education programs in eastern Iowa," Braley said. "Providing more resources for these programs will help train the healthcare workers of tomorrow and improve the quality of healthcare available in eastern Iowa.  I'm proud to have secured funding for these important programs."

The Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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27 Jul 2009

YOUNKERS ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING EVENT

By Christine Hojnacki

MILWAUKEE, Wisc. (July 17, 2009) - Local non-profit organizations are invited to participate in a unique fundraising opportunity with their local Younkers store. Younkers announced today that it will continue its successful Community Day event to be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009. Non-profit Organizations can sign-up now at communitydayevent.com. This event provides an opportunity for local organizations to gather the donations needed to support their missions, especially at a time when many non-profits have limited resources and more requests than they can accommodate.

On August 2, 2009, local participating nonprofit groups will begin selling $5 Younkers discount savings booklets to support their organization. Each booklet contains coupons and offers for a savings of over $60. Non-profit groups selling the booklets keep 100% of the $5 booklet price.

"This is the tenth consecutive year our Company has brought this fundraising event to local non-profit groups," said Bud Bergren, president and chief executive officer of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. "We know how important it is to give back to the community, especially when many groups and community organizations need our help more than ever."

Organizations can sign up to participate in Community Day by logging onto http://www.communitydayevent.com, and submitting a registration form. The website provides details of the event. Qualifying Community Day organizations include local 501C-3 nonprofit organizations, churches and schools.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. operates 280 stores, including 12 furniture galleries, in 23 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner's, Carson Pirie Scott, Carson Pirie Scott, Elder-Beerman, Herberger's and Younkers nameplates and, in the Detroit, Michigan area, under the Parisian nameplate. The stores offer a broad assortment of brand-name fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings.

 

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27 Jul 2009

Alzheimer's Association Hosts a Special Screening and Discussion of HBO's "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?" and "Caregivers"

By Rick Martin

July 24, 2009 - The Alzheimer's Association, Greater Iowa Chapter will host a special screening and discussion of HBO's "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?" and "The Caregivers" in an attempt to encourage individuals to learn more about communication strategies and emotional responses to the disease.

The Alzheimer's Association program on August 4 at 11:30 a.m. begins with a special screenings of "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?" and "Caregivers", followed by a panel discussion. The event is being held at Senior Star at Elmore Place, 4502 Elmore Place in Davenport and is free and open to the public.  A brown bag lunch will be included.  The screenings will be repeated on August 6 at 5:30 pm.  Registration is requested; please call the Association at 563-324-1022.

The Alzheimer's Project is HBO's 4-part, multi-platform series that brings new understanding and hope for millions and reveals human faces behind the disease. The two films each explore a different facet of Alzheimer's:

· Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? Geared towards children and young teens coping with a grandparent's illness, this film presents vignettes that can help a child understand and deal with a relative's gradual decline into Alzheimer's. Maria Shriver, whose father was diagnosed with the disease, provides commentary and guidance through five insightful lessons.

· Caregivers A collection of five family portraits that illustrate caring for those in different stages of Alzheimer's disease. Each highlights the sacrifices, struggles, and successes made by those experiencing their loved ones' descent into dementia.

The purpose of the event is to encourage discussion about Alzheimer's within families.  Parents are encouraged to view "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am" with their children or may view the "Caregivers" at the same time and join their children for a group discussion following the screenings.

The Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org

Senior Star at Elmore Place Features a memory care with six different floor plans andunits ranging in size from 224 square feet to 343 square feet. Each room has a private half bath, while multiple shower and spa retreats are located through the building.  Senior Star at Elmore Place incorporates progressive and innovative approaches to memory care, including life skills stations, destination programming and Snoezelen rooms which promote soothing, sensory experiences. Senior Star at Elmore Place is owned by Senior Star Living, based in Tulsa, Okla. Senior Star Living is a private company founded in 1976 and entered the seniors housing business in 1989. Its portfolio currently includes nine retirement communities in six states. As a recognized leader in the seniors housing industry, the company provides independent, assisted living and memory care options.  Additional information is available on the Web site, www.seniorstar.com.

24 Jul 2009

ARNOLD'S BODY SHOP TO RECEIVE AIR QUALITY AWARD

By Rick Martin
In June 2008, Arnold's Body Shop in Davenport became the first collision repair business in Iowa ? and one of the first in the Midwest ? to switch from solvent-based base coatings to water-borne base coatings. On Wednesday, July 29, 2009, Governor Chet Culver will honor the business for the results of its efforts with the 2008 Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Award at a ceremony in the State Capitol in Des Moines.

Arnold's is being recognized in the Air Quality category because the switch has cut its volatile organic compound (VOC) content by 54 percent and reduced its hazardous air pollutant (HAP) levels by 91 percent. These pollutants contribute to the formation of harmful ground-level ozone.

"Taking an environmentally friendly approach to business is one way our family of 23 employees can pay back our customer's families and the community for 40 years of support," said John Arnold, CEO. "Plus, our commitment to preserving air quality and reducing waste is our social responsibility to the next generation."

Arnold said that the business invested approximately $60,000 in water-based paint and air handling systems so it could exceed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards beyond 2011, when more stringent air quality laws go into effect. The changes at Arnold's Body Shop have not only reduced emissions, but also save energy by reducing the heat-drying process necessary for petroleum-based paint.

"In this industry, it's important to take responsibility for the waste we produce, so Arnold's does everything possible to reduce waste. It's the most socially responsible route," Arnold said.

As education chair of the Iowa Collision Repair Association (ICRA), Arnold is taking action to help other collision repair shops understand the laws that affect the industry and the environment. He has committed to helping educate body shop owners statewide through a series of seminars sponsored by the ICRA, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Waste Reduction Center. The seminars begin this fall.

"For the sake of Iowa's citizens ? and the planet ? we are going to do what we can to get auto body shops in compliance with the new standards by 2011," Arnold said.

The goal of the Environmental Excellence Awards is to recognize Iowa organizations, businesses and individuals who have excelled in providing leadership, innovation and  education in the protection of the state's water, land and air. At the ceremony on July 29 in the State Capitol, Des Moines, Governor Chet Culver will present awards in the areas of water quality, air quality, energy efficiency, habitat restoration/development, waste management, environmental education and disaster recovery.

Arnold's Body Shop has served Davenport, Iowa, and the greater Quad Cities community with comprehensive collision repair since 1969. It became Iowa's first body shop to adopt environmentally friendly water-borne refinishing system in 2008. It is a member of the Automotive Service Association and the Better Business Bureau. See www.arnoldsbodyshop.com for details.

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