02 Apr 2012

Davenport Parks and Recreation Programs

By Kenneth Asta
RECREATION PROGRAMS

Arbor Day Tree Giveaway

Come and get your free tree or shrub on Saturday, April 28 (Arbor Day 2012) at Vander Veer Botanical Park. Several Master Gardeners will be available to teach participants about proper planting and care techniques for the tree or shrub, along with information about supporting wildlife. Tree planting and care information for the public will be available. Limited quantity; first come, first served. We will begin to give away trees and shrubs at 10am and end by 11:30am or when trees are gone. Meet at the Drive way on the South side of Conservatory. Trees are donated by the  Living Lands and Waters (Plant a Million Trees Campaign).

LIMITED SUPPLIES FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!

_____________

 

Cake Decorating, April 5

Learn all the basics of decorating special cakes with drop flowers, rosettes, pom pom flowers and leaves for your friends and family.  This will be a demonstration and hands-on class.  Supplies needed for the course will be discussed during the 1st class, a full reference book will be provided to each student.  6:30 - 8:30pm at the Collins House.

 

Crocheting/Knitting for Teens & Adults on April 5

This class is an introduction to pattern reading, materials and techniques, and includes training in the interpretation of directions.  Left-handers are our specialty.  Participants will progress at their own rate.

Crochet students bring a G or H size hook and light-colored 4-ply yarn to the first class meeting.  Knitting students bring a short pair of No. 8 needles and a 3 ox. skein of light colored 4-ply yarn. 6:30 - 8:30pm at Williams Jr. High.

 

Friday Nature Family Fun Nights- Bird Watching Fun

Come Join a Naturalist for a guided bird walk in Credit Island Natural and Historical Preserve on April 6 from 6 PM- 9 PM. Meet at the Lodge. We will look for migrating bird species found in the park. There will be pizza available for $2.50 a person which will include two slices and lemonade when a family pre-registered (you must register each family member attending over 2 yrs old). $4.00 per person at the event.

 

Senior Coffee - Lily Show, April 11

Come enjoy the sights, sounds, and fragrance of the Conservatory at Vander Veer Botanical Park.  Your $1 admission fee includes entertainment, and refreshments. Entertainment will begin at 10:30 am.

 

Pitch, Hit and Run, April 14

Come join us for this FREE event that brings together everyone for the love of Baseball...softball players, too.  Feel free to bring out your team or come with a friend. This is an exciting skills competition that provides boys and girls the chance to advance through four levels of competition.  Don't let the competition run you off, everyone is welcome to play.  Bring your birth certificate if you plan on competing, otherwise just come play!

 

Family Fun Nights- Golf and Movie, April 20

Come Join a us at Red Hawk from 6 PM- 9 PM. You will enjoy the 3-par golf course, a bucket of balls to use at the range and to top that we have dinner and a movie.  There will be pizza available for $2.50 a person which will include two slices and lemonade when a family pre-registered (you must register each family member attending over 4 yrs old). $4.00 per person at the event.

 

Adaptive Sports Expo, April 21

The public is invited to the Adaptive Sports Expo, which will highlight the many ways people with disabilities can be active participants in recreational activities and sporting events.  Prior experience is not required.  The Expo located at the Bettendorf Life Fitness Center from 6-8pm will feature:

Activities such as water-skiing, kayaking, sled hockey, aquatics, wheelchair basketball, tandem biking, tennis and seated volleyball.

Demonstrations by professionally trained facilitators and athletes with disabilities.

Informational exhibits and vendor.

For more information and/or to be a vendor contact Davenport Parks and Recreation at 563-888-2219.

 

Earth Week Fair, April 21

Come check out the City of Davenport Booth at the Earth Week Fair. Expo Center in Rock Island is the location and time is 10am to 4pm. Davenport Parks and Recreation and Public Works combine forces to bring creative ways to be "Green". This is part of the "Green Initiative" for the City of Davenport. This year's theme focuses on getting outside. This event is Free for the Public.

 

Wine 101

Learn the basics of wine at this fun tasting class.  We will sample a dozen different styles of wines from sweet to dry while discussing wine fundamentals including terminology; choosing, storing, and serving a wine; food parings and more.  Don't be intimidated.  This class is all about learning to trust your own taste buds.  Class includes cheese, crackers and other palate cleansers, so have a light dinner before class.

April 26, 6:30 - 8:30pm, Fee: $20

Class will be held at Camp McClellan Cellars - 2302 E. 11th Street, Davenport.

You must be 21 years old to participate.

 

Family Friday Nights from around the world - April 27

Are you looking for a low cost way to spend QUALITY time with your family?  Davenport Parks and Recreation heard this need and has responded in a way that is sure to appeal to ALL members of the family.  We have developed a rotating schedule of activities at our various facilities to offer families a night full of FUN!  April - August you can count on spending the night from 6:00-9:00 and we will take care of everything for $2.50 a person pre-registered (you must register each family member attending over 2yrs old). $4.00 per person at the door.  This is FAMILY FRI, parents or guardians need to accompany their kids.

 

Family Friday Nights April 27, 6-9pm at Roosevelt Community Center

Join us the 4th Friday of each month at the Roosevelt Community Center as we travel around the world.  We will explore through games, arts/crafts, music, snacks, language, and literature activities a different country each month of the summer.  Pizza and lemonade will be served.

 

Family Friday Nights all spring and summer!

Are you looking for a low cost way to spend QUALITY time with your family?  Davenport Parks and Recreation heard this need and has responded in a way that is sure to appeal to ALL members of the family.  We have developed a rotating schedule of activities at our various facilities to offer families a night full of FUN!  April - August you can count on spending the night with us from 6:00-9:00 and we will take care of everything for $2.50 a person pre-registered (you must register each family member attending over 2yrs old) $4.00 per person at the door.  This is FAMILY FRIDAY, parents or guardians need to accompany and participate with their kids.

  • First Friday of the Month is Environmental Exploration: Sites vary
  • Second Fri of the Month: Family Movie Night at Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave
  • Third Fri of the Month is Golf at Red Hawk Event Center, 6364 Northwest Blvd
  • Fourth Fri of the Month:" Around the world" at Roosevelt Community Center, 1220 Minnie Ave

 

In April 2010, the Parks and Recreation staff adopted the current Strategic Plan 2020, with the intention of updating it annually. A copy of the current Strategic Plan is available on our website.

 

At this meeting, friends groups and the public will be able to meet the Parks and Recreation management staff, and give their input on recreational programs, facility management and development, service delivery, and other areas of the Parks and Recreation Department.

02 Apr 2012

Lt. Governor Simon to visit suburban Chicago crisis center

By Kara Beach

CHICAGO - In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will visit counselors and educators at the Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (CASA) on Monday to advocate for legislation that would restore funding to sexual assault prevention agencies.

 

Senate Bill 3348 would require all strip clubs that permit alcohol to collect a $5-per-patron entry fee. The revenue would be distributed to community-based sexual assault prevention and response organizations, such as Northwest CASA, which is facing a 10 percent state budget cut this year. Northwest CASA provides 24-hour crisis response and prevention education to more than 30 municipalities.

 

DATE: Monday, April 2

TIME: 2:30 p.m.

PLACE: Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault, 415 W. Golf Rd., Suite 47, Arlington Heights

 

###
02 Apr 2012

Schilling Announces Upcoming Mobile Office Hours

By Andie Pivarunas

Washington, DC – Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) has announced the schedule of upcoming mobile office hours. His staff will travel throughout the 17th Congressional District to meet with constituents and address any questions or concerns they may have. No appointments are necessary. A field representative will be available in the following locations at the following times:

 

April 4, 2012
Monmouth City Hall- Council Chambers
100 East Broadway
Monmouth, IL 61462
9:00am - 12:00pm

Albany City Hall
102 S Main St.
Albany, IL 61230
1:00pm - 4:00pm

April 18, 2012
Oquawka Village Hall 
507 Schuyler St.
Oquawka, IL 61469
9:00am - 12:00pm

Aledo City Hall - Council Chambers
120 North College Ave
Aledo, IL 61231
9:00am - 1:00pm

April 25, 2012
Kewanee City Hall
401 East Third Street
Kewanee, IL  61443
9:00am - 4:00pm

Constituents are also encouraged to visit the Moline, Galesburg, Canton, and Rock Falls offices during normal office hours:

Moline District Office
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
3000 41st St., Suite B
Moline, IL 61265
P: (309) 757-7630

Galesburg District Office
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:30am to 5:00pm
Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce
185 South Kellogg St.
Galesburg, IL 61401
P: (309) 343-2220

Canton District Office
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am - 5:00pm
8 South Main St., Suite 200
Canton, IL 61520
P: (309) 649-3307

Rock Falls District Office
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9:00am - 4:00pm
1600 First Ave., Suite A
Rock Falls, IL 61071
P: (815) 548-9440

# # #

02 Apr 2012

TENTATIVE AGENDA SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

By Chris Berge

April 2 - 6, 2012

Special Committee of the Whole - 5:30 pm
CHC, Administrative Offices, 120 N Ripley/Corner of Ripley & 2nd Street

1. Roll Call: Hancock, Minard, Sunderbruch, Cusack, Earnhardt

2. Discussion with the Community Health Care Board.

3. Other items of interest.
02 Apr 2012

OLSON'S OBSERVATIONS

By Rick Martin

The Transportation Operations Budget and Administration & Regulations Budget passed the House last week. The Trans. Op Budget makes appropriations to the Road Use Tax Fund ($47.6 mil FY 2013) and Primary Road Fund ($303.2 mil FY 2013). The Admin/Reg. Budget provides for regulatory authority and appropriations for certain state departments, agencies, funds, and other entities. The House amendment appropriates ($49.6 mil from General Fund FY 2013) a decrease from last year, while the bill itself appropriates ($54.1 mil from other funds FY 2013) an increase from last year.

House File 2421, mental health and disability redesign, implements recommendations from the Judicial Branch and DHS Workgroup regarding improvements to mental health proceedings. The bill requires law enforcement to complete courses in mental health first aid, pre-assessment screening for involuntary commitment to determine their mental health needs no matter when they are  brought to court. This bill also establishes "Mental Health Professionals" as one consistent definition in Iowa code, as well as, establishing standards for mental health advocates and expanding service to Iowans with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse diagnosis.

I've received many emails concerning the Medicaid reimbursement issue and at this time I'm not sure of the fate of the  reimbursement. When I know something I'll be informing you here. Thank you for keeping me informed of issues that matter to you.

The tuition set-aside policy, an issue that many at the capitol were unaware of, has led to negotiations with the Board of Regents which will provide full transparency with how student tuition payments are dealt with at each Board of Regents' universities.

If you have concerns or questions I can be reached at the Capitol by emailing steven.olson@legis.state.ia.us.

02 Apr 2012

New rescue equipment will help save lives in Eldridge

By Paul Spooner

Local farmer directs $2,500 to fire department

 

ELDRIDGE, Iowa (Mar. 20, 2012) - Seventy percent of firefighters in the United States are volunteer and one of the few opportunities for these departments to update their rescue and training equipment is through community donations. Thanks to one local farmer and America's Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM, the Eldridge Fire Department can continue to keep its community and surrounding area safe.

Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organizations. Richard and Mary Hemphill were the winning farmers in Scott County. They recognized the need for new rescue equipment and directed the donation to the Eldridge Fire Department. The donation will be used to purchase additional rescue tools and training materials."

"The Eldridge firefighters have been to my farm a couple times to put out grain dryer fires," Richard Hemphill said. "It's a volunteer fire department, and this is a good way to say thank you."

In a ceremony held on Tuesday, Mar. 20, Richard and Mary got the chance to present the Eldridge Fire Department with the $2,500 donation.

Through America's Farmers Grow Communities:

·         Farmers in 1,245 eligible counties have the chance to win $2,500 for their favorite community nonprofit organizations.

·         The Monsanto Fund has invested more than $3.1 million to rural communities this year alone.

·         More than $247,500 in total will be donated to nonprofits in Iowa

·         A list of all winners and more information can be found at  www.growcommunities.com

"Our fire department has had an increase in rescue calls, so we will purchase essential rescue tools with the donation," said Tyler Schmidt, Eldridge fire chief. "Funds will also be used to purchase training materials to supplement our continual training program."

Grow Communities is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to invest in farm communities such as Scott County. It aims to highlight the important contributions farmers such as Richard and Mary Hemphill make every day to our society.

 

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

 

# # #
02 Apr 2012

Braley Urges Congress to Renew Violence Against Women Act

By Jeff Giertz

Unless Congress acts, law strengthening prosecution of violent crimes against women expires at the end of 2012

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today called on House leaders to immediately consider a renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, and signed on as the first male cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012.  Unless Congress acts, the provisions of the Violence Against Women law will expire at the end of the year.

"Renewing the Violence Against Women Act will help break the cycle of violence against women, and provide victims the care they need," Braley said.  "I was moved by Representative Gwen Moore's powerful statement on the House floor yesterday about her own struggles with sexual violence. Unfortunately, this type of violence is far too common and transcends politics, race, and religion.

 

"I am hopeful that we can put aside politics to renew and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act.  I urge House leaders to come together now to continue making progress in protecting Iowa women from violence."

 

First signed into law in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act enhanced the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes perpetrated against women and significantly strengthened penalties for offenders convicted of violent crimes against women.  The law also required the federal prosecution of interstate domestic violence and sexual assault crimes, and guaranteed the interstate enforcement of protection orders.  The annual incidence of domestic violence has dropped more than 50% since the law was originally enacted.

 

Video of Rep. Gwen Moore's statement on the Violence Against Women Act can be viewed at the following link; Moore is the lead sponsor of the Reauthorization Act: http://youtu.be/R0_PsN4R23k

 

# # #
02 Apr 2012

Governor Quinn Applauds Hiring Our Heroes Career Expo

By Andrew Mason

Illinois Partners with U.S. Chamber of Commerce to Put More Veterans to Work

 

CHICAGO - March 28, 2012. Governor Quinn today attended a Hiring Our Heroes job fair and praised the event as a key tool to help Veterans return to work and showcase tax incentives available to businesses who choose to hire our returning heroes. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Department of Employment Security were the principal sponsors of the second annual Chicago event.

 

"Our Veterans defended our country and now they deserve our help as they transition into the workforce," Governor Quinn said. "These brave men and women offer valuable skills to Illinois employers, and this effort is a good way to connect them quickly to jobs that are available."

 

More than 1,000 jobseekers seized the opportunity to interview with the more than 100 Chicago-area businesses that participated in the career expo. Sponsors of the event include the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, U.S. Department of Labor, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Student Veterans of America and Operation Support our Troops.

 

"Hiring Our Heroes launched last year in Chicago with more than a hundred veterans and military spouses securing jobs and we haven't looked back since," Lt. Col. (Ret.) Kevin Schmiegel, founder and executive director of the Chamber's Hiring Our Heroes program and a 20-year Marine veteran, said. "Now more than 9,000 have been hired through our program, and Governor Quinn is helping to kick off our second year goal of 400 hiring fairs nationwide. We are helping move the needle on the high rates of unemployment facing post 9-11 veterans and military spouses."

 

Veterans are sought-after employees for their service training, which includes respect for authority, embracing responsibility and success operating in a team-based environment. Servicemembers also have advanced training in technology, manufacturing, construction and logistics.

 

A state income tax credit of up to $1,200 is available to businesses for each qualified Veteran who is hired. Governor Quinn has proposed extending and increasing the Hiring Veterans Tax Credit to spur additional economic growth. Employers may also qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $9,600 through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

 

In 2011, the IDES provided re-employment services to more than 45,000 Veterans. Nationally, the unemployment rate for Veterans post 9-11 remains higher than the general population.

 

"More than 500 employees at the Department of Employment Security are Veterans, so we know the value of their leadership, training and dedication," IDES Director Jay Rowell said. "We also know the special bond soldiers have for each other. That is why we have a special team of Veterans whose sole purpose is to match fellow soldiers with current job openings."

 

Governor Quinn has championed Veterans and servicemembers throughout his career. In 2011, he signed legislation to ensure Veteran-owned businesses are able to compete for state contracts. Among other accomplishments, as Lt. Governor, Quinn launched the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to the families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists called to active duty. To date, this fund has helped 25,000 family members of Illinois veterans by raising $13 million for their families, and has been replicated in 35 states.

 

"Veterans are among our nation's most proven and committed public servants," Director of Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Erica Borggren said. "They are a tremendous resource for Illinois companies, and I'm encouraged to see so many employers actively seeking to hire these heroes."

 

Illinois has added more than 130,000 jobs since January 2010 when job growth returned to Illinois after 23 consecutive months of declines. Since the recovery began in January 2010, Illinois has averaged 4,000 new jobs each month. The state's unemployment rate has fallen for six consecutive months, even as more individuals return to the labor force to seek work.

 

###


28 Mar 2012

HUD, VA PROVIDES PERMANENT HOUSING AND SUPPORT TO HOMELESS VETS IN IOWA

By Donna M. White

Latest estimate shows national veterans homelessness fell by nearly 12 percent

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced today that HUD will provide $83,870 to the Davenport Housing Commission in Iowa to supply permanent housing and case management for 15 homeless veterans in the state.

The permanent supportive housing assistance announced today is provided through HUD's Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH), a program administered by HUD, VA, and local housing agencies across the country.  Read a complete local breakdown of the rental vouchers announced today.

"It's a national disgrace that one out of every six men and women in our shelters once wore a uniform to serve our country," said HUD Secretary Donovan. "But we know that by providing housing assistance and case management services, we can significantly reduce the number of veterans living on our streets.  Working together, HUD, VA and local housing agencies are making real progress toward ending veteran homelessness once and for all."

"Under the leadership of President Obama, we have made significant progress in the fight to end homelessness among veterans, but more work remains," said VA Secretary Shinseki. "The partnership between the federal government and community agencies across the country has strengthened all of our efforts to honor our veterans and keep us on track to prevent and eliminate veteran homelessness by 2015."

This funding to local housing agencies is part of the Obama Administration's commitment to end Veteran and long-term chronic homelessness by 2015.  Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness serves as a roadmap for how the federal government will work with state and local agreements to confront the root causes of homelessness, especially among former servicemen and women.

The grants announced today are part of $75 million appropriated for Fiscal Year 2012 to support the housing needs of approximately 10,500 homeless veterans.  VA Medical Centers (VAMC) provide supportive services and case management to eligible homeless veterans. This is the first of two rounds of the 2012 HUD-VASH funding.  HUD expects to announce the remaining funding by the end of this summer.

"These grants are reducing the number of homeless veterans in Iowa and one day we will see this travesty end," said HUD Regional Administrator Derrith Watchman-Moore.

VAMCs work closely with homeless veterans then refer them to public housing agencies for these vouchers, based upon a variety of factors, most importantly the duration of the homelessness and the need for longer term more intensive support to obtain and maintain permanent housing.  The HUD-VASH program includes both the rental assistance the voucher provides and the comprehensive case management that VAMC staff provides.

Veterans participating in the HUD-VASH program rent privately owned housing and generally contribute no more than 30 percent of their income toward rent.  VA offers eligible homeless veterans clinical and supportive services through its medical centers across the U.S., Guam and Puerto Rico.

###

HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and  transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov and  http://espanol.hud.gov. You can also follow HUD on twitter @HUDnews, on facebook at www.facebook.com/HUD, or sign up for news alerts on HUD's News Listserv.

27 Mar 2012

Salvation Announces Emergency Disaster Training

By Holly Nomura
Quad Cities, USA - This Saturday at The Salvation Army Community Center in Davenport, a

class will be presented to prepare local volunteers for deployment during a disaster. The class,

called "An Introduction to Emergency Disaster Services," is open to all interested. Included in this

course are: jobs to be accomplished, command structure, and getting ready for deployment. This

is a hands-on, down-to-earth, no-nonsense class with the basics.

WHEN: Saturday, March 31, 2012, 9:00am - 3:00pm

WHERE: Davenport Salvation Army Community Center, 3400 W. Central Park Avenue, Davenport,

IA 52806

If you would like to attend or have any questions, please call Steve Garrington at 309-569-0660.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His

name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army

each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster

victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities

for underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000

communities nationwide.

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.