11 Jan 2011

SCOTT COUNTY KIDS ANNOUNCES $250,000 CHILD CARE SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE

By Ann McGlynn

Programs help defray costs for qualified families with young children

Davenport, Iowa - Scott County Kids, a public-private partnership that helps families raise happy and healthy children, announces an initiative to award more than $250,000 in child care scholarships for Scott County families who are working, attending school or looking for work.

The first program, funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has approximately $230,000 available to assist with the care of children from birth to 24 months. The second, funded by the state of Iowa, has $22,000 in scholarships for second/third shift and weekend care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

"The money must be used by June 30," said Marcy Mendenhall, executive director of Scott County Kids. "Right now, just six families are taking advantage of the programs."

"These scholarships help parents to secure quality, loving child-care for their young children while they work, go to school, or in some cases, look for a job," Mendenhall said. "They can most certainly play a vital role in helping families during these difficult financial times."

Birth to 24 months scholarships

The federal stimulus money is for children whose parents are: working at least 28 hours a week; in school or training full-time; in a combination of work and school for at least 28 hours a week; or unemployed within the last six months and actively seeking employment.

The amount of the award, paid directly to the care providers, depends on income. Families are required to pay for some of the care. Detailed information about the grant levels can be found at bit.ly/gJqf0v.

To qualify, the child must be between birth and 24 months old, a U.S. citizen and living with parents or individuals acting in a parental role. A family's income must be within certain guidelines (see below). The child care providers must meet certain standards and be on contract with Scott County Kids.

Home-based and center providers in Scott County who are approved to accept children with this grant are: Children's Village Hoover; Children's Village West; Creative Beginnings; Barb DeWispelaere; Hand in Hand; Debra Haskins; Kiddie Karrasel; Kindercare, Bettendorf; Daphne Ramirez; Scott County Family Y - Downtown & Palmer; Shining Light Learning Center; Skip-A-Long.

The home-based providers must have an Iowa Quality Rating of 3, 4 or 5 or accredited by the National Association for Family Child Care. Child care centers must also have an Iowa ranking of a 3, 4 or 5 and be recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Scott County Kids is one of 24 organizations in Iowa participating in the effort, called the Infant and Toddler Quality Child Care Program. Clinton, Jackson, Louisa, Des Moines, Johnson and Iowa counties in Eastern Iowa are also taking part.

Statewide, nearly $2.4 million was available as of November 2009. Scott County received $251,772.

"One challenge, Mendenhall said, "is that many of the providers who qualify and are under contract have waiting lists for infants and toddlers." She hopes more providers will step forward to qualify.

"We want families to be able to use this stimulus money," Mendenhall said.

Second/third shift and weekend scholarships

Scott County Kids also has approximately $22,000 in scholarships available to help pay for second/third shift and weekend care, while parents work and/or go to school.

The scholarships are $300-$400 a month for full-time care, and $150-$200 a month for part-time care for children ages birth through enrollment in kindergarten. To qualify, parents cannot be eligible for any other child care assistance; must work and/or attend school for at least 28 hours a week; and live in Scott County.

The challenge is getting the money into the hands of families who can use it. This fiscal year, just $3,000 of the $25,000 has been awarded.

The family-chosen child care providers must be either a home registered with the Iowa Department of Human Resources or a center licensed with the agency. The providers must also supply proof of insurance and complete the requirements of a child care compliance audit.

"The vision of Scott County Kids is that every child, beginning at birth, will be healthy and successful," said Jennifer Kakert, parent and president of the Scott County Kids board. "One component of this includes ensuring access to quality child care. One barrier for many parents is the cost of quality child care. The scholarships are provided on a sliding income scale to help defray some of that cost. This helps ensure that working parents can secure quality care for their children."

To find out more about the grants and scholarships from Scott County Kids, to get an application, or to qualify as a child care provider, contact Renee Rankin at the Friendly House, (563)323-1821, ext. 11 or at reneerankin@friendlyhouseiowa.org.

06 Jan 2011

SCOTT COUNTY KIDS TO ANNOUNCE CHILD CARE SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE

By Ann McGlynn

Scott County Kids, a public-private partnership that helps families raise happy and healthy children, will be announcing an initiative to award approximately $250,000 in child care scholarships for Scott County families who are working, attending school or looking for work.

This federal money targets two groups: those with children ages birth to 24 months and those who need care in the late afternoons/evenings, at night or on weekends for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The majority of the money comes from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Income guidelines do apply.

06 Jan 2011

Major Gift Announced to Fight QC Hunger

By Linda Martin

The Moline Foundation, and the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation Announce $30,000 Gift to River Bend Foodbank To Assist in Fight Against Local Hunger

A news conference held this morning, Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at the River Bend Foodbank, 309 12th Street, Moline, Illinois announced a major funding gift of $30,0000 from a local community foundation, the Moline Foundation and a statewide foundation, the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation, Oak Brook, Illinois.

The gift is the result of a challenge grant campaign held in the Quad Cities the last few weeks and conducted by the Moline Foundation. Donors in the Quad Cities contributed $15,000 in just four days to benefit the River Bend Foodbank and its hunger relief programs, including the Backpack Feeding Program. The Backpack Program strives to ensure that children don't go hungry over the weekend when are no school meals for them to rely upon. The program serves approximately 1,200 children in the Quad Cities. Every Friday, during the school year, children participating in the Backpack Program receive free, nutritious food distributed at their school which they can then take home in their backpacks and easily prepare at home.

"This is an especially critical time in our community as food supplies are low during the cold winter. We are grateful to our donors and the opportunity to receive such a large matching grant to give to River Bend Foodbank," said Jon Tunberg, Chairman of The Moline Foundation.

The Moline Foundation and other community foundations in Illinois were challenged to raise funds in Springfield, Champaign, Chicago, St. Charles, Peoria, and East St. Louis. Over 1.5 million people in Illinois now live in poverty. Of this number, approximately 500,000 are children. This statewide funding initiative will be used to provide nutritious meals for Illinois children through after school programs, weekend back pack feeding programs, and mobile distribution programs.

River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing 6.3 million pounds of food annually to more than 300 charitable feeding programs throughout a 22 county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. More than 10,000 people receive food assistance each week through River Bend's distribution network. The Foodbank also operates four Kids Café sites serving over 45,000 free meals to children each year, the Backpack Program which provides over 1300 Quad City children with nourishing food to take home on the weekends during the school year and the Mobile Food Pantry which directly feeds thousands of families.

As a Community Foundation, The Moline Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause such as education or the environment, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend individual grants. The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a Community Foundation which provides funding to health, human services, education, community, workforce and economic development, the arts and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of Scott County, Iowa and Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Warren, McDonough and Henderson counties in western Illinois. The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts; has a current endowment of approximately $15 million; and handles additional funds to benefit donor wishes. The Moline Foundation also serves as a catalyst and convener to bring about solutions to problems affecting quality of life in our region.

Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation is the only statewide private foundation focused on improving the health of all children in the State of Illinois. It was created in December 2002 through an action between the State of Illinois Attorney General's office and a private insurance carrier. This action established the Foundation which was funded with an investment of approximately $125 million.



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03 Jan 2011

IOWA FAMILY DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE SPONSORS FaDSS INFORMATION FAIR AT STATE CAPITOL; FaDSS: WORTH THE INVESTMENT

By Helen Benker

State legislators will have a chance to learn more about the Family Development and Self Sufficiency (FaDSS) Program at an information fair being held at the Capitol on January 18th from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Iowa Family Development Alliance, the fair will include a march of FaDSS families and staff to the steps of the Capitol. FaDSS Programs from all across the state will be setting up displays on the first floor rotunda, allowing legislators to get information about the FaDSS program that operates in their districts. The event will also offer legislators an opportunity to speak with FaDSS families about how the program has affected their lives. FaDSS staff will be on hand to answer specific program questions.

The event will be held at the State Capitol, Rotunda. For additional information contact - Helen Benker, FaDSS Program Director at 563-324-3239, ext. 1373.

-end-

27 Dec 2010

Harkin Announces $335,000 for Housing Counseling Services in Iowa

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - (December 23, 2010) - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Iowa will receive $335,000 for housing counseling programs across the state.  The grants were made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support a variety of housing counseling services to homebuyers, homeowners and low-to-moderate income renters as well as the homeless.  The programs improve financial literacy, expand homeownership opportunities, improve access to affordable housing and preserve homeownership.

"Housing is one of our most basic needs, but in this economic downturn, quality, affordable housing is sometimes harder to find and for many, even harder to maintain;" said Harkin.  "These counseling programs provide an invaluable resource by offering a wide variety of assistance to a good cross-section of the population.  Coupled with the cold weather and the holiday season, this financial support comes at a critical time and will do a world of good."

Details of each award are as follows:

United Neighbors, Inc. in Davenport - $35,000

Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (HOME, Inc.) in Des Moines - $44,340.85

Iowa Finance Authority in Des Moines - $166,486.41

Center for Siouxland in Sioux City - $45,324.10

Family Management Credit Counselors, Inc. in Waterloo - $43,849.23
21 Dec 2010

Galesburg Illinois National Guard Unit Gives Back to the Community

By Stephanie McCurry

The 444th Chemical Company Held a Local Blood Drive and Donated Food to Local Shelter.

GALESBURG, IL (12/20/2010)(readMedia)-- The 444th Chemical Company based in Galesburg wanted to do something for the local community as a way to say thank you for all of the support it has received over the past years. The 444th held a blood drive with the American Red Cross and donated cases of canned food to a local homeless shelter Dec. 18 at the Galesburg Readiness Center.

"It is a matter of giving back to a very supportive community," said 1st Sgt. Robert Heck of Edwardsville.

The Family Readiness Group (FRG), Soldiers and families were invited to donated blood and invited members of the community to do the same.

"I donated blood to show my appreciation for the support from the communities around us," said Staff Sgt. Michelle Melendez of Roseville.

The American Red Cross received 56 pints of blood during the blood drive. Almost every Soldier in the 444th donated. The blood donated is going to help cancer patients.

Over the past couple months, members of the unit have been bringing in cases of canned food to deliver to a local shelter. On Saturday all of the canned food was delivered to the Galesburg Homeless Shelter. 1st Lt. Chad Wester of Adair said he was inspired by the younger Soldiers and how much they donated to the food drive.

"The people at the shelter were very thankful," said Wester. "It was nice to meet some of the people that it was going to benefit."

"The citizens of Galesburg deserve some recognition for all their support to the Illinois National Guard," said Heck. "They give us their sons and daughters and we appreciate everything they have done for us."

Story by Staff Sgt. Stephanie McCurry, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

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20 Dec 2010

Harkin: Repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell Makes Military and our Country Stronger, More Just

By Rick Martin
WASHINGTON, D.C. ­- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) released the following statement after the Senate voted 65-31 to overturn "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", the 17-year old Defense Department law that bars gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.  The repeal was passed by the House earlier this week and will now go to the President to be signed into law.  Harkin is a cosponsor of the repeal.

"Today America took a major step toward ensuring the civil rights of its citizens by voting to discard the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.  'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is discriminatory and outdated, and our action to repeal it was long overdue.  Today, the Senate made clear that lesbian and gay Americans are first-class citizens.  The repeal has strong support in the military, both among high ranking leadership and among our enlisted personnel.  By voting to get rid of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, we not only make our military stronger and less discriminatory, but we also advance the cause of freedom for our entire country.

"As Americans, gay and lesbian individuals deserve the same employment rights as everyone else, including the right to be open about their personal lives while serving their country.  It is costly and senseless to discharge capable, qualified soldiers, or to turn away new recruits, based on sexual orientation, especially with our military under such great strain.  I am pleased that our government will no longer discriminate against individuals willing to bravely serve this county."
16 Dec 2010

Grassley Nominates Young Iowans to U.S. Service Academies

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that he has nominated outstanding young Iowans to serve in the United States service academies.

"Nominating students to the service academies gives me the opportunity to see some of the highest caliber young men and women our state has to offer.  Every year I'm impressed with these young Iowans who are interested in serving their county," Grassley said. "I'm confident that these nominees will represent our state well, and I'm happy to nominate them."

Grassley nominates several young Iowans each year for a select few spots.  Each academy then selects students based on the number of vacancies for the 2011-2012 school year. Often, because of the high quality of nominations from Iowa, several students are selected to attend each academy.

Grassley said each of the Iowa students who applied for academy nominations were exceptional and he encouraged eligible students to consider submitting applications in the future.  "The academies are some of the best options in our country for a higher education," said Grassley.

Grassley will issue announcements when appointments to the academies are offered.


Here are Grassley's nominations.


U.S. Air Force Academy
Dylan Bechen, Woodbury Central High School, Moville

Daniel Deakins, West Harrison Community School, Mondamin

Daniel Eichman, Dulwich College (Beijing), Dubuque

Brett Heithusen, Williamsburg High School, Williamsburg

Isaac Kinrade, Maquoketa High School, Maquoketa

Felix Knutson, Hubbard

Peighton MacLeod, University High School, Cedar Falls

Jesse Phillips, North Mahaska High School, New Sharon

Alec Stenzel, Valley High School, Cumming

Mackenzie VanDenBerg, West High School, Waterloo

U.S. Military Academy
Shawn Burrows, Bondurant-Farrar High School, Bondurant

Charles Godwin, Exira High School, Exira

Levi Horsley, Carroll High School, Carroll

Travis Mallo, Mason City High School, Mason City

Jedidiah McCoy, Climbing Hill

Thomas McGuire, Gilbert High School, Ames

Kalie Plasier, Randolph Macon Academy (Front Royal, VA), Sioux Center

Sean Raes, Ballard High School, Slater

Caleb Titus, Danville High School, West Burlington

Wyatt VandeVoort, MOC-Floyd Valley High School, Orange City

 

U.S. Naval Academy
Erik Bergstrom, Johnston High School, Johnston                      

Andrew Chudzik, City High School, Iowa City

Morgan Clutter, Indianola High School, Indianola

James Cox, Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids

Mary Dougherty, Bishop Heelan High School, Sioux City

Sarah Eikenberry, Roosevelt High School, Des Moines

Andrew Foster, West High School, Waterloo

Joseph Gallet, Iowa State University, Washington High School (Cedar Rapids), Atkins

Tyler Husar, Muscatine High School, Muscatine

Knute Klinker, South O'Brien High School, Primghar

Scott Pate, Clarke Community High School, Osceola

Alex Peschang, Waverly-Shell Rock High School, Waverly

Andrew Peterman, Bettendorf High School, Bettendorf

Andrew Pick, Dowling High School, Clive

Kristin Reichert, Indianola High School, Indianola

John Russell, St. Albert High School, Council Bluffs

Conner Sprague, Wayne Community High School, Derby

Jakob Stoner, Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls

Colton Van't Hof, Sioux Center Community, Sioux Center

Daniel Yehieli, Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls

 

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Tobias Gassman, Ames High School, Ames

Miranda Walz, Central High School - Elkader, Elkader

 

-30-

14 Dec 2010

Rock Island Announces Online Survey to Seek Public Input on Budget

By Jennifer Fowler

The City of Rock Island is seeking the views of Rock Island residents on the proposed 2011-2012 General Fund budget. City departments have prepared options to help close a $1.1 million gap in the budget for next year. In addition to the series of public meetings being held, citizens can now register their opinions on the options online at www.rigov.org.

The online survey asks citizens to agree, disagree, or no opinion on each of the 37 options. At the end of the survey, citizens can provide any additional comments or suggestions.

Options being considered range from keeping City vehicles longer before they are replaced to eliminating a police officer with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG). The options also include an increase in the property tax rate and parking fees and fines.

City Manager John Phillips noted, "Not all of the options will be needed to eliminate the difference between the projected revenue and expenses for next year, but it is clear that difficult choices will need to be made by the Mayor and City Council."

City staff has been working on budget planning since September and closed the budget gap from $2.4 million to the $1.1 million level. Three positions have been eliminated and budget cuts have been made in training, supplies, and services. Phillips noted that most local governments are facing challenging times due to decreasing revenues and increasing costs.

Responses from citizens will be shared and reviewed by the Mayor and City Council over the next 60 days. The budget is scheduled for adoption in March 2011 and the City's fiscal year begins on April 1, 2011.

###

14 Dec 2010

Renaissance Rock Island Announces 2010 Hard Hat Award Recipients

By Carl McClaskey

Renaissance Rock Island hosted the 22nd Annual Hard Hat celebration today at the new Comedy Sportz. The event is designed to recognize investment in the community and thank those who have helped strengthen Rock Island. The organizations of Renaissance Rock Island - Development Association of Rock Island (DARI), Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH), and The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District (The District) - are pleased to present the following awards.

Golden Brooms - Golden Brooms are awarded for outstanding maintenance.

§  Big Catz House of Chrome

Located on the corner of First Avenue and 16th Streets in Rock Island, Big Catz House of Chrome receives more than their share of traffic. Tending not only to their existing property, the owners work to improve and maintain the landscape of surrounding parking lots, sidewalks and green space.

§  Illinois Casualty Insurance

Having just celebrated their 60th Anniversary, Illinois Casualty Insurance, located at 225 - 20th Street, consistently maintains their property to spotless perfection.

Golden Paintbrush - New in 2010, the Golden Paintbrush is awarded for outstanding painting improvements.

§  El Patron Bar & Grill

Step into this establishment, which opened in March of this year, and you feel as though you have entered another country. No surface has been left untouched, with hand painted original murals throughout.

§  Phil Scott

A lot of paint and imagination went into painting the wall of an adjoining property to create an undersea view for patrons of Cabana's outdoor patio. This larger than life aquatic mural can be seen by passers-by as well, enhancing the landscape along Fourth Avenue.

§  Regalia Manufacturing

Located at 2018 Fourth Avenue, and family owned since 1897, Regalia Manufacturing recently repainted the entire façade of their historic building.

§  Fanth Curry Home Improvement Company

Located at 4515 - 6th Avenue, Fanth Curry sits at the gateway to Rock Island. Extensive exterior painting has improved the look of this business, and offers a much improved first impression.

Golden Hammers - Golden Hammers are awarded for outstanding business investment.

§  RILCO - Rock Island Lubricants

The Golden Hammer was awarded to RILCO for brush removal, cleanup and concrete work. Located at 1320 - 1st Street RILCO also underwent a major expansion project.

§  Realm Wellness Spa

A new business that opened in March 2010, located at 150 - 16½ Street, Realm Wellness Spa offers a wide array of spa services, a natural juice bar and other wellness services. Since their opening, Realm Wellness Spa has expanded both in space and services.

§  Lundgren Chiropractic

Located at 2965 and 3012 - 13th Avenue, Lundgren Chiropractic updated 3 buildings with painting, signage, awnings and lighting, creating a cohesive look.

§  Mainstream Commercial Group Ltd. - for Watchtower Plaza

Located on 11th Street, Watchtower Plaza repaired the existing parking lot and applied new asphalt, a major project with noticeable impact. In addition, management has been diligently working to fill spaces.

§  Dial Properties - for Rock Valley Plaza

Located at 4800 Blackhawk Road, Rock Valley Plaza has a new front façade, a major upgrade

§  Lundgren Chiropractic

Located at 2965 and 3012 - 13th Avenue, Lundgren Chiropractic updated 3 buildings with painting, signage, awnings and lighting, creating a cohesive look.

§  City Limits Saloon and Grill

This property has undergone major exterior work, including decks and a new addition. Located at 4514 - 9th Street, City Limits recently completed this work and is now open for business.

§  Bill's Moving & Storage

Bill's Moving & Storage added foam insulation, coping and EFIS, greatly improving the facility and property value located at 104 - 10th Street.

Green Hammers - New for 2010, Green Hammers are awarded for outstanding business investment utilizing a "green" initiative.

§  Steve's Old Time Tap

A long time Rock Island establishment recently installed new, energy efficient windows and dramatically improved the appearance of the façade with new awnings. Located at 223 - 17th Street.

§  Kavanaugh's Hilltop Tavern

A new façade , new awnings and new "green" windows and door are just some of the recent improvements to this business, which has been working on several improvements over the past few years.

§  Klauer Heating & Air Conditioning

Three commercial buildings have been installed with new windows and doors. Many of the upgrades to these buildings are energy efficient.

Mayor & City Council Trophy

The Mayor & City Council's Trophy is awarded for the most strategic new investment.

Finalists:

  • Rock Island Center for Math and Science

Located at the former Villa de Chantal property, this 64,000 square foot building holds 550 students from pre-K through 6th grade. The facility includes a science lab, state of the art technology, a community room, music room , media center and production room, and separate gymnasium and cafeteria. 

The school is situated in the heart of Rock Island, on almost 10 acres of wooded nature trails. It is a place where creative, innovative ideas are encouraged to challenge students and make learning exciting, where teachers can be flexible in meeting students' needs. It is a place where parents and teachers are partners in helping their students to learn and grow.

  • Rock Island Hydroelectric Plant

With an investment of $2.2 million dollars, The City of Rock Island rehabilitated an aging powerhouse that now offers significant environmental benefits for all. City utility customers and taxpayers will benefit directly in the future due to lower costs for the electricity needed to operate city facilities. The Rock Island Hydroelectric Plant operates as an enterprise fund, like the city's water and sewer utilities. 95% of its revenue is earned by selling electricity to the largest City-owned users, such as the water and sewage treatment plants. The remainder is earned by selling excess electricity to Mid-American Energy.

Winner:

  • Schwiebert Riverfront Park

Officially opened in July of this year,  this 1/5 of a mile long park is the former site of the Jumer's Casino Rock Island riverboat gaming operation and National Guard Armory building.  The new demountable flood protection wall provides continued protection when necessary, while maintaining an unencumbered view of the Mississippi River. The main stage area and great lawn mimics the former Armory Building footprint.  In keeping with the RiverVision Plan, Schwiebert Riverfront Park has reconfigured urban public open space into a park-like setting that includes a state of the art playground, interactive water feature and performance stage that  are sure to improve the quality of living in Rock Island. 

CC Wilson Trophy for the Most Dedicated - Kevin Koski

Kevin Koski has served on the Renaissance Rock Island Exec Board for the past 17 years. With a goal of making Rock Island a better place to work, live and play, Kevin's own family is a testament to the success of his efforts. His children returned to Rock Island and have made it their home.

He has a proven track record that includes being a vital force in the clean-up of discarded tires for many years. His dedication and contribution to the betterment of the community has earned Kevin this year's award for being the most dedicated DARI member. 

Mo Payton for the Volunteer of the Year - Jan Masamoto

Jan Masamoto has served on countless boards and committees, including DARI and GROWTH as well as her current role as Chairman of The District Board of Directors.  Jan is intelligent, tireless, entrepreneurial, passionate and well respected throughout the Quad Cities. In addition to running her own company, JTM Concepts, Jan does more than her part to support many charitable organizations throughout the community.

The Renaissance Rock Island Vision Award - John Phillips 

John Phillips has the vision necessary to move forward.  In his role as City Manager, John Phillips has devoted more than 20 years with a vision and a single purpose -the betterment of the city of Rock Island. Through leadership, hard work, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment, John has steadfastly worked to make this community the best it can be.

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