09 Oct 2014

Parents: Set the Rules Before They Hit the Road; Talk to your Teen Drivers About the "5 to Drive"

By Rick Martin

Learning to drive is very exciting for teens, and a driver's license is a giant step toward independence. But when a teen driver is getting ready to hit the road, a parent's job isn't done. In fact, talking to your kids about the dangers of driving is one of the best things you can do to keep them safe. Tragically, many parents just assume their teens get this information elsewhere, so they don't have the conversation. October 19-25 is Teen Driver Safety Week, and it's a great time for parents to talk to their teen drivers about the risks they face.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens 14-18 in America. In 2012 alone, 2,055 teen drivers were involved in fatal crashes, and 859 died.

Every parent should talk to their teens about the rules of safe driving, but a recent survey shows that only 25 percent of parents have done so. It can be difficult to talk to teens about anything, let alone a serious topic like safe driving. Many parents don't know what to say, or give up if they feel like they're not being heard. In order to provide parents with the tools, resources, and words they need to keep their teens safe, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has teamed up with state and local highway safety and law enforcement organizations on the teen driver safety campaign "5 to Drive". The education and awareness campaign identifies the five most important rules all teen drivers need to follow.

We encourage you to get the facts, start talking to your teen about the "5 to Drive," and Set the Rules Before They Hit the Road.

1. No Drinking and Driving. Compared with other age groups, teen drivers are at a greater risk of death in alcohol-related crashes, even though they're too young to legally buy or possess alcohol. Nationally in 2012, 28 percent of the young drivers (15 to 20 years old) killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher.

2. Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Front Seat and Back. In 2012, of all the young (15- to 20-year-old) passenger vehicle drivers killed in crashes, more than half (55%) of those killed were not wearing seat belts.

3. Put It Down. One Text or Call Could Wreck It All. In 2012, among drivers 15 to 19 years old who were distracted in fatal crashes, nearly 1 in 5 were distracted by their phones. This age group had the highest percentage of drivers distracted by phone use.

4. Stop Speeding Before It Stops You. In 2012, speeding was a factor in almost half (48%) of the crashes that killed 15- to 20-year-old drivers. By comparison, 30 percent of all fatal crashes that year involved speeding.

5. No More Than One Passenger at a Time. Extra passengers for a teen driver can lead to disastrous results. Research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teens in a car. The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior triples when traveling with multiple passengers.

Please talk to your kids?this week and every week?about how to be smart and safe behind the wheel.

For more information about Teen Driver Safety Week and the "5 to Drive" campaign visit www.safercar.gov/parents.

Susan DeCourcy is the Regional Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Region 7.

Patrick Hoye is the Bureau Chief, Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau.

09 Oct 2014

Harkin Unveils New Website Documenting Legislative Legacy

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today unveiled a new website documenting his record of legislative achievements and work on behalf of Iowans over a 40-year Congressional career. Since the day he entered Congress in 1975, Harkin has worked tirelessly to create a ladder of opportunity for Iowans, Americans, and millions more around the world.

Harkin has led the passage of some of the landmark laws of the past quarter-century. He has transformed the landscape for people with disabilities and created farm and renewable energy policy to ensure Iowa has one of the most vibrant economies and highest quality of life in the country. With the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, Harkin's leadership has made, for the first time, keeping Americans healthy and preventing illness a key part of the health care system.

The new website also looks at Harkin's 27 years of outstanding bipartisan leadership as Chairman of three Senate committees. As chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, Harkin has overseen the spending priorities for half of all non-security discretionary spending. His leadership has advanced issues from innovative scientific and medical research, to job training and early childhood education. As Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, he led two farm bills to enactment - each with overwhelming bipartisan votes. Similarly, the website documents the Harkin record as chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, passing 18 bills into law in the current Congress. Harkin's HELP Committee has been the most productive Senate committee during the least productive Congress in 60 years.

Harkin's many priorities over his career are united by the common goal of helping to make our country, and the world, more fair and just, and to ensure that every American has the chance to reach his or her potential. His work has ranged from distinctive achievements in the realm of international human rights, to the creation of new economic opportunities for Iowans. Harkin's leadership ensures that Iowa's workforce is healthy and well-educated, that quality infrastructure promotes a high quality of life, and that businesses and farmers have the infrastructure necessary to move their products quickly, safely, and affordably to markets.

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07 Oct 2014

Treasurer Fitzgerald Auctioning Off Spooktacular Items in eBay

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (10/07/2014)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald's upcoming eBay auction just might have that unique item to complete your Halloween costume. Fitzgerald will host his next unclaimed property eBay auction beginning on October 13. "We will have an assortment of items up for bid, perfect accessories for Halloween," Fitzgerald stated. "The auction will be filled with one-of-a-kind items and unique collectibles that were turned over in unclaimed safe deposit boxes." Interested bidders may visit the state treasurer's eBay auction at http://myworld.ebay.com/ia.unclaimed.property.

The auction will begin on Monday, October 13 and will close on October 20. Some of the treasures in this online auction include a jade bangle bracelet and costume jewelry for the Cleopatra costume, a handheld collapsible fan perfect for the princess, and bolo ties and a longhorn steer belt buckle for the cowboys. Items included in the auction are reported to the state treasurer as unclaimed property by financial institutions across the state. Photos, letters and other personal memorabilia will not be included in the auction. The auction proceeds are held for the rightful owners until they come forward.

Search GreatIowaTreasureHunt.com to see if the state treasurer has property belonging to you. Be sure to like the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt on Facebook and follow the program on Twitter @GreatIATreasure for information about future auctions.

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03 Oct 2014

Senior Star at Elmore Place Hosts Lunch-and-Learn Events About Retirement Living ~ October 7 and October 22 ~ All Welcome

By Christina L. Maggio-Kellerstrass

Attendees will understand the many benefits of retirement living and making the decision to move before winter

 

DAVENPORT, IA (October 3, 2014) - Senior Star at Elmore Place will host two lunch-and-learn events for seniors who may be considering a move to a retirement community before winter, accompanied by all its hassles of snow removal and safety issues, comes.  Lunch-and-learns will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 7 and October 22 at 4500 Elmore Avenue in Davenport.

Attendees can expect to learn about:

·       How to begin the conversation about moving into a retirement community

·       Understanding what is involved in the decision-making process

·       Having open discussions regarding moving logistics

·       Ensuring careful planning

·       Finding excellent resources

·       How seniors and their families have benefitted from a move into a retirement community

"The associates at Senior Star at Elmore Place realize that moving is a very big decision for seniors to consider, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.  We will provide information to make this new home exploration a positive experience," said Marc Strohschein, executive director for Senior Star at Elmore Place.  "Discussions will include a variety of aspects about moving into a retirement community.  We hope our Quad City neighbors and friends will take advantage of these October events."

Seniors and their family members are welcome to attend together.  Please RSVP no later than one day prior to the event you would like to attend by calling 563.484.5114.  If you prefer to have a personal lunch, tour and discussion, please call 563.484.5114 to schedule a time convenient for you and your family.

For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place, please call 563.484.5114 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com.

About Senior Star at Elmore Place

Senior Star at Elmore Place, a Senior Star community, features 236 modernly decorated apartments spanning across 20 acres of beautifully landscaped property with many customized amenities to offer its residents three distinctive living experiences:  independent living, assisted living and memory care.  For more information, visit www.seniorstar.com.

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03 Oct 2014

LANDSCAPE EXPERTS SHARE THE TOP FIVE STRATEGIES TO PROTECT PLANTS THIS WINTER

By Ami Neiberger-Miller
Last year's extreme winter caused damage to many trees and shrubs; With another cold winter predicted, experts from the Professional Landcare Network offer advice to protect trees and shrubs.

HERNDON, Va. - Last year's long cold winter took many people in the East by surprise and resulted in damage to otherwise healthy plants, trees and shrubs.  With the Farmer's Almanac predicting another extremely cold winter, landscape experts from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the national landscape and lawn care association, offer advice to homeowners who want to protect trees and shrubs from damage.

"A lot of homeowners were taken by surprise by our cold harsh winter last year," said Nikos Phelps, PLANET member and president, Utopian Landscapes in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. "We had warmer than normal winters for the past 10-15 years, so people got used to not having to go the extra mile to protect plants and trees for a harder winter." 

Cold winds, frigid temperatures, and dry air can damage otherwise healthy plants. Many home owners invest hundreds, and even thousands of dollars into the purchase of plants. To protect that investment and avoid costly replacements next year, landscape experts from PLANET offer the top five strategies that homeowners should consider to protect trees and shrubs this winter.

Water deeply in late fall. Many people think their plants don't need water in the winter or they assume snow melt will provide enough hydration.  Plants do need to have access to water in the soil during winter.  Watering deeply in late fall before the first frost will help ensure that they have access to water after the ground freezes.

Wrap plants or smaller trees. Many plant varieties like roses, butterfly bushes, hydrangeas, and crape myrtles experienced damage last winter.  To provide plants with extra protection from the wind and cold, wrap them in burlap or a frost protection fabric and plant them along a building or fence that offers some wind protection. Dead leaves can also be stuffed inside and around the branches and at the base to add extra insulation. 

Don't fertilize trees and shrubs in fall. Plants need to slow down their growth in the fall to ensure they harden off and prepare for winter.  In general, homeowners should stop giving fertilizer to plants well before the first freeze.  Homeowners should always follow the local municipal rules for fertilization.  Some locations regulate the time of year that fertilizer can be applied.

Don't prune plants in late fall. Pruning can encourage new growth, so it is generally not a good idea to prune most plant varieties as winter nears because the cuts may not have time to heal before it freezes.

Apply anti-desiccant or anti-transpirant to protect trees. Many tree care or landscape companies can apply anti-desiccants to trees to help protect them during the winter.  It coats the trees and can help shield them from cold winds and dry air if applied as the manufacturer recommends.

"It is also important that people plant trees and bushes in good locations where they have protection from the elements," said Phelps. "Plants like crape myrtles do well when planted in a sunny, wind- protected area.  A south-facing wall of the house works well."

For more ideas about how to care for you landscape or for more information about hiring a landscape professional near you visit www.loveyourlandscape.com.

ABOUT PLANET
PLANET is the national trade association representing more than 100,000 landscape industry professionals, who create and maintain healthy, green living spaces for communities across America. PLANET members are committed to the highest standards in industry education, best practices and business professionalism. Many of PLANET's professionals have attained the status of becoming Landscape Industry Certified, achieving the greatest level of industry expertise and knowledge. Visit PLANET at www.landcarenetwork.org.  
03 Oct 2014

7 Cardinal Rules to Retirement Planning

By Ginny Grimsley
Financial Planner Says Independent & Credentialed
Advisors May Better Tailor Individual Portfolios

An onslaught of retiring baby boomers; the uncertain duration of Social Security funding; difficulty with workplace retirement accounts like 401(k)s - even if these factors were stronger than they are now, you'd still have a heavy burden in managing your finances during retirement, says financial planner Carl Edwards.

"Financial planning for retirement has always been a daunting prospect; the current landscape simply makes your preparation that much more crucial in using your assets well," says Edwards, a highly credentialed consultant and owner of C.E. Wealth Group, (http://www.cewealth.com).

"Many advisors and clients rely too much on single product lines.  This misuse often gives products and the financial industry in general a bad name. Advisors who are restricted in the types of financial products they can offer or understand may not provide the best advice. Independent and credentialed planners, on the other hand, don't have their hands tied in what they can offer clients and may provide better advice."

Edwards reviews seven essential points that everyone should know regarding retirement planning.

•  Avoid trying to time the market. Markets often move in cycles and some investors believe that they can boost their investment returns by buying at the bottom and selling at the top. The problem is that investors are terrible at correctly predicting market movements and multiple studies have shown that market timers usually end up with significantly smaller retirement savings than buy-and-hold investors. While it can be stressful to see your portfolio plummet during a market correction, it's important to stay calm and focus on your long-term strategy.

•  Use risk-appropriate financial vehicles. Retiring can be a risky business. The days of relying on employer-provided pension plans are largely over and retirees now have to deal with risks including investment, inflation, healthcare, longevity and others. Though the total elimination of risk isn't possible, we can manage many of them through competent retirement planning and a clear understanding of factors like your goals, time horizon and financial circumstances.

•  Invest in the most tax-efficient manner. Taxes can take a big bite out of investment returns, which is why we stress tax-efficient planning with our clients. While taxes are just one piece of the overall financial puzzle, it's important to structure your investments so that you are able to keep what you earn.

•  Complete a cash flow analysis. Retirement will involve major changes to your finances. Sources and timing of income will change and financial priorities may shift as you start generating income from retirement savings. A cash flow analysis will identify spending patterns and help ensure that you have enough income to support your retirement lifestyle.

•  Guarantee your required income. For many retirees, having income that is not subject to market fluctuations is an important part of their retirement plan. Many will have at least some level of guaranteed income from Social Security or defined benefit pension plans. However, if you are worried that your expenses exceed your guaranteed income, a financial advisor can help you explore options for additional streams of income for life.  Guarantees are subject to the paying ability of the income provider.

•  Utilize longevity planning. Today's retirees are living longer than ever and many worry about outliving their assets. Longevity planning is about preparing for a happy, comfortable and independent retirement and can help ensure that your wealth lasts as long as you need it to.

•  Consider the effects of inflation. Inflation is one of the biggest issues facing retirees because they are disproportionately affected by rising prices. Escalating food, fuel and medical costs can devastate a retirement portfolio unless these costs have been factored into your planning. Positioning your retirement portfolio to fight inflation is critical to ensuring adequate income in retirement.

About Carl Edwards

Carl Edwards, MBA, ChFC®, is a Chartered Financial Consultant® and is the owner of C.E. Wealth Group, (http://www.cewealth.com). He has passed the Series 7, Series 66 and Series 63 securities industry exams. In addition, he has passed the Series 24 principal exam. He represents High Street Asset Management as an Investment Adviser Representative and Calton & Associates, Inc. as a Registered Representative. Edwards is also a licensed insurance agent in Life, Health, Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care insurances. Edwards received a master's degree in business administration and is currently completing a second master's degree in finance from Penn State University. He also is a member of the American MENSA.

Securities offered through Calton & Associates, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.  Advisory services offered through High Street Asset Management.  C.E. Wealth Group, LLC, High Street Asset Management and Calton & Associates, Inc. are separate entities. Insurance or insurance related products are offered through C.E. Insurances, LLC. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Calton & Associates, Inc. or High Street Asset Management.  Individuals should consult their tax/legal advisors before making tax/legal-related investment decisions as Calton & Associates, Inc. and its Registered Representatives do not offer tax/legal advice.

01 Oct 2014

1 year anniversary of government shutdown

By Lance Coles

One Year Later: A Vote for Steve King or Joni Ernst is a Vote for Another Government Shutdown

Des Moines, Iowa - One year ago, Congressman Steve King and members of the Republican Party shut down the federal government at an enormous cost. Their actions roiled the country as federal workers were furloughed, national parks were closed, and Social Security checks were delayed. Now, with Joni Ernst is running for Senate, and Steve King is running for re-election.

Ken Sagar, President of the Iowa Federation of Labor issued the following statement:

"It's despicable that Steve King is running for re-election to the House after he voted to shut down the government and supported the government shutdown last year.

Does he think that's a qualification for public office? Will he assume that an election victory is a vote for another government shutdown?" Rather than demonstrate responsible leadership, Steve King supported Republicans when they inflicted a serious wounds on our economy and punished federal workers and American taxpayers.

"This November, voters in Iowa have a clear opportunity to reject Steve King's style of hostage taking and elect Jim Mowrer, a responsible veteran leader and a champion of working people. This November, it's time to hold the Republican Party accountable."

If Joni Ernst is elected to the Senate, she will join King in attacking workers and our economy.

Ernst Said "We Must Stand Firm In The Fight Against" The Affordable Care Act On The First Day Of The Government Shutdown. According to a Facebook post by state Sen. Joni Ernst, Ernst said, "LIKE if you believe that on this first day of Obamacare exchange signups, we must stand firm in the fight against this damaging, job-killing legislation. #standfirm." [Sen. Joni Ernst - Facebook, 10/1/13]

The government shutdown cost our economy $24 billion. Our economy created 120,000 fewer private sector jobs. Federal workers lost 6.6 million work days while food safety inspections, small business loans, life-saving medical research, and investigations into wage violations all ceased to take place.

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01 Oct 2014

Cedar Rapids Iowa, International Traders of Iowa Joins President Jimmy Carter for 70-City Live Program on China

By Randy Stalsberg

Former President Jimmy Carter will join audiences in 70 locations nationwide for a live "town hall" meeting on the U.S.-China relationship.

 

Some of the world's most critical issues, including economics, climate change, security and trade, will require the United States and China?the two largest economies, energy users and greenhouse gas emitters?to cooperate to achieve lasting global solutions. To help Americans understand the dynamic U.S.-China relationship and answer questions on issues that touch their daily lives, the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations in collaboration with The Carter Center is conducting the eighth annual CHINA Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections program at more than 70 locations nationwide featuring a live webcast and Q&A with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on October 16, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. President Carter's discussion and responses to questions submitted by the nationwide audience will be moderated by National Committee President Stephen Orlins.

Location and time:

University of Iowa - Tippie School of Management

Cedar Rapids Center- 221 2nd Ave SE, Suite 300, Cedar Rapids IA

Registration 5:15 pm CST                            Cost: $15

Program 5:45 -8:00 CST                                        Register at www.iowatraders.org

Refreshments will be served                                      Prior to October 13th

In addition to the national portion of the program, each venue will have a prominent China specialist on site to address topics of interest to the local community, including economics and trade, energy and the environment, security and other issues.  Dru E Finley, China Gold Solutions. Dru E. Finley is an entrepreneur and innovator who has worked with China for more than 25 years, successfully founding, building and selling companies in both China and the United States. An interactive list of program locations nationwide will be available at: www.ncuscr.org/cth

Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.) was the 39th President of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. Under Carter's leadership, on January 1, 1979, the United States established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. In 1982, he became University Distinguished Professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and founded The Carter Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that addresses national and international issues of public policy. Since leaving office, President Carter has visited China 12 times, including most recently in September 2014.

The National Committee on United States-China Relations is the leading national, non-partisan public affairs organization devoted exclusively to building constructive and durable relationships between the United States and China
01 Oct 2014

Braley Continues to Work for Resolution After Decorah Couple is Prevented from Finalizing Congolese Adoption

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman pushes Secretary John Kerry after Hougen family nears final step in adoption process

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today continued his strong advocacy for those facing unfair delays in finalizing adoptions between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Braley is writing Secretary of State John Kerry, after a Decorah couple submitted the final documents for visas for their two children, but remain prevented from uniting their family due to the DRC's continued moratorium on 'exit letters'?the final step in the adoption process.

"Linda and Ron Hougen have fought to provide their children with a loving home?and the fact that they're unable to unite their family is both heart-breaking and unfair," Braley said. "This needs to be a priority for the United States government and I plan to keep doing everything possible to shed light on the plight of these families."

 

Nearly one thousand families have had their adoptions suspended. Many of these families, like the Hougens, are near the end of the lengthy adoption process. However, the DRC has refused to issue exit letters, which is the final step allowing families to bring their children to the United States.

 

Recently, Braley along with a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators sent a letter to the President urging him to bring up the issue of stalled adoptions with the Congolese Prime Minister.

 

In early July, Braley wrote a letter to Speaker John Boehner asking him to bring up H.Res 588?a resolution that the week before passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee?to the House floor for a vote. Days later the resolution was passed on the House floor.

 

Braley has previously met with Erin Peat and families from Clear Lake, Bettendorf, and West Des Moines who are facing delays with their adoptions.

Braley has previously urged action on this issue with the Congolese Prime Minister, the Congolese Ambassador to the United States, and Secretary of State John Kerry.

A copy of Braley's letter to Secretary of State John Kerry is available online HERE.

 

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01 Oct 2014

Simon kicks off cell phone drive to benefit domestic violence survivors

By Ken Lowe

Simon kicks off cell phone drive to benefit domestic violence survivors;

Verizon-sponsored drive to benefit domestic violence shelters

 

CHICAGO – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon Tuesday will launch her office's annual cell phone drive, a partnership with HopeLine by Verizon Wireless that benefits survivors of domestic violence. Simon will be joined by representatives of the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois, Verizon Wireless and elected officials in Belleville.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Office of the Lt. Governor will partner with HopeLine from Verizon during October to conduct a Domestic Violence Awareness Month cell phone drive. Collected cell phones will go to Verizon's HopeLine Cell Phone program to be refurbished and resold. After the drive, which will run from Oct. 1-24, Verizon will issue up to $5,000 each to the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois and Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) in Chicago.

Based in Belleville, the Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois provides shelter and other services to domestic violence survivors in the East St. Louis area. CAWC aids domestic violence survivors in the Chicago area and is a member of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Metropolitan Chicago Battered Women's Network.

For more information about the HopeLine Cell Phone drive, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/aboutus/hopeline/.

 

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