CHARACTER COUNTS! In Iowa is encouraging Iowans to nominate their role models for an Iowa Character Award. The awards annually honor individuals and organizations that consistently demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Nominations must be postmarked by June 15, 2009.

"We don't always get a chance to recognize and thank our role models," said Scott Raecker, executive director of CHARACTER COUNTS! In Iowa. "Nominating an individual or organization for an award that highlights good character is a great way to pay tribute to the people who make a difference in our lives."

Award Categories include : Business/Organization of Character, Citizen of Character, Community of Character, School of Character, and the Pursuing Victory With Honor Award.

All nominees will receive a congratulatory letter and certificate. Award recipients will be honored at the Iowa Character Awards Banquet on October 17, 2009.

Nomination forms are available at CharacterCountsInIowa.org.

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Galesburg - The Carl Sandburg College Automotive Club will host the 7th Annual Cruise-In on Sunday, May 3rd, in parking lot C on the main campus from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.  All years of automobiles, trucks and motorcycles are welcome.

The Cruise-In will feature demonstrations on engine dynamometers, cylinder head flow benches, chassis dynamometers, color sanding and buffing, and a spray gun demonstration with audience participation.

Vendors will be set up in the automotive shop and the first 100 cars will receive dash plaques.  A food stand sponsored by the CSC Automotive Club and music by Intermix Audio will be on site.

For more information, please contact Larry Wright at (309) 341-5267.

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Milan, IL to Celebrate National Week of the Young Child

April 9, 2009 - Just Kids Early Care & Education Centers is asking Milan, IL to come together for children and families during the Week of the Young Child (April 19-25, 2009). As part of this special week celebrated across the country, Milan is honoring young children and collaborating to find new ways to make a difference in children's lives.

"All young children require and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life. Milan has a great opportunity to contribute to this need," said Vera Hinrichsen, Executive Director of Just Kids. "Week of the Young Child is a great time to bring Milan together to discuss how we can give all young children a positive start."

Just Kids and the Village Trustees will discuss how Milan can take further steps to meet the needs of its youngest citizens. This presentation is open to the public and will be held before the Village Board Meeting on Monday, April 20 at 5pm at the Milan Village Hall, 405 East First Street, Milan.  Just Kids teachers (and students) will be on hand to answer questions. In addition, Mayor Duane Dawson will also proclaim April 19-25, 2009 as "The Week of the Young Child in Milan" to encourage all citizens to work to make a good investment in young lives. All those interested in providing more opportunities for young children are encouraged to attend.

Just Kids, which has been providing services in Milan for over 30 years, has over 45 early childhood professionals working together to educate young children, build public support for high-quality programs, improve professional practice and support area families.

Week of the Young Child is a nation-wide event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - the largest organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of early education programs for children birth through age eight. Founded in 1926, NAEYC has more than 80,000 members and a national network of over 300 local, state, and regional affiliates. Just Kids is NAEYC accredited program.

For more information on Just Kids Early Care & Education Centers and NAEYC, please visit www.justkidsinc.org.

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