Children Grades 1-8 Encouraged to Audition

Kids in grades 1-8 are invited to audition for the May 9-11 production of Hansel and Gretel by Vera Morris, directed by Dave Helmuth.  Auditions are Friday, February 21 from 3:30-6pm and Saturday, February 22 from 11am-2pm in the lower level of the Coralville Public Library.

This version of the classic fairy tale features a large cast portraying Hansel, Gretel, other children and adults, the witch, goblins, ogres, sprites, gingerbread cookies, forest animals and more!

Auditioners may drop in during the scheduled audition times.  Those auditioning may prepare a short monologue or be prepared to do a cold reading from provided scripts.  Please bring a list of all conflicts through May 11.  Please note that tech week rehearsal and performances (May 4-11) will be mandatory for all participants. Auditions are competitive; Young Footliters will cast as many children as feasible but cannot guarantee all will be cast.

Performances are at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts Friday, May 9 at 7pm, Saturday, May 10 at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, May 11 at 2pm.  The participation fee will be $40 for each child cast.

More information on Young Footliters and an audition form can be found at www.coralvillearts.org.

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Thursday, February 6, 2014

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today joined in calling for an independent military justice system and reiterated his support for the Military Justice Improvement Act, which is up for a Senate vote next week.

Grassley is an original cosponsor of this bipartisan measure introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, which would move the decision whether to prosecute any crime punishable by one year or more in confinement to independent, trained, professional military prosecutors.  Thirty-seven crimes that are uniquely military in nature, such as disobeying orders or going Absent Without Leave, would be excepted and remain within the chain of command.

In a statement issued today, Grassley said:

"Sexual assault is a law enforcement matter, not a military one.  For decades, the Department of Defense has claimed a zero tolerance policy regarding sexual assault.  Well, the status quo isn't working.  We've run out of time to try more cautious reforms.

"The Military Justice Improvement Act is a reform with bipartisan support.  It would give members of the Armed Forces more confidence in the military system of justice and contribute to improved morale and recruitment and retention of troops.  When young people make the commitment to serve their country in uniform and put themselves in harm's way to defend and protect America's freedoms, they deserve to know their rights will be protected, including access to justice.  This legislation does justice to the U.S. military code of honor, which is based on integrity and fidelity to the rule of law.

"Oftentimes incremental changes are the best approach but something as serious and life-altering as sexual assault requires bold action, not in a few years or a little bit at a time, but right now.  I appreciate Senator Gillibrand's commitment and leadership on this issue and the strength of the testimony from victims of sexual assault in the military and those who have served in uniform in leadership positions."

Last September, the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services voted overwhelmingly in support of removing the decision whether to prosecute sexual assaults and other serious crimes from the chain of command.  Ten committee members voted in support of the measure, six abstained to study further, none voted against.  Civilian and retired military women and men who are appointed by the Secretary of Defense serve on this committee to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces.  Historically, its recommendations have been instrumental in effecting changes to laws and policies pertaining to military women.

According to a report of the Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Office of the Department of Defense, an estimated 26,000 cases of unwanted sexual contact and sexual assaults occurred in fiscal 2012, a 37 percent increase from fiscal 2011.  In addition, the report said 25 percent of women and 27 percent of men who received unwanted sexual contact indicated the offender was someone in their military chain of command.  Fifty percent of female victims stated they did not report the crime because they believed that nothing would be done.  A separate report released by the Defense Department this year showed that more than one in five female service members reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact while serving in the military.

Forty-four Democratic senators and nine Republican senators have expressed public support for the Military Justice Improvement Act.

-30-

Think your family is the weirdest of them all? Think again when The Addams Family comes to life at the Adler Theatre on Tuesday!  This new musical comedy tells the story of the ultimate princess of darkness as she falls in love with a smart, young man who, with his family, heads to the Addams' house for a nice dinner. Until then, support dancers of all genres when the StarQuest Dance Competition takes place at the Adler this weekend.
 Car fanatics are in for a treat this weekend! Explore the cars of tomorrow, a collection of high-end luxury vehicles, and more this at the RiverCenter for the 2014 Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show. With face painting, balloon characters, a live petting zoo, and a chance to meet Spongebob Squarepants, there's plenty of fun for the whole family.   Also, the HAVLife Martini Shakeoff is only a week away. Be sure to get your tickets for a night of live entertainment, appetizers, and delicious martinis before they sell out!
 There's plenty of hustle and bustle at River Music Experience to keep you busy this weekend! After appearing on the CBS Sunday Morning Show and touring with John Mellencamp, Griffin House brings his musical talent to the Redstone Room tonight. For those rock 'n' roll lovers, you won't want to miss The Neverly Brothers: Buddy to the Beatles. Consider it a night to reminisce on all of your favorite hits. Don't forget The Curtis Hawkins Band brings their original music to the Redstone Room on Friday, too. Learn more about how RME is educating local kids in this great feature article with Bret Dale.
 Quilts! Quilts! Quilts! With all of this snow we've seen, there's no better time to honor the warmth of a quilt. View a display of quilts from the Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild in the Figge Art Museum lobby tonight. Stick around for Thursdays at the Figge for presentations on art-quilting with an emphasis on quilting techniques and live demonstrations. Sign up for the Art and Life in Africa Trip while you're there.   Check out the Kids Design Glass exhibit as well; it's inspiring!
 Interested in learning new things this year?  Learn the fundamental building blocks of guitar playing at RME during Group Guitar 101. If you're more interested in learning about the recording process, participate in the Recording & Audio Engineering Workshop aimed at easing newcomers to the field of recording.   Or head to the Figge Art Museum to explore a variety of acrylic painting techniques during the Acrylic Painting for Beginners class. You even have a chance to brush up on your drawing skills during their Figure Drawing Class.

The first RiverVision Update Workshop was a success! Thanks to all those who came out to share ideas and conversation. In case you missed the first, mark your calendar for the RiverVision Public Workshop #2 taking place Thursday, February 13 at noon and 6 p.m.  Attend one or both meetings to make sure your voice is heard.  Your input on the future of our riverfront is important!
Have artwork or photos you've been meaning to hang on the wall?  Stop by My Favorite Frame Shop at  320 East 3rd St., Monday through Friday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturday by appointment. They can take care of all of you framing needs with daily discounts on all full custom framing orders!
See you downtown!

This Week's Events: February 6 - 12


Thursday, February 6
Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Price: $10
Griffin House
Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room
Time: Doors 7:00 p.m. / Show 8:00 p.m.
Price: $15 in adv., $20 day of show
Group Guitar 101
Where: River Music Experience, Basement Studio
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Price: Friends of RME $15, Non-Members $20
Live Music: Danika Holmes
Where: Barrel House 211
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Network @ Night
Where: Me & Billy
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Price: $10/non-member, FREE/member
Puppets and Pie
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Price: $15 in adv., $20 at the door
Quilt Appraisals
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Price: FREE
Quilt Display: MVQG Encore Exhibition
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
River's Edge Monthly Ice Schedule
Discover dozens of sporting events at River's Edge!
Follow the links below to see the complete ice and turf shedule for the month.
Thursdays at the Figge: Art Quilts
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Wine & Art Event
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: $20/student; All supplies provided
Wine-tini Thursdays
Where: Barrel House 211
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Price: 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine and 1/2 Price Martinis

Friday, February 7

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 6:00 p.m

Price: N/A

Website

Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Class: Acrylic Painting - Beginners
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: Noon - 3:00 p.m.
Price: $75/member; $85/non-member

Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show
Where: RiverCenter
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: $8/Adults (13 and over); $6/Senior Citizen (62 and over); $3/Child (7-12); FREE/Child (12 and under)

John Fliss
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 8:00 p.m. - Midnight
Price: FREE

Live Lunch with Lewis Knudsen
Where: Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter


North Scott Jazz Choir
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Olympics Opening Ceremonies Specials
Where: Me & Billy
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Price: Varies

Public Skate
Where: River's Edge
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: $5 and up

Rock the Pit

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE
Website

 

The Curtis Hawkins Band

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 7:00 p.m. / Show 8:00 p.m.

Price: $5

Website

Saturday, February 8

 

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery
Time: Noon, 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m, 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Price: N/A

 

Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Deja vu Rendezvous featuring The Neverly Brothers: Buddy to the Beatles

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 7:00 p.m. / Show 8:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

DJ KT

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Exhibition: College Invitational

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibiton: Corn Zone

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Katja Loher: Videoplanet - Orchestra

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Kautz Farms: A Living Legacy
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Price: Museum Admission ($5 or less), or FREE with membership

 

Exhibition: Kids Design Glass

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: The Virgin Mary in Art

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: The World of Metal and Mechanical Dolls
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Price: Museum Admission ($5 or less), or FREE with membership

 

Flat Screen Frenzy

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Freight House Farmer's Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show

Where: RiverCenter

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: $8/Adults (13 and over); $6/Senior Citizen (62 and over); $3/Child (7-12); FREE/Child (6 and under)

Website

 

John Fliss

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m. - Midnight

Price: FREE

Website

 

Little League Registration

Where: Modern Woodmen Park

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Price: Varies

Website

 

Live Music: The Bromigo's

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter


Public Skate
Where: River's Edge
Time: 2:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.; 6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Price: $5 and Up
Website

Rock the Pit

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE
Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Songwriter's All-Original Open Mic

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

StarQuest Dance Compeition

Where: Adler Theatre

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Price: Varies

Website

 

Tour: Katja Loher

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Yoga

Where: Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Youth-Kelele Kid's Ukulele Club

Where: River Music Experience, RME Hall

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Price: $5/student

Website

 

Sunday, February 9

 

$2,000 Top 40 Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge
Time: 9:30 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
Price: $10
Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show - Family Day
Where: RiverCenter
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Price: $8/Adult (13 and over); $6/Senior (62 and over); FREE/Child (12 and under)

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

StarQuest Dance Competition

Where: Adler Theatre

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Price: Varies

Website

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Sunday Live Jazz

Where: Brady St. Chop House

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Tour: Katja Loher

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website


Monday, February 10

Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Margaritas and $6 Tacos

Website

 

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

Registration Deadline: Art and Life in Africa Trip

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Price: $35/members; $45/non-members

Website

Tuesday, February 11

 

Class: Figure Drawing

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $20/3 Classes/Student; $30/3 Classes/Adult; $12/single session

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge, Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market
Where: Freight House Building and Parking Lot
Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Price: FREE

 

It's Firkin Tuesday!

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Burger Baskets

Website

Network @ Noon: Staying Cool Under Hot Conditions
Where: Community Health Care
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Price: $15/member; $20/non-member

Open Jam Session

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Recording & Audio Engineering Workshop

Where: River Music Experience, Sound Lab

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $50/class

Website

 

The Addams Family

Where: Adler Theatre

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Price: $37, $47, $57

Website

 

Wednesday, February 12

 

$1500 Weekday Winning Slot Tourney

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: 100 points/entry; 10 entries max/guest

Website

 

Acoustic Open Mic Night

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Art Lover's Book Club (Members Only)

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Attack of the Casks

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Website

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge
Time: 9:30 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
Price: $10
Nifty 50's
Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website


In Letter To CMS Administrator Tavenner, Senators Write,  "This latest impediment has caused individuals to pay more for their insurance or to go without it, and leaves applicants with almost no recourse to fix their problems."

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) wrote to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Marilyn Tavenner seeking answers on how the agency will process appeals when Americans attempting to enroll in the ObamaCare exchanges through HealthCare.gov are denied coverage due to technical errors.

Earlier this week, the Washington Post reported that roughly 22,000 individuals had appealed HealthCare.gov's mistakes when they were signing up for insurance. However, CMS does not have the appropriate technology in place to manage appeals. Questioning whether the agency will be able to resolve these appeals promptly and efficiently, the Senators asked CMS to provide details on how long it will be before the technical infrastructure is properly functioning and requested information on the appeals process that is currently in place.

"As Americans continue to endure the badly botched rollout of a website that cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, we learned recently that thousands of applicants have been unable to correct mistakes on their insurance applications and that CMS does not have a system in place to resolve these mistakes," wrote the Senators. "This latest impediment has caused individuals to pay more for their insurance or to go without it, and leaves applicants with almost no recourse to fix their problems."

Hatch is the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Alexander is the Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Grassley is the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Enzi is the Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Subcommittee on Children & Families.

The text of the letter to Administrator Tavenner is below and a signed copy can be found HERE:

February 6, 2014

The Honorable Marilyn Tavenner

Administrator

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC  20201


Dear Administrator Tavenner:

We are writing to request information about how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to reconcile the mistakes that have been generated in the healthcare.gov application process. As Americans continue to endure the badly botched rollout of a website that cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, we learned recently that thousands of applicants have been unable to correct mistakes on their insurance applications and that CMS does not have a system in place to resolve these mistakes. This latest impediment has caused individuals to pay more for their insurance or to go without it, and leaves applicants with almost no recourse to fix their problems.

The Washington Post reported this week[1] that 22,000 people have appealed to CMS to try to correct mistakes on their insurance applications filed through the federal health exchange. Our understanding is that most of the mistakes were caused by the website and not the individuals. For example, some people who need health insurance are not getting the full subsidy to which they are entitled. Others found that their applications had obvious mistakes, like declaring one of their children eligible for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the other one ineligible. Others became stuck in a never-ending loop when the exchange found them ineligible for exchange coverage because they were eligible for Medicaid, but their state disagreed. These consumers have legitimate complaints and their concerns should be remedied as expeditiously as possible by your agency.

However, according to the Post, CMS does not have a system in place to resolve these appeals. While this in itself is perplexing, the article further states that CMS has no plans to develop the appeals system in the near future. Like other "back-end" systems?such as the technology that sends enrollees' information to insurance companies through "834" electronic forms?the automated appeals system has not yet been constructed. Instead, people are directed to file appeals by mail, a more time-consuming process that could result in the denial of necessary care, or to delete their online profiles and start over, only to find themselves back in the same predicament. All of this is because the technology that would allow CMS staff to handle appeals has not been built.

CMS' intention to initiate hearings for some of the affected appellees is a step in the right direction, but generally, hearings do not result in timely resolution.  Healthcare.gov's website states that "In general, we must tell you our decision and mail our response within 90 days of when we received your appeal request."[2] Ninety days or more is unacceptable to the thousands of Americans who may have their care interrupted, or be unable to insure themselves or their children, while they are waiting to have the issues with their application resolved. The challenges faced by these individuals should be investigated and promptly resolved by the appropriate officials. A seven-page form, followed by investigative hearings, is a burdensome process to resolve what are reportedly technical "glitches" that the affected individual had no part in creating.

 

We collectively are concerned about whether or not participants in the exchanges will have their problems resolved promptly and efficiently.  To help us better understand how CMS intends to assist those negatively impacted by the healthcare.gov website, please provide us with answers to the following questions:

 

1.       Which division within CMS is responsible for managing exchange-related appeals and which division had the ultimate responsibility for overseeing the development and operational functionality of the exchange appeals process?

2.       How many healthcare.gov appeals has CMS addressed and resolved to date?

3.       What is the schedule for resolving the current backlog of appeals?

4.       How long does CMS anticipate it will take to resolve the average appeal and how is CMS communicating to appellees about the length of time for resolution of their appeals?

5.       What is the timeline for building the infrastructure necessary to route appeals to the proper channels so that CMS officials can address their needs and resolve them expeditiously?

6.       When will consumers be able to file appeals by phone or electronically?

7.       What is CMS' rationale for not including the appeals infrastructure in the initial phase of the Federal exchange functionality?

8.       Why was a contingency plan for handling appeals not developed sooner given the lack of infrastructure to handle appeals that was present from the launch of the exchanges onward?

We remain concerned that CMS has continued to over promise and under deliver. We urge you to carefully consider the above issues and to provide a written response to our questions by February 28, 2014.

Sincerely,

HATCH
GRASSLEY
ALEXANDER
ENZI

###

Iowa's Young professional selected to "Crash" CUNA's 2014 Government Affairs Conference

DES MOINES - Alvaro Macias, Community Development Coordinator at Ascentra Credit Union, has been selected as Iowa's young professional representative to "Crash" and attend the 2014 CUNA Government Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington D.C., February 23-27.

CUNA and the Cooperative Trust - a young professionals group through the Filene Research Institute - have partnered with state leagues to choose up to 51 young credit union professionals from each state and D.C. to take part in the Crash event. In addition to the core schedule of GAC events, Crashers will attend exclusive speaker sessions and explore opportunities for young adults to help promote credit unions locally and nationally.

"It's important that we provide our young credit union leaders with experiences like Crash the GAC that will help them to grow our industry for years to come," said Patrick S. Jury, CEO/President, Iowa Credit Union League. "Considering the regulatory and legislative challenges that credit unions face today, it's hard to imagine a more critical area for this group to focus on."

Each crasher will receive complimentary registration to the GAC conference, as well as have travel costs and hotel fees covered, courtesy of the Iowa Credit Union League, CUNA and the Cooperative Trust.

"With so many talented young credit union professionals in Iowa, it is truly an honor to have been chosen to represent the state," said Alvaro. "I look forward to working with other credit union peers on the issues that affect all of us."

Crash events have been successful over the past several years in providing young, motivated credit union employees with opportunities to take part in top industry events like CUNA GAC that they might not otherwise be able to attend. With 51 Crashers and a record number of applications received, the 2014 Crash the CUNA GAC will be the largest Crash event to date.

"We're very excited to have Alvaro represent Ascentra Credit Union and Iowa credit unions in this regard," said Dale Owen, Ascentra Credit Union President and CEO. "He's an outstanding choice and we're proud to have him serve in this capacity!"

More information about the GAC can be found on CUNA's website. Details about the Crash the GAC can be found on the event's website.

About the Iowa Credit Union League
The Iowa Credit Union League is the trade association that represents the interests of Iowa credit unions and their more than one million members. Credit unions are not-for-profit, financial cooperatives owned and operated by their members. Iowans use their credit union membership to receive higher interest rates on savings and lower interest rates on loans. For more information on ICUL and Iowa credit unions, visit www.IowaCreditUnions.com. Follow ICUL on Twitter at www.twitter.com/icul or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iowacreditunions.To learn more about credit unions, visit www.ASmarterChoice.org.

About Ascentra Credit Union Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $320 million in assets, more than 33,000 members, and 10 branches serving the Midwest. Membership is available for anyone living or working in the Quad Cities or surrounding counties including the following counties in Iowa: Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott and Washington; in Illinois: Henry, Knox, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island and Whiteside. With a full range of financial services, Ascentra is committed to excellence in service and living up to our value proposition of "Listening, caring, doing what's right." Follow Ascentra on Facebook and on Twitter @ascentra.

###

Avoca, Guthrie Center and Newton receive designation

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that three Iowa communities were selected to join the Main Street Iowa program: Avoca, Guthrie Center, and Newton.  The announcement was made during a special ceremony held at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.

"Iowa's historic main streets are the heart and soul of our communities," said Branstad.  "We will continue to do whatever we can to keep Iowa's downtowns strong and vibrant for business owners, workers, residents and visitors.  I am pleased to welcome each of these communities into the Main Street family, and wish them much success in the future."

For more than 27 years, the Main Street Iowa program and its communities have been looked upon as the "best of the best" in a national effort to revitalize downtowns across the country.  The addition of these new communities brings the total number of Main Street communities in Iowa to 52.

"In their applications and presentations, the selected communities demonstrated strong partnerships, a high level of volunteerism, and a commitment to the revitalization of their downtown districts.  We are confident that these three cities will thrive and grow for many years to come," said Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the agency that houses the Main Street Iowa program.

Becoming a designated Main Street Iowa community is no easy task.  Community representatives must attend rigorous training sessions before even being eligible to apply.  They must demonstrate support from local organizations, businesses, and lawmakers; funding and in-kind support must be secured and documented; strategic plans outlining short- and long-term goals must be in place.  Most importantly, community officials, business owners, and volunteers must agree to work together with the common goals of 1) preserving Iowa's historic buildings and unique commercial business districts, and 2) improving the local economy by adopting and following the Main Street Four Point Approach® to historic commercial district revitalization.

"After seeing the results of the Main Street Iowa program had on my hometown of Osceola, Iowa, I'm excited for the communities receiving the designation today," said Reynolds. "The process was not easy, nor was it quick, but it certainly showed results and brings new energy to the community."

While it may be challenging to become a Main Street community, designated communities reap many benefits.  During the first three years of the program, each community receives approximately 40 days of on-site training and technical assistance from Main Street Iowa, National Main Street Center staff and private consultants, as well as 30 days of training for volunteers and local staff, valuing the state's investment at $120,000. Main Street communities each receive continuing training and technical assistance valued at $10,000+ annually.

Over the years, by working together with the state, Main Street Iowa communities have realized the benefits of more than 2.4 million hours of volunteer time invested into improving their city centers, a significantly increased job and business base, and over $1.3 billion in private investment to purchase, construct and rehabilitate downtown property.

For more information on the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Main Street Iowa program, visit www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com , or call the Main Street Iowa office at 515.725.3051.

For more information about the local programs, contact:

Avoca: Clint Fichter, 402-990-3623

Guthrie Center: Marian McQuaid, 641-740-0319

Newton: Darrell Sarmento, 641-792-5545

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Award-Winning Director Shares Tips for the Actor in All of Us

More confidence, less stress, discovering inner resources, improving relationships - there are thousands of self-help books to help us accomplish these, but do they work?

"Self-help strategies can work, as far as they go, but they don't address a key component that affects everything from how we feel about ourselves to how successfully we interact with others," says award-winning film director, producer and writer Dr. Richard R. Reichel.

"That key component is the fact that we're all actors -- at work, school, home, even alone in front of the bathroom mirror. We're always playing the character of 'Me,' but we also have to play other characters. The better we are at it, the happier and more successful we'll be."

But just like anyone who steps before an audience, sometimes we're paralyzed by stage fright, says Reichel, author of the new book, "Everybody is an Actor," (www.everybodyisanactor.com), a guide to achieving success in the film industry and in life.

"Stage fright undermines concentration and we lose our character objective," he says. "Why do so many people cower in light of their dreams? Why do they procrastinate on getting their degree? Why do they tremble at the thought of approaching Mr. or Ms. Right? It's because of stage fright."

To overcome it, Reichel offers these tips from the Psychophantic System he developed to mold both life and film actors:

• Control stress with a "mind walk" and "confocal contemplation." Today, stress is associated with a variety of chronic illnesses. In addition to regular exercise and sleep nourishment, consider a "mind walk," or a pleasant thought that stops the stress and replaces it with something positive. In the same vein, practice "confocal contemplation" by allowing your mind to wander into a cloudlet of peace and relaxing your body. Then, while thoughts are peacefully drifting, flex your feet, ankles, calves, shins, knees, buttocks and hips - and release. Feel the weight of your entire body while your mind remains free, and repeat the exercise.

• Practice projecting your emotions. How many times have you daydreamed about how you will express yourself when a particular situation arises? In the same way, we need to rehearse how we project our emotions in social situations. Try practicing emotional expression in front of a trusted friend or loved one. If someone has made you happy and joyous, rehearse how to show them in the moment. Showing love and laughter can strengthen bonds, and learning how to express anger, sorrow and fear in appropriate ways will improve your ability to communicate and foster understanding. 

• Winning your audience by emphasizing character strengths. No one is good at everything, but everyone is good at something. In order to get what you want in life, you simply need to do what you're good at. Your audience may be an employer, coworkers, family or a potential date. Can you make them laugh, understand or otherwise feel deeply what you're expressing? Appealing to their emotional responses can go far. Keep in mind the hearts and minds of your audience, including the setting and what they must be experiencing during the "performance." Be aware of your vocal projection and body language. You will be remembered for your performance, which will lead you to better roles and, in the case of daily living, better relationships.

About Dr. Richard R. Reichel

Dr. Richard R. Reichel has a long and varied experience in the film and TV industries, from actor and director to casting and cameraman. He holds multiple degrees, including one in film production and a doctorate in counseling psychology. Reichel, the author of "Everybody is an Actor," (www.everybodyisanactor.com), was the first to produce a TV program about Asian cultures in America, and the first to present a TV show about all aspects of organic living. He is credited with persuading film star Jackie Chan to come to the U.S. to make movies. Dr. Reichel created an innovative and comprehensive acting system that immerses participants in the culture of film production while helping them actually become the character with impressive time efficiency. His system is also excellent for those who would like to have superior confidence and be more dynamic and assertive at work, social situations, school or even at home.

February 10 - 14, 2014

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Special Board Meeting - 8:00 am

Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center-Canvass of Votes

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

2. Canvass of votes.

3. Adjourned.

Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am

Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

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

Presentation

2. Presentation from the Putnam Museum regarding CAT Grant Project.

Facilities & Economic Development

3. Discussion of an amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan for the North Economic

Development Area in Davenport. (Item 3)

4. Purchase of squad car replacements for the Sheriff's Office. (Item 4)

Human Resources

5. Staff Appointments. (Item 5)

6. Discussion of strategy of upcoming labor negotiations with the County's organized

employees pursuant to Iowa Code Section 20.17(3). - CLOSED SESSION

Health & Community Services

7. Authorizing the County Administrator to sign for Medical Billing Services. (Item 7)

Finance & Intergovernmental

8. Discussion of pending litigation pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c). - CLOSED

SESSION.......8:30

9. Board appointments. (Item 9)

10. New beer/liquor license for Express Lane Gas & Food Mart #79.

Other Items of Interest

11. Consideration of appointments with upcoming term expirations for boards and

commissions.

-Zoning Board of Adjustment 5/1/14 Tom Dittmer

-Veterans Affairs Commission 5/31/14 Marie Kobelenske

-Veterans Affairs Commission 5/31/14 John Sunderbruch

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Regular Board Meeting - 5:00 pm

Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

Public Hearings

1. FY15 operating and capital budget.

2. Amendment to the FY14 operating and capital budget.

Urges Illinois Residents to Enjoy Winter Activities

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today saluted the Illinois athletes and Chicago Blackhawks players who are competing in the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, saying they personify the Olympic motto of "Citius, Altius, Fortius" ("Swifter, Higher, Stronger") and Olympic ideal of "unity among diversity." The Governor also unveiled a website to showcase our Olympic heroes and inform Illinois residents where they can partake in winter sports activities.

"We celebrate the Olympic athletes from across Illinois who are at the pinnacle of success, and we salute their coaches, families and friends for all the sacrifices they've made to support them," Governor Quinn said. "As our athletes showcase their talents to the world, we also invite people to enjoy great winter tourism attractions right here in the Land of Lincoln."

There are 10 Blackhawks hitting the ice in Sochi, playing for five different nations, including Patrick Kane on Team USA. Kane was part of the silver medal-winning 2010 Team USA. Blackhawks fans can also watch Jonathan Towes, Duncan Keith and Patrick Sharp on Team Canada; Niklas Hjalmarsson, Marcus Kruger and Johnny Oduya on Team Sweden; Marian Hossa and Michal Handzus on Team Slovakia; and Michael Rozsival on Team Czech Republic. Toews, Keith, Oduya, Kane, Hossa, and Handzus have played in previous Olympic Games for their respective countries.

Eleven Illinois athletes are in Sochi as part of the U.S. Olympic Team. Illinois' Team USA athletes include both past Olympic medalists and those competing at the Olympics for the first time. The Illinois Olympic athletes are:

Megan Bozek, hockey, age 22 (Buffalo Grove): Megan attended the University of Minnesota. She is a member of the U.S. women's national ice hockey team. This is her first Olympics.

Jason Brown, figure skating, age 19 (Highland Park): Jason is a student at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. He has won medals in both national and world championships. This is his first Olympics.

Kendall Coyne, hockey, age 21 (Palos Heights): Kendall attends Northeastern University in Boston. She is a member of the U.S. women's national ice hockey team. This is her first Olympics.

Shani Davis, speed skating, age 31 (Chicago): Raised on Chicago's south side, this will be Shani's third Olympic Games. He is a two time Olympic Gold Medalist (2006, 2010) as well as a two time Olympic Silver Medalist (2006, 2010).

Aja Evans, bobsled, age 25 (Chicago): Aja competed in track and field as a college athlete at the University of Illinois. She is part of an athletic family which includes her father, the first black national collegiate champion in swimming; her brother, a Minnesota Vikings player; and her uncle, former Cubs star Gary Matthews. This is her first Olympics.

Gracie Gold, figure skating, age 18 (Chatham): Gracie is the 2014 U.S. national champion. She has a fraternal twin sister who is also a competitive figure skater. This is her first Olympics.

Brian Hansen, speed skating, age 23 (Glenview): Brian won a silver medal as part of the team pursuit at his first Olympic games in 2010. He currently attends Marquette University.

Jonathan Kuck, speed skating, age 23 (Champaign): Jonathan is a physics major at the University of Illinois. He won his first silver medal in the team pursuit at the 2010 Olympic Games.

Emery Lehman, speed skating, age 17 (Oak Park): Emery is a senior at Oak Park and River Forest High School. He took up speed skating at age nine in an effort to improve his ice hockey skills. This is his first Olympics.

Patrick Meek, speed skating, age 28 (Northbrook): Patrick is an alumnus of the University of Utah. He comes from a family of avid speed skaters which includes his sister, father and grandfather. Meek participated in the 2006 and 2010 Olympic Trials and qualified for his first Olympics this past December. This is his first Olympics.

Ann Swisshelm, curling, 45 (Chicago): Ann competed at her first Olympic Games in 2002 and is a national and world curling champion. Ann began curling at age 10 and is a graduate of Drake University.

To learn more about our Illinois Olympic competitors and where you can snowboard, ski jump, ice skate or go sledding in Illinois, visit www.illinois.gov/olympics. The website also lists non-Olympic activities, such as eagle-watching in several locations across the state and ice-climbing at Starved Rock State Park.

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City of Davenport, Iowa

Saturday, February 8, 2014, 8:30 A.M.

City Council Chambers, City Hall, 226 West 4th St

I. Enterprise funds

II. Road Use Tax

III. Snow route/downtown towing

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