Genesis Health System has been recognized for the third consecutive year for its investment in technology to achieve high standards of patient safety. Genesis was been honored as one of the nation's 100 Most Wired hospitals and health systems by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine based on its use of information technology to accomplish key goals, including safety and quality objectives. Genesis Medical Center in DeWitt, Iowa, was recognized for the first time as one of the 25 Most Wired small and rural hospitals.
The Amy Helpenstell Foundation has awarded more than $215,000 to 15 area organizations that support programs for youth development, community development, cultural activities, education, and health. Grants of $20,000 or more were given to Alleman High School, Augustana College, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Quad Cities, Black Hawk College Foundation, and Vera French Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Quad Cities area by responding to unmet needs in the community. Grants from this fund are awarded to local charitable programs by invitation. Amy Helpenstell, a former Rock Island resident, died at the age of 32 in 2003. She believed in giving back to the community so much that she provided for the foundation in her will. The foundation is administered by the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend. For complete information on the Amy Helpenstell Foundation, visit (http://amyhelpenstell.org) or call (563)326-2840.
The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) reports that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has signed legislation outlawing "pretexting" - pretending to be an account holder to obtain access to someone else's personal information. In the past year, Illinois has passed several laws to protect consumer privacy, including measures that address identity theft, limit the use of the Social Security Number, require notification of security breeches, and allow state residents to put a security freeze on their credit report if they believe their personal information has been compromised. The text of the Illinois law can be found at (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/94/SB/PDF/09400SB2554lv.pdf). EPIC's pretexting and phone-records page can be found at (http://www.epic.org/privacy/iei).
St.
Ambrose University is hosting its last star party of the year at the
S.G. Menke Observatory near Dixon, Iowa, on Saturday, August 19,
beginning at sunset. Jupiter
will still be prominent in the southwest, but Mars and Saturn will be
deep within the brightest part of twilight just after sunset, where
it's too bright to see any stars or planets. The moon will not be
visible at all that evening, making it a good night for viewing
deep-sky objects such as star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. The
observatory's on-site telescopes will be available for sky viewing;
guests are welcome to bring portable telescopes as well. The star
party is free and open to the public. Directions to the observatory
are available at (http://www.sau.edu/astronomy/menke). If weather is
questionable, guests are advised to call (563)333-6141 on the day of
the star party to listen to an informational recording that will
indicate if the session will be canceled.
During the 2005-6 school year, the Black Hawk College Optional Education Program received two local grants to enhance student learning and career exploration. The Rock Island Community Foundation awarded the program a $1,500 grant that was used to purchase art supplies for Optional Ed students at the Black Hawk College Technology Center in Rock Island. The at-risk high-school students explored a variety of art media during the school year. The grant provided them with the means to work on art projects such as painting with pastels and clay sculpturing. Students in the Optional Education Program at the college's Outreach Center in East Moline interviewed, wrote, filmed, edited, and produced an informational film about the Optional Education Program from their perspective. The project was a joint venture with WQPT (the Quad Cities PBS station) and was funded by a $1,600 grant from Quad City Arts. Lora Adams, WQPT marketing director, and members of the BHC Broadcasting Club assisted the students. Both projects exposed the at-risk high-school youths to a variety of career options.
Tours are being given every weekend through August at Wild Cat Den State Park in Muscatine. Tours are on Saturdays and Sundays for Melpine Country School, Pine Creek Grist Mill, and on the trails. Schoolhouse tours will be offered at 1 and 2:30 p.m.; mill tours will start at 1:30 and 3 p.m.; and trail tours start at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the north shelter.
Modern Woodmen of America has donated $15,000 to support the efforts of the Quad City Health Initiative (QCHI). Modern Woodmen has also pledged $7,500 to QCHI for the 2007 calendar year. Kenny Massey, president and CEO of Modern Woodmen, announced the gift at QCHI's quarterly board meeting on July 6. The donation will support the operations of QCHI and special projects associated with the Smiles for All and Wellness Champions teams.
Trinity Regional Health System is now accepting applications from organizations interested in having Trinity be a corporate sponsor of its community event or activity. Organizations may apply online by completing a form at (http://www.trinityqc.com/sponsorships). All 2007 requests must be submitted by August 15 to be considered for 2007 funding. All community outreach and sponsorship activities shall reflect positively on the health system and adhere to the criteria established for participation. A full list of the guidelines, limitations, and exclusions is available online at the Trinity Web site. Generally, an organization should only submit one sponsorship request per calendar year. The sponsorship dollars are administered through Trinity's Corporate Communications Department.
