07 Aug 2009

LIVING THE MISSION - HELPING THOSE LESS FORTUNATE - Scott County Family Y Announces Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program

By Kathy Horrell

Davenport, IA - August 7, 2009 - Helping men, women and children through rough times has been part of the Scott County Family Y's mission since its beginning in October of 1858. From World War I to the Great Depression through the ups and downs of the Quad City area's economy, the Scott County Family Y has remained true to its belief - no one is turned away due to their inability to pay.

That is more than a saying at the Scott County Family Y especially when it comes to providing a safe and positive environment to area children. The Scott County Family Y is the largest child care provider in the Iowa Quad Cities. Serving more than 450 children a week and connecting more than 1,300 family members, the Child Care and Family Services Division is committed to all those it touches.

One of the ways the Scott County Family Y Child Care and Family Services is able to make this connection is through its participation in the United States Department of Agriculture's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). CACFP helps the Y insure that nutritious meals are provided, at no separate charge to children enrolled in the following programs: YMCA/Palmer Learning Center, Davenport Family YMCA's Learning Center, YMCA Kid's Club Before and After-School programs at Riverdale Heights Elementary School in Bettendorf and at the Davenport Family YMCA. Meals are provided without regards to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and the Scott County Family Y's Child Care and Family Services Division receives partial reimbursement based upon the income information provided by the children's parent or legal guardian. Eligibility guidelines for reduced price meals are as follows:

Income Eligibility Guidelines for Reduced Price Meals

Effective 7-1-2009 to 6-30-2010

Household Size	Reduced Price Meals									Free Meals
Yearly		Monthly			Twice per Month		Every Two Weeks	Weekly		Yearly		Monthly		Twice per Month	Every Two Weeks			Weekly
1	20,036		1,670	835		771			386	14,079	1,174		587			542	271
2	26,955		2,247	1,124		1,037			519	18,941	1,579		790			729	365
3	33,874		2,823	1,412		1,303			652	23,803	1,984		992			916	458
4	40,793		3,400	1,700		1,569			785	28,665	2,389		1,195			1,103	552
5	47,712		3,976	1,988		1,836			918	33,527	2,794		1,397			1,290	645
6	54,631		4,553	2,277		2,102			1,051	38,389	3,200		1,600			1,477	739
7	61,550		5,130	2,565		2,368			1,184	43,251	3,605		1,803			1,664	832
8	68,469		5,706	2,853		2,634			1,317	48,113	4,010		2,005			1,851	926
For each additional family member add:	+6,919		+577	+289		+267			+134	+4,862	+406		+203			+187	+94

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Scott County Family Y's Child Care and Family Services division is committed to maintaining federal and state standards, which meet the physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs of area children. All child care programs are licensed by the State of Iowa and staff members are trained to meet initiatives above and beyond licensing requirements.

In addition to following these income eligibility guidelines, the Scott County Family Y Palmer Learning Center has earned a level 4 rating from the Iowa Department of Human Services - one of the highest quality assurance ratings the state offers.

The Iowa Quality Rating System for Child Care Providers (QRS) is a voluntary program that rates child care providers on quality indicators such as professional development; health and safety; environment; family and community partnerships; and leadership and administration. Established in 2005 by the state legislature, QRS is designed to make providers aware of the many paths and steps they can take to improve the quality of their care. The system also offers parents another resource in evaluating and selecting a child care provider.

The Scott County Family Y Palmer Learning Center is one of only six licensed child care centers in Scott County to receive this rating, showing that the YMCA goes above and beyond state licensing standards. "We believe that quality is an ongoing process and we continually strive towards maintaining and improving the quality of care we provide, said Deb Gustafson, Executive Director, YMCA Child Care & Family Services. "This rating shows along with our participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program helps show that we arecommitted to nurturing the whole child, and his or her family, all while making sure they have a healthy and safe environment to grow and learn in."

For more information about the programs and services offered through the Scott County Family Y's Child Care and Family Services Division, call (563) 323-5725 or visit the Scott County Family Y website, www.ScottCountyFamilyY.org.

06 Aug 2009

Panoramic views of the Mississippi River from new facility rental space at German American Heritage Center

By Angela Hunt

DAVENPORT, IOWA (August 5, 2009) The German American Heritage Center offers new facility rental space on the fourth floor of the historic building. The room can seat up to 100 persons, and boasts panoramic views of the Mississippi River. The room is housed with a state of the art surround system, screen, and audio-visual equipment. Please contact us at (563) 322-8844 to reserve your space.

FACILITY RENTAL (GENERAL)
$225 FOR UP TO 3 HOURS (NON-MEMBER RATE)
$175 FOR UP TO 3 HOURS (MEMBER RATE)
$100 PER ADDITIONAL HOUR

(Additional charges apply for audio rental equipment, special set up, etc.)

NON-PROFIT RATE
$25 FOR UP TO 2 HOURS
$10 PER ADDITIONAL HOUR
(GENERAL RATES APPLY FOR NONPROFITS THAT WANT TO RENT THE SPACE 6 PM OR LATER)

German American Heritage Center's plans for the future
In October 2009, GAHC will have a re-grand opening where they will debut their newly expanded space to the community. The space will include a new large permanent exhibit, two traveling exhibit spaces, large program facilities, and an improved parking lot. The GAHC will create new programs based on the new permanent exhibit and two new temporary exhibit spaces. This exhibit is highly interactive, audiovisual and intergenerational.

-END-

03 Aug 2009

New Kingdom Trailriders Kicks Off Summer Fundraiser Sell-abration!

By Christina Chom

Moline, IL -New Kingdom Trailriders will kick off a summer fundraising Sell-abration event August 3 -17, 2009. This fundraiser will consist of selling food and gift items through riders and families as well as an online website in conjunction with Century Resources, a well-know student fundraising company.

"Horses are the backbone of our therapy program," says Barbara Clauson, Executive Director. "It takes 8-10 horses of various size and temperament to complete the herd. Feeding and caring for these important players on our team is costly, especially as we deal with health issues related to old age," she added. "We want to make sure that our horses have the best care as they take such good care of our riders. This fundraiser will help with the care and feed of the herd over the winter."

To make a purchase through this fundraising event, visit www.centuryresources.com, click on the SHOP NOW button, enter 35201 (NKT's I.D.) and start shopping. "You can pay for your order and it will be shipped directly to you. It is that easy, there are some great gift ideas for early Christmas shopping," says Christina Chom, Director of Development.

New Kingdom Trailriders is celebrating its 25^th year of offering therapeutic horseback riding to specially challenged individuals in the Quad Cities and its surrounding communities. The organization is operated mainly by volunteers and holds riding sessions from April - October. Through riding sessions, riders experience physical, mental and social development. With the help of some 150+ volunteers each year, the non-profit organization is able to keep its operational costs down. NKT is supported primarily through donations and local grants, along with fundraisers like an Annual Banquet and Summer Sell-abration. You can make a donation online at www.NKTriders.org and click on "Just Give".

For additional information on NKT, contact Barb Clauson or email info@nktriders.org. Maps/directions to Schone's Friendship Farm, home of New Kingdom Trailriders riding sessions, are available on their website at www.nktriders.org.

ABOUT New Kingdom Trailriders - A NARHA accredited 501c3 organization offering therapeutic horseback riding to specially challenged individuals of all ages in and around the Quad Cities. The program is open to any person with a disabling condition such as Down's syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, autism, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities and other, whose doctor has determined horseback riding would be beneficial therapy.

- END -

29 Jul 2009

Local Modern Woodmen volunteers demonstrate a nationwide focus on service

By Kim Woodward

Nearly 61.8 million Americans volunteered through an organization in 2008, up 1 million from the previous year. America's volunteers dedicated more than 8 billion hours of service in 2008, worth an estimated $162 billion, according to the Volunteering in America report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Locally, Modern Woodmen members have shown that volunteerism is alive and well. In 2009, hundreds of service projects have taken place in the community through the support of Modern Woodmen.

"In the Quad Cities, volunteers really make a difference," says Modern Woodmen Fraternal Director Stephen Van Speybroeck. "Modern Woodmen is proud to be a part of a nationwide focus on service. In 2009, local volunteers have collected items for the needy, assembled boxes for sick children and landscaped schools and parks. These are small gestures of kindness that display the strength of the community."

The following is a snapshot of the local impact Modern Woodmen and its members have made in 2009:

· 2,250 volunteers participated in 54 projects on Join Hands Day, a national day of service sponsored by Modern Woodmen and other fraternal benefit societies. These volunteers donated more than 6,400 volunteer hours on Saturday, May 2. Specific projects included assembling 350 Jared Boxes for children with chronic illnesses, planting flowers, collecting non-perishables and beautifying parks and schools.

· 2 trees were planted by Modern Woodmen members in the Quad Cities.

· Modern Woodmen members collected donations for King's Harvest, needy children, veterans and other local food pantries.

· More than 750 thank-you cards were distributed to military men and women serving overseas.

As a fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen sells life insurance, annuity and investment products not to benefit stockholders, but to improve the quality of life of its stakeholders - members, their families and their communities. This is done through social, charitable and volunteer activities. In 2008, more than $23.8 million and more than 1.7 million volunteer hours were contributed nationwide for local community projects.

A Rock Island-based business, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal benefit society offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

Web links:

Volunteering in America report

Volunteering in America press release

Corporation for National and Community Service

Serve.gov

Modern Woodmen of America

Kim Woodward
Public Relations Specialist
Modern Woodmen of America
Direct: 309-793-5660
Email: Kim.Woodward@modern-woodmen.org
www.modern-woodmen.org

29 Jul 2009

20th ANNUAL BENEFIT SALE FOR HUMILITY OF MARY HOUSING, INC.

By Sister Mary Ann Vogel

The 20th annual benefit sale for Humility of Mary Housing, Inc. will be held at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in the 4H/Keppy Building from August 18 through August 21. Opening event is Tuesday, August 18 at 6 pm - admission is $5.00. Sale continues August 19 and 20 from 8 am until 5 pm and on August 21 from 8 am until Noon. Tickets for a CASH RAFFLE will be available during the sale and are $5.00 each. There are four prizes - one for $500.00 and three for $100.00. The drawing will take place on Friday, August 21 at Noon. One does not need to be present to win.

Donations of clean, gently used household items including furniture and appliances will be accepted. Please, NO CLOTHING.

Drop off days and times at 1228 East 12th Street, Davenport: before August 12th from 9 am until 3 pm; on Saturday, August 8 from 10 am until 2 pm; at the Fairgrounds on Monday, August 17 from 9 am until 4 pm, furniture and appliances only.

Proceeds from the Sale and Raffle are used directly to benefit our single parent families who have experienced homelessness.

For more information regarding the Sale, please call 563-326-1330.

16 Jul 2009

FALL 2009 SEASONAL & YEAR-ROUND STAFF/VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT CAMP COURAGEOUS

By Charlie Becker

Camp Courageous of Iowa is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities. Campers with mental and physical disabilities, head injuries, hearing or visual impairments, autism and other special needs are served.

Working with adults with disabilities is often a very real challenge. Campers may need help with personal care including feeding, dressing, and toileting. Some campers exhibit behavior problems. Patience, energy, good judgment and enthusiasm are important attributes for a position at Camp Courageous. The hours are long. An unselfish attitude and an emphasis on teamwork are needed. Staff members are expected to put the campers' needs before their own. If you possess these skills, consider applying for a position.

Volunteer positions, internships, and paid positions are available.

Paid counselors and activity specialists receive the best camp employment package around. Room and board are provided which includes an air-conditioned staff dormitory affording separate living quarters from the campers. Staff share cabin duty on a rotating basis. Other benefits include a restricted medical plan for seasonal staff and health insurance for year-round Program Specialists.

Year-round positions begin the first day of the fall season and require at least a one-year commitment. Candidates for year-round positions must have previous experience with individuals with disabilities. Seasonal positions are for one or more season. Feel free to apply on line by accessing our website at www.campcourageous.org.

ALL CAMPERS IN THE FALL ARE ADULTS. Dates in the fall are August 19 to November 25, 2009. This includes staff training. Weekly sessions are from Monday through Friday. Positions include Counselors & Activity Specialists. Non-tobacco users please.

For more information on volunteering contact Shannon Poe by email at shannon@campcouargeous.org or call 319-465-5916, ext 2320. For more information on program employment contact Jeanne Muellerleile by e-mail at jeanne@campcourageous.org or call 319-465-5916, ext 2300. Camp Courageous is located at 12007 190th Street, PO Box 418, Monticello, IA 52310-0418.

30 Jun 2009

Scott County Historic Preservation Society

By Robert Jackson Jr.

Scott County Historical Preservation Society will hold their next meeting on July 9. We will meet on Prospect Terrace Park Overlook at 6:30pm with local historian Karen Anderson. This Overlook was the site of the 1836 Keokuk Purchase Treaty signing. From there a walking tour will be conducted thru the Villiage of East Davenport. For more information contact Karen Anderson at 563-324-0257.

15 Jun 2009

New interactive website launched by German American Heritage Center

By Angela Hunt

DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 12, 2009) The German American Heritage Center (GAHC) launched their new website at www.gahc.org. The website has several interactive features including photo galleries, videos, and RSS feeds. Visitors can also become a fan on GAHC's new Facebook page, subscribe to their new youtube page, or sign up to receive a free enewsletters.

GAHC continues to offer several programs and events, including the upcoming Brewery Ephemera Exhibit, opening July 6 and Volksmarch on July 18. Over the past year, major construction and renovations are occurring inside GAHC.

GAHC Behind the Scenes on the website
By October 1, the interior exhibit space will have increased about six times to accommodate a new large interactive and audiovisual permanent exhibit. Over the course of the summer, GAHC will post behind the scenes photos and videos on the website as they build the new exhibit spaces. The exhibit will includes an orientation theater, six education stations, and two restored hotel rooms. Two additional new temporary exhibit spaces have also been created and will open the door for new collaborative exhibits in conjunction with the new permanent exhibit.

The exhibit progresses through experiences from immigrants' journey by sea, train and foot, to their final destination at the GAHC, originally a hotel, which welcomed thousands of immigrants in the 1860s to the 1900s. The second half of the exhibit shows contributions to the region by immigrants, and highlights daily life, from recreation, family life, religion and organizations. The expansive exhibit will allow GAHC to develop new tours, increase family offerings and create new school group programs.

Finally, the top floor, which boasts panoramic views of the Mississippi River, has also been completely renovated. The floor includes state of the art audio-visual equipment so that it may be used for GAHC's programs as well as meeting space open for community groups.

To learn more, visit www.gahc.org.

-END-

12 Jun 2009

JUST KIDS TRIVIA NIGHT

By Jared Johnson

Organization Holds Fundraiser with Budget Questions Looming

MILAN, IL (June 12, 2009) - Just Kids Early Care & Education Centers is holding their second annual Trivia Night on Friday, June 19^th at the Milan Community Center, US Highway 67, Milan, IL. Doors open at 6pm, trivia starts at 7pm. Teams of 8 can compete for cash and door prizes. Food may be brought in and a cash bar will be available.

Just Kids Executive Director, Vera Hinrichsen, says "This fundraiser comes at an interesting time, as state funds for human services in Illinois could be cut by more than 50%. In order for Just Kids to be efficient in serving families and children in the future, we need a great deal of support from our local community."

The proposed Illinois operations budget would cut child care by 63% and eliminate the Preschool for All program, which operates in the 3-5 year old classrooms at Just Kids. In addition, funding assistance that is currently utilized by 175,000 Illinois families for early education services would only be available to 25,000 if the proposed budget goes into effect.

Proceeds from Trivia Night will benefit contingency funds and program development opportunities for Just Kids, a non-profit early childhood education organization that serves over 200 families annually. Just Kids is a United Way partner and is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Just Kids has been providing services in Milan for over 30 years and employs over 45 early childhood professionals that educate young children, build public support for high-quality programs, improve professional practice and support area families.

Teams may register for Trivia Night by contacting Lisa Redecker at (309) 787-6303 or lredecker@justkidsinc.org Teams may also register directly on the Just Kids website: www.justkidsinc.org.

02 Jun 2009

NAMI Scott County Celebrates 30th Anniversary June 7

By Margaret Thomas

NAMI Scott County will celebrate the organization's 30th anniversary at the Annual Meeting Sunday, June 7, beginning at 3 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Brady at Lombard, Davenport.

NAMI Rock Solid Awards will be presented to people who helped to found NAMI in 1979, and to others who have been important in the growth of the organization. Some local people attended the formation meeting of the national organization in Wisconsin. The organization was founded by parents of adults with mental illness, to provide programming at first, then support, education and advocacy for better services. It became Alliance for the Mentally Ill (AMI) and later National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

NAMI Rock Solid Awards will be presented to David Lanaghan, Jim and Ann Spaeth, Linda Lewis, and Connie Williams. There will be special recognition for Lucia Dryanski, Jon Grate, Donna Hague, Kathleen Lenaghan and Jim Weller.

The meeting June 7 will include a light supper, a dramatic presentation, awards, and board elections. At 4:30, live music and dancing will begin, with ice cream sundaes. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations may be made by emailing info@NAMIScottCounty.org, or by calling and leaving a message at 322-8870.

For more information, contact Anne Corbi, president of NAMI Scott County, at 563 326 7701, or Caroline Vernon in the NAMI Scott County Office, which is at 1706 Brady St., Davenport, 563 322 8870.

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