27 Sep 2011

REMINDER: October 14th Deadline to Submit Military Academy Nomination Applications

By Jeff Giertz

Bruce Braley accepting applications now 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) reminded high school students today that he is accepting applications for nominations to the United States armed services academies from Iowa's 1st District for the class entering in fall 2012.

"I am seeking highly qualified and motivated students to nominate to our nation's service academies," Braley said.  "Students not only get a world-class education at the academies, but they grow into our country's next generation of leaders.  I want to send Iowa's best to the academies, and I encourage interested young Iowans to apply."

Interested students should contact Braley's district office in Waterloo to request an application packet to be considered for a service academy nomination.  The application packet includes specific instructions on the accompanying forms and required documents, including an application form, an essay, high school transcript, ACT/SAT scores, and letters of recommendation.  These materials take time to compile, so interested students are strongly encouraged to start obtaining the materials needed for the packet as soon as possible.

The deadline for submitting a completed nomination packet to Braley's office is Friday, October 14th.

Braley nominates up to 10 candidates from Iowa's First Congressional District for each available vacancy at the four service academies: the US Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy.  Applicants are judged on the basis of character, scholarship, physical aptitude, medical fitness, and motivation.

For further information as well as an application packet, contact the Waterloo office at (319) 287-3233.

More information can also be found at http://braley.house.gov.

 

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27 Sep 2011

Governor Quinn's Request for Agricultural Disaster Declaration Approved

By Rick Martin

Declaration Will Assist Farmers in 73 Illinois Counties Who Suffered

Crop Losses from Severe Flooding Earlier this Year

SPRINGFIELD - September 22, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced federal disaster assistance is available to help Illinois farmers who suffered crop losses due to flooding this year.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted the Governor's request to designate 46 Illinois counties as natural disaster areas. The designation qualifies farmers in those counties and 27 contiguous counties for assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including low-interest emergency loans.

"Grain prices will help offset production losses for farmers who were fortunate enough to get a crop in the ground, but thousands of acres across Illinois were totally destroyed," Governor Quinn said. "These loans will help farmers who weren't able to plant this year's crop by refinancing debt and covering production costs and essential family living expenses."

The January to June period this year was the fourth-wettest on record. Precipitation totaled 27.2 inches - nearly eight inches more than normal. This includes a record 7.59 inches of rain in April, which delayed spring planting in much of the state and flooded an estimated 500,000 acres.

The 46 counties declared as primary disaster areas are:

Alexander, Brown, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Crawford, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Greene, Hamilton, Hardin, Henry, Jackson, Jefferson, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, Madison, Marion, McDonough, Mercer, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Richland, Rock Island, Saline, Schuyler, Scott, St. Clair, Stephenson, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson.

The 27 contiguous counties approved for disaster assistance include :

Adams, Bond, Bureau, Clark, Clinton, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Jasper, LaSalle, Macoupin, Mason, Massac, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Pike, Sangamon, Shelby, Stark, Warren, Whiteside and Winnebago.

Farmers who believe they may qualify for disaster assistance should contact their county Farm Service Agency office. Staff in county Farm Service Agency offices can then verify whether producers are eligible for emergency funds. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and take into account the extent of production losses, available security and an applicant's repayment ability. Farmers have eight months from the date of today's declaration to apply for assistance.

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27 Sep 2011

MAKE CARDS WITH TAMMY AND VONDA AT THE MUSCATINE ART CENTER

By Vonda Luedke

DEADLINE FOR FIRST CLASS IS COMING SOON!

 

Class will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Sept. 29.  Add-itional clases will be October 20, and November 17.  At each class we make 3 cards, variety of occasions.

The Art Center fee is $5 for each class ($4.50 for Friends members).  Registration form attached. Register right away!


27 Sep 2011

MULTIMEDIA RELEASE: Braley Welcomes Quad Cities Honor Flight to Washington

By Jeff Giertz

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) welcomed the 16th Honor Flight from the Quad Cities to the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, a non-profit organization, was formed in 2008 to provide an opportunity for Quad Cities-area veterans to visit Washington to see historical sites and memorials at no cost to the veterans.

CORRECTED YouTube video of the event can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNBphESYxRM

CORRECTED 1080p high-definition video can be downloaded here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21501138/qc-honor-flight-10-22-11__1080p.mp4 

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27 Sep 2011

MAC Fall class cancellations

By Katy Doherty

The Muscatine Art Center will not have "Kids Saturday Workshops" on Saturday, October 2nd.

In addition, there will be no "Art for Tots" and "Music for Tots" until late winter or early spring. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please check out our website at www.muscatineartcenter.org to view the current class brochure and find us on Facebook, as we are still running children and adult art classes.

Contact Katy Doherty, Program Coordinator, with any questions or concerns at 563-263-8282 or by email at kdoherty@muscatineiowa.gov.

The Muscatine Art Center is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to P.M., Thursday from 10 AM to P.M. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to P.M. Admission is FREE.

27 Sep 2011

HUD AWARDS IOWA $1.1 MILLION TO HELP LOW-INCOME FAMILIES RECEIVE JOB TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT

By Donna White

HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency Program (HCV/FSS) supports public housing agencies (PHAs) to retain or hire family self-sufficiency coordinators.  These coordinators in turn link adults in the HCV program with welfare agencies, schools, businesses and other local partners to develop the skills and experience to enable them to obtain jobs that pay a living wage. The local organizations typically provide participating individuals job training, childcare, counseling, transportation, job placement and homeownership counseling.

 

Housing agencies in Iowa received the following grants:

IOWA

 

 

 

Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority

$57,529

 

City of Cedar Rapids

$138,000

 

City of Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency

$132,973

 

City of Dubuque

$63,478

 

City of Sioux City Housing Authority

$138,000

 

Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority

$139,940

 

Iowa City Housing Authority

$121,721

 

Mid Iowa Regional Housing Authority

$23,528

 

Municipal Housing Agency of Council Bluffs, IA

$48,676

 

Municipal Housing Agency of the City of Fort Dodge

$102,766

 

Muscatine, City of

$55,309

 

Northeast Nebraska Joint HA

$40,756

 

Region XII Regional Housing Authority

$45,000

 

Southern Iowa Regional Housing Authority

$43,850

Iowa Total:

 

$1,151,526

 

Participants in the HCV-FSS program sign a contract that requires the head of the household will get a job and the family will no longer receive welfare assistance at the end of the five-year term.  As the family's income rises, a portion of that increased income is deposited in an interest-bearing escrow account.  If the family completes its FSS contract, the family receives the escrow funds that it can use for any purpose, including a down payment on a home, paying educational expenses, starting a business or paying back debts.

 

HUD's Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a long-standing resource for increasing economic security and self-sufficiency among participants.  HUD issued a new report earlier this year

that evaluated the effectiveness of the FSS Program.  Conducted from 2005 to 2009, the study shows the financial benefits are substantial for participants who complete the program.  This study is the second of a three-part series by HUD that evaluate the effects of the FSS program.  The first study found individuals who participated in the FSS program fared better financially than those who did not enroll in the program.  HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) will launch the third and final installment to complete the series this year.

 

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22 Sep 2011

CARMEN HAS MOVED!

By Joedy Cook

CARMEN HAS MOVED!

Join us on September 24th at our new location for for two performaces at 2:30pm and 8:15pm

Our one act "Carmen" and fun "Delicatessen" will be presented in the round, up close and personal, at BQC studios at 613 17th Street, Rock Island, IL.  Free parking and the entrance is located in the back of the building.  The performance is just over 1 hour and 20 minutes long, with a brief intermission for complementary refreshments.

This unique arts experience is free to the public, though donations are welcome.  Seating is limited, so call to reserve your spot! (309)786-3779

Want to win a family 4 pack of tickets to the Nutcracker this December?  Become a fan of Ballet Quad Cities on facebook and you could win a package to attend our holiday classic at the Adler Theatre!

22 Sep 2011

"Dribs + Daubs: Painters Mary Zeran and Dena Tollefson Explore Nature"

By Rick Martin
Art Exhibit October 4-November 4, 2011

Opening Reception on October 4, 6-9 p.m.

[MAQUOKETA, IA] Maquoketa Art Experience welcomes Iowa artists Mary Zeran and Dena Tollefson this October for their group exhibit "Dribs + Daubs: Painters Mary Zeran and Dena Tollefson Explore Nature". Through their work, the two Cedar Rapids artists explore various acts of exploration including scientific, observation, deconstruction, and creation. Each artist employs differing methods and materials in their paintings, but the common link is the innovative approaches to leaving a mark on a surface.

Dena Tollefson's body of work is a unique process she developed called "Daubism". A true colorist, Tollefson individually mixes oil paint and applies "daubs" to the canvas with a palette knife. The largest daubs are applied with a serving spoon, allowing ridges of paint to catch the light and appear to dance as the viewer moves past the painting. Tollefson has exhibited nationally in Texas, New York, California, and Georgia and in galleries throughout eastern Iowa. Her work is part of permanent collections in The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, St. Luke's Hospital, and The Marion Arts Council.

Mary Zeran's work is seeped with juicy color, organic forms and lots of movement. She uses drips as an expression of rhythm, and motion, translating feelings and sensations into visual form. Pushing the limits of collage, Zeran layers multiple pieces of acetate to create imaginary abstract worlds. Zeran has exhibited nationally at galleries in New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles and in galleries throughout eastern Iowa. Critics from Artweek, The New Art Examiner, and The Seattle Post-Intelligencer have reviewed her work. Her paintings are part of permanent collections with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The University of Iowa, and The University of Iowa Hospitals. She is a recipient of the Len Everet Scholarship and a graduate of The University of Iowa.

Maquoketa Art Experience will host an opening reception for Mary Zeran and Dena Tollefson on Friday, October 4 from 6-9 p.m. at 124 S. Main Street in Maquoketa. The exhibit will run through November 4.

Maquoketa Art Experience is dedicated to bringing accomplished artists to Maquoketa for short- and long-term residencies, workshops, and exhibitions. For more information contact Director Paula Neuhaus at paula@maquoketa-art.org or by calling 563.652.9925.

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22 Sep 2011

Violence in Central America

By Grassley Press

Feinstein, Grassley Release Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control

Report on Central America Violence

Outlines strategies for Congress, administration to help reduce violence, improve security in Central America

Washington?U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-chairs of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, today released Responding to Violence in Central America, a new report outlining key steps that the United States can take to support Central America to help reduce escalating drug-related violence.

The murder rates in Central America last year were significantly higher than Mexico. In 2010, there were 18 homicides per 100,000 people in Mexico. In comparison, there were 50 murders per 100,000 people in Guatemala, 66 in El Salvador and 77 in Honduras.

"Violence in Central America has reached crisis levels as drug trafficking organizations, youth gangs and other illegal criminal groups take advantage of weak governance and underperforming justice systems," said Senator Feinstein. "Like Mexico, Central America's location between the world's largest producers of illicit drugs in South America and the world's largest drug consuming nation in the United States makes it particularly vulnerable to drug traffickers. It will only escalate if we do not take action."

"The violence in Central America is beyond what anyone can imagine," said Senator Grassley. "This report recognizes the proliferation of the Mexican drug cartels seeking to expand into Central America and the impact that has on the citizens in Central America, Mexico and the United States. In addition, the report discusses steps that the United States can take to help the Central American nations stand on their feet to combat the drug cartels that are seeking to expand into areas where the governments are unable to respond. It's also important to recognize the economic situation facing our own country, so we pay special attention to focus on ways where we can have great influence with as little fiscal effect as possible."

The report recommends:

Expand Vetted Units

·           Expansion of vetted law enforcement units which work with the Drug Enforcement Administration?known as Sensitive Investigative Units?to all seven countries in Central America.

·           Vetted units provide a trusted partner to U.S. law enforcement in countries where corruption is often rampant.

Speed up Security Assistance

·           Speed up the arrival of security assistance by the State Department to Central America by changing it from being managed remotely by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to allowing it to be managed directly by each of the U.S. embassies in Central America.

Increase Drug Traffickers' Extraditions

·           Increase the extradition to the United States of Central America nationals who are involved in international drug trafficking.

·           Currently, Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica will not extradite their nationals to the United States.

·           Extradition from Mexico to the United States has been a critical tool in combating Mexican drug trafficking organizations. Bringing these fugitives to the United States for prosecution ensures that they cannot evade justice through bribes or threats of violence in their home countries.

Support Witness, Judge and Prosecutor Protection Programs

·           Use existing State Department and USAID funds to provide support for witness, judge and prosecutor protection programs in Central America.

·           Far too often, witnesses in Central America are afraid to testify at hearings because of corruption in the judicial system and fear of retaliation. Judges and prosecutors are equally afraid to pursue cases against high-profile criminals.

Map Sources of Violence

·           Map the causes and sources of violence in the region. Without a clear understanding of the causes and sources of violence, it will be difficult to provide relevant solutions to the security situation in Central America.

Reduce the U.S. Demand for Drugs

·           Senators Feinstein and Grassley and have asked the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study to evaluate the successes and shortcomings of drug prevention and treatment programs in the United States.

·           Drug consumption in the United States fuels violence in Central America. The United States continues to be the world's largest consumer of illegal drugs. The 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 22.6 million Americans aged 12 or older were current illegal drug users.

The report is endorsed by all seven members of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control and makes several recommendations based on information gathered through visits to Guatemala and Honduras, briefings, interviews and a review of documents from government and non-government experts.

The entire report can be found by clicking here.

22 Sep 2011

Iowa Ranks No. 40 Among Brain-Healthy States in the Nation

By Andrea Martin

2011 America's Brain Health Index Reveals States With Healthiest Brains in National Health Education Campaign to Empower People to Keep Minds Active

 COLUMBIA Md., September 22, 2011 ? The 2011 America's Brain Health Index, released today, reveals which areas of the country have progressed, held their own or lost ground in taking measures to improve their brain health over the last two years. The state-by-state ranking of brain health is part of a national health education campaign called Beautiful Minds: Finding Your Lifelong Potential, a partnership between life'sDHA® and the National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA), designed to inspire Americans to develop and maintain healthy, beautiful minds by incorporating key lifestyle factors known as the four dimensions of brain health ? diet and nutrition, physical health, mental health and social well-being.

According to the 2011 America's Brain Health Index, Iowa ranks No. 40 among the brain-healthiest states in the nation. Strengths include active community participants, low incidence of poor mental health days and active readers. However, Iowa has challenges that include low consumption of DHA-fortified foods and supplements, high prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and a low level of religious or spiritual activity.

The campaign today also introduced this year's "Beautiful Minds," 11 individuals from across the country who are fulfilling the four dimensions of brain health and achieving amazing things in the second half of their lives. A photo essay exhibit featuring their personal stories will travel the country through 2012 to inspire Americans to improve their own brain health.

Americans who want to join this growing brain-healthy community to find out how other states rank in the America's Brain Health Index, meet this year's Beautiful Minds, check the schedule of the traveling photo essay exhibit and learn about simple steps that anyone can take to improve brain health are invited to visit www.beautiful-minds.com.

"Keeping the brain healthy is easier than many people realize. Everyday actions such as adding good fats like DHA omega-3 to your diet and staying active physically, mentally and socially are all good ways to influence long-term brain health," said Dr. Michael Roizen, leading medical expert, best-selling author and advisor to the Index.

America's Brain Health Index: Inspiration to boost brain health

To develop America's Brain Health Index, life'sDHA worked in partnership with Dr. Roizen and other key health experts including Dr. Majid Fotuhi M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the Neurology Institute for Brain Health and Fitness, and an assistant professor of neurology, John Hopkins School of Medicine, to determine the key indicators of brain health and to build the America's Brain Health Index with data aggregated from highly credible secondary resources.

Conducted in 2009 and 2011, the America's Brain Health Index evaluated the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia based on 21 factors including diet and nutrition, physical health, mental health and social well-being. In addition to providing a ranking for each state, the Index also includes comparative data for over two years. For example, the 2011 Index shows that the top two brain-healthy geographies in the United States are Maryland (No.1) and District of Columbia (No. 2). Comparative data also shows that Maryland has overtaken District of Columbia for the No. 1 spot since 2009. Both geographies are home to two of the Beautiful Minds who are being recognized for their commitment to brain health.

"As the country experiences unprecedented increase in life expectancy to 78 years - an increase of 30 percent over the past century - the knowledge that we can influence brain health and cognition throughout life is more important than ever, said Dr. Fotuhi. "The largest aging population in history will experience the most longevity of any generation, which means taking action to improve our brain health should be a high priority on the health checklist for all of us."

Here is a sampling of brainpower-boosting tips available on www.beautiful-minds.com:

  • Diet and nutrition ? incorporating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and added sugar but rich in brain-enhancing foods such as good fats like DHA omega-3, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and algal DHA supplements.
  • Physical health ? staying physically active for at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week and making wise lifestyle decisions such as getting enough sleep and not smoking.
  • Mental health ? continually challenging the brain through activities such as game playing, creative pursuits like gardening, dancing or painting, or learning a new language or skill.
  • Social well-being ? nurturing human connections and engaging in social activities to give life purpose, such as volunteering.

Top 10 Brain-Healthy States

No. 1 Maryland

No. 2 District of Columbia

No. 3 Washington

No. 4 Colorado

No. 5 Vermont

No. 6 New Hampshire

No. 7 Oregon

No. 8 Utah

No. 9 Maine

No. 10 New Jersey

States That Could Use a Brain Boost

No. 50 Louisiana

No. 51 Mississippi

Other Key Index Findings:

  • In the 2011 Index, Delaware had the biggest gain (+13 points) since the 2009 report. The state had a strong performance across a range of factors, including many of those that have a bigger weight on the overall Index, such as consumption of fruits and vegetables, breast-feeding, religious/spiritual activities and playing games.
  • Arizona had the biggest decrease (-10) since the 2009 report. While Arizona slipped in all areas except physical health, its residents can nourish their minds by increasing DHA consumption and engaging in more religious or spiritual activities.
  • The two lowest-ranking states, Louisiana and Mississippi, had high incidences of diabetes or gestational diabetes.
  • Additionally, the top two ranked geographies in 2009 swapped positions in 2011. Maryland is now No.1 and District of Columbia is No. 2.

Methodology: Ranking America's Brain Health

The 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia were each evaluated based on 21 brain health indicators in the areas of diet, physical health, mental health and social well-being. Indicators included factors that have been shown to be key to   brain health such as consumption of DHA omega-3 fats, breast-feeding rates, smoking rates, Alzheimer's disease prevalence, time spent sleeping, time spent on religious/spiritual activities, and level of community involvement, among many others. For each brain health indicator, data for all 51 geographies was compared to the national average, which was set at 100. Data points that were better than the national average indexed higher than 100, and data points that were poorer than the national average indexed lower than 100. After weighting the relative importance of each indicator to brain health, an overall index score was calculated for each geography. Geographies were then ranked from first to 51st.

About life'sDHA®

life'sDHA®, a DSM Nutritional Products brand, is a sustainable and vegetarian source of algal DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) omega-3 important for brain, heart and eye health throughout life. Fish are often incorrectly thought to be the only source of DHA omega-3. However, life'sDHA offers a trusted, vegetarian form of algal DHA that contains no oceanic pollutants or toxins. Fish are sources of DHA because of the DHA-rich microalgae in their food chain; life'sDHA is derived directly from microalgae, a renewable, sustainable source of DHA that does not deplete ocean resources, and is produced entirely in the U.S. in an FDA-inspected facility. Today, life'sDHA is found in numerous foods, beverages and supplements for people of all ages. For a complete list of products containing life'sDHA, visit www.lifesdha.com.

About the National Center for Creative Aging

The National Center for Creative Aging (NCCA) was founded in 2001 and is dedicated to promoting creative expression as vital to healthy aging through education, research, advocacy, and technical assistance in health and wellness, lifelong learning and community. Based in Washington, D.C., NCCA is a nonprofit organization with 3,000 members and is affiliated with The George Washington University.

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