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 25th 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.

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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 19th 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.
01 Jun 2009

Senior Star at Elmore Place Assumes Champion Sponsorship of Quad City Memory Walk®

By Julie Seier

Davenport, IA - May 27, 2009 - The Alzheimer's Association, Greater Iowa Chapter is pleased to announce a Quad-City Memory Walk® "Champion" ($10,000) sponsor for the first time in the walk's 20 year history. Although their facility on Elmore Place has only recently opened, the Senior Star Living® has been a long standing supporter of the Alzheimer's Association. This sponsorship displays a major commitment to the walk and to the health and well being of the Quad Cities.

"Senior Star is proud to sponsor the Quad-City Memory Walk® because we recognize the tremendous efforts of the Alzheimer's Association and the value of investing in the education and support of those who are dealing with, or who may deal with, this devastating disease, " said Robert Thomas, co-owner Senior Star Living "We work hard to support efforts that improve the lives of seniors and our relationship with the Alzheimer's Association will improve the lives of seniors not only in our facility but in the lives of the entire Quad-City community."

According to Carol Sipfle, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Iowa Chapter, "This sponsorship will have immeasurable benefits for both the Alzheimer's Association and Senior Star. These funds will enable the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Iowa Chapter, to provide critical support and education to caregivers in our 63-county chapter territory in Iowa and Illinois, as well as to the thousands of individuals now living with Alzheimer's in these areas. The work of the Alzheimer's Association continues to grow in need and importance. We appreciate the vision and support of all our sponsors who make our work possible, including Senior Star. "

Senior Star's Champion sponsorship follows on the heels of regional sponsors: Care Initiatives, Dex, Life Care Retirement Communities and Bickford Cottage. The traditional list of participating sponsors for the Quad City walks includes such names as Nash, Nash, Bean and Ford, Avonlea Cottage, Country House Residences, Modern Woodmen of America, Brown Traffic, the i wireless center, KWQC as well as Clear Channel radio.

The 20th annual Quad-City Memory Walk® will take place on Saturday, October 3, at the i wireless center. This year's walk will focus on twenty years of education, support and research.

To learn more about the Quad City walk or register for the event, log onto: http://memorywalk09.kintera.org/moline .

The Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit www.alz.org

Senior Star at Elmore Place Features a memory care with six different floor plans andunits ranging in size from 224 square feet to 343 square feet. Each room has a private half bath, while multiple shower and spa retreats are located through the building. Senior Star at Elmore Place incorporates progressive and innovative approaches to memory care, including life skills stations, destination programming and Snoezelen rooms which promote soothing, sensory experiences. Senior Star at Elmore Place is owned by Senior Star Living, based in Tulsa, Okla. Senior Star Living is a private company founded in 1976 and entered the seniors housing business in 1989. Its portfolio currently includes nine retirement communities in six states. As a recognized leader in the seniors housing industry, the company provides independent, assisted living and memory care options. Additional information is available on the Web site, www.seniorstar.com

###

29 May 2009

Just Kids Trivia Night

By Jared Johnson
Just Kids Early Care & Education Centers, Milan, announces their second annual Trivia Night Fundraiser.  This fun and competitive event will take place on Friday, June 19th at the Milan Community Center, US Hwy 67, Milan IL.  Doors open at 6pm, trivia starts at 7pm.  Teams of 8 will compete for cash prizes and have a chance to win great door prizes throughout the night.  All proceeds benefit program expansions for Just Kids, a non-profit early childhood education organization serving 200 families annually.

Teams may register online at www.justkidsinc.org or by calling Lisa at (309) 787-6303.  Cost is $80 per table, and can be paid the night of the event.  Food may be brought in, and a cash bar will be available.

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