Quad City Family Focus Apil 2013 by Sarah Throne

April 2013 • Complimentary Issue • www.qcfamilyfocus.com

Get Your Kids In The Kitchen

Two Great Contests For Kids!

Concussions And Young Athletes

Put Your Home’s Equity to Use

Rates as low as 2.25%+

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Are you rethinking your current house? Is it time to remodel the kitchen? Or maybe reDo the landscaping? And soon, the kids will be returning to school. Your home’s equity can help with tuition costs as well. Regardless of your need or project, DHCU has the resources to help you put your home’s equity to use.

ReIntroducing DHCU’s Variable Rate Equity Line of Credit Save money today while rates are this low. Go ahead and make those improvements you’ve been putting off. You can borrow up to 95%* of your Home’s equity with a variable rate Equity Line of Credit.

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April 2013

QC Family Focus

Serving Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois

Monthly

Publisher: Mike Mickle Editor: Karen Mickle Magazine Design: Jessie Smith Photographers: Tassy Johnson • Nick Martel Shannon Colgan • Estelle Nester Videographer: Harry Walker

Contributing Editors Diane Baker Brook Breitsprecher David W. Deuth Brooke Falline Kim Fein Curtis Ford Deb Gustafson Tawnya Hambly Kelly Hendershot Todd Hubbard, D.C., M.S. Kelly Hunt Kirk Marske Mike Mickle Joni Mitchell Dr. David Moyer Richard Phinney, M.D. Jenny May Shannon Emma Kate Wichman Phyllis Zalenski James Zahara Join thousands of others as they help us promote happy healthy families in the QCA. Call 563-940-7875 for more information.

QC Family Focus Magazine is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mickle Communications Group LLC. Publication of advertising and articles does not constitute endorsement. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and/or edit any materials for publication. You can contact us at QC Family Focus Magazine, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722, 563-940-7875 or email: mmickle@qcfamilyfocus.com. ©Copyright 2013.

8 18 28 Plan Ahead to Get 30 College Financial Aid Have Debt? 37 Get Help! Kids in the Kitchen

Education Dedication

Appropriate and Inappropriate Uses of Standardized Tests

Watch QC Family Focus come to life on television each Friday.

Family Focus Friday only on WQAD’s midday newscast QC Family Focus - april 2013

Your Mickle’s Worth I’ve always been taught patience is a virtue. I’m not feeling very “virtuous” these days. My patience with Mother Nature has run out. ☺ I love the first snowfall of the season. I’m fine with the second. I’m even okay with the third. When it’s still snowing well into Spring, I begin to grumble. No, actually, I am in to full blown complaining! The cold, wet Spring did inspire us to leave town for a few days over Spring break. The family time was great. Kyle is a freshman so our opportunities to escape as a family are becoming more difficult. I’m very thankful to have a son who is growing into a young man I truly enjoy hanging out with. Although, he has a few quirks that I’m not sure where they came from. For instance, he announced (out of the blue), “Dad, I know what I want for Christmas and my birthday (which is also in December).” “Ummmm, okay. What?” “A Tempur-pedic Mattress!” I sat there for a few moments in stunned silence. First, why are we talking about this 8 months in advance? Okay, maybe it’s because it still looks and feels like Christmas out there. Second, what 15 year old asks for a $2,000 mattress?? Our time away also gave me a chance to get fully reacquainted with Kate’s infectious giggle. I will never get tired of my daughter’s laugh. I was afraid it would disappear or at least change as she got older, but

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

By Mike Mickle

thankfully it did not. Then, there’s Matt. Our ten year old who lives life “large and in charge.” The boy delights in pestering his brother and sister but I’ve never seen anyone who has more zest for life than Matthew. Sometimes, I get tired just watching him, let alone trying to participate in his adventures. They have 3 VERY different personalities. Sometimes they have 3 VERY different personalities that CLASH. When that happens, it drives me crazy. When they are getting along, it’s almost magical. Karen saw this sign on Facebook. I think we will get it for our house. It’s a nice reminder for the kids and the parents. Summer will arrive before we know it, the snow will be a distant (hopefully) memory and the kids will be out of school. I’m looking forward to more family time, in the midst of baseball, soccer and summer basketball leagues. I’m hoping we can get away as a family again and maybe I can have a heart-to-heart conversation with my oldest son and find a way to break some news to him that he will find tragic. There will be NO Tempurpedic mattress under the Christmas tree this year! Hope you have a wonderful April. Be sure to check out all the QR codes throughout the magazine. Several of our articles will come to life through video produced by Mickle Communications. We are having so much fun with the new education sections in QCFF, the media partnerships that include radio segments on WYEC and B-100, television segments on WQAD and of course an entire 30-minute show on WHBF. None of this would be possible without your support. We can’t thank you enough! Take care, Mike

Davenport Parks and Recreation

Spring/Summer Programs now open for registration!

Quality staff offer programs for all ages and abilities. RECREATION PARKS AND T R O P N E V A D

! e v i r h T

- Youth and Adult Sports

- Aquatics - Special Needs Programming - Camps - Performing arts - Environmental Education - Senior Programming - Special Events

NEW Credit Facebo

Island Brid

- And much more!

er ok & Twitt

013 2 R E M M U RK (7275) • 563-328-PA SPRING/S Friend us on

Registration is available online by visiting www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks or call 563-328-PARK (7275) for more details.

m/parks enportiowa.co www.cityofdav

Pick up your ‘Thrive’ catalog today! Davenport Parks and Recreation – Administration Office 700 W. River Drive. Davenport, QC IA Family 52802 Focus - april

2013

SPRING INTO

Monkey Joe’s

SOFT PLAY AREA coming in May….. Our latest fun attraction for children 4 and Under! We now serve Boneless Wings…

join us for lunch or dinner any day of the week! 4 Sauces to choose from including Buffalo, Sweet Chili, Ranch and Barbecue.

OFF

ADMISSION SAT OR SUN Get $1 off regular price walk-in admission. Limit one per group per visit. May not be combined with other offers. Valid exclusively at Davenport, IA location. Exp. 4/30/2013.

Wacky Wednesdays$5 admission all day!

3885 Elmore Ave Davenport, IA 52807 563-322-5867

www.monkeyjoes.com/davenport

$20

OFF

Party Booking

Our parties are FULL SERVICE! You bring the cake and the child and we do the rest! All Packages include slice of pizza and a drink for each child! Book any size party. Cannot be combined with any other offers or used on previously booked parties. Coupon must be presented at booking. Valid at the Davenport, IA location only. Expires 4/30/2013.

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

A Little Dirt Never Hurt Joni Mitchell QC Mom and B100 Personality

As spring approaches, I always get excited because it means the children and I will be digging in the dirt very soon! Gardening was a way of life when they were very young and when I was a young, new mother. There was something about living on a large farm that beckoned us to grab a hoe and go for it! Aside from being some of the best fun and family time spent together, gardening provided a connectedness with the land around us, along with a keen sense of stewardship and accomplishment. I’m not as ambitious as I once was and certainly wouldn’t dare to think I am Martha Stewart, but even potted plants or herbs in the kitchen are a great way to start small and see how you do. It’s a great learning opportunity for the children as well. It helps them associate with food and have an understanding that what they put into their bodies comes from other places and sources outside of the grocery store! I’ll never forget watching Jamie Oliver’s show Food Revolution on ABC in 2010. He went to the most obese town in America in an attempt to reform the school lunch programs, help American society fight obesity and change their eating habits in order to live healthier and longer lives. One of the things I found fascinating was the major disconnect children had with their food. Jamie Oliver showed them tomatoes and they didn’t even know that pasta sauce and ketchup were made from

them! When asked where pasta sauce and ketchup came from, their response was “the store.” Gardening helps so many aspects of a child’s life. They learn how to design, plan, trouble shoot, problem solve and most importantly, they reap the satisfaction of their hard work through the harvest. It can be potted chives in your kitchen they cut themselves and sprinkle on mashed potatoes or something more complex, such as shucking corn grown in a community garden and helping you can or freeze it. Whatever the level of challenge you decide to embark upon, the benefits for a child are lifelong. According to a gardening fact sheet I found at childrenandnature.org, “When third to fifth grade students who participated in a one-year gardening program filled out a survey of life skills, they showed a significant increase in self-understanding, interpersonal relationship skills, and ability to work in groups compared to nonparticipating students (Robinson & Zajicek, 2005).” Got a picky eater in the house you’ve been trying to get to eat fresh fruits and veggies? Studies show that children who help tend a garden are also more likely to eat the food they grow and carry that healthy habit and food knowledge into adulthood! What more could a parent want for their child? Getting started is super easy and you may even find it’s another gratifying way to spend time with your family. There’s something very special and serene about getting your hands dirty, planting seeds and together, watching them grow into something beautiful, like flowers, or something very useful, like healthy, nutritious food that will fuel your body better than anything that comes out of a box or window. It’s my opinion that when we begin to disassociate ourselves from the very basics in life, we tend to reflect that behavior in our daily interactions. Growing a garden of any size and any kind opens up a whole new world of adventure, learning and eating! With all the benefits, the phrase “a little dirt never hurt” certainly has taken on a whole new meaning! QC Family Focus - april 2013

Kids in the Kitchen Diane Baker Youth Development Educator, 4-H Military Programs, University of Illinois Extension

Food is a great way to bring people together … and spending time together in the kitchen is a great way to develop relationships and skills. It’s amazing what kids will learn or try when they are helping in the kitchen: • Kids will suddenly “like” foods that they have passed on before – when they are involved in cooking food, they are more likely to eat the food they’ve prepared • Kids will try new foods – or will try foods prepared in a new way • Kids learn to read a recipe and follow step-by-step instructions • Kids learn math skills – measurement and fractions • Kids can learn food safety and kitchen safety – how to properly use utensils and equipment and the importance of cleanliness and proper food handling and storage • Kids can learn new food preparation techniques – how to bake foods from scratch or cook with fresh produce or herbs Here are some quick and easy treats you can prepare with your kids. Fruit and Cheese Kabobs Use a variety of fresh or canned fruits (apples, oranges, kiwi, bananas, strawberries, etc.) and cubed Colby or Cheddar cheese. Carefully push bite-sized pieces of fruit and cheese onto wooden skewers or thin straws. Alternate fruits and cheese to make an attractive kabob. Serve immediately. This is a great way to encourage your kids to try new fruits. Breakfast Tortilla Fruit Roll-Up For each roll-up, spread 1 side of a flour tortilla with 2 tablespoons peanut butter. Cover with half of one sliced banana and sprinkle with 1-1/2 tablespoons raisins. Roll tortilla up tightly and cut in half to serve. This is a great snack on the go. Quick Veggie Pizza 3 English muffins cut in half ½ cup chopped vegetables (onion, green pepper, mushrooms, olives, etc.) 1 cup shredded cheese 1 cup pizza or spaghetti sauce Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place split English muffins on an ungreased cookie sheet. Spread small amount of sauce over bread. Add chopped vegetables and cheese. Place cookie sheet in oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until cheese melts. 8

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

Meal Time Basics • Make meal preparation simple and quick. Simple meals can taste good and allow you time together as a family. • Get everyone involved in preparing meals. Young children can wash vegetables, tear lettuce, and set the table. • Be creative. Have a theme for your meals. Play favorite music softly. Have a Family Picnic night – even in the family room. “Try it” – try a new food, especially vegetables or fruits. Have breakfast for dinner and serve your favorite breakfast food. • Show that family meals are important. Turn off the television and leave all of your phones off and away from the table during mealtime. • Enjoy your time together. Make easy conversation – ask everyone to share their favorite part of the day, a favorite vacation memory, or talk about a movie that everyone has seen. Looking for a great way to get your kids involved in cooking? Get involved in 4-H and learn more from our 4-H food and nutrition projects. These recipes are from our “Cooking 101” and “Cooking 201” 4-H projects designed to help kids learn more about preparing their own meals and healthy food choices.

Apps & More Verizon Wireless

While coupons help save on groceries, Fooducate helps families be more aware when grocery shopping. If your family is looking to be healthier when shopping or you are getting concerned about hidden ingredients, download this app to get the lowdown on what’s inside your food and find healthier alternatives. Simply scan the product using the barcode scanner, and let Fooducate take it from there. You can compare Do more thandeeper you than everwhat imagined products and dig a little you’ll find on a box to be an informed shopper. The app is with a Windows available for free on AndroidPhone. and Apple devices.

so advanced, yet so simple. Live Tiles

Pin apps, people and more to

Contributed by: Ally Billhorn

Bacon Buffalo Mac and Cheese

I have a love for mac-n-cheese and I do not deny it. Along with pizza it is a food I could eat every day of the week. My waistline would scream, but I could do it! This dish gives you the smoky heat of the buffalo sauce with the added indulgence of bacon. It really cannot get much better. Impress your dinner guests with this one! 1/2 lb. medium shells 4 strips of bacon, chopped 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 8 oz. cream cheese 1 c. wing sauce 1 c. ranch dressing 2 c. shredded cheddar/Monterrey jack cheese 1 c. panko breadcrumbs Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. In a small skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove from skillet, drain on a paper towel lined plate. Meanwhile, cook pasta to al dente, then drain. In a food processor combine cream cheese, garlic, wing sauce and ranch dressing until smooth. In a large bowl mix together cooked pasta, shredded cheese, red pepper and cream cheese sauce. Toss to combine. Pour into dish. Sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs. Bake for 40 minutes until crispy and bubbly.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

We love Chinese food at our house - homemade or take-out, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t judge! This dish tastes like many restaurant versions, but without the pain of money out of your wallet. Budget friendly and with most ingredients already found in your kitchen. This dish is simple! The only problem? Make a double batch - it goes quick! Chicken Breading 3-4 chicken breasts, cut into chunks 1 c. cornstarch 2 eggs salt/pepper 1/3 c. oil Rinse chicken and cut into 1 inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper. Dip chicken into cornstarch and coat all the way and then into eggs. Heat oil in large skillet. Cook chicken until browned. Place in a 9x13 baking dish. Sauce 1/2 c. sugar 4 T. ketchup 1/2 c. white distilled vinegar 1 T. soy sauce 1 t. garlic salt Whisk all ingredients until smooth, then pour evenly over chicken. Turn chicken so the sauce gets on both sides and then put in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Turn chicken and cook for 15 more minutes until done.

For more of Allyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipes check out recipe section at www.qcfamilyfocus.com or www.sweetandsavoryfood.com QC Family Focus - april 2013

Do you take your child to someone’s home for child care? If so, is your child care provider registered?

Registration with the Department of Human Services is the first step in providing quality child care and it’s FREE.

Encourage the person caring for your child to call Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa to find out how! 563/326-8221 Ask for Becky.

Once a child care provider has become registered in Scott County they qualify for items to use in their home business!

Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa 600 W. 4th Street Davenport, Iowa 52801 563/326-8221 www.scottcountykids.org 10

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

y rl od Ea dho l hi

April – A month to celebrate Young Children and their families!

DEB GUSTAFSON Executive Director, Child Care and Family Services A Branch of the SCOTT COUNTY FAMILY Y April is an exciting month as we celebrate young Day events will be held from 9:00 a.m. – Noon, at the children and their families all month long! West Family YMCA, 3603 West Locust Street, Davenport, The Month of the Young Child is an opportunity for and from 10:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. at the Two Rivers YMCA, early care and education programs, related organizations, 2040 53rd Street, Moline. communities and states to focus on the needs of young There are many activities at your area YMCA’s for children and their families. children and their families to get involved– grab a brochure You can help us celebrate children and their or call your favorite location for additional information. families by advocating for quality early care and education Some of the activities taking place at the West programs in our community. For additional information Family YMCA include: please check out the Scott County Kids web page at http:// • Craft activities and healthy snacks for children scottcountykids.org where you will find information about • Millers Petting Zoo Early Childhood Iowa and the first 2000 days initiative! • Opportunities to participate in physical activities for The big finale to the Month of the Young Child the whole family as well as many vendors and booths celebration is “Healthy Kids Day”. On Saturday, April 27, offering information regarding healthy lifestyle choices the Quad Cities YMCA’s are celebrating YMCA’s Healthy and activities. Kids Day® with free community events that encourages Please join us as we celebrate with fun, healthy, children and families in the Quad Cities to get moving and family activities! For a list of times and events please learning as well as living healthier. Healthy Kids Day is the contact Deb Gustafson at 563-323-4668. Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well- Don’t forget to thank those who are making a being; it takes place at 1,900 Ys and kick-starts healthier positive difference and helping shape the lives of your behaviors now and throughout the summer. Healthy Kids children during the Month of the Young Child!

SPRING AHEAD!

SCOTT COUNTY FAMILY YMCA The Best Deal In Town For A Happy, Healthy Family!

> FREE Group Fit, Free Wellness Coaching Family Aquatic Centers & More! www.ScottCountyFamilyY.org

Families can Join the Y for FREE! When registering for youth programs!

Hurry, this is a limited time offer! Visit your Y for more info!

> Save up to $155! -- Above savings includes No Joining Fee plus member rates on Spring Break & Soccer --

Spring & Summer Adventures, Youth Sports, Camp Abe Lincoln, Swim Lessons, Tumbling, Dance, Art, Strength Training and more!

At the Y, no one is turned away due to their ability to pay! Our Partner with Youth campaign makes scholarships available.

QC Family Focus - april 2013

E hi ar ld l y ho od C

Plaque is Whack, Floss is Boss Brooke Falline R.D.H., ABC Family Dentistry

I’m sure some of you reading this have been told, or are aware to brush twice a day (morning and night) for two minutes each, floss, and use a mouth rinse if you would like. In this article, I will be explaining the importance and purpose of proper oral hygiene at home. It all begins with my favorite topic, plaque! However, it is the root of all evil in our mouth! Plaque consists of a complex mixture of bacteria, mucus and food debris. Plaque is what creates the sticky, white or crème colored “sweater” over our teeth when we don’t brush. The bacteria in plaque are a direct link to cavities and can also irritate our gum tissue, causing it to be red. Plaque can also be in-between our teeth and on our tongue. With that being said, we brush and floss to remove plaque; preventing the chance of cavities

CAVITY FREE CLUB

forming and have healthy (pink) gums. Mouth rinses can help freshen breath, strengthen teeth (fluoride) and eliminate bacteria. Floss removes food debris and plaque from inbetween the teeth. This is the perfect trio to a healthy smile! At Home Oral Hygiene Steps: 1. Apply a small pea size of toothpaste on the bristles of the toothbrush 2. Place the toothbrush against the gums and teeth at a 45° angle 3. Move the brush in gentle circular motions back and forth on the outer surfaces and repeat the same for the inside and chewing surfaces of all the teeth for two minutes 4. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria 5. Floss, using your middle fingers and thumbs to guide the floss. Make a shape of a “C,” when flossing.

CAVITY FREE CLUB

Welcome Spring CAVITY FREE CLUB

5108 Jersey Ridge Road Davenport, Iowa 52807

563-355-0437 abcdentistry@mchsi.com

Dr. Alex Brandtner

Cavity Free Club Winner February Winner: 5 year old - Andrew Johnson

www.alexbrandtnerchildrensdentistry.com

Located Inside South Park Mall next to Von Maur

CAVITY FREE CLUB

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

CAVITY FREE CLUB

accepting new patients

Monday – Friday 6:45am to 5:30 pm Safe and stimulating environment in a new state of the art building with high tech security and an access control system to enter the facility.

T eaching Strategies GOLD® , The Creative Curriculum®, and Handwriting Without Tears® to engage your children

U se of green cleaning products to promote the highest health, and cleanliness standards

Certified nutritionist approved lunches and snacks

E xtracurricular Activities: art, martial arts, music, dance

3445 Spring Street Davenport, IA 52807 Phone: 563.359.9899

www.RedRoverCLC.com

Cookies by Design

3382 Middle Road - Bettendorf IA 52722 563.332.4311 800.224.4387 www.IowaCookies.com M-Fri 8am-6pm Sat 10am-4pm QC Family Focus - april 2013

DAVENPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY

CHECK OUT THE NEW

MONEY SMART WEEK EVENTS Regularly scheduled weekly events will include Money Smart Week content.

Saturday, April 20 Community Shred Day: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Fairmount Branch Library (3000 N. Fairmount Street) Sew What?: 2:30 p.m. Eastern Avenue Branch Library (6000 Eastern Avenue)

Monday, April 22 Pillows & Pages: 6:30 p.m. Eastern Avenue Branch Library (6000 Eastern Avenue)

Tuesday, April 23 Zinio Digital Magazine Online Collection  

Full Cover to Cover Edition Always Available - New Issues

 

Multi-Access

View from your personal computer and mobile device

Kid Creations: 3:30 p.m. Fairmount Branch Library (3000 N. Fairmount Street)

Friday, April 26 Preschool Story Time: 10:00 a.m. Eastern Avenue Branch Library (6000 Eastern Avenue) Fairmount Branch Library (3000 N. Fairmount Street)

Baby Story Times

Toddler Story Times

Preschool Story Times

(0 - 24 months)

(24 - 36 months)

(3 years - 5 years)

Mondays at Fairmount

Wednesdays at Fairmount

Fridays at Fairmount

Tuesdays at Eastern

Thursdays at Eastern

Fridays at Eastern

Checkout all of Davenport Public Library’s excellent resources & programs at 321 Main Street | 3000 N. Fairmount Street | 6000 Eastern Avenue | 563.326.7832 14

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

National Endowment for the Humanities Awards America’s Music Grant to Area Libraries The Bettendorf, Davenport, Moline, and Rock Island Public Libraries have been awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities grant to present the program America’s Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway. As one of 50 grant recipients nationwide, these four libraries will feature public programs focusing on 20th century music genres that are uniquely American and how they are ingrained in our nation’s history and culture. The cost for each event is FREE unless otherwise noted! For more details about the grant or for event times and locations, visit www.americasmusicqc.com. Here is a listing of the dates and times of the events taking place in the Quad-City Area.

BLUES AND GOSPEL

ROCK

Thursday, April 11, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. River Music Experience Kickoff and Blues Performance featuring The Candymakers

Monday, May 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bettendorf Public Library Film Screening & Discussion

Tuesday, April 16, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Rock Island Main Library Film Screening & Discussion Wednesday, April 17, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Davenport Public Library, Eastern Avenue Branch Film Screening & Discussion

BROADWAY AND TIN PAN ALLEY Monday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Moline Public Library Film Screening & Discussion Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. River Music Experience Film Screening & Discussion Wednesday, April 24, 7:00 p.m. Moline Public Library - Broadway performance featuring The District Theatre and Tristan Layne Tapscott

COUNTRY AND BLUEGRASS Monday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Film Screening & Discussion Tuesday, April 30, 7:00 p.m. Bettendorf Public Library Bluegrass performance featuring River Town Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bettendorf Public Library Film Screening & Discussion

Tuesday, May 7, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Rock Island Main Library Film Screening & Discussion Thursday, May 9, 6:00 p.m. Rock Island Main Library Rock performance featuring Meet the Press

MAMBO AND HIP HOP Monday, May 13, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Davenport Public Library, Eastern Avenue Branch Film Screening & Discussion Wednesday, May 15, 7:00 p.m. Davenport Public Library, Eastern Avenue Branch Hip Hop performance featuring Midwest Academy of Dance Thursday, May 16, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Western Illinois University - Quad Cities Film Screening & Discussion

SWING JAZZ Sunday, May 19, 6:00 p.m. River Music Experience - Polyrhythms Third Sunday Jazz Performance featuring The Bill Bell Trio $10 general admission, $15 reserved seating. Tickets available at the door or call 309-373-0790. Tuesday, May 21, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. River Music Experience Film Screening & Discussion Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Moline Public Library Film Screening & Discussion

CELEBRATING AMERICA’S MUSIC IN THE QUAD CITIES Thursday, May 23rd, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Western Illinois University-Quad Cities

Come hear the stories of America's Music in the Quad Cities, and share your own. The final evening of the America's Music program will celebrate the great variety of music heard in the Quad Cities over the last fifty years as recorded in the archives of our public libraries and in your memories. Bring your stories, and your instruments too: we invite performers to an open mic to close the evening.

QC Family Focus - april 2013

Don’t miss out on the exclusive Scout events at the Putnam Museum! Brook Breitsprecher Putnam Museum

Daisies: Global Girls Jr., April 13, 2 - 5 p.m. It’s Global Girls for Daisies! Scouts will visit the mummies of Egypt, the Fu Dogs of Asia, and the wildlife of Africa as they travel the Exhibit Halls to play games, make crafts, and learn about cultures from around the world. Along with the exhibits, they will learn about one culture in depth as they watch a movie in our National Geographic Giant Screen Theater. Travel the world right here at the Putnam! No need for passports or packing bags here. Brownies and Juniors: Global Girls, April 26, 6 - 9 p.m. Visit the mummies of Egypt, the Fu Dogs of Asia, and the wildlife of Africa all right here at the Putnam. Scouts will travel the exhibit halls where they will play games, make crafts, and learn about cultures from around the world. Then they will learn about one culture in depth as they watch a movie in the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater. No need for passports; your trek around the globe begins and ends here. K-5th Grade Scouts: Math Maniacs, April 19, 2013, 6 - 9 p.m. Math is everywhere! Use your mathematics skills to engineer a device that weighs very little and can still endure pressure, water, and a giant drop! Watch Tornado Alley on the Putnam Museum’s National Geographic Giant Screen to witness math in action. This fun event will help you earn your mathematics belt loop. Daisies: Teddy Bear Tea, May 11, 2 - 5 p.m. Come join us for a spot of tea! Bring your Teddy bears and tea cups for an afternoon of tea and activities. Scouts will decorate cookies while they drink tea and juice, then go through the Museum to make crafts and play games just like girls from the early 1900s. A wonderful way to enjoy a day at the Putnam! For more information or to register, contact Alice Loff at 563-324-1054 ext. 266 or Kara Fedje at Fedje@putnam.org. Advance registration is required.

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

QC Family Focus - april 2013

Education Building a Business Tawnya Hambly Public Relations Director, Junior Achievement of the Heartland - www.jaheartland.org

Have you ever heard the expression, “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”? What do you think this statement means? If money doesn’t grow on trees, where does it come from? There are several ways we can acquire money. We can receive it as a gift; we can sell things; and we can work and earn it. In this article we are going to learn about earning money by starting a business. Many young people earn money by starting their own businesses and becoming entrepreneurs. An entrepreneur is someone who creates and organizes a new business. These creative individuals determine a better way to provide a service or develop goods for customers. It is ideal for young people to be entrepreneurs because they can set their own hours around school and other activities. To be successful as an entrepreneur you need to be honest, trustworthy, and reliable. You also need to be able to manage money. When starting a new business it is important to consider all of your expenses upfront. An expense is the amount of money you will pay for all the supplies and other items needed for your business. Activity: Tia plays softball at the community sports field and notices that the vendors who sell lemonade and pretzels seem to sell a lot in the afternoon and on weekends. She asks her dad to help her grill hot dogs to sell at the fields. He agrees to work for free, if she will put half the profits into a college fund. A profit is the money earned after all expenses have been paid. This is the money Tia will get to keep. Tia and her dad base their research on selling 100 hot dogs. Help them decide what to buy and how much to charge to make a reasonable profit. • Decide the amount of each of the following items needed for 100 hot dogs. • Search your local grocery store fliers or visit a grocery store to find the price of each item. 18

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

Hot dogs (Amount needed; total cost): ___________ Hot dog buns (Amount needed; total cost): _______ Ketchup (Amount needed; total cost): __________ Mustard (Amount needed; total cost): ___________ Plates, napkins, wax paper to serve hot dogs (Amount needed; total cost): _________________ Optional: water, soda, or chips to sell on the side (Amount needed; total cost): _____________ • Add all the costs and divide by 100 to see what your expense will be for each hot dog. Total cost of expenses (Add all costs): ___________ Cost per hot dog (Total cost divided by 100): _____ • Decide on price to charge for each hot dog, so that you can make a profit. Price to charge per hot dog: ___________________ Things to keep in mind: • What will happen if Tia prices her hot dogs too high? • What will happen if Tia sells her hot dogs for less than her expenses? Starting a business takes a lot of planning and hard work. It’s important to determine expenses before starting a business to make sure you are able to achieve your goals in earning money. Did you know? April is National Financial Literacy Month. Visit the JA Student Center at jaheartland.org for more fun money management lessons and activities. *This lesson is a part of the JA More than Money® curriculum developed by Junior Achievement and HSBC.

Dedication

Sunrise.. Sunsets... It’s a sight to see!

James Zahara Storm Team 8 Chief Meteorologist - WQAD HD News 8

We have received some very spectacular photos that are sent to my television station from multiple lightning strikes to near knee-deep in heavy snow. What also makes the top of the list is the amazing sunrises and sunsets that take place around here. You’ve probably noticed the sunset while riding with your parents near the evening hours. Did you ever wonder what causes such brilliant colors in the evening and when the sun rises in the morning? Here’s how it works. White light coming from the Sun contains all colors of light from red to blue. The air molecules in Earth’s atmosphere do not scatter the majority of the colors, but they do scatter some blue light. This effect causes the blue sky. In the morning and evening hours around sunrise or sunset, the angle of the sunlight takes a much longer path through the atmosphere than during the middle part of the day. With more scattering of the sun’s rays the colors reaching the human eye early or late in the day are more red or orange. The same thing happens when the Moon is just above the horizon before rising high enough to look more white. Pollution softens the sky’s colors, because the particles of dust and dirt are scattered and are of varying sizes, so the wavelengths of light passing through the particles are mixed. This lets us see muted or rustic orange appearance to the sun. `The best sunsets can also occur when there are at least a few high clouds. Higher clouds are hit

by the sun’s rays before they pass through the lower atmosphere. So, the next time you see a beautiful sky, you will know what caused it! Do you have a weather question for James? If so, have an adult in your life log on to Facebook and go to our QC Family Focus page. Have them leave a question for us. If we choose your question, we’ll come to your school and let you ask James a question on camera! It will air on the Good Morning Quad Cities with Jim, Julie and James!

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Double the Chaos, Double the Love! Jenny May Shannon, QC Mothers of Twins Club

It’s a girl! And another girl! Your friend had twins (or more) and is now home. You’re wondering how to help her in these early days, but you’re afraid of calling and disturbing the now larger family. So how can you help? First, CALL HER! Don’t text her, don’t send her a Facebook message. Chances are she’s able to put you on speaker while feeding kids easier than getting online or using two hands to text. Tell her you are planning to visit, don’t just ask if you can. Multiple moms, like other moms, read every mommy blog, parenting magazine, web article and Pinterest post prior to the arrival of their little sweeties and feel it imperative to be supermom! When reality sets in, she starts doubting herself as a parent. When you visit, take an easy-to-heat casserole and plan to be there several hours. Don’t be surprised when she apologizes for how her house looks or says she doesn’t need anything. Supermom can’t admit she needs a break. Don’t tell her how tired she looks, she feels bad about that already. Ignore the spit up stains on her pajamas. Ignore the fact her shirt may be misbuttoned or that her socks don’t match. Cuddle the babies, change diapers, and give baths while she takes

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a shower. It’s amazing how even a short shower can make you feel like a different person. While you sit and chat about feeding schedules, fold that load (or 4) that is sitting next to the couch. Offer to throw in another load. Make a grocery list and offer to go since you “are going there anyway,” even if you’re not. If she refuses, insist on keeping the babies so that she can shop. Find out when the next QC Mothers of Twins Club meeting is and offer to babysit or help dad with duties. Multiple moms often need to be pushed out of the house for anything social. She needs the time away and needs the support of other multiple moms. At the end of your visit, schedule another visit, and stick to it. Most of her friends have offered to help, but few have followed through. Your help will give her the confidence she needs to tackle one more sleepless night. Your time and extra set of hands are better than any set of matching dresses you could buy. The QC Mothers of Twins Club meets the first Thursday of every month at 7pm at the Deere-Wiman Carriage House in Moline. Their spring sale is May 4th at the Plumber and Pipefitters Local 25. Contact QCMOTC@gmail.com or Jenny at (309) 6441395 for more information.

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QC Family Focus - april 2013

Youth Become Savings Sleuths Kim Fein R.I.A. Federal Credit Union

What kid wouldn’t want to throw on a trench coat, dust off an old magnifying glass and slap on a play moustache to become a detective for a day? Children everywhere are intrigued by the thrill of mysteries and the detectives that solve them. Little do these kids know they also have the ability to tap into detective mode by investigating ways to save and becoming a credit union savings sleuth. Introducing kids to their inner savings sleuth will help lead them down the path of saving. Visit RIA Federal Credit Union during the month of April and help us celebrate National Credit Union Youth Week. This year’s theme, Savings Sleuth, Solve the Mystery, shows youth and teens how RIA can help them use their own instincts and credit union resources to meet financial goals.

Whatever young sleuths are saving for, we can give them the clues they need to investigate ways to save. Through a series of activities, the young savings sleuths in your life will uncover the mystery of saving. Join Axle in the fun of becoming a Savings Sleuth!

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april 2013 • QC Family Focus

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Money Smart Poster Contest

Are you in 2nd – 6th grade? Can you create a poster that answers the following? There’s a lot to learn about money. What should you know now? If you can, you could win a $200 savings bond. The poster contest is open to students in second through sixth grades, and the deadline to enter is April 19, 2013. Turn in completed posters to Jill Dubin, Quad City Bank & Trust, 2118 Middle Rd., Bettendorf. For complete rules, QCvisit Family moneysmartweek.org/ms_kids_ contest, and click on MSW Kid Quad Cities Poster Contest.

Congratulations to Spencer Bell from LeClaire, IA. His coloring page entry won 4 tickets to Scooby-Doo Live at the FocusAdler - AprilTheatre 2013 QC Family Focus last month. MIX Deliver MIX Delivers Ad

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QC Family Focus - april 2013

Just For Kids!

Kid’s Calendar Free Kids Craft Day Saturday, April 20th John Deere Pavilion • 10:00am-4:00pm Theme: Water - Craft: Water Cycle Bracelets

Family Night April 19, CASI Families can learn together why financial literacy is important, basic skills of budgeting, needs vs. wants, saving, comparison shopping and more. For details call CASI at (563) 386-7477. Scout Nights April 22, (K-5) Bettendorf Public Library April 25 (6-12), Moline Public Library Scouts can earn a special event badge for Money Smart Week as they learn money management skills like budgeting, needs vs. wants, saving, comparison shopping, and more. Registration deadline: April 15 Boy Scouts – www.illowabsa.kintera.org/ MoneySmart2013 Girl Scouts – www. girlscoutstoday.org/calendar

Hey Kids,

Here is your chance to enjoy the most exciting form of family motorsports entertainment on the planet. The stars of the show are the biggest performers on four wheels: the Monster Jam trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over - OR smash through. One winner will win a 4 pack of Gold-Circle Tickets! Have an adult in your family enter the contest below! Name__________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________________________State_____________________________________ Phone number________________________________________Email____________________________________ I pick up my copy of QC Family Focus at_________________________________________________________ I want to go the Monster Trucks show because_________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Send Entry Forms To: Monster Jam!, C/O QC Family Focus Magazine, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, IA 52722 Only one entry per child. Must by Postmarked by April 17th. Good luck!

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

Just For Kids! Enter To Win A Chance to Be a Bat Boy/Girl For the River Bandits! Hey Kids, Have you ever wanted to be in the dugout with the River Bandits? If so, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your chance. Have your parents enter the contest below! Name__________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_ ______________________________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________________________State_____________________________________ Phone number____________________________________________________Age of Child_________________ I pick up my copy of QC Family Focus at_________________________________________________________ I want to be a River Bandits Bat Boy/Girl because_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Send Entry Forms To: River Bandits Bat Boy/Girl Contest, C/O QC Family Focus Magazine, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, IA 52722 Only one entry per child. Must by Postmarked by April 15th. Good luck! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see you at the game!

QC Family Focus - april 2013

U Ru r G le am e

Pay It Forward

Emma Kate Wichman Miss Scott County’s Outstanding Teen When was the last time you did something nice for someone else? Do you recall a time you’ve volunteered unexpectedly? How does it make you feel when you read about or see someone pay it forward? I have developed a local project where I’m challenging all residents in Eastern Iowa to “pay it forward,” to volunteer, or do something nice for others. People who are one or 100 can absolutely participate, as there are a wide-range of things that can be done. My project is called “E.P.I.C. Mission: Pay it Forward” where my goal is to get as many people – children, teens, and adults - to volunteer. My determination to instigate this movement all started when I was ten and my little brother was born prematurely six years ago. He had to be in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for an extended stay. It was scary to see my baby brother sick with all the other little babies wrapped up in cords at the hospital. During this time though, someone anonymously gave our family a blanket and that made me feel like someone cared about what my family was going

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april 2013 • QC Family Focus

through; someone we didn’t even know. Soon after, I realized that I wanted to do the same for other families. Since then I have made, collected, and delivered over 300 blankets to Neonatal Units across Iowa. That one blanket given to us created a ripple effect where many families benefitted. It’s been amazing to see the results of paying it forward! I realize that making blankets for families with sick babies may not be how everyone wants to spend their time volunteering. So I share with others the acronym “E.P.I.C.” which stands for: “Explore your Passion, Inspire (others) and Commit (to the project). I want you to find your passion so you can have fun when volunteering, and then commit by helping a cause you fully support. International Pay It Forward Day is April 26, and April is considered Pay it Forward month, so consider this article your charge to make a difference! It’s easy and I hope you will take the challenge this month! Here’s what you should do: 1) G o to my link and make the pledge to pay it forward: https:// sites.google.com/site/epicmissionpayitforward/ There, you will share with me your commitment and plans to pay it forward. I want to get 5,000 people to take the pledge and promise to pay it forward. 2) G o “like” the Facebook Page, “E.P.I.C. Mission: Pay it Forward.” There you will be inspired by daily quotes and be able to read stories of others who are making a difference in the world. Thanks, in advance, for making time in your life to Explore your Passion, Inspire and Commit.

Parents, mentors, and career planning for students

R r G ule am e

Kirk Marske Career Cruising Quad Cities, Director

“I wish they had this when I was in school!” That’s a comment I frequently hear when I talk to parents and employers about Career Cruising Quad Cities, the program that enables today’s students to explore their careers of interest on-line, in the classroom, and in the workplace. Students at more than 40 schools in the QCA use Career Cruising Quad Cities (CCQC) to discover, explore, and experience their career interests through on-line assessments, comprehensive career profiles, and detailed educational resources. They can post questions for local career coaches and experience careers in the workplace through activities like job shadowing, mock interviews, and company tours. Students using CCQC can create their own individualized career plan called “My Plan”. Their plan is a record of the information learned while using

CCQC - careers of interest, education plans, and financial aid information can all be saved to their plan. If something in CCQC is interesting, informative, or important to them, they can save it to My Plan with the click of a mouse. The CCQC experience is not limited to school hours. Students can use CCQC any time, from any computer, which provides an opportunity for parents and mentors to get involved in a student’s career exploration experience. How can parents and mentors support their student’s CCQC experience? There are 2 ways – by accessing their student’s plan to review (and provide feedback on) their career development progress, and by volunteering for CCQC. Registering for access to a student’s plan is easy. Simply have your student log in to their plan at www.CareerCruising.com. Next, click on “Share My Plan”, then “Invite parent/guardian”. After your student enters your e-mail address, you will get an e-mail with an activation code and a link to the parent portal of Career Cruising. Using the activation code, log into the parent portal to view your student’s The more you insure with Allstate, the less you pay. plan and provide helpful feedback viewable by your In fact, safe drivers who insure their home and car student. can save up to 33%. Add coverage for your motorcycle, Volunteering for CCQC is another great way boat insure or ATV and even more. firstpay. to see to support an important program provided by your e more you withsave Allstate, the Call lessme you how much you caninsure save. their home and car fact, safe drivers who student’s school. Whether you provide a company profile, volunteer as a career coach, or offer workn save up tomore 33%.you Add coverage for your The insure with Allstate, themotorcycle, lessRd you pay. Christy Cox 5159 Utica Ridge The more you insure with Allstate, the less you pay. based learning activities, you will help Quad City In fact, safe drivers who insure home andsee car (563) 359-4079 oreoryou insure with Allstate, the less youtheir pay. Davenport, IA 52807 at ATV and save even more. Call me first to In fact, safe drivers who insure their home and car area students put their futures in focus! 5159 Utica Ridge Rd. can save upinsure to 33%.their Addhome coverage t, drivers who andfor caryour motorcycle, Ph 563.359.4079 wsafe much you can save. Davenport can save up to 33%. Add coverage for your motorcycle, To learn more about participating in Career boat Add or ATV and save evenmotorcycle, more. Call me first to see ve up to 33%. coverage for your ChristyCox@allstate.com Cruising Quad Cities as a parent or volunteer, boat or ATV and save even more. Call me first to see how much you can save. r ATV and save even more. Call me first to seeRd Ste 200 Christy Cox 1140 E Kimberly visit the Employer and Parent pages at www. how you can save. much you canmuch save. IA 52807 (563) 359-4079 ChristyDavenport, Cox CareerCruisingQuadCities.org. There are Student 5159 Ridge Rd. 563.391.1226 Ph Christy Cox (563) 359-4079 Christy CoxUtica and Educator pages, too. 5159 Utica Ridge Rd. (563) 359-4079 (563) Davenport 359-4079 You didn’t have the benefits of Career Cruising Davenport ChristyCox@allstate.com 5159 Utica Ridge Rd. 5159 Utica Ridge Rd. Quad Cities when you were a ChristyCox@allstate.com Davenport Davenport Discount subject to terms, conditions and availability. Actual savings will vary. Property insurance is subject to student, but you can enjoy its Now availability. Allstate Fire offering and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company. ChristyCox@allstate.com ChristyCox@allstate.com benefits as an adult - register two locations to today!

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Career Cruising Quad Cities is a web-based career exploration program administered by Junior Achievement of the Heartland in partnership with The Moline Foundation.

QC Family Focus - april 2013

U Ru r G le am e

Appropriate and Inappropriate Uses of Standardized Tests

(Note: This is the second in a series of three articles focusing on the ACT. Part One of the series addressed the topic, “What is the ACT?” Part three will discuss the ACT College Readiness Frameworks.)

Standardized tests are tests that are administered to large populations of students and normed nationally to allow for valid comparisons between and among individuals and groups. In previous eras, the purpose of public schools was to “sort and select” students for college and careers. Due to norming, standardized tests, by definition, are designed to separate students based on what is being measured, and thus served that purpose. However, many jobs from bygone eras have vanished. Students that enter kindergarten this fall will be vying for jobs that currently don’t exist. Today’s call is to “raise the bar and close the achievement gap for all students”. The goal is to graduate more students with increased levels of proficiency and foster higher order thinking skills. Standardized test do not adequately meet those needs. Leading assessment expert Rick Stiggins advocates for a system of Balanced Assessment. Traditional standardized tests are what he calls

“annual tests”. Educators recognize that the greater focus should be on “classroom assessments”, which formatively assess student growth toward learning targets and provide real time information for teachers to adjust their instruction. (Notice the shift from the word “test” to the word “assessment”.) Annual tests ensure some measure of accountability to demonstrate that learning has, in fact, occurred, but they provide lagging data rather than the timely and useful information that teachers and students need. Top international educational change and school improvement researcher Michael Fullan asserts that the top achieving and the most rapidly improving countries invest their resources in capacity building, while the United States continues to spend (not invest, my distinction) billions of dollars on accountability, which does not improve teachers’ ability to assess learning and plan instruction. I would assert that taxpayers would be appalled if they knew how much money was spent on standardized testing and compliance and how little was spent on improving assessment and instructional practices. For nearly a decade, Illinois has perverted the ACT by utilizing a test designed to separate students to measure mastery against a fixed target. The ACT is a valid predictor of success in the freshman year of college, it provides some useful information for accountability purposes, and it encourages higher order thinking skills. However, when legislators, the business community, and media misuse test results through ignorance or intent, it becomes dangerous and counterproductive for children and schools. That concept will be explored further next month when we take a look at the concept of college and career readiness. Dr. David Moyer is the superintendent for Moline School District No. 40. He has presented at multiple state and national conferences on assessment, organizational alignment, professional development and institutional change. He earned his doctorate in educational administration from Northern Illinois University. Moyer received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin, where he majored in English. He returned to the world of K-12 education after a career as a college baseball coach. A published author and book reviewer, Moyer has studied society and educational issues from a wide variety of perspectives.

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

We all know paying for college isn’t easy. But how cool would it be if you could win a $1,000 scholarship for going on a geocache, or scavenger hunt? Just collect information on money management and answer eight quiz questions. Blackhawk College and Scott Community College will be joining 10 colleges and universities across Iowa in Money Smart Week’s newest event, “GeoCache for College Cash”. One lucky student will win the grand prize—a $1,000 college tuition provided by the Iowa JumpStart Coalition.

In true geocache fun, participating students search for eight objects and leave proof they found them. In this case, students are searching through information on eight personal finance topics to find QR codes. Using their cell phones or computers, students will leave proof—answers to quiz questions—to show they found the information. Topics include: student loans, debit cards, credit scores, auto loans, starting a business, identity theft/cyber security, budgeting, and paychecks. Each time students leave an answer, they’re entered in the grand prize drawing. Correct answers will provide two chances, while incorrect answers get one for the drawing. Some colleges are also adding their own prizes, such as free sandwiches, gift certificates, and items with school logos. For details, check the website for the latest information: www.moneysmartconference.com and click on the GeoCache logo, or ask in the student affairs office at one of these participating colleges: - Blackhawk College, Quad Cities - Coe College, Cedar Rapids - Cornell College, Cedar Rapids - Des Moines Area Community College, Des Moines and Ankeny - Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge - Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs - Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids - Kirkwood Community College, Outreach campus, Marion - Mt. Mercy University, Cedar Rapids - Scott Community College, Quad Cities - University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls

Be sure to tune into WHBF on April 7th at 10:35pm for the next episode of Rule Ur Game. The only Quad City Show where Quad City teens are the reporters and they feature stories about the great things happening in their schools. We always visit at least 4 schools across the area, two from Illinois and two from Iowa. Rule Ur Game is hosted by WHBF Sports Director Jay Kidwell and produced by Mickle Communications! Go to our Rule Ur Game Facebook page and “like” us. Then suggest some stories we could cover at your school. QC Family Focus - april 2013

U Ru r G le am e

Plan Ahead to Get College Financial Aid

THE

Kelly Hendershot, Marketing Communications Officer, DHCU Community Credit Union

DHCU members can ease their minds with a low cost Student Loan. Designed to help fill the educational funding gaps, DHCU Student Loans* offer significant cost-savings and member-friendly terms. With one application, we will qualify members for a Line Of Credit for their undergraduate degree (up to $40,000).** The financial aid process is simplified by early decision making. In the junior year of high school, you should sort through career and college possibilities and narrow your choices. Remember, aid can vary significantly between public and private institutions. Many parents who recoil at private college tuition later find that a bigger financial aid package can equalize the final cost. Start to explore financial aid possibilities by registering with free online sites that offer information about scholarships and financial assistance such as FastWeb.com or FinAid.org. The real work begins in the fall of the senior year of high school when you start completing college applications. Use our college budgeting tools to compare college costs with your savings and your “estimated family contribution” (EFC). The EFC represents what the government or the college thinks your family should contribute to your education. Several sites help students determine the EFC, including FinAid. If you haven’t done so already, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges and universities set their own deadlines for receiving a completed FAFSA, usually beginning in February or March. You must formally accept the college’s financial award, which usually is required sometime before June 1. Specifics about your award letter are detailed on our website in a series of video tutorials at https://www.dhcu.org/students/ college_financing_101.php. Keep a copy of all information for future reference. If loans are part of your financial aid package, applications should be completed in May or June, if possible. Even students who fail to qualify for government loans often can obtain loans from private sources, including DHCU Community Credit Union. Plan to repeat this financial aid application process every year while you’re in school. Scholarship deadlines for incoming freshmen start falling in early autumn. We’d be happy to talk with you about the student loan process. Call 309-796-7500 in the Quad Cities, 563-244-6506 in Clinton, 800-323-5109 toll-free, email info@dhcu.org or visit any DHCU location to tell us what else we can help you with. *Important: Be sure to always exhaust low-cost Federal Loans before applying for any “private” or alternative” loan (including the Credit Union Student Choice Loan). **Subject to credit qualification and annual credit review.

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

POWER To REDUCE ENERGY BILLS

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Concussion and Your

Young Athlete By Todd Hubbard, D.C., M.S. Faculty Clinician, Palmer Chiropractic Clinics

One topic that has received a lot of attention in the press lately is the growing concern about concussions among young athletes. While it is true that those athletes playing football are at risk of having a concussion, anyone is susceptible to this injury. In the United States alone, emergency rooms see approximately 180,000 sports-related concussion patients each year. Many more go unreported, or worse yet, not even recognized. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that may change the way the brain usually functions. A concussion can occur when a traumatic bump, blow, or jolt to the head or to the body results in rapid whipping movement of the head. The injured person does not have to lose consciousness for a concussion to occur. If your child or athlete has had such a blow to the head or body, he or she should be monitored for any change in behavior, thinking, or physical performance and evaluated by a professional health care provider trained in concussion care. Most people who have had a concussion will experience a quick and full recovery. For others, however, the signs and symptoms of a concussion may last for days, weeks or longer.

Some common signs to watch for if you suspect a concussion may have occurred are: appearing dazed, confused or stunned; forgetting instructions; moving clumsily; answering questions slowly; any loss of consciousness; having mood and/or behavior changes; and cannot remember events prior to or after the injury. A person with a concussion may complain of having a headache or “pressure” in his or her head; be nauseous or have vomiting; have balance problems or complain of dizziness; have blurred or double vision; be sensitive to light or noise. He or she may feel sluggish or groggy and have memory problems. If your child or athlete has received a concussion, or you suspect one, remove them from play immediately. Even if you are not sure, the safety of your child is paramount. As soon as possible, have your child evaluated by a health care professional trained in the care of concussions. Do not make the mistake of evaluating the severity of this brain trauma yourself. Health care professionals have a number of options they can use to evaluate the severity of the concussion. Keep the child out of play until they are free of symptoms and the health care professional trained in concussion management has cleared them to return. For more information on concussions, go to www. cdc.gov/concussion/index.html.

Who takes care of you? Accidents can happen. When there is an injury to the head or neck consider chiropractic care to minimize symptoms and ensure a safe return to an active and healthy lifestyle.

Featured Doctor: Todd Hubbard, D.C., C.C.S.P., M.S. • Faculty of the Year 2012 • Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician trained in concussion management • Palmer techniques, Blair Upper Cervical, Thompson, Flexion Distraction • Chiropractic school physicals • 16 years of clinical experience

Davenport Clinic (563) 884-5801

Call for an appointment today.

Experience you can trust.

www.palmerclinics.com/qc QC Family Focus - april 2013

Options to Reduce or Eliminate Your Need for Glasses

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

cataractous, we replace the clear lens, which focuses poorly, with an Advanced Technology IOL, which allows clear vision and reduces dependence on glasses. This eliminates the need for cataract surgery in the future, as a cataract can never form after Refractive Lens Exchange. It solves the refractive problem with one lifetime surgery that reduces your dependence on glasses. Additionally, we can correct a much wider range of nearsightedness and farsightedness with this surgery than with LASIK. Refractive Lens Exchange is the best option for presbyopic hyperopes (farsighted people who need glasses for distance with a bifocal for near). For patients with high amounts of nearsightedness, the Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) is a revolutionary refractive lens that can correct vision up to –15 diopters of nearsightedness. This lens is a posterior chamber implant that is situated behind the iris and in front of the natural crystalline lens. It is also known as a Phakic IOL. It’s an option for people who do not qualify for LASIK due to thin corneas, excessive dry eye, extreme to moderate nearsightedness and large pupils. These are just some of the tools currently at our disposal to reduce your need for corrective lenses. Like LASIK, all are considered elective procedures, and as with any surgery, all risks and benefits must be weighed for each individual and individual results will vary. Talk to your eye care professional about what option might work for you. The joy of independence from glasses can be obtained for most people. The *IntraLase FS* and *iFS* Laser Systems are ophthalmic

The most well known procedure to eliminate or reduce dependence on glasses or contacts today is LASIK. By using laser energy to reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea) nearsightedness, and some farsightedness and astigmatism, can be corrected. The femtosecond laser (IntraLase or iLASIK), creates the flap by accurate application of energy within the cornea. The excimer laser then gently reshapes the cornea creating the proper shape for light to focus correctly on the retina. NASA astronauts and U.S. pilots can have laser vision correction surgery today because of the exclusive, validated safety and precision performance of the IntraLase Method. With the latest femtosecond laser, the iFS laser, patients experience faster visual recovery, fewer dry eye symptoms, and maximum flap stability. Unfortunately, not every patient qualifies for LASIK, but, today we have a wide variety of options to correct refractive error and help you gain independence from glasses. You can reduce or eliminate your dependence upon glasses or contacts following cataract surgery with Advanced Technology Treatment options. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens. Most cataracts are related to aging. To restore clear vision, the cataract must be surgically removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens implant (IOL). Cataracts are removed and replaced when they interfere with your daily activities, and the benefits outweigh the risk for you. Eye Surgeons first introduced Advanced Technology IOLs enabling patients to see at multiple distances (multifocal and accomodating IOLs) to the Quad City’s 15 years ago and astigmatism correcting implants (Toric IOLs) when first approved, about 10 years ago. In recent years, ESA has carefully monitored the international development of the femtosecond laser for refractive cataract procedures. Thousands have now been successfully performed worldwide. Spring Park Surgery Center in partnership with Eye Surgeons Associates and Genesis are the only eye care group in the area to acquire the CatalysTM Precision Femtosecond Laser System to perform laser refractive cataract surgery. The accuracy and precision of the laser promotes optimal positioning of Advanced Technology IOLs to reduce or eliminate glasses. Cataract surgery has reached such a height of perfection and safety that we are now able to offer its benefits to patients who just want to decrease their dependence on glasses. With Refractive Lens Exchange, we don’t wait for the lens to become cloudy and

surgical lasers indicated for use in patients undergoing surgery or treatment requiring the initial lamellar resection of the cornea. Contraindications may include corneal edma, glaucoma, and keratoconus. Risks and complications may include corneal pain, flap tearing, and epithelial ingrowth. Patients are requested to consult with their eye care professional for a complete listing of contraindications and risks. U.S. Federal Law restricts this device to sale, distribution and use by or on the order of a physician or other licensed eye care professional. The OptiMedica CatalysTM Precision Laser System is indicated for anterior capsulotomy and laser phacofragmentation during cataract surgery. The anterior capsulotomy and phacofragmentation procedures may be performed either individually or consecutively during the same surgery. Contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse events will be reviewed prior to consent.

Richard Phinney, M.D.

Dr. Phinney, a cornea specialist, sees patients in Eye Surgeons Rock Island and Geneseo offices. Eye Surgeons Associates provides your best vision for life with 10 convenient locations in Iowa and Illinois. For more information visit www.esaeyecare.com.

Just Like A Trusted Friend . . . Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Be Here When You Need Us

www.WeertsFH.com Kimberly at Jersey Ridge Road | Davenport, Iowa 52807 | 563.355.4433 | m.weertsfh.com from web-enabled cell phones

QC Family Focus - april 2013

Dr. Matthew Wilber named Panel Physician of the Year

With a passion to help his patients feel better, recover and succeed from the minute they step into his office, Dr. Matthew Wilber, a foot and ankle specialist at Orthopaedic Specialists, is determined to better people’s lives. For his work at the Trinity Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center in 2012, Dr. Wilber was recently honored with the Panel Physician of the Year award. Dr. Wilber received the award from Healogics (healogics.com), a leader in outpatient wound care management services focused on providing exceptional outpatient wound care. The Panel Physician of the Year award is based on physician dedication, performance, outcomes and high standards of care. “I am surrounded by great people, and this was a team award. When you come to the Wound Care Center, you will receive dedicated and personalized care. We want our patients to have a positive experience here with us, and we also want them to know that they will have someone who cares about them and their family,” said Dr. Wilber, who has been working at the Wound Care Center for more than 16 years. “We’ll be part of your family for a while, and we want you to be a part of ours.” In addition to his role at the Wound Care 34

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Center, Dr. Wilber is also a board-certified physician in wound care and foot surgery at Orthopaedic Specialists. Many of the patients Dr. Wilber sees at the Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center are diabetic. No matter how small or superficial the wound, it is important for diabetics to see a wound care specialist. That’s because diabetics have a more challenging time healing wounds than nondiabetics. In addition, foot and ankle wounds are even more likely to cause diabetics problems. Diabetes is a leading cause of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputations in the U.S. “It’s a great feeling to help change people’s lives, and we learn something new from our patients every day. If they need a hug, we will always be there for them, to help in any way we can, and to help our patients achieve the best results possible,” said Dr. Wilber. “There is nothing more rewarding than when a patient comes in facing an amputation, and you send them out walking. That’s what it’s all about.” Dr. Wilber sees about 70 to 80 wound patients a week at both the Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline, Illinois locations of the Trinity Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center. The Trinity Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center has trained staff to help answer your questions and manage insurance concerns if you would like more information or are in need of wound care services. Referrals are common, but not required to be treated at the Wound Care Center. Nearly a third of Dr. Wilber’s patients are call-ins new to the center requesting more information. Orthopaedic Specialists is made up of a team of surgeons and healthcare professionals focused on minimally invasive procedures and new advancements in care that get their patients back to an active lifestyle quicker. To learn more about Orthopaedic Specialists, call 563.344.9292 or visit OSQuadCities.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/Orthopaedic-Specialists-PC.

When you need orthopaedic care to get back to 100%, choose the doctors of OS. There is no guessing who’s best for your unique needs because each OS doctors’ specialty is what they do – and all they do. No one else has the expertise. No one else offers the same results. Don’t settle for second best.

Choose OS – the only path in the Quad Cities to a better experience and better results.

John Hoffman, M.D. • Tuvi Mendel, M.D. • Tyson Cobb, M.D. Michael Dolphin, D.O. • Matthew Wilber, DPM, CWS fellowship trained specialists with advanced training in foot & ankle • hand & upper extremity • spine sports medicine • total joint replacement

OSquadcities.com • Davenport • Bettendorf • Moline • Clinton

Call (563) 344-9292 for an appointment

QC Family Focus - april 2013

Step Down Your Shopping to Save Money

Phyllis Zalenski Family Resource Management Specialist, Iowa State University Extension

In this tough economy with high unemployment rates, flat wages, and rising prices for many household expenses, many people are looking for “deals.” Frugality is “in” and people at all income levels are seeking ways to lower their expenses so they can save more and/or repay debt. A good way to save money is to “step down” by finding ways to buy things inexpensively to get more for your money. Like the smoking cessation product where nicotine is reduced gradually, “stepping down” reduces household spending in gradual stages instead of eliminating spending on an item completely. To visualize stepping down, imagine a staircase with four steps. On the top step is the most expensive way to buy an item and on the floor below the bottom step is the least expensive purchasing method. An example might be buying pancakes for breakfast. The most expensive method (top step of the staircase) would be going to a “sit-down” restaurant. The next step down would be to buy pancakes at a fast food outlet. Go down two steps on the staircase and you might buy frozen pancakes at a supermarket or pancakes prepared with a mix. At the “floor” of the staircase would be the cheapest method of pancakes prepared “from scratch” (i.e., dry ingredients). “Stepping down” can also refer to the frequency or amount of a purchase as well as where it is made. For example, you may decide to eat out two or three times a month instead of five or six. You’re not completely eliminating what is obviously a pleasurable activity. You’re simply taking steps to reduce the cost. Or you might “step down” by eliminating an appetizer, drink and/ or dessert when you eat out. Again, you’re still enjoying an activity (e.g., restaurant meal), but doing so for less money (and calories!). “Stepping down” works especially well with “discretionary” expenses such as clothing, shoes, gifts, home furnishings, toys, and housewares. Steps of spending, from top to bottom, might include shopping at department stores, discount stores, factory outlets, consignment stores, and thrift shops/flea markets/garage sales. Again, the more steps one goes down, the greater the realized savings. Fortunately, there are many places to practice the “step down” shopping method these days such as garage sales, flea markets, consignment stores, thrift shops, and online resale Web sites such as ebay and Etsy. According to an article, “Save and Schmooze,” in the AARP Bulletin, 36

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thrift shops are increasingly becoming community centers as well as great places to find bargains. Many thrift stores are operated by non-profit organizations as fund-raising enterprises. Donors get receipts for a tax deduction, shoppers get great bargains, and a nonprofit agency gets some badly-needed cash to run its human service activities. In other words, a real “winwin-win” for all involved. Consignment stores are operated as both for-profit small businesses or as fundraisers for non-profit organizations. Consignment stores split the profit on items offered for sale with their previous owner, thus affording people an opportunity to both make money on unneeded items and find great bargains. The next time you need to buy something, consider “stepping down” in your home town by visiting a thrift shop or consignment store. You’ll not only find items at very attractive prices but you’ll be helping to support a local small business or non-profit agency. Remember, one person’s “trash” is another person’s “treasure.” You never know what you might find.

CE LE R AT I ON ACQUAD CITIES

ACCELERATION: WHERE SERIOUS ATHLETES TRAIN LIKE THE PROS.

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Access the most advanced and effective training anywhere, for any sport. Try our four, eight and twelve week programs and training camps for strength, speed and much more.

LEARN ABOUT THE ACCELERATION DIFFERENCE:

CALL: 563-355-7601

QUAD CITIES

Have Debt?

Get Help!

Kelly Hunt, Credit Counselor Consumer Credit of the Quad Cities If you have debt, ask yourself if you could use some help with that debt. Now I know some of you will say, “I make my payments on time. I don’t need help.” Maybe you don’t need help, but would you like to see your balances go down quicker? Who wouldn’t? There are several ways to get help with your debt. I will discuss self-pay plans, bank consolidations, debt settlement, bankruptcy and our debt management program. I will also give a couple of referrals for types of accounts that we cannot help negotiate in case they may apply to you. Self pay plans are when you call up your creditor directly and ask them to set you up on a monthly repayment program at, ideally, a lesser payment and with a lower interest rate. They may offer either long term programs (more than a year) or short term programs (under a year). Some may offer to reduce your payment, but may not lower the interest rate which will help from a cash flow standpoint, but will leave you paying on the debt longer. Another downside will be that your creditors may or may not offer these types of programs so it will really be a hit or miss type of thing. Typically when people discuss debt consolidation they are commonly referring to a consolidation loan at the bank. The advantages to this include one monthly payment that, hopefully, is less than what you are currently paying. The interest rate on the loan may be lower and the interest expense may be tax deductible depending on the type of loan. The disadvantages can include turning unsecured debt (debt without collateral) into secured debt (attached to collateral example: house, car) which could result in higher penalties for missing payments (foreclosure, repossession). Once the consolidation happens and you pay off all of your credit cards, unless you close them, it allows you to start charging on them again. This could result in large credit card balances again with little to no equity to offset it. Lastly, although the interest rate may be lower, with the extended payoff time you could end up paying more in interest. Debt Settlement is where the “Pennies on the Dollar” ads come in to play. They advertise that they can “settle your account for a portion of what you owe”. These companies can do that, however there is a catch! You will make monthly payment to them which they will hold in an escrow account. Your debts will have to fall delinquent and charge off. Once you have enough money saved up, they will go to the first creditor and settle. The final creditor may not get paid for up to 3 years or more. Your creditors do not have to agree to wait that long and could possibly take you to court in the mean time. The interest and fees will continue to accrue making the balance much bigger over time. Fifty cents on the dollar 3 years from now will not be as good as fifty cents on the dollar today. These companies also have large fees associated

with them. They typically charge a fee for their service and also charge a fee based on the amount they save you. The creditor can send you a 1099 form at tax time for the amount you saved and you have to claim that on your income taxes. All of these additional costs cut into the overall amount you will save. Settlements are not a bad idea for somebody who is already delinquent, but they are something that you could negotiate yourself instead of paying large fees to someone else. Bankruptcy is yet another way to take care of your debt. There are a couple forms of bankruptcy. Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 are the most common two. Chapter 13 requires a repayment program where Chapter 7 does not. Chapter 7 will stay on your credit report for 10 years where Chapter 13 stays on there for 7. Bankruptcy may be able to give you a fresh start, but can make it difficult to obtain credit, buy a home, get life insurance or sometimes even get a job. If you are interested in finding out more about bankruptcy you should contact a bankruptcy attorney. Lastly is a Debt Management Program (DMP). Most DMP’s are started through a non-profit credit counseling agency such as Consumer Credit of the Quad Cities. Through a DMP the agency works with you to set up a budget and develop a plan to repay your creditors. The agency works with the creditors to reduce monthly payments, lower interest rates, stop late and over-limit fees and sometimes the creditors will give you a chance to bring the debt current as well so it will no longer show late on your credit report. The advantages to a DMP can also include one monthly structured payment instead of making payments to several creditors and the accounts are closed to prevent additional charging while on the program therefore making it so the balances will continually go down. As good as a DMP is, there are some disadvantages too. There will mostly be an enrollment fee and a monthly fee. However these fees are usually more than offset by the interest rate and creditor fee savings. When the creditors close the accounts it could affect your credit score. Your credit score will generally bounce back with consistent payments and the reduction of balances while on the program. Agencies cannot adjust payments on student loans or secured debts in a DMP. If you are having problems with your student loans, please contact College Education Services. Their phone number is 855-794-3419. Also, if you are having mortgage problems and need housing counseling, please contact HUD at 800-569-4287 or United Neighbors at 563-322-7363. E-mail your comments and questions to info@toomuchdebt.com. QC Family Focus - april 2013

Bettendorf Health Care Center

A Place To Call Home

2730 Crow Creek Rd • Bettendorf, IA • (563) 332-7463 • We offer skilled rehab 6 days a week. That means you can get well and go home. • Our elegant dining area comes complete with china, crystal, linen table cloths and fa mily-style dining. • You never know when you might need special care. That’s why we work closely with all area hospitals and accept admissions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • We are conveniently located on Crow Creek in Bettendorf. •We offer tours of our facility 7 days a week! • Activities for all ages and abilities, a variety of religious services, and a caring and competent staff.

When you can’t go home, we’re the next best thing! 38

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

Do your plans need a check-up? Curtis Ford Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP Even the healthiest person needs a periodic medical checkup. Similarly, even the best estate plan – whether will or a trust based - needs periodic review. Even if you were in peak health a couple years ago, some things may have changed, requiring you to revisit of your health plan. Maybe your blood pressure needs medication. Maybe you have high cholesterol, which is capable of being controlled with adjustments to diet or medication. Like your health, your estate plan needs a periodic checkup. Here are a few items which might lead to a change in your estate plan. • Changes in the Law Just as there may be medication updates in health, changes in the law may have a large impact on your estate plan. Not only do tax laws change frequently, non-tax laws also change periodically, opening the doors to new opportunities that were not available when your estate plan was drafted. • Changes in Your Life Just as with your health, circumstances change. Maybe since you created your will or trust you have had changes

in your family: marriage, divorce or the birth of children. Is everyone in your family protected in view of these updates? • Changes in Desires Even if there are no changes in the law or your life, sometimes we simply change our minds, leading to a change in plans. For example, if you named a close friend as your children’s guardian and he or she has moved out of the area, it may be time to name a new guardian, someone whose residence will allow your children to remain in the local area if something would happen to you. If you already have a will or trust in place, be sure to review your plan with your attorney; there may be new factors and laws to consider. And, just as with your health, if you notice important changes in your circumstances, you should schedule that review sooner, rather than later. If you are just starting out and do not have an estate plan, or you have moved to a new state, be sure to find a qualified estate planning attorney, who focuses his or her practice in estate planning. Nash Nash Bean & Ford are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. To receive a copy of our most recent newsletter “Your Estate Matters” or for a free consultation on Estate or Long Term Care Planning, call 800-644-5345. You may also contact our firm by email at info@nashbeanford.com or visit our website at www.nashbeanford.com. The firm devotes its practice primarily in the areas of estate, business and tax planning and related areas of the law, as well as elder law and trust administration and probate. We offer guidance and advice to our clients in every area of estate planning. This column is designed for general information purposes only, and is not intended, nor should be construed or relied upon, as legal advice. Please consult your attorney if specific legal information is desired.

Estate Planning Seminar from the Law Offices of Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP Your Family’s Future Depends on the Decisions You Make Today. Attend this important seminar and learn:

For us, planning our estate is about love, not death.

◆ The advantages and disadvantages of trusts and wills. ◆ How to plan your estate to minimize Illinois estate taxes. ◆ How to protect assets inherited by your heirs from lawsuits, divorce and other claims. ◆ How to protect your estate and provide for yourself and your family if you become incapacitated.

◆ What a Power of Attorney will and will not do for you. ◆ How to protect your home and assets from high nursing home costs. ◆ How to protect children from being unintentionally disinherited in second marriage families. ◆ How to plan your estate to make sure it passes to your family most efficiently.

CALL 1-800-644-5345 or VISIT www.nashbeanford.com to learn about our next seminars in APRIL and MAY Attend one of these seminars and you’ll receive, a FREE, one-hour, private estate planning consultation to answer any questions you have about protecting your Estate and IRA.

Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP • Attorneys and Counselors at Law John Deere Rd. at 5030 38th Ave. Ste. 2 • Moline, IL 61265

445 U.S. Hwy 6 East • P. O. Box 63 • Geneseo, IL 61254

The Attorneys at Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP speak to area residents about living trusts and estate planning. They have helped hundreds of Illinois families plan their estates.

Seating is Limited, So Call 309-944-2188, (309) 762-9368 or 1-800-644-5345 Now! 24-Hour Seminar Reservation Line or Reserve Online at www.nashbeanford .com

QC Family Focus - april 2013

Do You Have A Red Folder? David W. Deuth, President of Weerts Funeral Home

Perhaps you read my column last month and decided to move forward with establishing or updating your “Plan”: things like your Will, Living Will/Advance Directives, Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Life Insurance, Funeral Preferences and so on. Collectively, these items are part of your overall Plan…that’s “Plan”, with a capital P. There may be other considerations, of course, and everyone’s situation will naturally vary somewhat. That fact notwithstanding, one simple, timeless fact trumps all: ten out of ten people die. And your Plan – or lack thereof – will have an impact on the people you care the most about. Whether that impact is positive or negative depends upon how effective your Plan really is. TO PLAN . . . OR NOT TO PLAN You’ve probably heard it before: no one plans to fail, they simply fail to plan. So you’ve recognized the need and have begun to establish your Plan. Perhaps you’ve had a Plan for some time and chose to update it. In either case, good for you – you’re way ahead of most! Your family will surely thank you for it one day. In either case, it’s vital to give special consideration to the location of some of the time-critical documents in your Plan. If you have established Power of Attorney documents or Health Care Power of Attorney documents or have outlined instructions in a Living Will/Advance Directive, will your family know where to find these documents when they need them? DO YOU HAVE A RED FOLDER? It all started several years ago when Linda and I updated our own Plans. I wanted to make certain that she would know where to find the Power of Attorney documents, the Health Care Power of Attorney documents and the Advance Directives we had established. If ever she had to call 9-1-1 because I had a medical emergency, it’s easy to understand that I wouldn’t be able to grab those documents if I’m the one 40

april 2013 • QC Family Focus

going in the ambulance! So I bought a couple of red file folders. In one, I placed all of my documents; in the other, Linda’s documents. They’re the only two red files in the desk drawer at home. We both know exactly where they are and what they contain. Now that our kids are both adults, they need to know this as well. If you’ve ever been to one of my “Things You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know” presentations, you’ve heard me talk about the red folder. It’s a simple but effective way to keep all your important documents in one easyto-spot location so you can have them at hand when you need them. TRAVELERS: Take copies of your red folder documents with you when you winter somewhere warm or take a vacation. But always be sure to leave your red folders – and the documents they contain – in one consistent location in your home. Your family will need to know where to find them! ANOTHER FILING RECOMMENDATION Any legal documents relating to health care decisions (e.g., Power of Attorney for Health Care/Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will, Advance Directives, etc.) are good additions to your medical file with your primary care doctor. Not only will your doctor appreciate having your written instructions/intentions on file, but this important information will already be in your medical file if you should ever require hospitalization or emergency procedures. WILL YOUR DOCUMENTS DO WHAT YOU THINK THEY WILL DO? Another critical part of your Plan has to do with the accuracy and validity of your documents. My recommendation is to always seek qualified legal professionals to prepare your documents. I like to say it this way: “If it doesn’t do what you NEED it to do when you NEED it to do what you GOT it to do…it’s about like not having it at all.” You get the idea. SO…DO YOU HAVE A RED FOLDER? Linda and I have placed copies of our health care documents in our medical files with our primary care physicians. Even so, we think our red folders may be the most important files in our desk at home. So…do YOU have a red folder? Give us a call or stop by. We’ll give you a red folder for your important documents – no cost, no question, no obligation. While we’re glad to give you the folder . . . it’s up to you to establish the necessary documentation that will make it the most important file in your desk. Will YOUR Plan do what you NEED it to do . . . when you NEED it to do what you GOT it to do? Don’t plan to fail. Plan well so the people you care the very most about can Remember Well.

David W. Deuth, CFSP, is a funeral director and the owner of Weerts Funeral Home in Davenport. He can be reached at 563.424.7055 or by email at Dave@ WeertsFH.com.

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March 16, 2013

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Are you thinking Cremation? Affordable, Attractive Butterfly Garden Available. We havefor other QR We have other QR codes maps as codes well. for maps as well. We have other QR codes for maps as well. Scattering, Ground Interment or Family Garden options. PINE HILL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 1530 E 39TH ST DAVENPORT IA 52807 (563)-391-5130 A Non-Profit Cemetery Association

CARING FOR THE QUAD CITY COMMUNITY www.pinehillcemeterydavenport.com

$875.00 for Space, Interment Butterfly Cremation Garden and Bronze Butterfly.

Historical Cemetery Moves into Modern General Price list Times

Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport Iowa has adapted to modern times of technology. Just about everyone has a computer of some kind and with that an internet connection. Pine Hill Cemetery is 158 years old but has developed access through today’s technology. If you have internet you can view our website at www.pinehillcemeterydavenport.com. There you will find information to all of our burials, maps and other sales information you may be looking for. Even farther advanced yet, with today’s smart phones and tablets you can scan QR codes to find specific information with click of a button. You will need a bar code reader app and an adobe reader as all files will be pdf format.

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Burial Record

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Butterfly Cremation Garden

We have other QR codes for maps as well.

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