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QC Family Focus - April 2015 1 Congratulating North Scott and PV on a great championship basketball game
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
April 2015
Wisdom & The Ches T Serving Eastern Iowa & Western Illinios
QC Family Focus By David W. Deuth, President of Weerts Funeral Home
Publisher: Mike Mickle Editor: Karen Mickle Copy Editor: Mark McLaughlin Magazine Design: Jessie Smith Photographers: Ashley Hempel • Tassy Johnson • Nick Benhart Shannon Colgan • Estelle Nester Jennifer Jayne Photography Videographer: Harry Walker
Contributing Editors
Shamus Budde David W. Deuth Evin Ersan Dana Fee Kim Fein Heidi Flato Christine Gradert Tawnya Hambly Steve Hillman Sydney Hinton Heidi Hotvedt Brandy Keller Angie Kendall Lisa Lockheart Cindy Mahr Sherri Marceau Laura Mergen Mike Mickle Traci Nelson-Johnson Amanda Owen Van Horne Palmer Chiropractic Clinics Ellen Reilly-Christie Senior Star Shannon Swanson Karen A. Wadsworth James Wymore 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 2015.
here was a time during junior high when I played my share of chess. Several of my friends, I discovered, were pretty good chess players, and my intrigue for the game intensified as I watched them maneuver – and out-maneuver – one another in matches that were often lengthy and occasionally exhausting. As I first began to learn the in’s and out’s of the game, the objective quickly became clear: protect your own King while reducing your opponent to checkmate by cornering his King. At its most basic aspect, the game of chess finds its opponents in possession of an equal number of playing pieces to begin the contest. Each opponent’s pieces have equal capabilities and are placed in identically opposite ultimate objective for suc positions on the board; by all accounts, a level playing Two of my frien INE ILL EMETERY field at the outset. views on SSOCIAT the role of the TH Because each playing piece is both offensively 1530 E 39 ST open up the playing field empowered and defensively capable, it is D the player’s roam about freely, creatin AVENPORT IA 52807 breadth of knowledge of each piece’s capabilities – and opportunities against his (563)-391-5130 its corresponding limitations – coupled with depthCemetery of he lost his Queen during A Non-Profit Association strategy that ultimately determines the outcome of each had effectively employe CARING FOR THE QUAD CITYhisCopponent. OMMUNITY match. against www.pinehillcemeterydavenport.com Most numerous among the playing pieces on On the opposite si the board, Pawns comprise the entire front line for so valued the capability o each player. Limited in movement and comparatively he protected her at any c abundant, Pawns are often considered much more throughout a match, his dispensable than their higher-powered counterparts in was often preserved at th the back row: Rooks, Knights, Bishops, and, of course, other important pieces. the Queen and the King. Indeed, one can lose all eight In the end, more of his Pawns and still win the match by preserving his quite a margin – the play singular King. to action was the victor On the Front Cover: Al’x Lule, Of particular interest to me at that time was the the capability of the Que by Jennifer Photography. fact that thephotographed retention of the most powerful Jayne piece, the capability for offense and Queen, was not the determining factor in winning or and he never lost sight o to Tom Williams from Colona, IL. He waschess the winner our losingCongratulations the match. Conversely, protecting and retaining match:ofprotecting h February contest. Tom won dinner for two at Texas Roadhouse! one of the least powerful pieces, the King, was the contest, it isn’t the player wins…but the one whose Thus, in the chess Pine Hill Cemetery Association well to understand the dif Davenport Iowa important . . . and what re as someone o WatchFor QC Family (563)391-5130 game is over, Focus come tothe lifeKing Non-Profit Perpetual Care same box. on television each Pre-Planning There’s some w Friday. Cost Saving Benefits Remember Well. Guaranteed prices W. Deuth, FamilyDavid Focus Friday Funeral Home in Daven www.pinehillcemeterydavenport.com only on WQAD’s midday newscast. 563.424.7055 or by emai
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MONTHLY The Prescription Says “READ”
MOTHER’S EYES DURING PREGNANCY
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Does Your Child Have a Tough Time with Talking?
Seasonal Allergies & Chiropractic Care
october 2011 • QC Family Focus QC Family Focus - April 2015 3
Your Mickle’s Worth
by Mike Mickle I remember when the children were younger, many evenings I would count the minutes until bedtime. We were frazzled, sometimes frustrated and most definitely exhausted. Now, I just count the moments. With Kyle being a junior it seems like we’ve entered a time machine and we are moving at warp speed. He is on the varsity basketball team for Pleasant Valley. We suspected the team would have a successful season. We have some very talented athletes who are also a great group of young men. What transpired during the month of March, I’m not sure any of us really expected. The boys made it to the state tournament. That’s not a surprise. However, the wave of emotion that swept over the team, their siblings, parents, grandparents and other family members caught many of us off guard. As the boys made it through sub-state, the first round at state, the final four and then on to the championship game, the excitement began to build. Also, along the way so did our awareness. Winning games is great. It’s exciting. Yet, it can’t compare to the feeling you have when you look on the court and see a group of young men, who truly love each other like brothers, cheering each other on during the game, giving high-fives during the time-outs and hugging after the final basket. As we watched these young men play, not for themselves, but for each other, we became keenly aware that much of our work as parents is done. Sure, we’ll be here to pick them up if they fall, listen if they want to talk, offer advice when needed and we’ll never stop loving them, but this is it. They have their value system in place, their own moral code and their own list of priorities. As the boys stepped on the court for the championship game, we knew it was the last time this group of incredible young men would ever play basketball as a team. A chapter was ending for them and for us. Mixed with the pride and desire for them to win was a sense of loss. The PV boys chose the motto “one team, one family” this year. It not only applied to them. It applied to the parents. We carpooled to the out of town games, had dinner together after the local ones and cheered for each other’s son. After all, we’ve watched these boys grow up together. They travel from house to house on weekends hanging out together. I began to realize, in just over a year, when Kyle heads off to college, many of his friends will as well. The seniors
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
on this year’s team are already in the home stretch of high school and Kyle and the other juniors are not far behind. This experience became much more than a basketball game. I watched as Kate cheered on her brother and the other boys she has grown up with. I listened as Matt told me his practice plan for the Spring and Summer because he wants to help his team make it to state when he’s a Junior. I was amazed by the number of people who texted me to wish the team good luck and the number of people who drove to Des Moines to cheer the boys on. The boys came in 2nd at state. Another great group of young men took first. The North Scott team played a great game. As the game ended, the tears flowed. The moment was over. The chapter had ended. Reality hit home. It wasn’t so much the loss that hit everyone. Sure, we would have loved to walk away state champs, but this time the feelings ran much deeper. We had been part of an incredible experience, something special that can’t be repeated. Nothing is more difficult for a dad (or at least this dad) than seeing his children cry. It reminded me, there is no rewind button. There are no do-overs. There’s one shot. Make the most of it. I want our children to live by a simple philosophy. “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” This time, I think we’ll have to graciously accept both. Kyle, Carter, Will, John, Diante, Chase, Jeffrey, Mikey, Kyle D., Kevin, Austin and Trevon, thanks for the memories. Parents, take it from a dad who is experiencing it first-hand, time passes quickly. Enjoy the moments. Editors Note: Be sure to check out our #MacStrong tribute to North Scott and Pleasant Valley on page 26.
Watch the next Rule ur Game on April 18th at 1 pm on the Quad City CW Channel 26. It’s the only show where Quad City teens are the reporters and they are reporting on the great things happening in their schools!
QC Family Focus - April 2015 5
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Month of the Young Child
Technology in the Crib Heidi Flato Verizon Wireless
Technology for babies is making its way into cribs and, in some cases, directly onto the clothing and accessories that babies wear. There are already a few inventive players in the wearable- and baby-tech space who are establishing themselves with parents of infants. Sproutling, Withings and even a smart-onesie creator, Rest Devices, are changing the way we monitor and keep our babies safe while they sleep. Parents have used baby monitors for years, and it’s the approach most are comfortable with. The Mimo baby monitor from Rest Devices takes that feeling of comfort to the next level by offering a kimono-like onesie with respiration sensors that relay real-time information and data about an infant’s sleep status, breathing pattern and body position to a parent’s iOS or Android mobile device. Sproutling has taken a different approach to infant-monitoring by creating a wearable band that fits around a baby’s ankle and is equipped with a smart sensor that detects heart rate, skin temperature, motion and position. It communicates via the app on the parent’s phone and lets them know if their baby is safely asleep. The Smart Baby Monitor from Withings lets parents hear, see and talk with their baby, offering complete interaction from anywhere, at any time. The high-def video feed can be zoomed in up to four times, and parents can even speak to their little one through the Withings iOS or Android app. Technology in the nursery will continue to evolve as companies uncover new and innovative ways to help parents keep their babies safe.
Fun for all, big and small.
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3016 E. 53rd St., Davenport, IA 52807 | (563) 359-8500
Month of the Young Child
QC Family Focus - April 2015 7
The First 2,000 Days Brandy Keller Red Rover Children’s Learning Center
Between the time a child is born and when they start kindergarten, there are about 2,000 days. Those 2,000 days are some of the most important days in your child’s life. A child’s brain is the only organ not fully developed when they are born, which makes brain development so crucial at an early age. Everything a child learns in the early stages of life stays with them through adulthood in some way or another. Studies have shown that 90% of brain development occurs at this time. Brains are built from the bottom up, so it is very important to set a good foundation for them to grow on. These are all reasons why early childhood development is so important at home, as well as at a childcare or learning center. The first 2,000 days are for developing relationships, experiences and environments. Kids need to be rooted in good health, strong caring families, and high-quality early learning and school experiences. Many people and organizations are getting on board with how unbelievably important these 2,000 days are to our children, and how they will succeed later in life through high school and college. You can be on board as well. If your child is in a childcare or learning center, make sure to check that they use a good curriculum and that overall, they have the goal of loving and nurturing your child and letting them explore. If your child isn’t in a childcare or learning center, look at what other learning experiences you can give them while interacting with other children their age. Make sure your child is getting a lot of time with books! Whether you are reading or they are looking at the pages, both are very important to their literacy development. Talking with your children is very important. Research shows that the more a child is talked to/with, the better they perform on tests of cognitive development. The opportunities to talk with your child are endless, from when you are feeding them a bottle, reading them a book, or singing them to sleep at night. More talking, more communicating equals a child learning words and how to interact with people. Healthy diets for you and your children will also set them up for success in their day-to-day lives, as well as how they develop in the future. The most important thing is to use your available time to the fullest. Anything and everything can be a learning experience. Early exploration helps develop creative thinking and problem-solving. It helps your child have the ability to communicate and get along with others, along with controlling emotions and the ability to self-motivate. It can be easy to get overwhelmed, thinking that you might not be doing enough for your child. But, don’t get discouraged. The best thing you can give your child is your time and love. If you are continuously adapting everyday life into learning experiences, and giving your child time with other kids to develop socially, you are on the right track. Contact Red Rover Children’s Learning Center for information about pre-school or child care. Call 563-359-9899 or visit www.RedRoverCLC.com.
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
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Monday –– Friday Monday Friday 6:45am to 5:30 pm Monday – Friday Monday – Friday 6:45am to 5:30 pm 6:45am to 5:30 pm
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The Prescription Says “READ” Lisa Lockheart Publicity and Outreach Liaison Rock Island Public Library
Babies and toddlers visiting the Rock Island Community Health Care clinic now get a prescription for reading, thanks to the Reach Out and Read early literacy program and the clinic’s new Kendra Kaufman, a Physician Assistant with partnership with the Community Health Care, presents a book and Rock Island Library “Begin Reading Here” kit to Jessica Rock Island Public Dykstra, of Rock Island, and her son, Matthew. Library. In March, Community Health Care - Rock Island Medical Clinic started giving Rock Island Library “Begin Reading Here” kits to parents at wellbaby and well-child visits. Each kit includes a bib or a coloring sheet and crayons, early literacy tips for parents, and details on library cards and educational services for children under six. Parents can also take or leave a book from the free “Read with Max” library in the clinic’s pediatric and dental waiting rooms. The box of free children’s books carries the image of the Rock Island Library’s reading mascot, Max Reader Mouse. All that’s in addition to the children’s book that new patients already receive as part of the Reach Out and Read program. Medical staff at Reach Out and Read sites like Community Health Care prescribe books as a critical part of early childhood development, and provide advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. Fittingly enough, the library and the clinic kicked off the partnership during Read Aloud month, which encourages every parent to read aloud to every child for 15 minutes a day, every day. Preschoolers served by Reach Out and Read partners score three to six-months ahead of their peers on vocabulary tests. Reach Out and Read is a national partnership of medical providers that promote early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms as part of supporting healthy child development. “Getting books into children’s hands is a proven strategy for building positive feelings about reading,” said Susan Foster, Rock Island Library Children’s Services Director. “We’re so pleased to be able to work with Community Health Care to create the next generation of readers, and to support healthier families in Rock Island and Milan.”
Begin Family Fun Here. Rock Island Libraries Read with Rover
Reading practice with therapy dogs 5:30 pm April 13 at 30/31 Branch 5:30 pm April 27 at Southwest Branch
Play and Grow
Structured play group for 3 & under 10:30 am, April 9 & May 14 30/31 Branch
Fancy Nancy, from Circa 21
Fancy stories, crafts & fun. Wear your fancy clothes and join us! 6:00 pm, April 9, Main Library
Southwest Branch Family Crafts
Monthly, 6 pm on the 2nd Tuesday and 10 am on the 2nd Saturday April 14 & 18—Kites! May 12 & 16—Mother’s Day crafts Southwest Branch
Super-Powered Summer Kickoff
Games, prizes, performers & fun for all ages. Kicks off our Every Hero Has a Story Summer Reading program. Sat, May 30, 11am to 2pm Main Library 309-732-READ (7323) www.rockislandlibrary.org
Month of the Young Child
QC Family Focus - April 2015 9
LIFE SKILLS: Important Lessons to Teach
“Building the Foundations for Success”
Cindy Mahr In A Kid’s World Early Learning Center
With the increased emphasis on teaching the 1,2,3’s and A,B,C’s at younger and younger ages, parents (and teachers, of course) need to remember the other important lessons that our young children should learn – the sooner the better. At our early learning center we encourage the children to help us keep the center reasonably clean. When our schoolagers are helping sweep the cafeteria after snack, lp us families will many times comment that, “We sure do wish they would do that at home!” They are learning RESPONSIBILITY. Another important life-lesson that our ey children need to learn from an early age is to treat other people with by RESPECT. As they begin to ns play cooperatively with each other, the adults can encourage them to learn skills such as empathy, t caring and sharing. Of course the best way that ve high adults hopes that they will live up to is by modeling respectful can teach respect mpact farbehavior. into the future, as we are Children also learn from watching and to be responsible we are not watching how we listeningandtorespectful. us, so if talk to others, and most especially, how we talk to our children then the lessons they are learning may not be the ones we intend. n are natural helpers. Learning to clean As parents and teachers, it is important that we hey live in. These two-year-old boys are consider what kinds of adults that we wish our children to become. We certainly have high hopes that they will live up to our expectations. The lessons that we teach them now have an impact far into the future, as we are also raising the parents of the next generation. Let’s help them learn to be responsible and respectful.
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
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Month of the Young Child
Children Are Our Future: Let’s Protect That Future
25 WAYS
Angie Kendall Director of Development and Communication, Child Abuse Council Christine Gradert Senior Vice President, Family Resources, Inc April is such a beautiful time of year as we emerge from what always seems to be the “longest winter ever” and prepare for rain showers, gardens and outdoor play. It is also a month of hope and beauty. April is a time we come together as a nation to celebrate Child Abuse Prevention Month for every child, of every age in every community. Child abuse is a topic often ignored and rarely discussed as it brings with it ugly pictures and reminders of terrible tragedies in the world. While many hear about child abuse in the media, few realize its true prevalence in every area of our country. From rural to urban and coast to coast, child abuse is a major threat to our children’s health and our nation’s future success. Current research shows us that traumatic experiences early in a child’s life change the way a child’s brain develops, altering the way a child grows, learns and plays. Early childhood trauma has been proven to have a direct impact on later life success as it increases the likelihood of participating in risky behaviors, experiencing mental health challenges, and causing both minor and major disease and disability. This body of research (known as the ACE Study) has been replicated around the world and according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), proves that early childhood toxic stress is the single biggest indicator for later social and health malfunction that has ever been identified. While disturbing, this is good news. This means we can predict a number of health challenges and as Dr. Rob Anda, co-leading researcher of the ACE Study, reminds us, “If we can predict it, we can prevent it.” April provides us an opportunity to remind our community about the power of prevention. It allows communities to come together and have important conversations around supporting families and keeping children safe. Child Abuse Prevention Month is about hope, about resiliency, and about a nation of people coming together to say, “Children Matter!” In fact, the national symbol for child abuse prevention is the blue pinwheel. The pinwheel serves to remind us of the joy every child deserves. This month, we encourage you to be part of the solution. We ask you to do one thing every day to help keep children in our community safe. Seem impossible? It’s not. Child abuse prevention is about relationships, it’s about connections and it’s about being present and supportive. We have provided you a list of 25 ways you can prevent abuse in your community. From asking a child in your neighborhood about his favorite subject in school, to offering to watch your grandchildren for the afternoon, or complimenting a father in a grocery store for simply “being a great dad today.” The list of ways you can make a difference is neverending. For more ways you can prevent child abuse and neglect, visit the ‘now what?’ blog at www.childabuseqc.org where you can find a listing of 46 ways to prevent child abuse, as well as regular blog posts about how to be a better caregiver and community member so that together, as one, we put children first. Children are our future. Join us in helping to build a great one.
You can improve your community and protect kids
GET INVOLVED.
Become a foster parent.
Be an active community member. Connections make all the difference.
BE THERE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY • Offer to babysit a friend’s child for a night. • Ask your nephew about his soccer game. • Ask a friend for coffee, and And ask “how are you doing?” listen.
Eat dinner as a family.
Create family traditions.
Be a mentor. Be a positive role model. Ask for help.
Praise and encourage children. Talk about your child’s feelings often.
Tell a parent how much you admire them.
Get to know your neighbors. Rake a neighbor’s yard. Cook a meal for a neighbor.
Compliment a positive child/adult interaction.
Establish safety rules. Purchase your child a book on body safety.
BE THE BEST PARENT YOU CAN BE. Ask other experts for advice.
DIAL
REPORT any suspicions of child abuse or neglect.
911
1.800.4.A.CHILD NATIONAL HOTLINE
if a child is in immediate danger.
Month of the Young Child
SUPPORT PARENTS
IOWA 1.800.362.2178 ILLINOIS 1.800.252.2873
GIVE Donate to local child abuse prevention efforts.
www.famres.org
www.childabuseqc.org
QC Family Focus - April 2015 11
HEALTHY HABITS FOR Why Your Child’s Baby Teeth Are Important! HEALTHY HABITS FOR MOTHER AND BABY MOTHER AND BABY
Karen A. Wadsworth, R.D.H. Alex Brandtner Children’s Dentistry
Brooke Falline R.D.H., ABC Family It is important to understand thatDentistry your child’s baby teeth importance their basic functions, such as Thishave month’s articlebeyond is geared bed or put the child to sleep with a bottle in the crib. If Brooke Falline R.D.H.,of ABC Family eating and chewing theirdon’ts favorite foods. Our Dentistry office stresses towards the dos and you sleep with the child while he/she is breastfeeding, that the keymonth’s to bottle keeping your child’s teeth healthy at an early This article is and geared breast feeding, feeding bed orwill putbegin the child to sleep a bottle in the crib. If the child to think thatwith falling asleep occurs is decay prevention. Decay prevention towards the dos and don’ts theage proper overall nutrition for you of includes brushing sleep with theThe childsame while he/she breastfeeding, onlyyou when being fed. holds trueisfor placing teeth as soon as they breast feeding, bottle feeding andpresent with fluoride andyour yourchild’s little one(s). If you are aare the child will begin to think that falling asleep occurs the child in a crib with a bottle in hand. In essence, the propercaregiver overall nutrition for you newtoothpaste. mother, or educator, the function of helping the child to communicate. Premature whenisbeing fed. your The same truehabit for placing this only practice teaching childholds a poor of and your A smear toothpaste the size of a single grain of little of one(s). If you I hope to provide you with someare a loss of the front teeth due to baby bottle or nursing decay can the child in a crib with a bottle in hand. In essence, eating while they are lying down. We recommend rice is the appropriate amount to use for children 2 years new mother, caregiver or educator, important information to promote lead to speech problems, because the tongue does not have is teaching child a poor area habit of that this you practice breastfeed or bottle your feed in a different of age and younger. After brushing, you’ll want to wipe I hope to provide you For withchildren some 3 years of age and healthy habits to toothpaste. last a lifetime. those to bounce off of to enunciate while they are lying down. We out any excess othereating thanteeth where the child sleeps, wipeproperly. theirrecommend mouth important information toof promote youSome other or helpful tips to area those Breastfeeding and formula in a bottle are the and that older, a pea-sized amount toothpaste is recommended bottle feedin inaddition a different any teethbreastfeed present with a warm washcloth once mentioned earlier would be to assist your child with brushing healthy habits to for lastinfant a lifetime. normative standards feeding andnot nutrition. since they have the ability to spit out and swallow any other than where the and child sleeps, mouth they’ve finished feeding then place wipe themtheir in their their teeth until they reach the age of 8 years or finish second Breastfeeding and formula in a bottle are the However, there is aThe right wayshows and athewrong waybetween to crib.and excess toothpaste. picture difference any teeth present with a warm washcloth once grade. This recommendation is due to their lack of dexterity for infant and nutrition. create healthy standards feeding habits fromfeeding day one. First anormative grain-sized and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. they’ve feeding and place in their Prevention is the to a healthy mouth. We hope to reach finished their backkey molars and then to make surethem that they are there is teeth a right a the wrong way to Keeping healthy isand important; otherwise, and However, foremost, it is the important toway separate actions that crib. by promoting healthy eating habits from the start decay run eating. rampant throughout theofmouth, causing not doing a thorough job brushing all surfaces of their teeth. createcanhealthy feeding habits from day isone. of sleeping and The purpose this to beFirst Prevention is the early key tochildhood a healthy mouth. that Another it will also prevent decay. 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This month’s article is geared bed or put the child to sleep with a bottle in the crib. If towards the dos and don’ts of you sleep with the child while he/she is breastfeeding, breast feeding, bottle feeding and theJersey child willRidge begin toRoad think that falling asleep occurs 5108 the proper overall nutrition for you only when being fed. The same holds true for placing Davenport, Iowa 52807 and your little one(s). If you are a 5108 Jersey Ridge the child in a crib with a Road bottle in hand. In essence, new mother, caregiver or educator, this practice is teaching your child a poor habit of Davenport, Iowa 52807 I hope to provide you with some eating while they are lying down. We recommend important information to promote abcdentistry@mchsi.com that you breastfeed or bottle feed a different Dr. in Alex Brandtnerarea healthy habits to last a lifetime. other than where the child sleeps, wipe their mouth Breastfeeding and formula in a bottle are theabcdentistry@mchsi.com Alex Brandtner and any teeth present with a warmDr. washcloth once normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition. they’ve finished feedingClub and then place them in their Cavity Free Winner However, there is a right way and a wrong way to crib. March Winner: create healthy feeding habits from day one. First 4 year-old Alexis Ferguson Cavity Free Prevention is the key to aClub healthy Winner mouth. We hope and foremost, it is important to separate the actions that by promoting March healthy eating habitsold from the start Winner: February 2015 - 7 year of sleeping and eating. The purpose of this is to be that it will4also year-old Alexis Ferguson prevent childhood decay. Stay Abigailearly McCrery sure you do not confuse sleeping with eating. It is tuned for June’s article where I will be exploring in www.alexbrandtnerchildrensdentistry.com normal for an infantSouth to fallPark asleep while or detail the topic of tooth decay! Located Inside Mall nextsuckling to Von Maur being bottleCAVITY fed, but you doFREE not wantCLUB to breastfeed in www.alexbrandtnerchildrensdentistry.com
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QC Family Focus - MAY 2013
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
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QC Family Focus - MAY 2013
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MOTHER’S EYES DURING PREGNANCY James Wymore, MD Eye Surgeons Associates Pregnancy may have a variety of effects on the eyes and eyelids. Fortunately, most women experience no significant problems. Of those that do occur, some are related to physiologic changes and usually transient. Others may be associated with pre-existing diseases, or pregnancy may prompt new medical diagnoses. The following are some of the more common. Chloasma is a blotchy browning (pregnancy mask) that will sometimes affect eyelid skin. It tends to fade after delivery. The lids may also become swollen and droopy, probably from fluid retention. Spider angiomas, small dilated blood vessels, may arise on the lids as they do elsewhere. Corneal (window of the eye) sensitivity decreases during pregnancy, mostly in the third trimester. The corneal curvature may change as well, even with breast feeding, though some studies disagree on this point. Both are thought to be due to corneal swelling. These alterations may cause contact lens wearers to be more susceptible to damage from their contacts, and are also a reason to delay contact lens fitting or glasses change for at least six weeks postpartum. Eventually the changes reverse. If one experiences irritation or pain while wearing contacts, her eye doctor should be consulted. Lasik surgery, which is performed on the cornea, is not a good idea, either during or soon after pregnancy and delivery. Other temporary differences include decreased eye pressure, dry eyes, and increased light sensitivity with migraines. Eye pressure is generally raised in glaucoma, and thus is monitored to prevent worsening damage. Pressure checks during pregnancy may not be reliable, so women with glaucoma should be watched closely. It’s important to use as little medication as possible to control glaucoma in pregnant women. While this is a general rule in medicine anyway, it’s a little more crucial in pregnancy as the effects of glaucoma medications on the fetus are not fully known. Dry eyes may be treated with artificial tears obtained over the counter. It would be very unusual that dryness in pregnancy would be severe enough to require medication. Use of sunglasses is a good temporary solution for migraine sensitivity to bright lights.
Do you have a cute baby picture to share?
Post it on our QC Family Focus Facebook page. We’ll share some in next month’s issue!
Because diabetes is common, the effects of diabetes on the eyes are the most frequently encountered eye changes in pregnancy. A significant percentage of women may either develop diabetic retinopathy (leaking blood vessels in the retina, or nerve, of the eye), or experience worsening if the retinopathy was already present. The risk depends upon the severity and control of the diabetes, and presence of associated diseases. Diabetic women who become pregnant or are planning to do so should, with the aid of their health professionals, try to maintain as much control of their diabetes and blood pressure as possible. The eyes need to be monitored closely. Those who develop diabetes during pregnancy (gestational) usually don’t have to worry about eye damage. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (high blood pressure associated with other systemic problems) may be associated with decreased vision, blind spots, and double vision. These are thought to be related to hormonal changes combined with previous vascular disease. An entity known as central serous chorioretinopathy may occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. This is an accumulation of fluid under the retina of the eye, near or in the center of vision. The person affected might see a large spot in her vision, distortion, or objects appearing smaller. It usually resolves on its own without treatment. Loss of central or side vision, or development of double vision may point to worsening of an existing neurologic disease. Tumors involving the pituitary and other parts of the brain may grow more rapidly during pregnancy, impinging on the visual system, causing these types of symptoms. Labor and delivery, with the high rise in intravenous pressure from straining, will occasionally cause bleeding or swelling in the retina. Although this can be severe, usually there are no visual symptoms, and many times resolves without significant permanent damage. Pregnancy is certainly not a time when eyes are the first things on a women’s mind. An expectant woman, however, should not ignore visual symptoms. Much can be done to preserve sight in most of these situations I’ve outlined. By the way, if you are pregnant and reading this article-- Congratulations! Dr. Wymore, with Eye Surgeons Associates, is a board-certified general ophthalmologist. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Wymore practices at our offices in Rock Island and Silvis, Illinois. For more information, please see our website: www.esaeyecare.com. The material contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.
QC Family Focus - April 2015 13
Does Your Child Have a Tough Time with Talking? Amanda Owen Van Horne Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Certified Speech Pathologist Associate Professor at the University of Iowa
Do you worry that your child may not be communicating at a level that’s right for his or her age? It’s a concern many parents need to address. Parents often notice that children have problems saying speech sounds correctly as well as difficulty in putting words together. They may struggle to find the right words to say, replacing specific words with more generic words like “this” or “stuff”. They may leave out the small parts of speech (e.g., “him talking”). Preschooler and toddlers may refuse to talk to people because they are worried they won’t be understood or throw temper tantrums because they are frustrated at not being able to communicate. As children enter kindergarten and first grade, problems with speaking can soon turn into reading and writing problems. Kids with these problems can also have difficulties in learning to read. You may notice that they have trouble sounding out words. Sometimes, even when they can sound out words, they may not understand what they’ve read. Many times, they cannot communicate back the information they’ve just received. Fortunately, if these difficulties are caught and treated early enough, intervention can help to prevent social and academic problems in the future. One way for families to get help is to pursue treatment in the schools. Public schools can provide help from birth to age 21. They are legally required to provide free help for language concerns, as well as for intellectual or physical disabilities, if they affect academic performance. Private schools and clinics can also provide assistance. In the Quad-Cities, St. Ambrose University and Augustana College both offer the services of speech pathology clinics. Local universities also carry out research programs and train students to help children with speech and language disorders. Here are links to some informative online resources: What is language impairment? www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2001/010626/sli.htm What to expect your child to be able to do at different ages: www.asha.org/slp/schools/prof-consult/norms/ Iowa-specific resources: How to access services if you have a child birth to age 3: www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/early-childhood/early-access How to access services if you have a child age 3 to school age: www.mbaea.org/index.cfm?nodeID=76549&audienceID=1 Mississippi Bend AEA serves the QC in Iowa. www.mbaea.org/index.cfm?nodeID=77027&audienceID=1 Illinois-specific resources: Resources for birth to age 3: www.illinoislifespan.org/ Resources for school age: www.isbe.net/spec-ed/ For additional information, visit the University of Iowa Grammar Acquisition Lab website at clas.uiowa.edu/comsci/ research/grammar-acquisition-lab or call (319) 335-6951. 14
April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Does your child have a language delay?
Past Tense Intervention Research Study Purpose
To study how treatment materials affect how quickly children learn past tense using generally accepted treatment methods. Children receive up to 36 intervention visits free. Children receive up to $300 for participation. Caregivers may receive a summary of all testing for their child, whether or not their child qualiies to participate.
Who Qualiies?
4 – 9 year old English-speaking children who have trouble learning language and don’t have autism, hearing impairments, or mental retardation. Children who are not using past tense –ed verbs reliably.
Caregiver Responsibilities
Bring your child to a local site (school, daycare, community center) for up to 5 preliminary visits to evaluate your child’s communication skills. Allow your child to attend intervention sessions 2 – 3 times per week, for a total of 36 intervention sessions at an agreed upon location near you. Bring your child to the intervention site for testing sessions at the end stud of the study. You do not have to travel to the University of Iowa; we will travel to you. Contact the Grammar Acquisition Lab Amanda Owen Van Horne Ph.D., CCC-SLP University of Iowa Phone: (319) 335 – 8113 Email: amanda-owen-vanhorne@uiowa.edu
Month of the Young Child
PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST You can’t always avoid a rainy day
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QC Family Focus - April 2015 15
Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa…what is Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa? Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa strives to ensure that “Every child beginning at birth will be healthy and successful.” How does Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa ensure that “Every child beginning at birth will be healthy and successful” in Scott County? Through community involvement community priorities are established. The Scott County Kids Early Childhood board may contract with a community agency to provide a completely unique service or an already existing service may be modified or enhanced to meet a particular need. Often the limited funding Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa has is utilized to meet identified community need; other times, needs can be met through facilitating communication with the early childhood service providers. Our community is fortunate to have a vast array of caring early childhood professionals. What is the Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa Board? The Scott County Kids Early Childhood Board is comprised of community leaders in the areas of education, health, human services, faith, business and of course parents. How does Scott County Kids Early Childhood Iowa get the funding they disperse? From the Early Childhood Iowa state board. The state departments supporting Early Childhood Iowa are; the Department of Education, Department of Human Services and Department of Health. Funding must be for services for children prenatal through age 5. How does Scott County Kids decide how to spend funding? Through evaluation of community forum information and community data assessments the Scott County Kids Early Childhood Board has established community priorities. These community priorities drive funding decisions. The priorities are as follows: 1. Advance healthy physical and mental development for all children, with a priority to at-risk children. 2. Increase access to affordable quality learning environments for all children. 3. Increase awareness regarding the importance of the early years. 4. Increase positive relationships between children and parents. 5. Increase the number of center and home based providers meeting quality standards. Are the same services always funded? Not always. In addition to funding decisions meeting community priorities, funding decisions adjust to community resources as well. For instance if a funding source becomes available in our community to provide a service that Scott County Kids has traditionally funded, Scott County Kids would adjust or reduce funding accordingly. Any unobligated funding would then be contracted to another community priority. …and it’s not all about funding! We strive to enrich the early childhood system of Scott County. The system is made up of many private and public service providers – all working to better the lives of children.
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Helmet Use Heidi Hotvedt, RN BSN
According to the Centers for Disease Control traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in children in the U.S. Wearing a bike helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a fall from a bicycle reducing the risk of severe brain injury by 88%. Caring for Our Children National Health and Safety Standards, 3rd edition (CFOC) states that “all children one year of age and over should wear properly fitted and approved helmets while riding toys with wheels (tricycles, bicycles, etc.).” Approved helmets should meet the standards of the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and should have the “CPSC approved” sticker located on the helmet. Helmets should be removed from the child’s head as soon as the child stops using the wheeled toy to prevent a risk for strangulation. Best practice is for each child to have their own helmet. To prevent the risk of head lice when helmets are shared between children, wiping the lining of the helmet with a damp cloth should remove any head lice or nits. For more information on how to properly fit a helmet go to: www.safekids.org/video/bike-helmet-fit-test. Call your Child Care Nurse Consultant if you have any questions about child health and safety, or any special training needs. In Scott County, contact: Jessica Redden, RN, Child Care Nurse Consultant, Scott County Health Department, 600 W. 4th Street, Davenport, IA 52801, 563-326-8618 Ext. 8821, Jessica.redden@scottcountyiowa.com
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Are Your Children Culturally Aware? Dana Fee World Languages Teacher, Rivermont Collegiate
“Read the right words, Mommy!” my three-year-old son exclaimed firmly. I had high hopes of raising bilingual children when we started our family. I sang Dutch lullabies at night, read Winnie the Pooh in Russian, and taught him to say ‘bonbons’ instead of ‘candy’. But my attempt to read him stories at night in French, Dutch and Russian were meeting resistance. So how could I as a parent raise cultural awareness and open my children’s eyes to the wonderful world of diversity? Cultural literacy, a term coined by E.D. Hirsch, is a set of cultural facts known in a society. This cultural knowledge gives people the ability to understand and participate fluently in another culture. Just as a child learns language by immersion, she also learns to understand a culture by exposure. Children who can understand and accept cultural differences will grow up to become respectful adults with a competitive edge who can work toward solutions embracing the differences of colleagues and friends. What can parents do to help their children understand cultural differences? Exposure! While moving abroad would be ideal, for most families this is highly unlikely. However, Globalcitizendaily.com recommends many ways to boost kids’ global awareness in their own communities. Here are just a few ideas you can do at home. • Keep a globe or map in your child’s bedroom; mark places that
friends and family have traveled. • Google your entertainment. When a book or movie introduces a new country, take time to look up pictures and facts about the region. Google street view allows a site-seeing trip from the comfort of your home. • Expose your child to Music from various cultures. Find the Worldbeat station on Pandora and start dancing! • Food is always a sensational way to explore other cultures. Designate one night each month to dinner from another culture. Dine out at that new ethnic restaurant, or make it together yourself. • Attend community cultural celebrations like Cinco de Mayo or Greek Days. Take your children to cultural performances. • Learn another language together with great programs like Rosetta Stone and free apps such as Mind Snacks or Busuu. Enroll your child in language programs at summer camps where they can explore another language and culture with other children. Parents may feel cautious about teaching a cultural stereotype. However, the more we engage our children in the world and expose them to the richness of culture, they will recognize on their own that kids around the world do the same things but in different ways. Dustin Daugherty writes, “When we start their global education young, awareness of the world leads to interest in the world, which leads to understanding how we fit into that world.” Exposure to global cultures and modeling openness to people with culturally diverse backgrounds will help our children on the journey to be successful global citizens. This summer my three-year-old who is now a sophomore will be heading to Austria and France for two months. He may have resisted stories in Dutch as a toddler but he is off to explore the cultures of our wonderful world. Oh…and I bet he will enjoy eating some streudel and ‘bonbons’! A stamp in the passport is another step toward raising a global citizen. Other wonderful websites: • http://ed.ted.com • www.good.is • www.ourlittleearth.com • www.timeforkids.com/news-archive/world
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Over 70 exciting week-long courses beginning June 15th. New this year, private music lessons including: flute, clarinet, piano, saxophone, & cello. Visit www.RiveRmontCollegiate.org for more information and to download the course catalog. 18
April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles Educate Young Musicians
Now celebrating its 100th Anniversary, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO) is proud of its long tradition of providing the community with beautiful music. And, they are equally proud of their tradition of educating young musicians in the community, to ensure that the music never stops. Under the guidance of Benjamin Klemme, Music Director, the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles (QCSYEs) program has five performance groups – four youth orchestras and a youth choir – for students in grades two through twelve. “We couldn’t imagine a more dynamic and inspiring educator and conductor for these talented young musicians,” said Benjamin Loeb, Executive Director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. “He understands from his own experience as a young musician having grown up in the Quad Cities what’s needed to make this a superb musical experience.” Members have the opportunity to perform great orchestral and choral repertoire, learn from coaching sessions with professional QCSO musicians, and rehearse under QCSO Music Director Mark Russell Smith. “One of the most important missions of the Quad City Symphony is educating the young in our community,” Smith said. “For me, it is not just about the training of young musicians – which is indeed another of the very important things that we do – but it is about providing access to orchestral music to every student in the Quad Cities. Access to music is an essential part of any education, and the music we play represents some of the very finest creations ever made by anyone.” A Variety of Opportunities The five performance groups of the QCSYEs offer a variety of opportunities to young people in the community interested in pursuing music as an interest or career. “As QCSYEs’ music director, I conduct the program’s two most advanced orchestras,” said Klemme. “Youth Philharmonic Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra comprised of nearly 60 musicians between 6th and 11th grades, and Youth Symphony Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra made up of nearly 90 students between grades 8 and 12. Our ensembles are comprised of the most talented young musicians in the Quad Cities, and from neighboring communities in southeast Iowa and northwest Illinois.” The Youth Symphony Orchestra is the most advanced of the four QCSYEs orchestras. Students perform several times throughout the year in a variety of performance settings, including a Side-by-Side concert with the QCSO under the direction of Mark Russell Smith. The Youth Philharmonic Orchestra is an intermediate full orchestra that aims to prepare its members for musical participation in the Youth Symphony Orchestra. Students experience playing in a full orchestra with strings, winds, and percussion and original repertoire, as well as arrangements of great orchestral masterpieces. The Youth String Ensemble, conducted by Michele Ottesen, and Prelude Strings, conducted by Dortha DeWit, are introductory ensembles for young string musicians. Students
improve individual playing technique, develop ensemble skills, and gain valuable performance experience. The Youth String Ensemble is primarily intended to serve students in grades five through ten, while Prelude Strings serves grades four through eight. The Youth Choir, conducted by Mary Tallitsch, is a performance opportunity open to students in grades two through twelve. Members must have an unchanged voice, be able to match pitch, and sing well in tune with others. Participants improve individual vocal technique, develop ensemble skills, and gain valuable performance experience in a variety of performance settings, including the QCSO’s annual Holiday Pops concerts. “We strive to provide experiences and opportunities through which young people are able to develop skills that will serve them in many areas of life,” Klemme said, “regardless of the careers through which they may choose to apply their talents.” Auditions for QCSYEs membership are open to all students. To learn how to audition for the Youth Symphony Orchestra, Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Youth String Ensemble, or Youth Choir – or how to apply for participation in Prelude Strings – visit www. qcsymphony.com/auditions.html. Auditions are held each season for students who wish to be considered for QCSYEs membership, and for current members who wish to progress to a more advanced ensemble. “For 100 years, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra has been presenting the world’s greatest musical offerings in an effort to inspire and engage our neighbors through music,” Klemme said. “Our educational programming plays a critical role in our ability to inspire music makers and listeners of all generations, and we are committed to making it possible for young people from all backgrounds to engage with classical music in transformational ways.” For more information on the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, call (563) 322-0931 or visit www. qcso.org.
QC Family Focus - April 2015 19
Education
What is an Occupational Therapist? Evin Ersan Junior Reporter for QC Family Focus Magazine
I like learning about what people do for their jobs. I always knew my aunt, Julie Losasso, was an occupational therapist, but I wasn’t exactly sure what that was. So I decided to get the real story straight from my aunt, who is a Lead Registered, Licensed, Occupational Therapist for Genesis Hospitals. EVIN: What is an occupational therapist? JULIE LOSASSO: An occupational therapist, or OT, is a therapist who sees patients with illnesses or injuries in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, or nursing homes, or in patients’ homes. We work with people with many different types of illnesses and injuries, who cannot do things they could do before. We help them with ADLs, or Activities of Daily Living, like getting out of bed, washing their face, brushing their teeth, getting dressed, feeding themselves, taking care of their home and more. EVIN: What is the difference between occupational and physical therapists? JULIE LOSASSO: Physical therapists deal mainly with the mobility of a patient. Walking, running and climbing would fall under physical therapy. Occupational therapy deals more with Activities of Daily Living. Occupational and physical therapists often work together. When a patient comes into the hospital, both occupational and physical therapists assess the patient. While physical therapists help patients to become mobile, the occupational therapists help patients with all aspects of daily life, so they use a broader spectrum of therapies. EVIN: What types of injuries and illnesses do these people have? JULIE LOSASSO: We work with conditions like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke or head injuries, spinal cord injuries, arthritis, and orthopedic (bone and joint) issues. Occupational therapists also see patients who have just had surgery. We work with people who have been involved in accidents, including motorcycle, car, snowmobile, boating, swimming, farming, factory accidents and even suicide attempts. I work in all areas of occupational therapy but my specialty is with strokes and head injuries. EVIN: What kind of schooling do you need to become an occupational therapist? JULIE LOSASSO: To get a degree in occupational therapy, you need a master’s degree. The total number of years studying is about seven. There are many schools with occupational therapy as one of their designated degrees. I went to St. Ambrose. EVIN: What type of person would make a good occupational therapist? JULIE LOSASSO: You should be caring and have an instinctual desire to help people. You should also be goal driven. You should have excellent communication skills, including being good at playing charades. Some patients cannot speak and that comes in handy! Being a good communicator on all levels is essential. EVIN: Do you have a story about how your job made a difference in someone’s life? JULIE LOSASSO: I actually have many stories. One concerns a girl who was in an accident and had a head injury. She could not walk, talk, or think properly. She was young and had a child at home. She went through extensive therapy and slowly but
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Julie Losasso - Lead Occupational Therapist Genesis West surely, we brought her back. She now walks, talks, and thinks normally. I still see her sometimes and I am amazed how far she has come. Occupational therapists are part of the team that can give someone their life back. Some of the things we can do through therapy are amazing. EVIN: Do we need more occupational therapists? Is this a good field to get into? JULIE LOSASSO: Yes! We need more occupational therapists now. In this career, you can work pretty much anywhere in the country. If you’re interested, check in with St. Ambrose University or the college of your choice offering occupational therapy programs. EVIN: One last question. It’s obvious you love your job, but is there anything you don’t like about it? JULIE LOSASSO: Yes. Paperwork! Hospitals require a lot of it, but because there are so many other things I love about what I do, I can live with it. Being an occupational therapist sounds like an important job. I had never even thought about someone not being able to brush their teeth or feed themselves after an injury or illness. It sounds like a super-cool field to go into, if you like helping people. Thanks, Aunt Julie! For more information on occupational therapy, check out these websites: The American Association of Occupational Therapy: www.aota. org and The Iowa Occupational Therapy Association: www.iowaot.org Be sure to watch my video, where my Aunt Julie takes us inside Genesis Hospital and lets us see firsthand what an occupational therapist does!
Dedication
Exploring Your Skills and Interests
Tawnya Hambly Public Relations Director, JA of the Heartland www.jaheartland.org
In our March article, we talked about the importance of developing a good work ethic. A work ethic is a set of values based on hard work and doing the right thing. To be successful at a job, it is important to have a good work ethic. It is also important to have the skills and training needed for the job you are interested in. Do you have friends or siblings who work? What types of jobs do they have? What are their qualifications? Do they work in a fast-food restaurant or a grocery store? What training is necessary for these jobs? What about your teacher or family doctor? What skill-sets do they need to have? How are their skill-sets different? What about their training? How does their training differ? Each job requires different types of skills and training. Let’s explore your personal interests and abilities to see if you can discover a job that might interest you. It’s important to choose a job that you will enjoy, find interesting, and have the skills to do. Complete the section below to learn more about your individual interests and skills. What I like to do: List your hobbies and special interests (music, cooking, reading, etc.) ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ What I do well: List your skills and special abilities (computers, sewing, helping others, etc.) ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ What new skills do I want to gain? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ My work experience: List any jobs you have had (yard work, babysitting, etc.) ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
Based on your interests, what type of job would you be interested in? Circle the ones that interest you and add additional jobs you like. Car wash Bike repair Babysitting Dog walking Lawn service Newspaper carrier Cleaning house Tutoring Computer repair ____________ _______________ Do your skills match the job you are interested in? Would you be willing to obtain new skills for the job? Your connection between personal interest and skills can lead to a possible business opportunity for you. Look around your community, your neighborhood, or even within your own home. Do your interests and skills help fulfill a need for someone else? Would they be willing to pay for it? For example, if you enjoy working on computers, could you start a repair business? Doing so will help you earn money and work experience while doing something that you enjoy. It may take a little brainstorming and research to find a job opportunity that you can do now, but exploring your skills and interests will help you get a jumpstart on your future career. Article content is a part of JA More than MoneyÂŽ curriculum.
QC Family Focus - April 2015 21
The Jack Project Sherri Marceau Principal, Alan Shepard Elementary North Scott Community School District
Five years ago, this past February, a classmate of our current 6th graders passed away from Spinal Muscular Atrophy, or SMA. About one year ago, Jack Lindaman’s parents, Matt and Tracy Lindaman, contacted me about doing something special in Jack’s honor, to memorialize the time he spent at Alan Shepard Elementary School, where I serve as Elementary Principal. I spoke with Jack’s mom about a project that we have lovingly referred to as “The Jack Project.” It is a special and very unique “Pay It Forward” opportunity that each 6th grader is being offered. Matt and Tracy Lindaman have graciously donated $100 to each 6th grade student and ask only that the students use this money to do something positive and “pay it forward” in Jack’s memory. The students did a biography study of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in January and discussed what it meant to have a dream. They then dovetailed that study with an actual chance to have a dream, and make a difference by researching causes, organizations, and activities that they might be interested in supporting. Each student was then asked to submit their pay it forward plan of action and write a paper about the impact their plan
will have on those around them. Some students chose local organizations and individuals to support, while others chose national charities that were near and dear to their hearts. When the students shared their ideas, tears were shed on a regular basis! It was very important for some students to literally deliver their items – coats for the homeless or pet toys for the animal shelters – so we made that possible. It was also amazing to see the number of students who added to their generous $100 donation with $10 from their own allowance. Some students combined their donations to purchase significant items. For some, the process involved getting approval from a Groundskeeper, a Director and even a Superintendent – they learned a lot about how organizations work! The 6th grade teachers offered to meet students at a local store to help them make the actual purchases. The district office bent over backwards to accommodate this unusual funding request. Parents of our 6th graders e-mailed and called about the amazing opportunity that was being offered to their child. It has been a true community effort. I was immediately impressed and excited about sharing this idea with our sixth graders. I have been truly in awe of their ideas, their kindness, and their genuine spirit of giving. A special thanks to Matt and Tracy Lindaman for allowing us the privilege of being part of this project in loving memory of their son and our dear classmate, Mr. Jack Lindaman. It’s been an honor and an absolutely invaluable learning experience for our students.
APPLE AWESOMENESS! APPLE AWESOMNESS! This is REALLY good. It only takes 15 minutes to make and 30 minutes to bake. It is REALLY good. It only takes 15 minutes to make and 30minutes to bake. can be served for breakfast or as a dessert! Yes…. This itcanis It be Awesome! served for breakfast or as a dessert! Yes…. it is Awesome! 1/2 cup-Real Butter - melted 1 cup-Light brown sugar 1cup -Regular sugar 2-eggs 2 -Tbsp Vanilla 2 tsp-Baking Powder 2 tsp-Cinnamon 1/2 tsp-Salt 2 cup-Flour 1 cup-Apples, peeled, cored and chopped (about 1 large apple) ~ I used Granny Smith TOPPING MIX 1/4 cup sugar • 2 tsp- Cinnamon
1/2 cup-Real Butter - melted 1 cup-Light brown sugar 1cup -Regular sugar 2-eggs 2 -Tbsp Vanilla 2 tsp-Baking Powder 2 tsp-Cinnamon 1/2 tsp-Salt 2 cup-Flour 1 cup-Apples, peeled, cored and chopped (about 1 large apple) ~ I used Granny Smith
Directions: Step-By-Step 1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. 2. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with non stick cooking spray. Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl; to this add the sugars, vanilla and eggs. Using a spoon, combine well. 3. Into the sugar mixture, add the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir until well. Batter will be thick. TOPPING MIX 4. Add in the apples and spread into prepared baking dish. 1/4 cup sugar 2 tsp- Cinnamon 5. In a small dish, combine sugar & cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over batter. 6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Test by poking a toothpick in it. If it comes out clean it is ready! It is supposed to serve 12 but I find people love it so much I just double the recipe! It is great alone or as a dessert, try serving it warm with Vanilla or Butter Pecan ice cream. YUM!!!! Ela Ersan, Hopewell Elementary 5th grade
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Paying for your Child’s Higher Education
Kim Fein Marketing Assistant, R.I.A. Federal Credit Union
As higher education costs soar, it becomes even more important to plan ahead and determine how your children will afford to attend. Ideally, you should start saving as soon as a child is born. Start saving small amounts each month. “Even if it’s $25 or $50, it’s the act of saving consistently that counts,” says Joseph Orsolini, president of College Aid Planners Inc., Glen Ellyn, Ill. “You’ll be surprised how it builds over time.” Ways to save Every state offers tax-advantaged 529 plans, which families can use to save for future higher-education costs. Plan managers invest the funds you contribute and, when you withdraw the money to pay for educational expenses, the earnings aren’t subject to federal taxes. Many states exempt the funds from state taxes, too, and many have minimum monthly contributions as low as $15. Other options for saving are contributing to Roth IRAs (individual retirement accounts) and Coverdell ESAs (education savings accounts). Roth IRAs can be good for parents concerned that they’re not saving enough for retirement, but who also want to help with their kids’ education, according to Jean Chatzky, author of “Money Rules.” “If you put money in a Roth IRA, when your kids reach college age you can decide if you’ll use it for college or retirement.” Another option is to contribute to a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA). Contributions to an ESA are not deductible, but amounts deposited in the account grow tax-free until distributed. Finding funds Seek financial aid if you need additional funding. The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the beginning of your child’s senior year of high school. You can apply online at fafsa.ed.gov.
Colleges you apply to will put together financial aid packages and send you award letters. They may include federal need-based grants, called Pell grants, or low-cost, need-based federal Perkins loans. They also may include federal Stafford loans, which have slightly higher interest rates. Schools may also offer need- or merit-based grants. In addition to your savings, you should take advantage of all “free money” you’re offered—scholarships and grants. If that’s not enough, use federal loans, which you and your child don’t need to repay until after graduation. Only after exhausting these sources, you can seek private loans. Start with R.I.A. Federal Credit Union. We offer affordable rates on private student loans. To learn more, look at our website at www.riafcu.com/student or contact us at 563-355-3800.
Here is your chance to win tickets to a really big show... and we mean a REALLY big show. Fill out the entry below and send it our way. One lucky entry will win 4 tickets to Monster Jam at the iwireless Center. Name______________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________ City_______________________________ State_____________________ Phone number_________________________________________________ I pick up my copy of QCFF at______________________________________ Send in your entries to: Monster Jam Mania, c/o QC Family Focus, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, IA 52722. Entries must be postmarked by April 20. Good luck!
QC Family Focus - April 2015 23
It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning for College or Careers Ellen Reilly-Christie Learning Supports Specialist, Davenport Schools
Last October, Davenport Community Schools was awarded a Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP Iowa) grant through the Iowa Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Education awarded $22 million to 10 states this year, with Iowa receiving $3.2 million. The grant serves students currently enrolled in seventh grade at Sudlow, Smart, Williams, Wood, and JB Young, and follows those students through high school graduation. While the grant targets improved college readiness for low-income and first-generation college students, all students benefit from the program. Upon enrollment in a college after high school graduation, GEAR UP Iowa students will receive a modest scholarship for up to four years. This is an amazing opportunity for Davenport students. Districts are chosen partly on having a 50% or higher free and reduced meal rate. DCSD’s rate is nearly 68%, and that means many families and their students do not see college as something in their future. With this program, we can change that perception as we better prepare students to enter and succeed in post-secondary Raise graduation rates! Plant Flowers!
Plant Sale Sat. May 2—Sun. May 10, 2015
education, whether that is a two- or four-year college, the military or other type of training after high school graduation. College campus tours and visits, community volunteering, taking dual credit or AP coursework, maintaining good attendance and participating in service learning projects are all examples of activities GEAR UP Iowa encourages to prepare students for college or careers beyond high school graduation. In addition, GEAR UP encourages families to learn about how to apply for financial aid, college scholarships and how to start a College 529 Savings Plan. More information on the 529 savings plan can be found at www.facebook. com/collegesavingsiowa529plan or www.youtube.com/ statetreasurerofiowa. On April 21 and 22, Nick Morton, a graduate of ISU, will be visiting with seventh grade students in Davenport at participating schools to talk about preparing for college. For more information on GEAR UP Iowa, please visit www.iowacollegeaid.gov and click on the GEAR UP Iowa link on the right of the page. To learn about GEAR UP in Sudlow, Smart, Wood, Williams, or JB Young, please contact the school directly.
May 2-10, Northwest Bank & Trust Tower, Davenport May 2-3 , Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors, Middle Rd., Bettendorf May 2-3, UnityPoint Health—Trinity, John Deere Rd., Moline May 6-10, Next to Quick Print & Signs, Macomb, IL
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
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Sydney Hinton Ambassador The Fountains Senior Living Community
hands and decided I would improve different aspects of my life. First, I was going to get healthier. I needed to make sure I was going to be in a good state of health so it would be easier on me when I made my move to a new school. Second, I was going to read the stack of books I have acquired over the years. I’ve always loved reading, but never had the time when it came to school, choir, theatre, and church. So to ensure I stay sharp, I would keep up with my reading. Lastly, and most importantly, I was going to get my faith back where I wanted it to be. Over the past semester at school, I felt myself getting further away from my faith and I didn’t like it. I got more involved in the TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) program, and as the process continued, I felt myself relying on God more, just like I wanted. I continued my search for colleges that were wellrounded for creative writing, theatre, and Christian life communities. My dream college wound up being Missouri State University and I’m delighted to say that I was accepted and will be a Maroon Bear the fall of 2015. Sydney Hinton is an aspiring author at the age of nineteen and
Imagine yourself about to walk into your hardest final for college and you’re forced to think about everything except that final. In front of you is one of the most life-changing decisions you can make. Within a matter of hours, you have completely rerouted your life and uprooted everything you’ve worked so hard for a year and a half to build from the ground up. In a matter of a few days, you’ve moved back to where your life began, and are looking to start over. Three months ago, my family’s main concern for me was losing my “motivation” or “momentum” when it came to furthering my education. All I was concerned about was turning my lemons into lemonade since this occurred. I forcefully decided to move out of my first college, due to unpredicted circumstances, and take a semester off. My plan for moving on began with attending a community college for a semester and then transferring. Apparently that wasn’t meant to be. Being naturally motivated by people doubting me or saying I can’t do something only enhanced my incentive to finish college. is currently working as an Ambassador at The Fountains Senior Living I’m a positive person so I took matters into my own Community in Bettendorf, Iowa.
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2014-15 North Scott Lancers
“All of us, or none of us.” It was the theme adopted by the players and coaches of the 2015 North Scott Lancer Boy’s Basketball team. It was understood by all that true success, lasting success, would come only if each member of the program chose to elevate the needs of their teammates above any personal desires. That their goal of a state championship would depend more on who they were, than what they did. With this in mind, the North Scott Boy’s Basketball team began their 20142015 season. A season that included countless hours of hard work on the court, in the weight room and breaking down film. But a season that also included service projects at a local retirement home, for Special Olympians, and at local grade schools. A season that included training on leadership and accountability. A season meant to test and stretch their character with games against highly ranked opponents across three states. Led by a cadre seniors, this group of young men were quick to share credit for their success, whether individually or as a team. Individual success that included three players selected to the All-MAC Team, two selected to the Iowa All-State Team, one all-tournament selection and one as the State Tournament MVP. As a team, the Lancers won their second straight MAC Championship and, of course, the school’s first ever state basketball championship. Truly a season to remember. A season that could only have been accomplished by “All of us.” Shamus Budde, North Scott Basketball Coach
2014-15 Pleasant Valley Spartans
The 2014-15 PV varsity boys basketball team will always hold a special place in my heart. The reason they were so special has nothing to do with wins and losses. This group truly understood what it meant to put team first over individual accomplishments. They really cared for each other and even included their coaches in this special bond. They played with passion for each other and gave their best effort for each other. Every player on our team played a critical role in our success and the bond and friendships the group had together was so strong. They always had such confidence in what they could accomplish together and had the drive to work hard to achieve it. At the start of the season no one included Pleasant Valley as a favorite to win the state championship yet alone even make the tournament. However, this team finished with a record of 23-3, had a 19 game win streak, and finished 2nd in the state. These accomplishments are a surprise to most people but not a surprise to the driven group of young men who wore the PV uniform this season. I am very PROUD to have been a part of their team this season and thankful to have had the opportunity to build a relationship with each of them. They proved to me that they are young men of high character who will be successes in life. Steve Hillman, PV Basketball Coach
Want to Congratulate North Scott and Pleasant Valley on their great accomplishments? Tweet your support @MickleComm Use the Hashtag #MACstrong You may see your tweet in next month’s issue of QCFF!‘ 26
April 2015 - QC Family Focus
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Fitness Xpress: Working Toward A Healthier Future For QC Children
It’s not difficult to see the link between malnutrition and thin, hungry children. But, overweight children can be malnourished, too. As the Huffington Post article, ‘How Malnutrition Causes Obesity,’ states: “Americans are overfed and undernourished … the most obese children and adults in the country are also the most nutritionally deficient.” “If we don’t help today’s children to lose weight,” said Dana VanGilder, General Manager of Fitness Xpress, “the next generation may be the first to have a shorter life expectancy than the previous one. A healthier future needs to begin today.” In January of this year, Fitness Xpress was part of ViSalus’ World’s Largest Simultaneous Group Workout, an initiative which was held in 11 countries. “The goal was to set a Guinness World Record and we did it,” VanGilder said. For every person who participated in the event, ViSalus donated 30 kids’ meals through their Project 10 Kids program. VanGilder and the Fitness Xpress team are working to distribute the meals earned by the event as part of a long-term plan to help malnourished, overweight children in the Quad-Cities. ViSalus Sciences is a national healthy lifestyle company which has developed a platform for achieving weight-loss and fitness results by encouraging participants to concentrate on losing just 10 pounds at a time. The kids meals being distributed are part of the ViSalus line of nutritional products. Because they are fortified with essential nutrients, they serve as an excellent dietary supplement for the children. Setting A World Record The World’s Largest Simultaneous Group Workout was held through 2,180 groups worldwide, with 15,180 participants. Fitness Xpress hosted a total of 204 participants. ViSalus raised 455,400 meals for children worldwide, and 6,120 of those meals were raised by Fitness Xpress. The meals provided by ViSalus are easily transported and non-perishable – essential factors for the success of the program. The meals from ViSalus started arriving in the QuadCities in mid-February. “Many children are eating too much fast food and other high-fat, high-carb choices with lots of
empty calories,” VanGilder said. “With the ViSalus meals, we can be sure the children are receiving the full spectrum of essential nutrients. We will also be meeting with many of the children’s families to discuss healthy eating habits.” Educating The Community In addition to providing area children with nutritious meals, Fitness Xpress will also be working with schools in the Quad-Cities area as part of the Project 10 Schools Program to educate local overweight students and their parents in exercise, proper meal planning, and nutrition. Glenview Middle School in East Moline, IL, is the first school to work with Fitness Xpress. Children with dietary problems are receiving the ViSalus meals, as well as exercise and guidance. Fitness Xpress will also be offering guidance to the parents of many of these children. “We’ve also added Woodrow Wilson Middle School and more will follow,” VanGilder said. “We have 14 kids at Glenview and eight at Wilson who are on the program. The Glenview kids have been on the program since February 23 and have reported losses of 4 to 20 pounds. The Wilson kids have had two personal training sessions so far.” She added that Fitness Xpress plans to arrange sponsorship for at least 1,000 kids in the Project 10 Schools Program. “Our Project 10 weight-loss coaches are designing the program to work with school menus,” VanGilder said. “They encourage the kids to be selective about what they eat, and use the high-protein, low-fat ViSalus cereal or shakes as an alternative, when suitable. Many kids have the cereal or shakes first thing in the morning as a protein boost and still eat healthy breakfast items at school. In the evening, they may use the shakes again. The shakes taste great, so they seem more like a treat than a nutritional supplement.” VanGilder noted that Fitness Xpress is looking for students they can help. “If you have a child who has been classified with a ‘BMI for age’ of 27 or higher, or a ‘BMI percentile’ of 90th or higher, they can apply for the Project 10 Schools Program,” she said. “Parents are encouraged to contact us for more information.” _ Fitness Xpress is a locally owned fitness club, headquartered at 4200 24th Ave., Moline IL. To learn more about Fitness Xpress and the Project 10 Schools Program, call 309-797-3150 or visit fx247.com. QC Family Focus - April 2015 29
Spring Storm Safety
James Zahara Storm Team 8, Chief Meteorologist WQAD HD News 8
The possibility of tornadoes, large hail, straight-line winds and flash floods blossom during the spring season, with the warmer temperatures. Here are some safety tips to follow during these coming months: FLASH FOOD SAFETY Flash flood is the #1 weather-related killer in the country. Most deaths occur within the automobile itself. Flooding can occur from a few hours to a few minutes due to excessive rainfall. Even in situations when the rainfall is not visible. It can also occur when rainfall or snowmelt exceed the capacity of underground pipes below streets in neighborhoods resulting in flooded roadways for hours or days. Turn around don’t drown. Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of the water is not always obvious. Flood water is powerful and can easily wash away a road. Finally be extremely cautious when driving at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Standing water is unhealthy and should not be walked or played in. There have been cases during a flooding event that storm lids may have popped off due to the excessive pressure from underground drains. Any person or child walking in this standing water could step into a hole left by an un-plugged lid and drown. THUNDERSTORM SAFETY During the warmer months of the year a major concern is lightning. More than 300 people are struck by lightning each year.
Close to a third of those are fatal. Lightning is one of the highest weather killers in the world. We have no technology today to tell us where the lightning bolt will strike or when. For many outdoor activities you’ll need extra time to get to a safe place. If you hear thunder, even a distant rumble you’re already in danger of being struck by lightning and need to get inside immediately. If you’re caught outdoors, avoid sheds, picnic benches and baseball dugouts. The best place to go is a sturdy building. Stay away from windows, doors and stay off the porch. If you’re in a car make sure the windows are shut. Avoid metal. Stay away from baseball fences and bleachers and drop your backpack because they often have metal on them. Stay out of the water. It’s a great conductor of electricity. Stay away from tall objects such as trees and telephone poles. Once you have taken shelter, wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder. If someone is stuck by lightning, call 9-1-1 immediately! If the injured person needs to be moved to a safer location then do so. The person will not have an electrical charge. TORNADO SAFETY A tornado can occur at any time of the year at any time during the day if conditions are right. Tornadoes can move in any direction as well, but trend to track from southwest to northeast. They can destroy anything in its path with winds around 200 mph or more. Have a disaster supply kit ready to go. Your kit should contain the following: first-aid kit, canned foods with a can opener, bottled water, several flashlights with fresh batteries, prescription medicines, food needed for infants and/or pets. Find your safe place. In a home or a building find the lowest level. If no basement, such as a school building move to an interior room such as a closet or bathroom. You want to put as many walls between you and the tornado. Stay away from windows. Crouch down on your knees and cover your head with your arms. Your head is the most important part of the body. If you’re in a car, do not try to outrun the tornado. Leave the car immediately and try to seek a ditch or low-lying area. Try to lay flat as you can and cover your head with your arms.
Our Menu Includes: - Pizza - Wings - Specialty Pizza - Calzones - Extensive Buffet - Pastas - Sandwiches - Soups - Salad Bar - Wraps Be sure to visit us and enjoy our fun family atmosphere! Dine-in, delivery and carry-out available. - Burgers - Desserts
We love supporting our local teams! Stop by after the big game! Two Iowa locations to serve you: 3408 State St., Bettendorf, IA 52722, 563-355-FAME (3263) 902 6th Ave., DeWitt, IA 52742, 563-659-FAME (3263) Like us on Facebook! 30
April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Seasonal Allergies & Chiropractic Care Dr. Traci Nelson-Johnson Nelson Chiropractic
There is a good chance that you are suffering from allergies as you read this with your red and itchy eyes. One option you may not have heard of to ease the sneezing and irritation of seasonal allergies: Chiropractic care. Yes, a chiropractor can help provide allergy relief. That’s because chiropractic care often thought necessary for only back and neck problems, can help keep the body operating at peak performance. The immune system helps with preventing infection and disease, dealing with stress and overall wellbeing. The immune system also battles the invasion in a body of any foreign substances such as pollution or dust. Current research has shown that there is a direct link between the nervous system and the immune system. Chiropractors remove nerve interference and allow for optimum immune system function. Allergic reactions are the most frequent immune disorders and happen when the body’s immune system overreacts to allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, etc. The body responds by overproducing chemicals such as histamines to correct the problem; essentially too much of a “good thing”. Annoyed By Allergies? What causes allergies? No one knows for sure. Some theories say it’s our increasing sterile environment. Others suspect the overuse of antibiotics and vaccinations. What is certain is our immune system is at its best when fighting off disease, parasites, and bacteria all by itself. The more we try and “help” it, the weaker it becomes. It is proven that children who live on farms and are exposed to different animals and the
outdoors have fewer allergies than those who are not exposed. The chiropractic approach is to remove “subluxations”, a term for a misaligned spinal vertebra pinching or irritating a nerve. Subluxations place stress on the nervous system. Free from nervous system stress, your body will work more efficiently to destroy the allergy-causing chemicals in your environment. Spinal health can be as important for your overall healing as proper nutrition. Chiropractic care can be a welcomed secret weapon in the arsenal used to wage war against seasonal allergies and this may be the year to see if it can benefit you. Call us to schedule your appointment today! 563- 359-9541 www.nelsonchiropractic.com
QC Family Focus - April 2015 31
Palmer Provides a Team of Experts for Rehabilitation Palmer Chiropractic Clinics and Sports Injury Care You may not be aware that the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics have a Chiropractic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Department staffed by two full-time doctors who specialize in the field. The 2,000-square-foot facility features leading-edge equipment and is located in the Palmer Academic Health Center at 1002 Perry St., Davenport. If you’re thinking of seeing a health professional about a sports injury or need to see someone for post-surgical care, consider treatment from the experts in Palmer’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Department. The department specializes in this field with two board-certified rehabilitation specialists. Drs. Dave Juehring and Ranier Pavlicek have both completed a three-year residency in the specialty of rehabilitation. They also have successfully completed their board certifications through the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board that abides by the standards set out by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Dr. Dave Juehring graduated from his residency and completed his board certification in 1997. He is the director of the department and residency program. He has worked at Olympic and international athletic levels for the U.S. Bobsled organization for three winter Olympics and numerous World Championships. He has many years of practical experience in the sports performance and strength and conditioning world and also has taught for the National
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Strength and Conditioning Association as well as the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In addition, he has spoken on the national level regarding rehabilitative approaches and topics and has published articles on these topics in peer-reviewed journals. He brings a European influence through his training in developmental stabilization methods from the German and Czech rehabilitation schools. He also is certified in Active Release Technique and specializes in working with people who have running and weightlifting injuries. Dr. Ranier Pavlicek graduated from his residency and completed his board certification in 2000. He has an extensive athletic background with 10 years of clinical working experience in the athletic arena and private sector as a certified athletic trainer. He also has taught an athletic training course along with hands-on rehabilitation classes within the Palmer curriculum. Additionally, Dr. Pavlicek currently teaches the clinical application of the Graston soft tissue approach in the clinic system. He is certified as a strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and specializes in soft tissues approaches. Dr Pavlicek has extensive knowledge in concussion baseline evaluation and management for local athletes and teams. Sports injuries, no matter how big or small, simple or extensive, need the best possible care. Our staff welcomes the opportunity to get you back to 100 percent and reaching your performance goals. When you think of sport and rehabilitative care in the Quad Cities, remember the team of experts in Palmer’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Department.
QC Family Focus - April 2015 33
Back In School After Surgery:
Former World Class Powerlifter Offers Hope for Students Who Face Adversity
“I
like having a goal to achieve, no matter what the obstacles,” declares Charlie Driscoll, 54, Associate Principal at Davenport Central High School. Driscoll, a powerlifter who deadlifted 854 pounds at age 25 and became a world champion at age 50 deadlifting 766 pounds, is certainly no stranger to adversity. Now he faces his latest challenge: strengthening his brand new knee after replacement surgery. “I had to choose between lifting and walking, so I chose to walk,” says Charlie. “I started lifting weights at age 14. I competed for 35 years and just wore my knee out from four decades of weight training.” At the height of his career, Charlie was one of the top-ranked powerlifters in the world and is most remembered for his 854 pound deadlift – which is one of the top ranked deadlifts in the history of the sport for his weight class. But powerlifting gave way to a new passion and a different set of challenges: making a difference to young people. “I went to college and became a schoolteacher and principal,” he says. “I come from a working class background, and I have always wanted to work with kids. My specialization is to be a role model and advocate — to be a voice for the voiceless.” As an Associate Principal at Davenport Central working with instructional supervision and student discipline, Charlie helps students navigate the challenges of adolescence, peer pressure, and in some cases, troubled homes. “My story pales in comparison to their own challenges. These students’ resiliency inspires me.” Three months after his total knee replacement at ORA Orthopedics, Charlie is once again walking up and down Central’s staircases and six floors. “Everyone tells me they can’t even tell I had knee surgery. I’m doing great and on a mission to be the fastest and strongest in recovery. The surgery went well, thanks to Dr. Peter Rink at ORA.” Charlie says they got to know
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Davenport Central High School Associate Principal and former world class powerlifter, Charlie Driscoll, is back on the job he loves following successful total knee replacement surgery at ORA Orthopedics.
Charlie’s case, powerlifting likely accelerated the deterioration. Total knee replacement has become a viable alternative for adults who want to remain active. Dr. Rink says the total knee replacement procedure basically resurfaces the knee. “We remove the arthritic surface in surgery and then insert metal and medical-grade plastic components that replace the knee’s worn surface.” The surgery takes about an hour and the patient is up walking right away. The hospital stay lasts only a day or two. Physical therapy is necessary for six weeks and patients fully recover in about three months. ORA performs more total knee replacements than any other orthopedic practice in the region, with over 1,200 total knee replacements performed each year. Dr. Peter Rink, ORA Orthopedics Surgery was a decision he doesn’t regret. “Before each other because Dr. Rink serves as surgery, my knee was painful and was grinding Central’s athletic team physician. “I anytime I used it. Now, my knee feels great, and chose Dr. Rink for my surgery because I’m doing the job I’m most passionate about. he has a genuine interest in my health, “I love overcoming obstacles — working with as well as me as a person. My new kids every day and seeing them overcome their knee is awesome.” own challenges in adolescence motivates me. I try Dr. Rink specializes in total joint to give them hope and tell them ‘no matter what surgery and says Charlie’s knee they’re going through, they can overcome adversity.’ needed to be replaced. “The X-rays In turn, their tenacity inspires me.” showed he had bone-on-bone arthritis For more information about total knee — basically his joint cartilage had replacement surgery, log on to www.qcora.com, worn away.” Dr. Rink says age and call 563-322-0971 or follow ORA on Facebook and wear can contribute to arthritis and in Twitter.
April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Charlie Driscoll (Total Knee).indd 1
3/23/15 11:45 AM
for what
moves you Tim Reagan & his pal, Hank avid hunter, hip surgery
Lynn Bohlman, kayaker, hiker knee surgery Helen Akers, workout warrior & grandmother, spine & knee surgery
WE pay attention to what matters most.you. Whether you’re kayaking in Antarctica, hunting with your favorite pal or a grandmother like Helen who keeps up with her grandchildren, no one deserves agonizing pain when they move. ORA Orthopedics treats thousands of people each year through our Total Joint Center of Excellence. Our specialty-trained joint replacement surgeons have extensive experience in all areas of joint care using the newest minimally invasive techniques for hip, knee, and shoulder joint replacement. The result: less scarring, better results and a quicker recovery, so you can get back to what truly moves you. To learn more about how we can help you move, visit qcora.com or call 563.322.0971.
TM
ORTHOPEDICS
TM
ORTHOPEDICS
Focused on You FACEBOOK LOGO ICON for Adobe Illustrator
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QC Family Focus - April 2015 35
Mickle Communications offers creativity with a touch of class. Let our award winning videographers, photographers, graphic designers and social media experts take your business to the next level. We are NOT your dad’s marketing company. We know how to grow your social media presence. Our team knows how to produce a high quality video that is the appropriate length and sends a message social media followers will watch. Ask anyone which company gets the most media exposure for their clients and they will tell you “whodunnit”. www.micklecommunications.com • 563-940-7875
Our clients include 36
April 2015 - QC Family Focus
and many more!
Appreciating and Educating Caregivers Shannon Swanson, Manager-IL Branch, Good Samaritan Society – Services@Home
Here at Good Samaritan Society – Services@ Home, we see a lot of adult children caring for their parents. Sometimes we are in the home, providing peace of mind by checking in on mom and dad a couple times a week, since the child lives out of state. Or, we may be there daily, offering respite for those adult children who are not only helping mom and dad, but also working to provide for their family as well. Often in these daily situations, we see adult children struggling to figure out how to balance it all and understand it all. With that in mind, we recently asked ourselves: What can we do to help prepare clients and their families for the unexpected – especially as it relates to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? The number of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease increases every day, and yet most individuals do not understand the disease or how to work with those who have it. To address these concerns, Services@Home, Center for Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), and Geri-Ed Services are partnering to appreciate and educate caregivers through a workshop called Caregiver Appreciation. This workshop
will inform caregivers about how to reduce stress and communicate with individuals living with different forms of dementia. Presenters Marilyn Woelke and Linda Gilman of Geri-Ed Services both have Master’s Degrees in Gerontology, in addition to their personal experience in the elder care field. Their workshops are full of valuable information and include an interactive character, Miss Lilly, who acts out common behavior problems so attendees can discuss how to analyze and meet her needs. The workshop will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. May 14 at CASI-Center for Active Seniors, Inc., located at 1035 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport, IA. Please join us for light refreshments and plenty of useful information. At the Good Samaritan Society, our mission is to share God’s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others, believing that in Christ’s love, everyone is someone. Services@Home provides care such as housekeeping, medication reminders, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and assistance with other concerns to help people to remain independent at home. To learn more about Good Samaritan Society – Services@Home, please call (563) 359-4444 or visit www.good-sam.com/quadcityhome.
aregiver C Appreciation Thursday, May 14 • 6 – 8 p.m. 1035 W Kimberly Rd Davenport, IA To learn more or to RSVP, call (844) 359-4446.
All faiths or beliefs are welcome.
QC Family Focus - April 2015 37
Senior Star at Elmore Place Promotes Aging Well in the Quad Cities Trendy, Popular and Active Programs Designed for All Seniors Senior Star at Elmore Place Getting older is a fact of life … but it certainly doesn’t mean that the spirit has to age as well. Great spirit and a positive attitude lead to healthy aging and healthy living … a philosophy that Senior Star at Elmore Place knows well. Staff associates at Senior Star work every day to create a sense of purpose for their residents whose needs range across the spectrum of aging well. Whether residents are independent, or live in assisted living or memory care, programs are designed to keep them physically and emotionally active. “Our programs engage and challenge our residents and definitely encourage them to try new things,” said Marc Strohschein, Executive Director of Senior Star at Elmore Place. “Aging well doesn’t mean refilling a prescription, it means providing purpose and meaningful activities no matter what a person’s physical or cognitive ability.” As caregivers of the human spirit, Senior Star’s goal is to truly know and understand their residents in order to create programs that meet their interests and engage them in activities that bring an element of success and purpose, all of which helps to maintain a positive attitude and youthful spirit. This is an example of Senior Star’s trademarked Purposeful Moments® program, which embodies their aging well philosophy of treating the mind, body and spirit.
The associates at Senior Star regularly create a variety of popular as well as new or trendy programs that meet the needs of all residents. For example, residents engage in a variety of weekly activities including shooting pool, playing Wii golf, working in the computer lab, gardening, using the swimming pool, participating in exercise classes that incorporate today’s popular activities such as Zumba Gold® and Laughter Yoga or using the ShapeMaster® fitness equipment and numerous other programs that keep their spirits young. They can even be found participating in volunteer programs such as walking Amber, the community pet therapy dog. Many of these programs are also open to seniors in the greater Quad Cities community so they have the opportunity to come and enjoy meaningful activities with friends of their own age. Senior Star’s aging well philosophy has not gone unnoticed. For a first-hand look at the active happenings at Senior Star, view the recent KWQC Quad Cities feature below that chronicles the activities of many Senior Star residents showing how they age well and stay young at heart: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7-rVNM4cmI. For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place, or to join any of their programs for seniors, please call (563) 484-5114.
Feel the Warmth
at Senior Star at Elmore Place
We all remember too well the cold and snow of last winter and the travel difficulty and confinement that accompanied it. Senior Star has the solution - Make our community your new home and experience a winter that is filled with warmth, friendships, social events, and world class service. Don’t wait - Visit today and experience Assisted Living at its finest!
Ask about our Winter Warmth Special! Call: 563.275.6968. 4500 Elmore Ave. Davenpor t, IA seniorstar.com AL# S0295
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Bettendorf Health Care Center
A Place To Call Home 2730 Crow Creek Rd - Bettendorf, IA
2730 Crow Creek Rd • Bettendorf, IA • (563) 332-7463
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.
Life insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. I can help you protect your family at an affordable price. Many people think that life insurance is an unnecessary expense. But it’s not having the coverage you need that can really cost your family. Let me show you affordable options. Call me today. Christy Cox 563-359-4079 5159 Utica Ridge Rd. Davenport a062020@allstate.com
• We are conveniently located on Crow Creek in Bettendorf.
• 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! 42
Availability from a particular company varies by product. Subject to availability and qualifications. Life insurance issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL, and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Lincoln, NE. In New York life insurance issued by Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, NY. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. © 2011 Allstate Insurance Co.
97347
•We offer tours of our facility 7 days a week!
MAY 2013 • QC Family Focus
QC Family Focus - April 2015 39
Ally’s Sweet and Savory Eats Ally Billhorn
Pancakes are a must when you have kids, but they aren’t always the best for you. Your kids will not know the difference when you whip these up! Healthy Greek yogurt and oatmeal give these pancakes a light and fluffy texture. Top with the traditional butter and maple syrup, or slather on a little peanut butter and jam and eat on the go. Healthy Greek Yogurt Oatmeal Pancakes 1-3/4 c. unbleached flour 2 T. sugar 1/2 t. baking soda 1 c. plain Greek yogurt 4 T. melted coconut oil
1 c. regular oatmeal 1-1/4 t. baking powder 1/2 t. salt 1 c. milk 2 eggs
1. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. 2. Add in wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix. 3. H eat a griddle with non-stick cooking spray. Pour 1/2 cup of batter onto the griddle, flipping when bubbles appear. Cook another 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned. 4. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup.
For more of Ally’s recipes, check out the recipe section at www.qcfamilyfocus.com and www.sweetandsavoryfood.com.
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus
Advice for Buying Your First Hearing Aids Laura Mergen, Au.D., CCC-A Audiology Consultants
Prepare: • The very first step is to schedule a hearing test to determine whether or not you need hearing aids. This test will also help determine which hearing aids will work best for you. • The most successful hearing aid users wear their hearing aids during all waking hours (with some exceptions for water and loud noise). Commit to consistent, daily hearing aid use rather than deciding to wear your hearing aids “as needed.” • Have good expectations. If you are like most first-time hearing aid users, your first reaction will likely be, “These are loud,” followed by, “These are tinny.” Hearing aids take time to get used to using. Like anything worthwhile, using and listening with your hearing aids will take practice. Decide: • Choose a Hearing Healthcare Professional. You should consider the knowledge and skill set of the person you are purchasing your hearing aids from. An Audiologist is someone with advanced education and training in the field. Hearing aid use is a long-term thing, so you will be working with your audiologist for a long time. Be sure you find someone you like and trust and who treats you well. • Your Audiologist will likely have some recommendations for which hearing aids are best for you. This includes the
style or size of the hearing aids, as well as the level of technology. Take your Audiologist’s advice into consideration, but ask questions! You are investing in better hearing! • Consider what “extras” are included with the purchase of your hearing aids. How long are the adjustment period and the warranty? Is there a fee for cleaning your hearing aids once the warranty expires? Are batteries included? Is there a limit to the number of free office visits? Follow-up: • Once you are fitted with your hearing aids, re-commit yourself to wearing them full-time. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks to fully adjust to wearing hearing aids. The more you wear them, the quicker you will adjust! • If you have any problems with your hearing aids, from how they sound to how to handle them, write them down. Then when you see your Audiologist for a follow-up appointment, you can be sure to address those issues. • Hearing aids should be cleaned and checked by your Audiologist or a trained technician at least twice a year. And, last but not least, enjoy being able to hear your family and friends!
SOUND ADVICE!
With Audiology Consultants, P.C. Going Beyond Hearing Aids Friday, April 24 at 1:00 p.m.
A free 30 minute presentation with questions and answers to follow with one of our audiologists. A great time to meet others with the same concerns you may have!
Refreshments will be available: Coffee & Cookies Free Gift for Every Participant! Bring a Friend! RSVP is preferred due to limited space. Hosted in our Davenport location. RSVP to (563) 355-7712 2215 E. 52nd St., Suite #2, Davenport, IA
www.audiologyconsultants.com 1931 l0th Avenue East, Milan, IL
(309) 283-5902
2215 E. 52nd St., Ste. #2, Davenport, IA
1616 Cedar St., Muscatine, IA
Hammond Henry Hospital 600 College Ave., Geneseo, IL
(563) 355-7712 (563) 264-9406
(309) 944-9181
QC Family Focus - April 2015 41
Adjusting Our Sails
coast is clear. Generation”. Along the way, many a sailor has learned that there can As the Generation numbers continue be a pretty fineSandwich line between too little wind and too much. to grow David W. Deuth, CFSP a couple new varieties of “sandwiches” have been added to And so it is that knowing how – and when – to raise, lower David Deuth,Director President/ofWeerts WeertsFuneral Funeral Home Home Generation”. OwnerW. / Funeral the menu: and/or adjust the sails can be critically important. Club Sandwich: those in their or weather, 60s sandwiched the Sandwich Generation continue to grow, caring someone – an •As Not unlike the uncertainty ofnumbers the wind50s and the You’re Mention JimmyforDean’s name today, between aging parents, adult children and grandchildren a couple new varieties of “sandwiches” have been added elderly parent, perhaps – and along the the emotions of grief are ever-swirling and ever-changing.to and most people would President recognizeofitWeerts by Funeral Home David W. Deuth, theThe menu: orwinds those their and 40s, young children, aging of in grief may30s be strong from with one direction in the way, you’re getting quite an education. the sausage company that bears his name. • Club Sandwich: those in exact their opposite 50s or direction 60s sandwiched parents and grandparents. You’re caring for someone – an morning only to shift to the later in With a great deal of hard work and Those who have perhaps been around the block a between aging parents, adult andingrandchildren, elderlyon parent, – and along theto • Open anyone elsechildren involved elder care. the day. AinFaced: beautiful andand sunshine-filled morning can become sacrifice your part, you’ve been able few more times will remember Jimmy Dean or those their 30s 40s, with young children, aging way, you’re getting quite an education. The implications of being “sandwiched” a thunderstorm before dinner. And some days the winds arecan range keep them in their own home. Or perhaps parents and grandparents. (1928-2010) for his earlier career work as a singer, With a great deal of hard and from minor to positively overwhelming – one of the mos so strong that navigating the course is just too much; a good • Open Faced: anyone else involved in elder care. they’re living in YOUR home. One way television performer an been actor;able much sacrifice on your part,and you’ve to significant of which can be in the financial realm. dayThe to keep the boat inof portbeing and pause for better waters. implications “sandwiched” can range As the or to another, it’s allfound worked out Or OK. Until keep inhe their owndecided home. perhaps his them credit, success and from minor to positively overwhelming – one of the most to cos economy continues to tighten and things continue Just as the sailor can adjust the sails to take maximum they’re in you’re YOUR home. One way now. Just living in wondering ... celebrity withcase each. significant of which can be in the financial realm. As the– despite more and more, many seniors are finding that or another, it’s all worked out OK. Until advantage of the wind in order to move the sailboat in the you’re alone. not Jimmy Dean, who quietly left the economy continues toone tighten andthe things continue to cost 20 years now. Just in case you’re wondering . . . everything that felt like proper retirement planning desired direction, so may have opportunity, at times, Accordingof to a 2009 AARP survey, prominence show business to build, of all more and more, many seniors are finding that – despite you’re not alone. – ithis issails very possible toretirement outlive your money today. toago adjust order to take maximum advantage the things, a sausage brand, was known to have “I can’t change theeverything “…more than 42 million Americans family that feltinlike proper planning 20ofyears According to a 2009 AARP survey, said,provide momentum created by continuing to live life in a meaningful Now that the issue is identified and direction the I can adjust mywith sailsprovide to always reach myago – it is very possible to outlive your money today. even has its caregiving forthan anwind, adult who needs help daily activities”. “…more of 42 but million Americans family following the loss loved. and even own name, what aresomeone the Do good Now that the of issue is workarounds? identified has itssolutions ”for anindicates Thedestination. same survey “…an 61.6 million way caregiving adult whothat needs helpadditional with daily activities”. And, just as the sailor learns early on that she cannot own name, what are the workarounds? Do good solutions exist for those who are “sandwiched”? The answers to these The same Nonesurvey of atusleast can some control theduring weather. indicates that “…an additional 61.6 millionand people provide care theMeteorologists year.” exist for those who are “sandwiched”? The answers to these expect to reach the intended destination by setting the sail questions vary, to be sure, and a one-size-fits-all solution is people provide at least some care during the year.” forecasters can predict it with amazing accuracy most of the time – All at the same time, so intense has the care-giving rolequestions vary, to be sure, and a one-size-fits-all solution is high upon the mast and then simply leave it unattended, so All at the same time, so intense has the care-giving role certain folly. The best approach is always to seek and obtain but no one on earth can control it. Most of us choose to monitor it, for your parent(s) become that you may actually be losingcertain folly. The best approach is always to seek and obtain for yoursoparent(s) become thatevents, you may be the person learningprofessional to live a “newadvice normal” following loss good, qualified for your particular set o though, we know how to responsibility: plan howactually to dressown the losing kids (andgood, sight of ofanother primary your family. qualified professional advice for your particular set of sight another primary responsibility: your own family. must learn to first raise the sail upon the mast, and then circumstances . . . because if your planning doesn’t do wha ourselves) and how to make travel plans among other things. Thus, Your kids may “home”,whether whethertoddlers toddlerscircumstances . . . because if your planning doesn’t do what Your kids maystill stillcall callyour your nest nest “home”, adjust it from time to time in order to allow the winds of life need it to do when you need it do what you GOT it to do, it’s although we cannot control it, we learn how to adjust to it – everneed it to do when you need it do what you GOT it to do, it’s or or high-schoolers between.They Theyneed need your high-schoolersororanything anything in in between. your toabout provide good, positive momentum in the proper direction. like having no plan at all. about like having no plan at all. changing though it be. time, your guidance, your attention, your affection...and your time, your guidance, your attention, your affection...and your And well worth noting is that doing so is not to control the month, we’llwe’ll take atake closer look at look one particular resources. Like many things in life, the wind, in good measure can be a NextNext month, a closer at one particula resources. winds of life, but rather an intentional determination to adjust scenario that we’re beginning to see more frequently among among You’re not alone here, either. either. Whether know it or friend to the sailor; in here, excess, a considerable foe.you While some scenario that we’re beginning to see more frequently You’re not alone Whether you know itwind orthose who are being sandwiched. It might be an eye that which we can . . . in order to render that which we cannot not, if you’re caring for a parentupon (or the other relative) AND is necessary to advance the sailboat water at all, too much those who are being sandwiched. It might beopener an eye opene not,caring if you’re caring for a parent (or other relative) AND for some. Remember Well. bearable.Remember Well. for rough (or financially supporting) your children,the you’re makesforfor waters and difficulty in navigating charted more for some. caring (or financially supporting) your children, you’re StatisticsSail Source: Wikipedia.com. among for a rapidly growing number AmericansAnd who on.Source: Remember Well. course; some, itgrowing might even lead toof seasickness! so itfind is, on Statistics Wikipedia.com. among a rapidly number of Americans who find CFSP, is a funeral theFuneral owner themselves sandwiched between their responsibilities and David DavidW. W.Deuth, Deuth, CFSP, is a funeral director anddirector the owner and of Weerts such a day, sandwiched that wetolearn that the best responsible. adjustment may be toand notofHome Weerts Funeral inCFSP, Davenport. He Cities candirector be Cremation reached W.andHome Deuth, isand a funeral and themselves between their responsibilities the generations whom they’re Nowell surprise, inDavid Davenport RiverBend Cremation Quad Pet inatthe owne the all whom and the boatas inone portofuntil, say, the563.424.7055 orFuneral email at Dave@WeertsFH.com. Bettendorf. He can beby reached atHome 563.424.7055 by email at Dave@WeertsFH.com. of Weerts in orDavenport. He can be reached a then, thatsails youatto are nowleave identified the as “Sandwich thehoist generations they’re responsible. Nothey surprise, then, that you are now identified as one of the “Sandwich 563.424.7055 or by email at Dave@WeertsFH.com.
Sandwiched: Part I Sandwiched: Part I
Just Like A Trusted Friend . . . Just Like Friend . . Us We’llABeTrusted Here When You .Need
We’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 46 MAY • QC Family Focus 42 April2013 2015 - QC Family Focus
www.WeertsFH.com
QC Family Focus - April 2015 43
Kids’ Tickets $10!
Ages 2-12. Limit of four (4) kids’ tickets with purchase of a full-price adult ticket. Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. Tickets $2 more day of show.
MAY 16 & 17
Sat. 7:00 PM Sun. 2:00 PM
Pit Party: Sat. 4:00 – 6:00 PM and Sun. 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Must have a corresponding day-of-event ticket for entry.
iWireless Center 319225
Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office © 2015 Feld Motor Sports, Inc. Competitors shown are subject to change.
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April 2015 - QC Family Focus