quad city family focus - december 2011

December 2011 • Complimentary Issue • www.qcfamilyfocus.com

Happy Holidays!

PARKS & RECREATIO

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NEV Finding Family

Fun Indoors

Why Your Children's Toys May Harm Their Eyes

3QC Family Focus - december 2011

Contributing Editors

William Benevento, M.D.Terry Brahm

Roger BrannanDavid W. Deuth

Kim Fein Curtis FordSteve Hart

Briana HuberMike Mickle

Cathie Rochau Jenna Smith University Of

Illinois Extension Phyllis Zalenski

Publisher: Mike MickleEditor: Karen Mickle

Magazine Design: Jessie SmithPhotographers:

QC Family Focus PhotographyTassy Johnson • Nick Martel

Shannon Colgan • Estelle NesterJanet Meyer

Videographer: Harry Walker

Join thousands of others as they help us promote happy healthy families in the QCA. Call 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: [email protected].

©Copyright 2011.

Tune in to WYEC 93.9 for QC Family Focus Radio! Each weekday at 8:20am and 5:20 pm, you’ll hear our Family Focus spotlight. Then every Saturday from 9am to noon, it’s QC Family Focus Weekend. You’ll hear from our experts, we’ll share some of the best deals from our advertisers andgive you the latest on events happening in the QCA! Set your dial to 93.9!

Serving Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois

Family FocusQCMonthly

7 Fun Festive Facts

9 13 16

25 22

Small Ways To Save Money

December 2011

4 december 2011 • QC Family Focus

By Mike Mickle

Happy Holidays! This season brings good news and bad news for us. The good news, our children’s Christmas lists are MUCH shorter. The bad news, the things on the list are MUCH more expensive. Oh, how I miss the days of legos, barbies and remote control cars. These days, it’s the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Leaving me saying, “iThink you are not gonna be merry this Christmas!” I’ve mentioned how my children are vehemently opposed to wearing jeans, so even shopping for clothing is not easy. I had hope for Matt. The one and only morning we had snow this season, Matt was excited. He ran outside in his athletic pants to see how cold the wind really felt. He lasted about 7 seconds before he came running back into the house yelling, “Whoooooo Wheeeeeee. That wind cut right through my pants AND my underpants.” I thought that might be enough to convince him to ask Santa for a pair of flannel lined jeans. NOPE. He’s holding tough. So is his older brother. There are no clothes on Kyle’s list either. Kyle is the technology junkie in the family. He would prefer to live in an “iHome.” A place where everything was voice or sound activated. The other day he texted me from the basement! I believe he’d be thrilled if we got him the “clapper” for one of his presents! Kate is a little like her mom and sees no reason to own a kindle or nook when she can pick up a good ol’ fashioned book. Right now, we seem to be handling the “holiday craziness” much better than in year’s past. Perhaps it’s because the kids are older or because Karen and I are older. We seem to be focusing more on finding time just to be a family. Katelynn and I just enjoyed a great daddy/daughter date. We attended the Sugar Plum Ball. It’s one of my favorite nights of

Your Mickle’s Worth

the year. My daughter looked beautiful. She’s growing up so quickly and I realize before long I’ll watch her walk down the stairs in a beautiful dress excited about going on a date with another man. Until that day, I’ll enjoy my special times with her. It’s those times with Kate, the family games, the vacations and the quiet family times

that we will all remember and cherish, not what present was under the tree Christmas morning. I’ll say goodbye this month with a quote I heard earlier this week. “When you look in my window, I hope you will see children who will have everything they “need” and work for everything they “want”. From our family to yours have a wonderful holiday season. Best regards, Mike

Rule Ur Game and B100’s Red Hot and Tony Tone are teaming up to bring you all this season’s high school basketball action.

Go to the Rule Ur Game Facebook page, like it and then tell us what game you want us to cover.

The B100 crew will be there, along with Rule Ur Game cameras. We’ll share the highlghts at www.ruleurgame.com, on our Facebook page and you’ll hear them on B100. One lucky student will get to make the call at each game. Show your

school spirit and log on now!


3885 Elmore Ave Across from Sam’s Club Davenport, IA 52807563-322-5867 www.monkeyjoes.com/davenport

Holiday HoursChristmas Eve- 10am-1pm Christmas Day- closedNew Year’s Day- 11am-6pmOpen 10am-8pm Monday thru Saturday & 11am-6pm on Sundays all other days

Santa Claus is CominG!Sunday, December 11th

1:30pm-2:45pmCome tell Santa what’s on your list

and get your picture taken too!

Family Time FridaysGet 2 admissions and

1 large pizza for just $28!

Bring in a new, unwrapped toy now

thru December 15th and enjoy a

Mini Monkey Meal on us! We will be

donating all toys to local Quad City

families.

New Years Eve BashSaturday, December 31st

10am-10pmCelebration for the kids is 6pm-10pm

Countdown to the New Year will be at 8pm- fruit punch toast, free giveaways, face painting,

and lots of Family FUN! Parents are FREE.

$1 off admissionDiscount off of regular price admission. Limit 1 per group per visit. May not be

combined with other offers. Valid at Daven-port, IA location only. Expires 12-30-11.

$20 off any partyMay not be combined with other offers. Mention

coupon at time of booking and present to redeem. May not be used on previously booked parties. Valid

at Davenport, IA location only. Expires 12-30-11.


By Kim Fein RIA Federal Credit Union

Did you know? • If you received all of the gifts listed in “The Twelve Days

of Christmas” song, you would receive 364 presents!• During the Christmas season, 1.76 billion candy canes

will be made.• The number of Barbie dolls sold every minute around

the world: 180• The first electric Christmas tree lights were sold by General Electric in 1903. So, strands have been tangled for more

than a century.• “Jingle Bells” was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs.• Coca-Cola was the first beverage company to use Santa for a winter promotion. • Animal Crackers are not really crackers, but cookies that were imported to the United States from England in the late

1800’s. Barnum’s circus-like boxes were designed with a string handle so that they could be hung on a Christmas tree.• Pig head, it's what's for dinner. The traditional Christmas dinner in England used to be a pig head prepared with a

mustard sauce. Most English folk are possibly quite delighted that this isn't the case anymore.• In the Ukraine, if you find a spider web in the house on Christmas morning, it is believed to bring good luck! There

once lived a woman so poor, says a Ukrainian folk tale, that she couldn’t afford Christmas decorations for her family. One Christmas morning, she woke to find that spiders had trimmed her children’s tree with their webs. When the morning sun shone on them, the webs turned to silver and gold.

• Santa must visit 842,000,000 houses on Christmas! While you may never have to use these fun Christmas facts to win a trivia game, you will get an idea of where some traditions came from. RIA Federal Credit Union wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

Fun Festive Facts

Now – Christmas Day

TheQuad citiesholiDaY musiCStation!

24/7 • Listen online at www.mix96online.com


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from your friends at

Sparkling Fruit Juice Source: Stacy Mitchell, RD, LD, Bettendorf Hy-Vee Dietitian

All you need:4 cups 100%-pure pomegranate & blueberry juice1 bottle (1 liter) sparkling water 1 cup frozen fruit (blueberries, cherries, red raspberries) Sliced strawberry (for garnish)All you do:1. Pour juice and sparkling water into a pitcher and stir

gently. 2. Instead of ice, add frozen fruit. 3. Garnish with sliced strawberry on the edge of a

champagne flute.

Keppy Snow RemovalLet us do the shoveling and snow blowing this winter!

We can also hang your Christmas Iights!

Call 563-528-0972 or 563-528-6083

Nick Keppy and his professional staff will do the hard work while you enjoy the winter wonderland from the warmth of your home.

Plan ahead. Get on our schedule now. Don’t wait until the snow begins to fall!

BROADWAYAt The Adler Theatre In Davenport

PRESENTS

Give The Gift Of Broadway!

ADLER THEATRE – DAVENPORTBOX OFFICE | TICKETMASTER.COM | | 800-745-3000

DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS! CALL 563-326-8555

2/07/12 3/23/12 4/17/122/07/12 3/23/12 4/17/12

Tickets On Sale Now!Tickets On Sale Now!


As the holiday season approaches with additional expenses and many families continue to face financial challenges, reducing household expenses is important. Below are some strategies to consider. • Reduce the risk of incurring costly

medical expenses by getting an annual flu shot and physical exam, having regular health screening tests, taking required medications, eating nutritious meals and snacks, and exercising regularly.

• Request generic equivalents of prescription drugs, where available, and order 90-day supplies of drugs by mail, instead of 30 day supplies from a local pharmacy, because costs are generally less expensive.

• Save energy by closing off unused rooms, checking weather stripping and caulking, and upgrading attic insulation. Get a free energy audit to provide a list of recommended action steps and projected savings.

• Buy grocery items on sale and/or in season and select generic or store brands, which are generally cheaper than national brands (exception: when national brands have deep discounts or doubled/tripled coupons).

• Buy “gently used” clothing on sale at consignment shops. Look for bargains on furniture, appliances, and home furnishings at thrift shops, garage sales, and/or through online auctions.

• Ask for auto insurance discounts, including “safe driver” rates and a premium reduction for driving short distances. Raise your deductibles if the savings is worth it and you have an adequate emergency fund for potential out-of-pocket costs.

• Use restaurant discount coupons and “early bird specials,” take a “doggie bag” of food home for another meal, eat an appetizer as a meal (instead of an entrée), and/or eat out at lunch, instead of dinner, when portions are smaller and prices are less expensive.

• Choose a cell phone plan that best meets your needs or purchase low-cost prepaid telephone calling cards as needed.

• Pay bills electronically through online banking or pre-authorized debits from a bank account to save on postage. Assuming that 20 bills per month are paid now with stamps, this is an annual savings of $105.

• Try to negotiate lower prices on purchases with words such as “Is this the best price available?” or “Are there any discounts available on this product?” Mentioning a competitor’s prices can sometimes produce discounts from merchants, as can the use of store “rewards cards” and “cash-back” programs.

• Pay credit card bills in full to avoid interest charges. If you are a “convenience user,” use credit cards that provide cash-back rebates or product discounts. Avoid credit cards with annual fees and no grace period.

When it comes to saving money, attitude, planning, and resourcefulness are keys to being successful without feeling deprived.

Small Ways To Save MoneyPhyllis Zalenski Family Resource Management

Specialist, Iowa State University Extension


Celebrate the season at the Putnam Museum! There’s always something to do, whether it’s swimming with the sharks in 3D on the Giant screen, science experi-ments in the Exhibit Halls; or visiting the mummies! Playing on the Giant Screen Get onboard for fabulous holiday films, playing on the QC’s Giant Screen! Ride The Polar Express in 3D, playing November 25 - January 6(Sponsored by: IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union). Straight Up: Helicopters in Action and Sharks 3D(Sponsored by: Scott County Regional Authority), also continue on the Giant Screen till January 6! Polar Express Pajama Party Children of all ages are invited to attend the QC’s biggest pajama party! From 5-10pm on Thursday, December 22 and then again on Friday, December 23! PJ partygoers will experience Polar Express 3D as it was meant to be seen -- in your pjs and with delicious hot chocolate! Make crafts and take a flashlight hike through the Exhibit Halls. Cost is $10/adults, and $13/kids and space is limited. To make your reservation today, call 563.324.1054 ext. 242.(Sponsored by: IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union) Fun-For-All in the Exhibit Halls Visit the Ex-

Jenna Smith Marketing/Membership Associate Manager, Putnam Museumhibit Halls 1-3pm, December 26-30 and enjoy a variety of activities, all free with Exhibit Hall admission. Hands-on fun that will have you entertained for hours! Map-it Monday: Grab your passport and take a trip around the world! Make paper flowers from Mexico and use chopsticks in the Asian Gallery! Tech Tuesday: Are you a techie? Then join us to fly high in the Grand Lobby or chase a robot bug in the Exhibit Halls! It’s all things technology! Weird Science Wednesday: Glowing rocks, in-stant worms and spoons that scream…are just a few of the strange hands-on science experiments you will encounter this day! Think Tank Thursday: Test your logic and solve fun puzzles! Discover the relationship numbers have to the world around us. Friends of Nature Friday: Devoted to animals and animal lovers. Visit with live animals, mimic bird calls in Black Earth Big River or join in a cockroach race! What better way to spend the school break than at the Putnam! For more information or for showtimes, call 563.324.1933.

EVERY FAMILY DESERVES A PORTRAIT.

ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, OUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

WILL BE ON HAND TO TAKE YOUR FAMILIES PICTURE.

FREE OF CHARGE!YOU DON’T NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.

JUST COME READY TO SMILE IN YOUR FAVORITE OUTFIT.WHEN WE ARE FINISHED,

YOU’LL LEAVE WITH YOUR OWN 8X10 PRINTWHEN? SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH

10:00AM - 3:00PMWHERE? BUCKTOWN CENTER FOR THE ARTS,

225 E. 2ND ST. - THIRD FLOOR , DAVENPORT, IA

ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH,OUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

WILL BE ON HAND TO TAKE YOUR FAMILY’S PICTURE.


Visit Santa at the

Main Street Library Saturday, December 3, 10, 17

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

www.davenport l ibrary.com

Kids will receive a FREE picture with Santa, a candy cane, and a free booklet!

The Davenport Public Library is now presenting a monthly page in the QC Family Focus magazine. Enjoy a little treat from Libby “the library dog,” highlights of upcoming events, and a link to a cool activity that you can do on the library’s website or one of its social media sites. The library will also feature a new highlight every other month by way of a QR Video! These cool little three-minute videos will feature something new that you, your family, and your friends can enjoy at the library. Be sure to grab your next issue hot off the press to experience the library, DPL STYLE!

Visit the PR blog at blogs.davenportlibrary.com/pr and go to the posting for December 1, 2011 for a very cool winter activity for every age!

Attend any Davenport Public Library sponsored event during the month of December and have your name put into a drawing for some cool library gifts totaling approximately $50.00. One entry per person per event. You may enter at each event you attend. The drawing will take place on Tuesday, January 3. All ages may participate.


Visit Santa at the

Main Street Library Saturday, December 3, 10, 17

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

www.davenport l ibrary.com

Kids will receive a FREE picture with Santa, a candy cane, and a free booklet!

The Davenport Public Library is now presenting a monthly page in the QC Family Focus magazine. Enjoy a little treat from Libby “the library dog,” highlights of upcoming events, and a link to a cool activity that you can do on the library’s website or one of its social media sites. The library will also feature a new highlight every other month by way of a QR Video! These cool little three-minute videos will feature something new that you, your family, and your friends can enjoy at the library. Be sure to grab your next issue hot off the press to experience the library, DPL STYLE!

Visit the PR blog at blogs.davenportlibrary.com/pr and go to the posting for December 1, 2011 for a very cool winter activity for every age!

Attend any Davenport Public Library sponsored event during the month of December and have your name put into a drawing for some cool library gifts totaling approximately $50.00. One entry per person per event. You may enter at each event you attend. The drawing will take place on Tuesday, January 3. All ages may participate.

By Steve Hart, Davenport Public Library

“Home is where you hang your heart,” but family is what keeps your heart beating. So why don’t we spend more time with family? Is it practice? Is it work? What is it that causes us to say, “This is more important than the people that I love?” Maybe we feel like we are doing it because we love our family. Whatever your reasons might be, take a moment this holiday season to spend some extra time with those you love. Watch a movie together, read a book to a little one, spend time around a meal, attend a community event together, or volunteer together! Deciding what is important in your life can be difficult. The decision to spend extra time with your family, though, might be the greatest gift of all for you and your loved ones. So where do you start? Start by having everyone compile a list of the top five things they would like to do with the family. Then have someone combine the lists into columns by person, sit everyone down together, and see if there are any that everyone has listed. If there are, then you need the red “that was easy” button to push. Most likely that won’t happen. What will probably happen is that everyone will have completely different ideas on what they like. Depending on time, you can make this task difficult or

easy. If you have time, have each person choose their favorite activity and do a different one each day. This might take a couple of weeks to accomplish, but should be very rewarding in the end. If you don’t have enough time, then put everyone’s top choice in a box and draw. Now that you have decided what to do, what are the benefits of family time? According to www.familyfacts.org, presented by the Heritage Foundation, “Spending time in everyday family leisure activities is associated with greater emotional bonding within the family” and “teens who frequently have dinner with their families are at a lower risk for substance abuse.” There are hundreds of studies that focus on the importance of spending time with your family. So start spending more time with the people you love most today! The Davenport Public Library offers many FREE activities to enjoy together as a family! Check-out a movie to watch, read a book together, attend a free library program, visit one of the library’s blogs, or go to the library to hang out and enjoy a treat with loved ones at the coffee house. Visit the library’s website at www.davenportlibrary.com for more free activities and events!

This Year Have Your Birthday At

Go Karts • Lazer Tag • Jousting • Spacewalk • Trampoline BasketballObstacle Course • Miniature Golf • Jungle Zone • Rock Climbing

Bowling • Arcades • Indoor Batting Cages

Pick Your Party PackageFrom These ActivitiesJungle Zone Wristband

Unlimited play in our 3 story high jungle!

Inflatable WristbandUnlimited play in our Spacewalk, Obstacle Course, Trampoline Basketball & Jousting

Lazer TagOne game of Lazer Tag

Pick 1 $5.00 per personPick 2 $10.00 per personPick 3 $15.00 per person

Pick All 3 and receive a $2.00 game card for FREE per person

6 person minimum reservations required. No substitutions for activities: all tickets must be used by the same person.

Open Year Round 7 Days A Week • No Admission Charge354 West 76th Street • Davenport, Iowa • (next to Steeplegate Inn)

Fall/Winter/Spring HoursMon-Thur 4pm-8pm • Fri 4pm-10pm • Sat 10am-10pm •Sun Noon-6pm

Extended hours during holiday breaksSpecial hours available for large parties or groups - Give us a call!

563-386-3826

Check Out The New

Arcade Room!

Hunt Brothers Pizza $9.49 for the first • $8.49 for the next

Up To 10 Toppings at No Extra Cost


January 8th from 2pm-4pmJoin us for a Winter Celebration downtown

at Centennial Park and The River’s Edge.

PARKS & RECREATIO

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Families, friends and fun both inside and out! Join us for snow sports,

hot chocolate, ice skating, snowman making, children’s activities, Pageant Princesses for photo opportunities, snow shoeing,

eagle watching, and so much more! *Silver Skates (Preregistration and fee required).

Join us at The River’s Edge700 West River Drive, DavenportFor questions, please call 563-328-PARK (7275)

This will be a winter celebration to remember!


Cathie Rochau, Marketing Representative It’s been a year since we have welcomed Allegiant to the Quad Cities. It’s hard to believe that just a year ago this month, we already had Las Vegas nonstop flights operating, and the Phoenix-Mesa flights were getting ready to begin. Both the Las Vegas and Phoenix area flights have long been requested by our area travelers. Of course, Las Vegas is a popular destination for our leisure travelers- and makes for a great long weekend. The Phoenix-Mesa flights have been appreciated by our area snowbirds and their families who visit them. We also hear that many Florida-bound folks are using the Tampa Bay (St. Pete/Clearwater) flights for nonstop access into Florida, the Tampa area, Sarasota, and so forth. While we are sad to see the AirTran Orlando service come to an end here in the Quad Cities this January, we are very happy to announce that Allegiant will be adding flights to Orlando’s Sanford Airport, just north of the Orlando area. This will continue to serve those families who visit the Orlando area and all that it has to offer. These flights begin February 17th and will run twice a week.

Quad City International Airport Update As you may already have heard, the airport runway construction was completed this October. Our main runway, 9/27 has been completely rehabilitated and will last us for years into the future. Our main airline carriers (American, Delta and United) still offer strong domestic and international connections. Today, we have nonstop service to TEN cities: Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando, Phoenix-Mesa, and Orlando. A recent development was the launch of our “mobile-friendly” website for smart phone users. If you have an android, I phone, etc. you can view qcairport.com in a mobile friendly format and view arrivals, departures, a flight-map, and more- all in real time. Bookmark us to your home page! Lastly, I invite you to “follow me” on my family vacation as we fly on Allegiant to St. Petersburg/Clearwater. We will be staying on Clearwater Beach and plan on visiting Winter the Dolphin at the Clearwater Beach Aquarium, riding a “pirate ship”, and more. I will be writing about our experiences in the January issue. For now, I hope we have gotten you in the mood to start making your winter travel plans. Call your travel agent or the airline for airfares and packages, and we’ll see you on your next trip!


To some, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a real Christmas tree. The following are a few hints to select and care for your perfect tree. • Decide on where you will place the tree. Will it be seen

from all sides or will some of it be up against a wall? Be sure to choose a spot away from heat sources, such as TVs, fireplaces, radiators and air ducts. Place the tree clear of doors.

• Remember that trees sold on retail lots in urban areas may have come from out of state and may have been exposed to drying winds in transit. They may have been cut weeks earlier. Buy trees early before the best trees have been sold and where trees are shaded. Ask the retailer whether his trees are delivered once at the beginning of the season or are they delivered at differ-

ent times during the selling season.• Choose a fresh tree. A fresh tree will have a

healthy green appearance with few brown-ing needles. Needles should be flexi-ble and not fall off if you run a branch

through your hand. Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and

drop it on the butt end. Very few green needles should drop off the tree. It is nor-mal for a few inner brown needles to drop off.

• Make sure the handle or base of the tree is straight and 6-8 inches long so it will fit easily into the

stand. The follow-

ing are a few tips on how to keep your tree fresh

through-out the

h o l i d a y season.

• If you are not putting the tree up right away store it in an unheated garage or some other area out of the wind and cold (freezing) temperatures. Make a fresh one inch cut on the butt end and place the tree in a bucket of warm water.

• When you decide to bring the tree indoors, make another fresh one inch cut and place the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water, or a rule of thumb is one quart of water for every inch of diameter of the trunk.

• Be sure to keep the water level about the base of the tree. If the base dries out resin will form over the cut end and the tree will not be able to absorb water and will dry out quickly. Commercially pre-pared mixes; aspirin; sugar and other additives added to the water are not necessary. Research has shown that plain water will keep a tree fresh.

• Check all Christmas tree lights for worn electrical cords. Use UL approved electrical decorations and cords. Unplug tree lights at night.

• Miniature lights produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree.

• It’s a nuisance to water a Christmas tree once it’s decorated with a tree skirt and surrounded by pres-ents. Here’s an easy solution, supplied by Gene and Marian Anderson of Guse Hardware in Minneapo-lis: Buy a funnel and a 3 to 4 foot length of vi-nyl tubing to slip over the funnel outlet.Fasten the funnel/tube with a twist-tie or twine in an out-of-the-way but reachable part of the tree. Extend the tubing down the tree trunk and into the tree stand reservoir. Now you can water the tree through the funnel without bending over or disturbing the tree skirt or its ornaments. (Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune)

• Take down the tree before it dries out. Many fresh cut trees if properly cared for will last at least five weeks before drying out.

• Recycle your tree after Christmas. Many commu-nities will pick up trees and turn them into chips. You might put the tree in your back yard and place bread and suet among the branches for the birds.

University Of Illinois Extension


4005 E. 53rd St. • Davenport, IA • 563.355.2373

How about dinner at

Need A Perfect Gift?

Are Poinsettias poisonous? Poinset-

tias are not poison-ous. The Society

of American Florists (SAF) worked with

the Academic Faculty of Ento-mology at Ohio

State University (OSU) to exhaustive-ly test all parts of the poinsettia (Euphorbia

pulcherrima). OSU re-searchers established that

rats exhibited no adverse effects – no mortality, no symptoms of toxicity, and no changes in dietary intake or general be-havior patterns – when given even unusually large amounts of different poinsettia parts. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) accepts animal tests as valid indicators whether any product or natural growth is harmful to human health. The OSU research was conducted 23 years ago and other sources have continued to reinforce the poinsettia’s safety. According to the American Medical As-sociation’s Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants, other than occasional cases of vomiting, ingestion of the poinsettia plant has been found to produce no effect. How can I make my poinsettia last dur-ing the holiday season? • Place the poinsettia in a sunny window.• Do not let any part of plant touch cold window

panes. • Indoor temperatures from 60 to 70°F is ideal for

long plant life. • High temperatures will shorten the life of the col-

orful bracts. •Water only when the soil is dry.

• Placing your poinsettia in a cool room 55 to 60°F at night will extend blooming time.

• Do not fertilize when plant is in bloom. • Avoid temperature fluctuations and warm or cold

drafts. I want to keep my poinsettia plants. When can I take them outside? Move your poin-settia plant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Place it in a sunny area but where it will get moderate shade in the afternoon. Should I fertilize my poinsettia if I am keeping it past the holiday season? Fertilize once a month with a water soluble houseplant fer-tilizer. How often should I water the poinsettia? Be sure to remove foil covering drain holes before watering. Water only when the soil is dry. Do not let the poinsettia wilt. Do not let it sit with water in the saucer. Empty the saucer.

University Of Illinois Extension


Just For Kids!Just For Kids!

R.I.A. Federal Credit Union563.355.3800 • 800.742.2848www.riafcu.com

Get Your Savings Into Gear With Our New Rewards Program!

Kid’s CalendarHoliday Magic • December 11th

Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM • Holiday Magic is an event for children, families and all those young at heart. There will be a wide variety of holiday crafts for children, including an opportunity to decorate their own Holiday cookies (Grown-ups

can have a cookie too!). The crafts and games will begin at 1pm followed by some special holiday music performed by local favorites, beginning at 2:30pm.

The featured performance at 3pm will be the well-known Magician; Ben Siedman who has worked

with Chris Angel and who performs regularly in Las Vegas. For more information, please visit our website: www.qcunited.org • Admission: $5 Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State

Street, Bettendorf. Call 563-349-1870 for more information.

Candyland - Holiday Arts • December 16th

Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM • Bring the kids to the Village Theatre in the Village of East Davenport

for some holiday fun on December 16. Your children will be able to participate in a variety of events

during this very special performance arts & entertainment show.

•Kids Costume Show at 6 p.m. •Face Painting •Holiday Arts and Crafts

•Hooping and Dance Performances •D.J. Music •Costume Ball 8-10 p.m.

Admission: $5.00 Advance / $7.00 Rush The Village Theatre, 2113 East 11th Street The

Village of East Davenport. Call 562-477-4965 for more information.

Baseball Hitting & Pitching Camps

December 26th - 29th Need something to keep your kids active over

Christmas break? Augustana is holding a Hitting Camp on the 26th & 27th from 8.30-10.30am for

8-12yr olds and from 10:30-12:30 for 13-18yr olds. Pitching camp is on the 28th & 29th from 2-4pm for 10-16yr olds. Contact Coach Greg Wallace,

309.794.7252 with questions. Dates: 12/26-12/29 Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Admission: $50/camp or $90 for both Location: Carver Athletic Center, Augustana College, 3700 5th Avenue, Rock Island , IL. Call 309-794-7252 for more information.



Congratulations to all of our November

contests winners. We had a HUGE number

of entries. Thanks to all of our great sponsors!

Elizabeth Watson from Milan was our Scentsy contest winner. She won a

prize package of great smelling Scentsy products valued at almost $90.

Justin Timmons from Galesburg won our Disney on Ice contest. He won a family four pack of tickets to see the great show.

Christmas Chocolate Kiss TreeMaterials:• One 12” X 4” Styrofoam cone• 1 yard red or green 1” wide ribbon • Aluminum foil • Glue (low heat gun, non-toxic craft glue, glue stick or

confectioner’s glue)• 7 (8 oz) bags of HERSHEY KISS

Chocolates -- Holiday colorsInstructions:• Cover foam cone with foil.• Decorate cone with green foil HERSHEY KISS Chocolates

by gluing their flat side against the foil covered cone. • For ornaments, use the remaining silver and red HERSHEY

KISSES. • Insert one end of a toothpick into the side of each HERSHEY KISS.• Insert other end into the foam cone, filling in the gaps between the green foil HERSHEY KISSES. Completed craft is for decorative purpose only and candy should not be eaten.


Just For Kids!Just For Kids!Make Santa's Christmas merry and bright

By helping him through this maze of lights!

F or more great holiday ideas , vis it www.familyfun.com© FamilyFun


Make Santa's Christmas merry and brightBy helping him through this maze of lights!

F or more great holiday ideas , vis it www.familyfun.com© FamilyFun


Hey Kids, Here’s your chance to have lunch served to your entire class! Our friends Chick-fil-A on 53rd street in Davenport are ready to bring their delicious chicken and some scrumptious side dishes to your class! Enter the contest below.

Name _____________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________

City_______________________________________________________State ___________

School I attend___________________________________________Grade I’m in __________

My teacher’s name is __________________________________________________________

I pick up my copy of QC Family Focus at ____________________________________________

Send your entry forms to: My Class is Hungry! c/o QC Family Focus, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, IA 52722Entries must be postmarked by December 19th. Only one entry per person. Good luck!!

Santa’s Village Activity PageSanta’s Village Activity Page

© FamilyFunFamilyFun.com

Start

Finish

Here ye, here ye! Let it be known that there are two fantastic holiday activities

rolled into this colorful page! Your first holiday duty is to

pretend you are a well-known detective and find the 10

candy canes that are hidden in this snow-covered village. Circle them as you discover

them. Then, help the ice skaters plot their course so they can find their way out

of the maze.

By this proclamation, know ye that you are now granted

lifetime access toSanta’s Village!


Many parents of young children have likely heard over and over to have their children tested for lead. Childhood lead poisoning is a serious health concern, mainly for children under the age of six. About 250,000 U.S. children ages one through five have blood lead levels greater than 10 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) of blood. In 2008, there were 623 confirmed cases of lead poisoning in Iowa, and 2,870 confirmed cases in Illinois. Lead is a heavy metal that naturally occurs in the Earth’s soil and air. Lead can be found in items including paint made before 1978, electronics, and imported toys, cosmetics, candy, folk remedies, and jewelry. After 1978, lead-based paint was banned for use in residential housing. Many older homes still have lead paint. Children are exposed to lead mainly through eating or breathing in chipping and peeling lead-based paints and lead contaminated dust in and around the home. Children have a higher chance of contact with lead because of their closeness to the floor and the fact that children are more likely to put their hands and other objects in their mouth. When lead is taken into the body, it is carried through the body by blood and is taken to the body’s soft tissue and bone, where it is stored, sometimes for years. Lead poisoning happens when there is too much lead in the body. Children are typically considered to have unsafe levels of lead if their blood lead level is 10 mcg/dL or greater. Lead poisoning affects nearly every organ system in the body, but above all, is harmful to the nervous system and the growing brain of children under the age of six. Children with high lead levels may suffer from learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral problems, stunted growth, and hearing impairments. Also, children with very high lead levels may suffer from seizures, coma, and death. By now you must be wondering what are the signs and symptoms of lead poisoning. Here is the catch: lead poisoning may not have clear signs or symptoms. Lead poisoned children may complain of stomach aches, decreased hunger, irritability, hyperactivity, and sleeping problems, all of which are symptoms of many common ailments. The only way to diagnose lead poisoning is by having your child’s blood lead level tested. Children should be tested at one year of age and should be retested at least once each year until they are six years old. Childhood lead poisoning is the most common preventable pediatric health problem in the United States. This is good news and there are many steps that parents can take to keep their child from being lead

poisoned:• Make sure to keep your child away from peeling paint

or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint.• Create barriers between living/play areas and lead

sources.• Regularly wash children’s hands and toys.• Regularly wet-mop floors and wet-wipe window parts.• Don't let children play in bare soil, and if possible,

provide them with sandboxes.• Remove recalled toys. The U.S. Consumer Safety

Commission is in charge of recalling toys with possible lead hazards. Visit http://www.cpsc.gov to view a list of recalled toys.

To learn more about childhood lead poisoning contact: • Scott County Health Department at 563-326-8618 or

visit www.scottcountyiowa.com/health • Rock Island County Health Department at 309-558-

2820 or visit www.rockislandcounty.org/HealthHome.aspx.

• Iowa Department of Public Health at www.idph.state.ia.us.

• Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov.• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.

cdc.gov.

By Briana Huber Scott County Health Department

All I Want For Christmas Is A Clean House!

TLC Cleaning Service General Cleaning for Everyone

Tammy L Lane, Owner

563-650-6504 Call Now To Schedule An Appointment

or Gift Certificates Available!


Let us help you. log on to: www.scottcountykids.org

stop by: 600 W. 4th Street Davenport, IA

or call: (563) 326-8221

Because raising children is our most important job

Because babies don’t come with an instruction manual

Because finding a person to care for your child

while you’re at work can be overwhelming.

For Kids prenatal through age 5 child care is important….choose wisely


If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can BECOME it.

The Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities providing Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Feeding Therapy.

Therapists are licensed in both Iowa and Illinois. For more information, call 309-762-9552 or visit our website

www.ctcqc.org.


As we enter the toy buying season, here are a few tips on toy safety and selection. These guidelines are not absolute; the best toy for a child takes into ac-count their individual interests, abilities, and level of responsibility. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2009 there were an estimated 186,000 emergency room-treated injuries related to toys with children younger than 15. This does not include those treated in doctor’s offices or at home. Many of these kids had preventable eye injuries. An estimated 17% of all eye injuries to chil-dren are caused by missile-type toys or toys with hard edges or detachable parts. Youngsters are particularly vulnerable during the excitement of the holidays. The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness gives these following recommendations: 1. Be aware of how and where your children or grand-

children play with their toys. There is no substitute for sensible adult supervision.

2. Keep inappropriate toys away from children too young or too inexperienced to use them properly.

3. Make sure toys will not shatter with rough handling or under violent impact.

4. Read manufacturers’ instructions for using toys properly and age appropriateness.

Babies like toys that stimulate their senses, es-pecially those that are brightly colored and lightweight for handling. They should not have sharp edges, points, or pieces that can be swallowed. Everything should be made of non-toxic materials. Floating bath toys and stacking toys are always favorites. Toddlers need toys for active play such as balls or a wagon. Blocks and simple puzzles are good at this age, as are picture books. Preschoolers like to use their imaginations. Dolls, teddy bears, toy telephones, planes, cars, and boats are all appropriate here. Larger outdoor toys such as a swing set or tricycle encourage balance and fitness. Board games, word and matching games, con-struction sets, modeling clay and other art supplies help with visualization and memory skills. Books are always appreciated, especially if someone reads along with them. School age kids ride bicycles (with helmets!), roller skate, jump rope, and play sports. Don’t for-get that sports equipment, a popular gift, should also include protective eyewear. Sports-related eye injuries account for about 40,000 eye injuries annually. Sci-ence, modeling, and craft kits encourage experimen-

tation and fine motor skills. Board games, table-top sports games, doll houses, racing cars, and electric trains also help develop skills for social and solitary play. Video games are a mixed blessing. On the down side, staring at a video screen can dry eyes out and cause blurring, itching, and burning. Headaches (both in players and parents) and other symptoms of eyestrain can also occur. On the positive side, video games in moderation may help with eye-hand coor-dination, and some may be educational. The latest craze to hit the market is 3-D movies, TV and video games. At this time, there are no conclusive studies on short or long-term effect on the eyes or visual sys-tem. Some people complain of headaches or motion sickness when viewing 3-D, which may indicate that the viewer has a problem with focusing or depth per-ception which an eye exam can determine. Also, the techniques used to create the 3-D effect can confuse or overload the brain, causing some people discomfort even if they have normal vision. Taking a break from viewing usually relieves the discomfort. One final note: If you have been around Christ-mas morning, you know more than a few children are more interested in the wrapping paper and boxes than the present. Be careful these can be dangerous play things. Keep it simple and have a safe and happy holi-day.

William Benevento, M.D.President of Eye Surgeons Associates, Dr. Benevento is a board certified oph-thalmologist. He has special interest in diabetes and the surgical treatment of cataracts with the latest techniques. Dr. Benevento practices at our offices in Bettendorf and Muscatine Iowa. For more information, please see our website: www.esaeyecare.com.

Toys, Games, and the Eyes


The legacy you leave your family might include such tangibles as your house and cars and some financial assets, maybe a family busi-ness. Your legacy also includes the less tangible things that are unique to your family—family his-tory and name, maybe a dimple or chin cleft, fa-vorite recipes, and the way you identify what’s important to stand for as you move through life. There’s another aspect of legacy you can share right now. Because you’re a member of DHCU Community Credit Union, your immediate family members are eligible to join as well. And membership provides both tangible and intangible benefits. Credit unions are financial cooperatives, owned by their members. Because we have no

sha reho lde r s , our board’s only interest is the safety and soundness of the credit union and making sure that mem-bers, not stock-holders, are the beneficiaries of product and ser-vice decisions.

We price loans, pay dividends on funds you've deposited, and provide you with high-qual-ity, low-cost services at reasonable fees. Banks must price products and services to make a profit and pay their stockholders. But credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial coop-eratives dedicated to improving members' lives. Members of your family will experience the same benefits of credit union membership you al-ready enjoy. They, too, will benefit from our expert advice, low rates on loans, high dividends on savings and certificates, and exceptional customer service. If you enjoy the unique benefits of belong-ing to a credit union, share this legacy with your family.

Terry Brahm CEO/President, DHCU Community Credit Union

Pass Along Your Credit Union Legacy

Located Inside South Park Mall next to Von Maur

CAVI

TY F

REE

CLUB

CAVITY FREE CLUB

CAVITY FREE CLUB

CAVITY FREE CLU

B

5108 Jersey Ridge RoadDavenport, Iowa 52807

563-355-0437 [email protected]

www.alexbrandtnerchildrensdentistry.com

Cavity Free Club Winner October 2011 - 8 year old Emily Shirk

ACCEPTING NEW

PATIENTS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Upcoming Events

Holiday on the Hill - Putnam Museum - Saturday, December 3rd

Teachers call 563.355.0437 to schedule your 2011/2012 classroom visit with Addi,

this year’s educator for our Dental Hygiene& Nutrition Education Program.

Protect more. For less.

Discount subject to terms, conditions and availability. Actual savings will vary. Property insurance is subject to availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.

Christy Cox(563) 359-40795159 Utica Ridge [email protected]

The more you insure with Allstate, the less you pay. In fact, safe drivers who insure their home and car can save up to 33%. Add coverage for your motorcycle, boat or ATV and save even more. Call me first to see how much you can save.

5159 Utica Ridge Rd Davenport, IA 52807

Ph 563.359.4079

1140 E Kimberly Rd Ste 200 Davenport, IA 52807

Ph 563.391.1226

















Now offering two locations to better serve you!


Here’s your chance to win a professionally produced video from Mickle Communications. Our team will come to three tournament games (games must be all on the same weekend) in the QC metro area. We’ll produce a highlight video of your child’s team, 3-5 minutes in length. We’ll provide up to 10 copies for the team! It’s a keepsake they will cherish forever. Fill out the entry form below.

Name ____________________________________________________________________

Athlete’s grade level_______________________Sport ______________________________

Address______________________City_________________State ____________________

I want a team video because ___________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

I pick up my copy of QC Family Focus magazine at ________________________________

Send entries to: Highlight My Team! C/O QC Family Focus, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, IA, 52722 Only one entry per player. Entries must be postmarked by December 15th. Good luck from QC Family Focus and Mickle Communications!


Healthy Bones, Joints & Muscles: Look for Orthopaedic Training and Expertise

for Better and Faster Recovery atients choose Orthopaedic

Specialists, Davenport, because the expertise of the surgeons, coupled with the minimally-invasive procedures that they are able to offer as a result of the specialization, get them back to their regular life faster than the traditional alternatives.

“Our patient-first approach and specialization in a particular area of orthopedics, as opposed to a generalist approach, leads us to surgical solutions like many minimally-invasive options, which minimize stress on the body, reduces scarring and gets patients back on their feet as soon as possible,” explains Tuvi Mendel, MD, a partner in the orthopaedic practice and the doctor leading OS’s Foot and Ankle Center of Excellence. Together with Matthew Wilber, DPM, the center’s healthcare specialists provide patients with access to leading treatment regimes for treating ankle and foot injuries, foot ailments and wounds.

Dr. Mendel’s advanced training and the minimally-invasive surgical techniques he uses allow him to offer alternatives to joint fusion such as total ankle replacements. His additional certification in Sports Medicine means he’s able to use those skills on patients whether they’re a professional athlete competing in an Ironman Triathlon or a local businesswoman who needs to be on her feet nine hours a day.

That approach holds true in other centers of excellence at Orthopaedic Specialists as well. Tyson Cobb, MD, the fellowship-trained surgeon leading the Hand and Upper Extremity Center is widely recognized as a leader in hand and upper limb reconstructive

surgery, developing new surgical techniques and presenting at national

conferences on a regular basis. Reflecting on the traditional method

of using an open surgery versus an endoscopic surgery for delicate operations like carpal or cubital tunnel releases, Dr. Cobb explains why he most often selects the more precise method. “Most of the time, we can do some kind of reconstructive procedure through the scope. This helps us maintain the motion in the joint and alleviates the pain for the patient.”

Dr. Cobb’s fellowship training at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center helped prepare him for his career as a leading hand, wrist and upper-extremity specialist.

Surgical Specialties Require Additional Training As medical science continues to evolve, the surgical specialty expands with it and continues to become more complex. The benefits of

additional training, called fellowships, are reflected in improved patient outcomes.

“It never fails to surprise me to see a patient’s reaction when we tell him or her that they’ll be able to play sports

again,” says sports medicine trained surgeon John Hoffman, MD. “I think it’s reassuring to an athlete – whether they’re competing at a high level or they’re a weekend warrior – to know the doctor taking care of them has additional expertise. With their hard work and perseverance, we can offer alternatives to many traditional approaches and procedures that will get them back in the game, when other surgeons tell them they may never play again,” he says. With literally thousands of joint reconstructions to his credit, Dr. Hoffman also plays a large role in the total joint center of excellence at OS as well.

Rewards Beyond Recovery “I don’t think there’s anything more satisfying than seeing a patient’s pain relieved so they can get their life back,” says Michael Dolphin, DO, the surgeon in charge of OS’s Spine Center. His experience and training in spine surgery under the tutelage of Dr.’s Alan Levin and Aleksander Curcin at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, have allowed Dr. Dolphin to provide his patients with minimally invasive procedures that have been very successful in alleviating back and neck pain, such as outpatient fusions and the XLIF procedure.

Whether patients are suffering from pain resulting from a degenerative condition or a traumatic injury, Dr. Dolphin’s training allows him to offer patients alternatives to more traditional methods. “We’re definitely doing things with less knife. Technology has allowed us to do things with smaller instruments and better equipment. And, of course, with the additional specialized training, you’re more comfortable doing these things and the recovery time is much better.”

Fellowship-trained surgeons backed up by specialized healthcare providers focusing on patient safety, outcomes and satisfaction … these are the things that help define Orthopaedic Specialists’ approach to care and set it apart from other practices in the area.

P

Tuvi Mendel, MDOrthopaedic Specialists, PC, Davenport

Tyson Cobb, MDOrthopaedic Specialists, PC, Davenport

John Hoffman, MDOrthopaedic Specialists, PC, Davenport

Michael Dolphin, DOOrthopaedic Specialists, PC, Davenport


Healthy Bones, Joints & Muscles: Look for Orthopaedic Training and Expertise

for Better and Faster Recovery atients choose Orthopaedic

Specialists, Davenport, because the expertise of the surgeons, coupled with the minimally-invasive procedures that they are able to offer as a result of the specialization, get them back to their regular life faster than the traditional alternatives.

“Our patient-first approach and specialization in a particular area of orthopedics, as opposed to a generalist approach, leads us to surgical solutions like many minimally-invasive options, which minimize stress on the body, reduces scarring and gets patients back on their feet as soon as possible,” explains Tuvi Mendel, MD, a partner in the orthopaedic practice and the doctor leading OS’s Foot and Ankle Center of Excellence. Together with Matthew Wilber, DPM, the center’s healthcare specialists provide patients with access to leading treatment regimes for treating ankle and foot injuries, foot ailments and wounds.

Dr. Mendel’s advanced training and the minimally-invasive surgical techniques he uses allow him to offer alternatives to joint fusion such as total ankle replacements. His additional certification in Sports Medicine means he’s able to use those skills on patients whether they’re a professional athlete competing in an Ironman Triathlon or a local businesswoman who needs to be on her feet nine hours a day.

That approach holds true in other centers of excellence at Orthopaedic Specialists as well. Tyson Cobb, MD, the fellowship-trained surgeon leading the Hand and Upper Extremity Center is widely recognized as a leader in hand and upper limb reconstructive

surgery, developing new surgical techniques and presenting at national

conferences on a regular basis. Reflecting on the traditional method

of using an open surgery versus an endoscopic surgery for delicate operations like carpal or cubital tunnel releases, Dr. Cobb explains why he most often selects the more precise method. “Most of the time, we can do some kind of reconstructive procedure through the scope. This helps us maintain the motion in the joint and alleviates the pain for the patient.”

Dr. Cobb’s fellowship training at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center helped prepare him for his career as a leading hand, wrist and upper-extremity specialist.

Surgical Specialties Require Additional Training As medical science continues to evolve, the surgical specialty expands with it and continues to become more complex. The benefits of

additional training, called fellowships, are reflected in improved patient outcomes.

“It never fails to surprise me to see a patient’s reaction when we tell him or her that they’ll be able to play sports

again,” says sports medicine trained surgeon John Hoffman, MD. “I think it’s reassuring to an athlete – whether they’re competing at a high level or they’re a weekend warrior – to know the doctor taking care of them has additional expertise. With their hard work and perseverance, we can offer alternatives to many traditional approaches and procedures that will get them back in the game, when other surgeons tell them they may never play again,” he says. With literally thousands of joint reconstructions to his credit, Dr. Hoffman also plays a large role in the total joint center of excellence at OS as well.

Rewards Beyond Recovery “I don’t think there’s anything more satisfying than seeing a patient’s pain relieved so they can get their life back,” says Michael Dolphin, DO, the surgeon in charge of OS’s Spine Center. His experience and training in spine surgery under the tutelage of Dr.’s Alan Levin and Aleksander Curcin at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, have allowed Dr. Dolphin to provide his patients with minimally invasive procedures that have been very successful in alleviating back and neck pain, such as outpatient fusions and the XLIF procedure.

Whether patients are suffering from pain resulting from a degenerative condition or a traumatic injury, Dr. Dolphin’s training allows him to offer patients alternatives to more traditional methods. “We’re definitely doing things with less knife. Technology has allowed us to do things with smaller instruments and better equipment. And, of course, with the additional specialized training, you’re more comfortable doing these things and the recovery time is much better.”

Fellowship-trained surgeons backed up by specialized healthcare providers focusing on patient safety, outcomes and satisfaction … these are the things that help define Orthopaedic Specialists’ approach to care and set it apart from other practices in the area.

P

Tuvi Mendel, MDOrthopaedic Specialists, PC, Davenport

Tyson Cobb, MDOrthopaedic Specialists, PC, Davenport

John Hoffman, MDOrthopaedic Specialists, PC, Davenport

Michael Dolphin, DOOrthopaedic Specialists, PC, Davenport

Because advanced training makes a difference when it comes to surgical specialization. It brings new possiibilities

and new procedures into the conversation about your care and recovery. By providing you with access to

specialists who actually practice primarily in their fellowship, we’re able to provide a broader, patient-first approach to

orthopaedic care that you’ll only find at Orthopaedic Specialists, PC.

Learn more about the surgeons and healthcare specialists at OS by visiting us online at osquadcities.com or by

calling 563-344-9292 to schedule an appointment today.

Why should patients look for a fellowship-trained orthopaedic specialist?

Foot & Ankle Hand & Upper Extremity Spine Sports Medicine Total Joint Replacement

3385 Dexter Court • Ste. 300 • Davenport, IA 52807 • 563-344-9292www.osquadcities.com

Fellowship-training.

A difference that makes a difference.

Whole Campaign (Family Focus).indd 11 11/15/2011 3:49:30 PM


Our personalized services may set the standard. But we’re most proud

of what sets us apart — genuine, meaningful friendships, everywhere

you turn. Come tour and see the difference that makes us who we are.

Senior Star. Changing the way people think about senior living.

Our friendships define us at Senior Star.

To learn about Anytime tours,SM visit seniorstar.com

4500 Elmore Avenue | Davenport, IA 52807(866) 415-6909 | seniorstar.com


holiday piano concert and sing-along with the Girl Scouts.

“Our activities make Senior Star a special place this time of year,” says Kaylan Hamerlinck, Assisted Living Program Director at Senior Star. “Our goal is to create cherished memories. There’s laughter, good food, and the sound of children in our halls, and that makes all the difference to everyone.”

5 Ways to Beat The Holiday Blues

1. Accept invitations – Get together with friends and family members. Avoid isolation by attending holiday parties and other events. If your social calendar has many open days, host your own small gathering.

2. Help others – Volunteering can be a fulfilling, uplifting experience that can benefit everyone involved.

3. Create new memories. Seniors need new things to anticipate. Add something new to the holiday celebration, or volunteer your family to help others. Enjoy activities that are free.

4. Limit stress —If you feel the annual trappings of shopping, decorating, cooking and attending social events risks becoming overwhelming, limit the activities you commit to.

5. Attend holiday community events —Most communities offer special events during the holidays, such as theatrical and orchestral performances, that can be enjoyable to look forward to and to attend.

Senior Living:

Joy, Giving and Friendships Key to Beating the Holiday Blues

For seniors, the holidays can be a time of mixed blessings: while the hustle and bustle of the season can bring back joyful memories of Christmases past, these memories can also be a source of depression if loved ones are not close by.

At Senior Star at Elmore Place, Davenport, the holidays are filled with the sounds of children’s laughter and song, tree decorating and eggnog by the fireplace, crafting projects like gingerbread house making, and community opportunities to see a holiday show or volunteer for others.

“The holidays here are unique and special,” says Executive Director Cathy Hughes. “Our weeks are jam packed with opportunities for residents to make new friends, connect with children, create something beautiful, or enjoy a holiday show, concert or lights tour.

“At times we all can suffer from the holiday blues, but the key is to understand feelings of loss are normal, and to then fill your days with opportunities to help others and share the season’s joy with those around you.”

Among the numerous holiday activities at Senior Star, one popular program is called “Santa to a Senior.” In this program, residents are invited to give back to the community by being a Santa to a Senior. They pick a name from the Senior Santa Tree and provide a gift to that senior in the Quad City area.

In addition to volunteerism, there’s plenty of time to socialize with fireside holiday stories, ornament decorating, a children’s

Families and friends of Senior Star residents celebrate the holidays at the annual Holiday Public Open House. Last year’s party included a couple special guests from the North Pole - much to the delight of kids of all ages.

Holiday Public Open HouseDecember 8th

(5 - 7pm)Appetizers, Eggnog and Entertainment

Please RSVP to

563-359-0100by December 5, 2011


At our age, why would we chooseinflated health care costs?

Get the surgery you need - even on fixed income.

At Mississippi Valley Surgery Center, our seniors often pay less out-of-pocket for the same procedure than in a hospital. Why? Because we’re an outpatient facility. We perform minimally-invasive surgical techniques and our patients recover at home. No expensive hospitalization adds up to savings for you.

Don’t let expensive insurance premiums, high deductibles or the fear of lost time from work or life keep you from getting the treatment you need. You can save money and receive great care: It’s what healthcare should be.™

Call Mississippi Valley Surgery Center for a free referral to one of our specialists:

(563) 344-6653

3400 Dexter Court • Suite 200 • Davenport, IA 52807www.mvsurgerycenter.com

At Our Age.indd 1 9/15/2011 1:15:40 PM


Get Better Faster:

Your Health Is In Your HandsNew Rheumatoid Arthritis treatments can restore

function and strength while relieving pain.

Twisting a jar becomes painful. It hurts to button a shirt.

The onset of arthritis can be frightening. The prospect of swollen, painful knuckles and eventually disfigured fingers can be worrisome when sufferers begin to experience limits in daily life.

For people who are just beginning to feel the effects of arthritis, though, losing useful hands is no longer inevitable. New surgical interventions offer hope for arthritis sufferers – hope that their hands will not lose the mobility and strength to function.

“There have been tremendous advancements in treating upper extremity and hand arthritis,” says Orthopaedic Surgeon, Thomas VonGillern, M.D., Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Assoc., P.C., Moline, IL. “New technology, surgical techniques and procedures give new hope to maintain a quality of life, even after the onset of arthritis.”

Two primary kinds of arthritisThe word “arthritis” simply means an inflamed joint. Osteoarthritis

occurs when excessive wear and tear gradually causes symptoms in certain joints over the course of years.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), on the other hand, is a disease that affects multiple body systems including joints, usually on both sides of your body. According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, about two-thirds of RA sufferers experience symptoms in their hands. (Gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and post traumatic are other common types.)

The problem’s progressRheumatoid arthritis can be a progressive disease. Anti-inflammatory medicines or disease-modifying drugs can slow it. Those medicines, however, do not offer a cure. “Once rheumatoid

arthritis advances significantly, there is enough swelling in the joints and tissue that the joints can get loose,” explains Dr. VonGillern.

“And after a joint’s lining membrane is stretched, the surfaces no longer fit together well. That’s when the joint starts to rub and wears out on one side. The uneven wear and joint laxity results in the deformities of rheumatoid arthritis– as when fingers no longer proceed straight from the hand but instead angle away from the thumb. The looseness and deformities make the fingers floppy and weak.

“If you can catch it before they get stretched out, you can restore function, strength and appearance much more easily, while at the same time relieving pain” he says.

Surgical responses to arthritisEarly surgical consultations can be critically important to maximize function and minimize deformity. Preventive surgery may include removing nodules, decreasing pressure on joints and tendons by removing inflamed tissue, or removing bone spurs that may rub on tendons or ligaments. If a tendon ruptures, Dr. VonGillern may be able to repair the tendon with a tendon transfer or graft.

A number of new interventions offer relief from pain, deformity and lost function. “Over the last 10 years,” says Dr. VonGillern, “materials have been developed to allow surgeons to replace worn knuckle joints and restore movement. That is a huge step forward in the treatment of this disease. Before joint replacement surgeries, people had decreased strength and increased deformities. Combined, those significantly diminished quality of life.”

There are several other types of procedures to treat joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis, including removal of inflamed joint lining and joint fusions – usually of the little joints by the fingernails. Choosing the appropriate procedure involves assessing the particular joints involved, the degree of damage present, and the condition of surrounding joints.

Thomas VonGillern, M. D.Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Associates

According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, approximately two-thirds of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) sufferers experience symptoms in their hands. Early intervention

with surgery can restore function and strength while relieving pain from RA.


christmas SeasonBy Roger Brannan Administrator

hristmas time always brings back memo-ries of the good old

days for me when the popu-lar toys were Red Rider bee bee guns, Schwinn bicycles, board games like Password, Monopoly, Battleship, and Scrabble. Saucer sleds and the old wood-en sleds were also popular. Today, the hot items are iPhones, ipads, and the list goes on. Christmas means different things to dif-ferent people but we all enjoy getting together

Cwith family during the holiday season. The staff at Bettendorf Health Care Center, like many other facilities, enjoy dec-orating the facility for the holidays with Christmas trees, garland, wreathes, lights, and poinsettias. But most importantly, we make sure all our residents receive gifts from Santa. Some of our residents no longer have family which is true in many long-term facilities. Our employees purchase gifts with their own hard-earned money for these residents to ensure they have something unique to them under the Christmas tree come Christmas morning. We are also fortunate that car-olers stop in and sing Christmas car-ols and the community and families bring in goodies for everyone to enjoy. I will never fly anywhere over the holi-days. It always seems that snowstorms always hit some major airport during Christmas causing delays not only at that airport but all connecting flights in other nearby cit-ies as well. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in an airport when you’re anx-ious to get home to family over the holiday. Our residents and staff at Bettendorf Health Care Center wish you all a happy holi-day and a Happy New Year.


• 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 family-style dining.

• You never know when you might need specia l care. That’s why we work closely with all area hospitals and accept admissions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• We are conveniently located on Crow Creek in Bettendorf.

•We offer tours of our facility 7 days a week!

• Activities for all ages and abilities, a variety of religious services, and a caring and competent staff.

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

Bettendorf Health Care Center A Place To Call Home

2730 Crow Creek Rd • Bettendorf, IA • (563) 332-7463


Just Like A Trusted Friend . . .

We’ll Be Here When You Need Us

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

www.WeertsFH.com

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Finding As Estate Planning Attorneyynthia had planned for her fu-ture. She saved for retirement, she bought long-term care insurance and worked with her attorney to

draft an estate plan. Even after her plan was completed, she made sure she knew where her health care documents were located and had compiled a list of impor-tant documents including her will, her in-surance policies and bank accounts. She thought she had planned for any event. And she had, except for one: the retirement of her estate planning attorney. After years of working with her attorney and the staff, Cynthia felt comfortable with the firm, their services and her plan. So, when she received early no-tice of his impending retirement, she was unsure how to proceed. Fortunately for Cynthia, her estate planning attorney of-fered these tips for finding an attorney before her plan needed updating:• Gather recommendations from friends or family. Get specific:

What does your sister like best about her firm? The preciseness of the documents? The speed of document preparation? The kindness of the staff? Knowing why someone likes a firm can guide your selection.

• Ask professionals such as your financial planner or accountant. They frequently work with attorneys and may have recommen-dations.

• Check legal websites for reviews and ratings.• Contact your state or local bar association for licenses, listings

Cand information.

Once you have a few recommendations, talk to each attorney. Most attorneys will offer a 30 to 60 minute consulta-tion to help you understand them and their practice. During your consult, try to discover: • How much of the practice is focused on estate planning?

As with most areas of law, estate planning requires specific language and the laws change frequently.

• How much continuing education he receives in the area of estate planning. Most states require a minimum of CE cred-its; specialty organizations may require more. For example, the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys re-quires 36 hours of continuing education annually.

• How the fee schedule is structured. Is there a flat fee or an hourly rate? What is included in each?

• How comfortable you feel with the attorney and the staff. An estate plan is a long-range plan; make sure you have a comfort level with the attorney you choose. Like any professional relationship, you may face a change with your estate planning attorney. However, with thought and preparation, you can smoothly transition to a new association. Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. To receive a copy of our most recent newsletters, “Your Estate Matters” or for a free consultation on Estate or Long Term Care planning, call 309-944-2188, 309-762-9368 or 1-800-644-5345. You may also contact our firm by email at [email protected] or visit our website at nashbean-ford.com. The firm devotes its practice primarily in the areas of estate, business and tax planning and related areas of the law as well as elder law and trust administration and pro-bate. We offer guidance and advice to our clients in every area of estate planning. This column is designed for general information purposes only and is not in-tended, nor should be construed or relied upon, as legal advice. Please consult your attorney if specific legal information is desired.

By Curtis Ford Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP

Estate Planning Seminarfrom the Law Offices of Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP

For us, planning our estateis about love, not death.

Your Family’s Future Depends on the Decisions You Make Today.Attend this important seminar and learn:

GENESEOTuesday, January 246:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Geneseo Community Center541 East North Street

MOLINEThursday, January 262:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Stoney Creek Inn101 18th Street

MOLINETuesday, January 316:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Stoney Creek Inn101 18th Street

Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP • Attorneys at LawJohn Deere Rd. at 5030 38th Ave. Ste. 2 • Moline, IL 61265 445 U.S. Hwy 6 East • P. O. Box 63 • Geneseo, IL 61254The Attorneys at Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP speak to area residents about living trusts and estate planning. They have helped hundreds of Illinois families plan their estates.

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

Attend one of these seminars and you’ll receive a FREE, one-hour, private estate planning consultation worth $200to answer any questions you have about protecting your Estate and IRA.

REGISTER NOW: (309) 944-2188, (309) 762-9368 OR 1-800-644-5345Register online: www.nashbeanford.com

� The advantages and disadvantages of trustsand wills.

� How to plan your estate to minimize federalestate taxes.

� How to protect assets inherited by yourheirs from lawsuits, divorce and other claims.

� How to protect your estate and providefor yourself and your family if youbecome incapacitated.

� What a Power of Attorney will andwill not do for you.

� How to protect your home and assetsfrom high nursing home costs.

� How to protect children from beingunintentionally disinherited in secondmarriage families.

� How to plan your estate to make sure itpasses to your family most efficiently.

Jan 2012 family focus 7.375x4.75:Layout 1 10/11/11 1:45 PM Page 1


By David W. Deuth, President of Weerts Funeral Homeinda often has a fragrant candle burning in our home. Wispy spring and summery scents en-

joyed for the past several months have been recently replaced by the warm and inviting scents of autumn. As the snow falls to stay, the aromas of ev-ergreen and Christmas cookies will usher in the holidays. The candle’s flame can often be as captivating as the scent released while it burns. Dashing to and fro as it will, the flicker of flame seems to have a life of its own as silently it goes about releasing its light and fragrance about the house. This year marks the sixth annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance we host each December at the funeral home, held in honor of the special lives we’ve been privileged to help “Remember Well” during the past year. The message and meaning conveyed in this special time of remembering – and the precious flicker of each special candle – is truly profound. In honor of all the special lives represented each year, I wrote a brief poem that we share at each Remem-brance Service. Perhaps if you light a candle in your

L own home sometime throughout the holiday season or into the coming year, this verse may prompt you to give special thanks for those whose lives have helped to shape your own . . . even as the candle spreads its light and color and fragrance throughout your home.

MY LOVE LIGHTS A CANDLEMy love lights a candleFor all the world to see

The world won’t always understand it,Yet it means so much to me.

The candle represents the life, you see,

Of someone that I love,Its flame burns bright and beautiful

Inspiration from above.

The candle, just as life itself,For a season brightly shines

With color, flame and fragrance,Bringing joy to other’s lives.

Yet as this candle burns so bright,

Its very life it claimsAnd one day, when it shines no more,

It shall rest, though not in vain.

For other flames has this flame litIn other’s lives to shine…

I am truly blessed and privilegedThat one of them was mine.

Love lights a candle . . . pass it on.

And Remember Well. David W. Deuth, CFSP, is the owner of Weerts Funeral Home in Davenport. He can be reached at 563.424.7055 or by email at [email protected].

love lights a Candle

Watch QC Family Focus come to life on television each Friday. Family Focus Friday only on WQaD’s midday newscast

Can't decide if you want to rent the giant Slide or the Obstacle Course? Now you can have both in one awesome inflatable! QC Jumps and More has a new Obstacle Course/ 18 ft. Slide Combo. Call to reserve it today! Or, if the kids just want to

jump all day, rent one of our 15 x 15 ft. bounce houses.

Great for birthday or graduation parties, company picnics, or just a day of fun!

Call 563-940-7154 or check out our website at www.qcjumps.com.

Free Delivery within the first 20 miles.

QC Jumps and More is Expanding!

Sports Performance Videos- Let us document your athlete’s abilities in a professionally-produced DVD. Great for College scholarship applications. Sports Highlight Reels- Our experts can turn your team’s games into a slick highlight DVD that the players and their families will enjoy for years to come. Marketing Videos- A great way for non-profits or privately-owned businesses to spotlight what you have to offer. We’ll help develop the script, do the interviews and capture compelling video that shows what you bring to our community. Legacy Videos- The perfect way to document a loved one’s life. We’ll interview your family member, use family photos and video to create a mini-documentary that will be passed down for generations to come.

Mickle CommunicationsCompelling Video, Professionally Produced. Call 563-940-7875

or email [email protected]. Stop by our new office located inside

the River’s Edge! Across from Modern Woodmen Park 700 West River Drive in Davenport.

quad city family focus - december 2011

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