Community Caring Conference

Here is a recap of the award winners at the Quad Cities Hero Awards Banquet held on October 7th:

 

Crime Fighter of the Year:  Jim Bleuer stopped a crime and an assault in progress on an elderly woman, confronting the assailant, enabling police to make an arrest.  The accused was convicted.  For hihs crime fighting efforts, Jim was named the 2010 Crime Fighter of the Year!

 

Law Enforcement:  Margaret Osborn, Rock Island State's Attorney's Office, received many nominations for her accessibility, always making time to assist in the investigation of child sex crimes, going the extra mile and working extra hours for her prosecutions, fighting for the underdog.

 

The Rock Island County Drug Court Program focuses on helping chronic substance abusers make necessary life changes to avoid more jail time.

 

Sgt. William Francis, a 23-year veteran with the Illinois State Police, was honored for his aggressive and highly visible enforcement.  He coordinates with local agencies to increase law enforcement presene with the goal of reducing fatal crashes (they dropped more than half from '07 to '09).

 

Lewis Washington, a parole officer with the Iowa Department of Corrections Services for 31 years, goes out of his way to assist clients in understanding the probation system, their rights, and the numerous rehab options available.

 

Business:  Quad City River Bandits partners with area employers and agencies, gettiing more people to the ballpark and increasing family fun in the QCA.

 

Youth:  Anna Pienta always looks for ways to improve the environment.  She's held an E-Waste collection, keeping some 9000 pounds out of the landfill.  She partnered with a business, which donated the proceeds to Living Lands And Waters.  Anna set up a website and coordinates special collections for the elderly using high school and college students.

 

India Howlett is actively involved in school and community: Student Council, the Hunger Drive, blood drives, and shows younger students the safest way to walk to their new schools in the Safe Routes to School event.

 

Education:  Greg Williams, Rock Island, serves as the building supervisor and Assistant to the Principal at the Thurgood Marshall Learning Center.  He's helped create a positive and progressive school climate.

 

Individual:  Pastor David Geenen, 15th Avenue Christian Church in Rock Island, and Pastor Stacie Fidlar, St. John's Lutheran Church in Rock Island, both of whom organized and speerheaded the establishment of the new homeless youth center, The Place 2B, in downtown Rock Island.

 

Bi-State:  Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce makes a positive difference by being involved with Hispanic businesses, helping them expand, creating new business opportunities, teaching, networking, volunteering and participating in community events and festivities.

 

Organization:  House of Fire Volunteer Transportation Team is a group of five people who have been providing transportation for students enrolled in the English Language Learners Program at Church of Peace.  These students can't learn if they can't get to class.

 

Community Award:  Pleasant Valley High School Sparkles are special needs elementary school students who are "Junior Cheerleaders" at Pleasant Valley High School.

 

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported CCC at our major fundraiser.  We appreciate your help, and hope to see you next year!