Et Cetera
NRCS Announces EQIP Drought Signup in Iowa
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is inviting Iowa farmers affected by the summer of 2012 drought to sign up for special Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding. The signup runs Aug. 13-17.
According to Jon Hubbert, acting state conservationist for NRCS in Iowa, $150,000 will be available in Iowa with priority to affected farmers in the D3 designation on the U.
AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Team Leader Spotlight: Tiffany Swiderski

Financial Coaching Course Begins September 12th
Sharpen Your Financial Coaching Skills begins September 12th in Cedar Rapids. This course from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is designed for volunteers, clergy and others working in nonprofit groups and organizations who assist their clients or members with financial management concerns.
The five-week course combines two face-to-face sessions with three weeks of online learning.
Cedar Two Assists in the Cherry Capital
By: Yazmeen Green
Cedar Two arrived in northern Michigan two weeks ago for their third round project of the year. They are working with Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) until early September. GTRLC is a land trust that works to protect and oversee land conservation efforts over a five-county area.
AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Team Leader Spotlight: Becky Hofkes

Cedar One Works With Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
By: Jacob Jackson
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium of Dubuque Iowa has welcomed Cedar One, its third AmeriCorps NCCC team. They are working for 8 weeks from July 16 to September 5. During their stay in Dubuque they are giving guided educational tours, helping with the upkeep of the animals and their living spaces and working maintenance for the museum and aquarium.
Free Admission and Healthy Activities Kick Off Iowa State Fair Opening Day
WHAT: Fairgoers can take part in healthy activities and free admission on the Fair's opening day. A coupon featured in the August 5 Des Moines Sunday Register or the Wednesday, August 8 Des Moines Register full page Hy-Vee ad is required for free admission 6- 9 a.m. WHO Radio's Van and Bonnie will broadcast their show live from the Grand Concourse.
AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 FEMA Corps Team Leader Spotlight: Jamie Casterton
By: Rachel Lebeaux
Name: Jamie Casterton
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.
Jamie is serving her second year as an AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps Team Leader in Vinton. She was previously a Corps Member in Class 16 at the Atlantic Region Campus in Perry Point, Maryland.
Jamie graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in 2005 and Florida State University in 2009 with her Psychology degree.
2012 Iowa State Fair to End on an Entertaining Note
The 2012 Iowa State Fair is set to end on a high note on Extreme Sunday, August 19, with a boot tappin' Grandstand show and a full day of free entertainment. Plus, Fairgoers can take advantage of half-price gate admission, a chance to win prizes in the Iowa Lottery's "Mystery Millionaire" event, and free parking for carloads of five or more in the North Lot (until 9 p.
Maple Four Assists in Child Programming at the SuAnne Big Crow Boys and Girls Cl
By: Harry Parsons
Since July 17, Maple Four has been assisting with programming at The SuAnne Big Crow Boys and Girls Club in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. The SuAnne Big Crow Boys and Girls Club is named after the late SuAnne Big Crow, which serves the needs of kids residing within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Maple Four is assisting with programming in departments which include, Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development, The Arts, Health and Life Skills and Sports Fitness and Recreation.