30 Oct 2015

New video shows crucial need for lights while biking at night — especially with coming time change

By Rick Martin
See before-and-after examples of the difference bike lights make in boosting visibility for drivers

Chicago, Ill; October 29, 2015 ? When the end of Daylight Savings Time snatches a full hour of our daylight this weekend, many Chicagoland residents who commute to work on their bikes will be riding home in the dark. This time change signals a perfect time to ensure you have functional front and rear lights on your bike.

As spelled out in a lively new video created by the Active Transportation Alliance ? a local advocacy group that works to improve conditions for biking, walking and transit in Chicagoland ? proper illumination while biking is a crucial safety measure that makes you visible to people driving cars.

The video features a dramatic series of before-and-after examples showing the difference bike lights make in heightening your visibility for drivers. And it's not just darkness working against bicyclists at night ? but also factors like driver distraction, weather conditions, dirty windshields and visual clutter on the roadway that can contribute to people biking being invisible to drivers.

Using bike lights at night is not only an essential safety measure, it's also the law. Chicago and Illinois laws require a front light and a rear reflector when riding at night (And most Chicagoland suburban communities also have similar laws on the books). In addition to following these legal requirements, Active Trans recommends adding a red flashing light at the rear of the bike.

You can also boost your visibility with reflective clothing and reflectors attached to your bike. Wearing brighter colors can help, too.

LED bike lights are cheap, bright and long lasting. But beware, batteries die and lights sometimes break. Some people equip their bikes with multiple front and multiple rear lights, or always pack extra batteries, so that if one light goes out unexpectedly they don't have to finish their ride in the dark.

The video recommends buying LED lights that are at least 100 lumens in brightness, and using a new generation of lights that are USB rechargeable.

See the video.

For more safety tips on biking, check out our Everyday Biking Guide.

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30 Oct 2015

Charity Mah Jongg Tournament

By Mary McNeil

It's time for the Charity Mah Jongg Tournament which will be held at the Outing Club (Bawden Rooms) on Wednesday, November 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Doors open at 12:30. Entry fee is $30 and there are cash prizes for first, second and third place.

The event is in loving memory of Nancy Weigle, Norma Shagrin and Leah Hantman with all proceeds going to the NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Foundation.

Make your reservation by Friday, November 6th by emailingnormaleafoundation@gmail.com, calling 309.794.0009 or by registering at this link: https://form.jotform.com/52986442187972

30 Oct 2015

Skin, Scalp and Hair Tips for Cancer Patients

By Kelly Hendershot

Featuring Dr. Lori Caruso

MUSCATINE, IA - NOVEMBER  2015 -Gilda's Club is hosting Lori Caruso in a discussion on Skin, Scalp and Hair Tips for Cancer Patients on Thursday, November 5th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church (401 Iowa Avenue, Muscatine, IA, Gathering Room 2nd Floor, Use 4th Street Entrance).

We will explore the proper care of skin that has been compromised by Chemotherapy, selection and care of wigs, and product do's and don'ts with Lori Caruso.

Lori is a 35-year veteran of the beauty industry and is a licensed Cosmetologist, Esthetician, and Instructor. She has owned and managed salons, medical spas, and dermatology clinics. Lori also has special training in hair pieces and wigs, certified in Esthetic Oncology. She is a regular guest expert on Paula Sands Live!

For more details and to register, please call Gilda's Club at 563-326-7504 or email kelly@gildasclubqc.org.

About Gilda's Club

Free of charge, Gilda's Club Quad Cities provides support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer.  As a Cancer Support Community affiliate, we are part of the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental health professionals in the United States.  Our global network brings the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by cancer.

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30 Oct 2015

Smiddy Urges Observation of Safety Tips this Halloween

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. -State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is urging residents to practice safe Halloween habits this year.
"Halloween is a great time to dress up and celebrate with friends, family and neighbors, but too often people are hurt during the festivities," Smiddy said. "You can help your family have a fun and safe Halloween by refreshing your memory about a few simple safety tips."
Smiddy offered the following safety advice for families this Halloween:
  • Ensure younger children are chaperoned during trick-or-treating and older children should go in groups.
  • Plan a route and an agreed- upon time for returning home.
  • Only visit well-lit houses and wait outside for candy.
  • Prepare for wet weather and take additional precautions for participants and drivers traveling during the celebration.
  • Ensure children wait to eat candy until after returning home and adults have inspected candy and wrappers. Any unwrapped or loosely wrapped candy should be discarded.
  • Trick-or-treat only during designated hours.
"With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, participation may be increased, and with so many people on the streets, it's important that motorists be especially careful to avoid collisions with pedestrians," Smiddy said. "As a father of two young boys, I know Halloween can be a great time, but for the celebration to be successful, it's important everyone contribute to a safe environment."
To learn about designated trick-or-treat hours, please contact your local police department's non-emergency number. For more safety tips this Halloween, please visit the Center for Disease Control's website at http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/. If you or someone you know may have consumed something harmful, call the American Association of Poison Control Center's hotline at 1-800-222-1222. For more information, call Smiddy's full-time constituent service office at 309-848-9098.
30 Oct 2015

1,600 Christians Will Gather in Des Moines, Iowa for National Religious Liberties Conference, Nov. 6-7

By Blair Watkinson
DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 29, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Over 1,600 Christians around the country are gathering for a National Religious Liberties Conference, Freedom 2015, November 6th-7th at the Iowa Events Center. The conference speakers and attendees will celebrate the freedoms God has bestowed on our country, encourage those who have been persecuted or those who may experience persecution in the future and develop strategies for defending religious liberties for Christian business owners, teachers, evangelists, chaplains, employees and churches. The conference is sponsored by over a dozen evangelical organizations including American Family Association, Liberty Institute, Samaritan Ministries and Generations.

This past year has seen increasing persecution for Christians standing on the principles of faith around the world in Iran, Pakistan, Syria, China, Ireland, Canada, and at home in states such as Kentucky, Colorado, Oregon, Iowa and Arkansas. Kevin Swanson, Director of Generations and Freedom 2015 organizer, said "Over the past few years, we've seen a marked erosion of the religious liberties that were the bedrock of the founding of our country. We're inviting Christians to be equipped for the uncertain future while celebrating the liberties God has provided our nation over the centuries."

Speakers will include :
  • Presidential Candidates Senator Ted Cruz, Governor Mike Huckabee and Governor Bobby Jindal
  • Persecuted Christians David and Jason Benham, Naghmeh Abedini, Richard & Betty Odgaard, SMSgt Phillip Monk, Aaron & Melissa Klein and Randy Pfaff
  • Religious freedom advocates Kelly Schackelford, Rafael Cruz, James Lansberry, Brigadier General Douglas Lee, USA (ret), Bob Vander Plaats, Bradley Pierce and Chuck Hurley
The conference will address religious liberty in the military, medical care, parenting, education and the workplace. Conference speakers will also highlight the history of religious liberties and religious persecution.

The clear ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, Obergefell v. Hodges and other cases is that religious organizations and individuals have the right to hold to their own convictions in both private life and the public square. Despite these rulings, Christian business owners, employees and churches remain under attack while living according to their convictions and rights guaranteed by the Constitution. "We want to encourage Christians in their homes, churches and workplaces by helping them understand the freedoms that are theirs by the grace of God and by the law of the land," explained Swanson.

Conference registration and live streaming of Freedom 2015 is available at www.Freedom2015.org. Contact Blair Watkinson for more information: 720-778-1517 or media@freedom2015.org.
30 Oct 2015

Impact of Tickets on Mental and Family Health Shared By 28,000 in Recent Veteran Tickets Foundation Online Survey

By Tiffany Hoffman
Tempe, Ariz. - Oct. 29, 2015 - As Veterans Day approaches, we would like to share with you a summary of findings from an online survey report conducted by Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) and their 28,000 members detailing the difficulties and successes in reintegrating veterans and their families with their communities.

This positive effort maybe the type of story you would like to add in your publication, blog or newscast. We are available for comments.

See attached for full release.

Full Survey Click Here:
30 Oct 2015

STEM Council awards new STEM BEST and RLE models in Iowa

By Angel Mendez

Twelve awardees commit to innovate through business-education partnerships

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The Iowa Governor's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Advisory Council has awarded 12 new STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) and STEM RLE (Redesigned Learning Environment) models across Iowa.

Both STEM BEST and STEM RLE models transform typical K-12 classroom environments and methods to unite business and education and develop clear pathways from STEM education to STEM careers in the state. Since 2014, the STEM Council has established four STEM RLE and five STEM BEST models that currently serve as examples of these business-education partnerships.

"The STEM BEST model allows students to experience a local industry or business environment firsthand that exposes them to STEM career opportunities right in their backyards," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, co-chair of the STEM Council. "The STEM RLE model engages students in a more collaborative, technological environment that prepares them for STEM success in college or career training after high school."

The STEM Council's executive committee voted unanimously to award and support 12 of 22 proposed partnerships that bring to the table a total cost-share commitment of $630,628. The $300,000 STEM Council investment made possible through a combination of state and private sector funds is divided equally among these 12 awardees to purchase equipment and provide teacher training:

  • Charles City Community School District – North Central STEM Region – STEM BEST
  • Lincoln Intermediate School – North Central STEM Region – STEM RLE
  • Dubuque Community School District – Northeast STEM Region – STEM RLE
  • North Tama County Community School District – Northeast STEM Region – STEM RLE
  • Carroll High School – Northwest STEM Region – STEM RLE
  • Western Christian High School – Northwest STEM Region – STEM RLE
  • Albia Community School District – South Central STEM Region – STEM RLE
  • Hoover High School – South Central STEM Region – STEM BEST
  • Davenport Community School District – Southeast STEM Region – STEM BEST
  • West Branch Community School District – Southeast STEM Region – STEM RLE
  • Corning Elementary School – Southwest STEM Region – STEM RLE
  • Hamburg Community School District – Southwest STEM Region – STEM RLE

"Uniting business and education is a key priority of the STEM Council," said Dr. Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin Industries and co-chair of the STEM Council. "These 12 new models will help bridge the education to workforce gap by addressing local industry strengths and challenges in each region of the state to ultimately shape the future of Iowa's economic development."

Each selected program submitted an in-depth proposal, considering factors like education driven by business and industry need, rigorous, relevant and dynamic STEM curriculum and authentic partnerships. The programs bring various strengths in community partnerships, district demographics and program focus and will serve as models or prototypes for business-education partnerships across the state.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov/STEMBEST or www.IowaSTEM.gov/STEMRLE.

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About the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council

Established in July 2011 via Governor's Executive Order, the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership of educators, companies, and Iowa students and families addressing policies and programs designed to improve Iowa's educational system focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The STEM Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path, regain the state's historic leadership position in education and provide a vital competitive economic advantage now, and for the future, to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The 47-member STEM Council is chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Kemin Industries President and CEO Dr. Chris Nelson. For more information, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov.

30 Oct 2015

TRICARE Surpasses Two Million Flu Vaccines Given Through Retail Pharmacies

By TRICARE Communications
When the weather starts to cool, it means that flu season is here again. TRICARE makes it easy to get your flu vaccine at no cost from more than 45,000 participating retail pharmacies. More than 2 million TRICARE beneficiaries have gotten a free flu vaccine under the TRICARE Retail Vaccination program since it began in 2010.

Read the full article here.

30 Oct 2015

Showboat Announces Local Auditions for Holiday Production

By Laurdeck

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre will be holding local auditions for their community holiday production. Auditions will be held on Saturday, November 7 from 6-­8pm and on Sunday, November 8 from 1-­3pm at Mullany Theatre on the Ashford University Campus.

This year's show is Adam's Gifts by Peter Filichia and directed by Kris Doss. Loosely based on Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol, the story follows William Pront, a greedy landlord who has cut corners on his tenants for years. His employee, Jason Romano just wants to make a living and to finish writing his book. Pront's greediness leads to Jason quitting, a stranger appearing, and Pront reliving life through his younger self. William learns a lot about himself, but most importantly is finally taught to read from the most unlikely of people. Adam's Gifts is a story of redemption and the heart­melting surprise of feeling needed.

Roles are available for males and females, middle school to adult. Auditions are drop­in and no preparations are necessary. Cold readings will be provided. Anyone interested in helping with technical, backstage work should attend one of the audition dates. Rehearsals will likely be scheduled Monday through Fridays from 6pm­-9pm.

Performances are scheduled for December 11-­13 and 18­-20. Shows will be at 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3pm on Sundays.

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre will offer a Season of American Classics for the summer of 2016. The upcoming 2016 season includes Neil Simon's The Odd Couple (June 4­-11), Meredith Wilson's The Music Man (June 16 to July 4), the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic South Pacific (July 8-­17), Grease ! (July 21­-31), and Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie (August 4-­13). Matthew Teague Miller is Producing Artistic Director for the 2016 season.

For more information about any Showboat events or to purchase season tickets, visit: www.clintonshowboat.org.

30 Oct 2015

Loebsack Statement on the Budget Deal

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House voted on the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.

"The budget plan that was voted on today in the House was far from perfect and I was reluctant to support it. Not only was this bill written behind closed doors, but it attempted to balance the budget on the backs of America's farmers and ranchers. I am pleased that due to pressure from me and other members of Congress, an agreement has been reached to avoid the possibly devastating cuts to crop insurance that were initially included in the bill. I strongly opposed this provision, and am pleased that House leadership will reverse this harmful policy during the appropriations process.

 

"In the end, passing a budget and making sure that America does not go into default was the right and responsible thing to do. Furthermore, this legislation makes sure that Social Security Disability payments will continue and drastically reduces a spike in Medicare premiums that was scheduled to go into effect. Washington must be working to boost our economy, not undermining economic growth. This bipartisan, commonsense, compromise budget plan is a good start and is needed to get past the political games."

After learning of the cap to crop insurance payments, Loebsack demanded Congressional leaders remove the provision that would devastate America's farmers and ranchers. In a letter to Speaker Boehner and Leader Pelosi, Loebsack called for them to reverse the damaging policy during the appropriation process.

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