14 Oct 2015

Tips -- Keep Your Lawn and Garden Equipment in Top Shape; Readying for Winter Storage

By Debbie Mayster

Autumn is a busy time for lawn and garden equipment users - with leaves to mulch, garden beds to clean out, and yards to prepare for winter. The bustle of fall outdoor activities and chores can take a toll on outdoor power equipment, and it's important for homeowners to check their equipment, maintain it well, and store it properly for the winter.

OPEI offers the following tips to help homeowners keep their lawn and garden equipment in top shape, readying for winter storage:

Set up a safe work zone. Identify a safe location with plenty of work space that is out of the way of children and pets. Work only in a well-ventilated area that is away from heat sources, sparks or flames.

Collect your outdoor power equipment. This might include a lawn mower, generator, string trimmer, chain saw, edger, power washer, blower, chipper, splitter, or other tool that uses a small engine to do outdoor work.

Turn equipment off. Before servicing or repairing any outdoor power equipment, disconnect the spark plug and battery cables.

Protect yourself. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against harmful chemicals and debris.

Inspect your outdoor power equipment. Make sure safety guards are not disabled or missing. Check for loose belts or missing or damaged guards. Check and tighten all screws and nuts.

Clean your equipment. Grass, leaves and dirt that have accumulated on equipment should be removed. Use a soft rag or cloth to clean away grime and dirt.

Drain the fuel. Stored equipment should not have fuel in its tank. Many fuels today contain ethanol, which absorbs water and may phase separate, causing operating problems. If there is fuel in the tank, remove what remains. Run the engine until the engine stops so the fuel is used up. Get more information on safe fueling at www.LookBeforeYouPump.com

Store leftover fuel properly. Gasoline should be stored no more than 30 days without being treated with a fuel stabilizer. Use a sealed container that is approved for fuel storage. Always keep fuel out of the reach of children and away from heat sources or flames.

Lubricate, sharpen, and charge as needed. Check the oil levels and blade conditions. Change the oil now if needed. Get lawn mower blades sharpened so it will be ready for spring. Inspect the spark plug, replace it, and add clean engine oil. Check the air filter and clean or replace as needed. If equipment has a removable battery, take it out and store it in a warm spot. If you have a battery charger, charge the battery before storing it.

Service equipment. If you are not comfortable performing some of these tasks or think that your equipment needs additional servicing, now is a good time to take it to a dealer or repair shop.

Identify and clear a safe storage space. An indoor storage area will protect equipment from the elements. Your storage area should be cool and dry, and equipment should be out of the reach of children and pets. Store equipment away from pool chemicals, cleaners, or fertilizers?anything that could cause corrosion from spills.

Properly store supplies. Using approved storage containers for lawn care or yard supplies will help avoid spills in storage spaces. Leftover materials should be stored in sealed containers, so pests like rodents are not drawn to them. Keep containers out of the reach of children and pets.

Locate your winter outdoor power equipment. Locate snow shovels, snow blowers or throwers, ice scrapers, ice melt or rock salt. If you are low on winter supplies, now is a good time to stock up. Place winter equipment and supplies in an accessible location so they can be found easily when the first snowflakes and ice arrive.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, small engine, and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. Get more information and safety tips at www.opei.org. For information on proper fueling, go to www.lookbeforeyoupump.com.

14 Oct 2015

Vets Plus and ProLabs team up to expand distribution of FLEX Rx® supplements

By Rachel Chamberlain

Animal health company Vets Plus to manufacture and sell FLEX Rx at the beginning of October

MENOMONIE, Wis. (October 12, 2015) - Vets Plus, Inc., the manufacturer of FLEX Rx, will now also be the distributer of the product in OTC channels. The company has expanded its licensing agreement with ProLabs to incorporate the manufacturing and selling of its FLEX Rx joint products.

FLEX Rx chewable tablets offer a specific formulation to support joint health. 46 million households own dogs, and 9.6 million dog owners routinely purchase joint products for their pets. The need for joint supplements is an effect of an aging dog population with obesity, poor diet, or stress to the joints. FLEX Rx is a product intended as a substitute for glucosamine and chondroitin, two common supplements suggested by veterinarians when joint issues arise. In a multi-clinical study, FLEX Rx proved to be more effective than glucosamine and chondroitin for supporting joint function and mobility.

Vets Plus has been currently manufacturing FLEX Rx; with this agreement, Vets Plus will become the exclusive manufacturer and OTC distributor for the product as well. Rick Haxton, National Manager - Companion Animal Business, is leading the partnership on the Vets Plus side.  Haxton said, "The addition of FLEX Rx to the Vets Plus product line is an exciting development. Our goal is to improve the overall health of pets by providing them nutritional support. FLEX Rx certainly fulfills this goal, allowing consumers a high-quality product for their pets' joint health."

14 Oct 2015

Grassley, Blumenthal Introduce Bill to Apply Payment Sunshine to Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) have introduced legislation to apply the disclosure of drug company and medical device maker payments to nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

"There ought to be a complete record for consumer benefit," Grassley said.  "The goal of sunshine for payments to doctors is to help the public.  It makes sense to apply the sunshine to anyone who prescribes medicine.  The goal of this bill is to continue the transparency that brings accountability."

"Requiring companies to disclose gifts and payments made to other health care providers - not just doctors - is absolutely essential," said Blumenthal. "The Provider Patient Sunshine Act will rein in dishonorable behavior by increasing transparency and accountability across the entire healthcare industry. Increased access to information is in the public's best interest, and this legislation will ensure healthcare consumers receive safe, efficient, and cost-effective practices."

The new Provider Payment Sunshine Act would require drug companies and medical device makers to publicly disclose their payments to nurse practitioners and physician assistants for promotional talks, consulting and other interactions.  The disclosures already apply to doctors, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists and podiatrists under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, co-authored by Grassley and enacted in 2010.  The records that apply to doctors are publicly available in the federal Open Payments database.  The payments to nurse practitioners and physician assistants would be added to the database.

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants write a significant number of prescriptions in Medicare and nationwide, and they were among the top prescribers for some drugs, including narcotic controlled substances, according to a ProPublica analysis.  Also, a few of them have been criminally charged with taking industry kickbacks.

Since 2013, the Open Payments database created by the Physician Payment Sunshine Act covers 15.71 million published records and $9.92 billion in payments.  Grassley co-authored the legislation after his oversight and news stories uncovered payments from industry to doctors.  Rather than prohibit such payments, which in many cases might benefit patients as in through research, the legislation required disclosure.

-30-
14 Oct 2015

Workshop Aims to Encourage Businesses to Donate More Food

By Lea Hensel

In an effort to reduce hunger by diverting food waste from the landfills a local group is hosting a free Food Rescue Workshop on October 20 at the Quad Cities Food Hub.

"One in 8 people in our community do not have enough food to eat. We can feed them all by committing to never throwing away food that could still be eaten by someone in need. We are bringing local food providers together to showcase how they can donate easily, help people, help the environment, and actually improve the bottom line for their business" said Mike Miller, Executive Director of the River Bend Foodbank. Local businesses such as Ross' Restaurant and Outback Steakhouse will be discussing their collaborations with local meal sites such as King's Harvest, Café on Vine, and Sacred Heart.

The panel discussions will teach food establishments how to get started, explain how to develop policies and procedures, share ideas to motivate staff, help inform leaders where to donate, and provide a food donation starter kit. Lindsey Adams, Owner of Outback Steakhouse said that, "There is a common misconception when it comes to donating food and liability. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act encourages food donation and protects donors."

Other initiatives throughout Iowa are already tackling this issue such as Eat Greater Des Moines and Table to Table in Iowa City, who will be joining panelists from the River Bend Foodbank and the Scott County Health Department to explore how they are rescuing food in their community and how similar practices can be implemented in the Quad Cities.

The workshop is hosted by the Food Rescue Partnership, a community-focused coalition committed to rescuing food throughout the Quad Cities. Register and find additional information on the Food Rescue Workshop at www.foodrescueqc.org and www.facebook.com/foodrescueqc.

13 Oct 2015

Q-C Hosts VFW Big 10 Conference this Weekend

By Jessica Waytenick

Quad Cities - This weekend the Quad Cities is host to 400 attendees of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Big 10 Conference at the Isle Casino Hotel and Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf.

This conference brings together VFW members and Ladies Auxiliary members from 10 Midwest states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin).  It is on a 10-year rotation for hosting so Iowa won't have the opportunity again until 2025.

There is a reception on Friday night, sessions all day Saturday, and a banquet Saturday night.

The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the local economic impact is over $290,000.

The Department of Iowa VFW is an organization that supports Veterans and their families with providing a voice to the National VFW to make sure that the Veterans that fought in Wars in the past and the Veterans that will fight in Wars in the future have the benefits and support of a grateful nation.
13 Oct 2015

New Movies and Television Series Episodes Available Free On Demand

By Emly In
Blockbuster movies and new movies available starting in October

·         New hit television series episodes available

·         Halloween Favorites Returning

DES MOINES, IA - October 12, 2015 - Mediacom Communications announced that six new blockbuster hit movies of the year will be available through Mediacom On Demand. In addition, Mediacom On Demand will be continuously adding new movies and television series episodes throughout the month -- making it Mediacom On Demand's largest selection of entertainment of the year.

Appearing this month on Mediacom On Demand:

Blockbuster Movies:

Oct. 2 - "Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron"

Oct. 6 - "Magic Mike XXL"

Oct. 13 - "Tomorrowland"

Oct. 13 - "San Andreas"

Oct. 20 - "Jurassic World"

Oct. 27 - "Pixels"

 

Halloween Movies

 

"Monster High":

Boo York, Boo York (Monster High - New Release)

Haunted

Freaky Fusion

Frights, Camera, Action!

13 Wishes

Escape from Skull Shores

Friday Night Frights

Ghouls Rule

Why do Ghouls Fall in Love

Fright On!

 

Kids Halloween:

Caroline and the Magic Potion

R.L. Stine's Most Ghostly: Have you met my Ghoulfriend?

Thomas & Friends: Tale of the Brave - The Movie

Coraline

ParaNorman

Thomas & Friends - Halloween Adventures

The Dog Who Saved Halloween

Dreamworks Spooky Stories

Fun Size

Hotel Transylvania

Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy

Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright

Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride"

Alpha and Omega: The Legend of the Saw Toothed Cave

Tim Burton's "Nightmare Before Christmas"

Frankenweenie (2012)

The Haunted Mansion

 

FrightFest Movies - NEW & CLASSIC:

The Gift (2015)

Visions (2015)

Hidden (2015)

The Gallows (2015)

The Final Girls (2015)

Insidious Chapter 3 (2015)

Sharknado 3 (2015)

Evil Dead

Dark Skies

Paranormal Activity 1- 4

Friday the 13th

The Purge

Mama

Halloween III: Season of the Witch

Halloween II

Halloween H2O: 20 Years Later

Insidious Chapter 1 & 2

Christine

The Conjuring

The Exorcist

The Shining

Final Destination

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Saw 1-6 & Saw 3D: The Final Chapter

Cabin in the Woods

Hostel

Scream

28 Weeks Later

The Hills Have Eyes

The Omen

Carrie (1976)

The Amityville Horror (2005)

The Amityville Horror (1979)

The Silence of the Lambs

 

Free Halloween Entertainment:

Free Halloween shows, kids shows, Halloween specials, music, screensavers and more!

 

New Shows - Free On Demand:

"Muppets" (ABC)

"Blood & Oil" (ABC)

"Code Black" (CBS)

"Scream Queens" (Fox)

"Bastard Executioner" (FX)

"Best Time Ever" (NBC)

"Life in Pieces" (CBS)

"Minority Report" (Fox)

"Blindspot" (NBC)

"Limitless" (CBS)

"Rosewood" (Fox)

"Heroes Reborn" (NBC)

"The Player" (NBC)

"Quantico" (ABC)

"Grandfathered" (Fox)

"The Grinder" (Fox)

"Dr. Ken" (ABC)

"American Horror Story: Hotel" (FX)

"Fargo" (FX)

"Truth Be Told" (NBC)

"Supergirl" (CBS)

"Wicked City" (ABC)

"Fear the Walking Dead" (AMC)

 

HBO and Cinemax Free Movie Preview Friday, Oct. 16 - Monday, Oct. 19:

"American Sniper"

"Unbroken"

"Jupiter Ascending"

 

HBO and Cinemax Free Original Series Preview Friday, Oct. 16 - Monday, Oct. 19:

"The Leftovers"

"The Knick"

 

Returning Series Favorites Free On Demand:

"Scorpion" (CBS)

"Empire" (Fox)

"Chicago Fire" (NBC)

"The Walking Dead" (AMC)

"Big Bang Theory" (Fox)

 

To access the upcoming movies On Demand, viewers can use the On Demand button on their remote, or go to channel 1.

With Mediacom On Demand, consumers can pick and choose from over 20,000 titles of movies, sporting events, broadcast and cable shows. Free programming features recently-aired episodes from cable and broadcast channels, as well as sports highlights. On Demand is included in Mediacom digital video service and requires a digital converter.

About Mediacom Communications

Mediacom Communications Corporation is the eighth largest cable operator in the U.S. serving about 1.3 million customers in smaller markets primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. Mediacom offers a wide array of information, communications and entertainment services to households and businesses, including video, high-speed data, phone, and home security and automation. Through Mediacom Business, the company provides innovative broadband solutions to commercial and public sector customers of all sizes, and sells advertising and production services under the OnMedia brand. More information about Mediacom is available at www.mediacomcc.com.

# # #
13 Oct 2015

Fraternal Order of Police offers Halloween safety tips

By Dave Blanchette

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is offering tips to keep trick-or-treaters and their escorts safe during Halloween.



"Illinois' law enforcement officers want to make sure the only scares during Halloween season are the make-believe kind," said Illinois FOP President Chris Southwood. "By following some simple but effective safety tips, kids and their parents can have a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience."



The FOP offers the following Halloween safety tips:



  • Children should only go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult. Be sure to follow all local ordinances regarding trick-or-treating times, ages, and areas.

  • If you can't accompany your younger children as they trick-or-treat, make sure at least one, and preferably more, responsible adults go with them. Set a curfew for the children and make sure they understand how important it is to arrive back home on time.

  • Instruct children that they should never go into a stranger's house or car unless their parents or other trusted adults are with them and say it's OK. They should never go anywhere with stranger, and if a stranger tries to make them go somewhere they should scream as loudly as possible and run to safety as quickly as they can.

  • Make sure kids know how to safely cross streets - look in both directions, and only use crosswalks or well-lit street corners. Tell them to not cut through back alleys and fields and to stay in well-lit areas with lots of people around.

  • Know the route your children will take while trick-or-treating if you are not going with them. Have them check in at set times, either by phone or by stopping back by your residence.

  • Make sure your children have costumes that are fire retardant, contain reflective strips or material, do not obstruct their vision or movement, and that any props that depict knives or other sharp objects are made of a dull, flexible material. Have at least one flashlight per group of trick-or-treaters. Try and make each child's costume unique in some way so they can be easily spotted.

  • Serve your children a filling meal before they trick-or-treat so they won't be tempted to eat the treats before they get back home. Carefully examine all of the treats before you let your children handle or consume them.

  • Several days before trick-or-treating, check the local and state sex offender websites to see if there are any sex offenders living in your area. If there are, make sure your children avoid those homes.

  • Remind children that it is wrong to vandalize property or hurt animals.

  • To lessen the chance of allergic reactions, try any makeup products on a small area of a child's arm several days before trick-or-treating to see if they have any reaction.

  • If you cannot accompany them, having the children carry a cell phone lets them keep in touch and the phones also contain a GPS chip to help locate lost children.

  • Drivers, don't use a cell phone or text while driving and do not drive if you are impaired. Pay close attention while driving, especially at crosswalks, intersections, the side of the road, and by parked cars. Drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas, do not pass vehicles that have stopped in the road, and pull off the road in a safe spot and turn on your emergency flashers when picking up or dropping off children.



The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 32,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.



# # #
13 Oct 2015

Join us on October 23rd for a new offering from Leadercast Quad Cities

By Todd Ashby
In an effort to respond to requests from our Leadercast Community, Leadercast Quad Cities has teamed with Chick-fil-A and the Quad Cities Prayer Center to create a new opportunity for leadership learning.  We introduce you to the Quad Cities Leadership Academy!

Quad Cities Servant Leadership Academy is a new organization, who's mission is to gather business leaders, influencers and world changers who love Jesus, see things differently, and feel a burden to improve our communities.

Now it is time to kick-off our journey together, with our flagship full-day Servant Leadership Academy event on Friday, October 23rd. At this and other events throughout the year, leaders from our community will have an opportunity to converge and participate in a revolution of ideas, where you'll challenge the process and think unconventionally.

We will seek to learn, worship and create together with a momentous energy passionately pursuing God, through; recorded presentations from nationally recognized leadership experts, live presentations from local Servant Leaders and most importantly, incredible discssion and fellowship with other Servant Leaders like yourself.

More than cutting-edge events, QCSLA will be an experience that will leave you enlightened, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace the life to which you've been entrusted and the journey to which you've been called. Expect a fully immersive learning, worship and creative experience, where timely inspiration can come from the thought leaders who we look to, or the person sitting in the seat right next to you.

The cost to attend the October 23 Servant Leadership Academy event, is $50 and includes a complimentary Chick-fil-A lunch, snacks & beverages and a day full of learning & fellowship. If you would like to bring a group, please contact us to discuss group discounts.

Capacity for this event will be 200 attendees and spots will fill quickly, so please do not hesitate to contact to register or contact us with any additional questions.

To register or for more information, call Todd Ashby of Results Marketing at 563-322-2065 or email todd@resultsimc.com.
Of if you are ready to register right now, you can click the button below and start the process right now.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday, October 23rd!
13 Oct 2015

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Campaign for Hillary Clinton in Iowa

By Kate Waters

On Wednesday, October 14, the day after the first Democratic presidential debate, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will campaign on behalf of Hillary Clinton in Iowa. Albright, the first woman to serve as Secretary of State, will speak at Hillary for Iowa organizing events in Sioux City, Council Bluffs, and West Des Moines.

At the events, Albright will discuss Hillary Clinton's commitment to fighting for women and families at home and around the world - a commitment the two have long shared. In 1995, then-First Lady Clinton and then-United Nations Ambassador MadeleineAlbright led the U.S. delegation to the UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, where Clinton proclaimed that "women's rights are human rights."

Albright will also discuss Clinton's work to elevate gender equality as a key pillar of U.S. foreign policy, advance women's economic empowerment, champion programs to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, and spearhead public-private partnerships to improve the status of women and girls.

 

 

Wednesday, October 14

 

Sioux City Organizing Event

WHERE: Peirce Mansion, 2901 Jackson Street, Sioux City

WHEN: 8:45 AM

Public RSVP Here

 

Council Bluffs Organizing Event

WHERE: Dixie Quicks, 157 W Broadway, Council Bluffs

WHEN: 11:30 AM

Public RSVP Here

 

West Des Moines Organizing Event

WHERE: Home of Cyril and John Mandelbaum, 2630 S Woodridge Drive, West Des Moines

WHEN: 2:45 PM

Public RSVP Here

###
13 Oct 2015

Iowa Magician Keith West Wins International Recognition

By Emily Perry

West Captured The Stage At The Texas Association Of Magicians 2015 Event

Des Moines (9/14/15) - Keith West, a magician and illusionist based out of Des Moines, won the Texas Association Of Magicians (TAOM) Senior Stage award at the 2015 TAOM convention last week in Austin, Texas. He is the first Iowan to bring home a title from this international event and one of 35 title holders historically. The Senior Stage award is granted to the best theater performance of magic, which includes illusions and effects involving more than one person or animals.

West was personally scouted to compete in the competition by TAOM president Trixie Bond while performing at Hoyt Sherman Place, in Des Moines, Iowa last May. In preparation of the event, he created a routine consisting of seven show-stopping illusions and his three beautiful showgirls over the course of two years.

West turned to friend and mentor, FISM-winning Master Magician Lance Burton, when finalizing his award-winning routine, "Lance watched a video of my performance and encouraged me, giving me pointers on how to make the act better."

The hard work paid off. West and his team of showgirls Brandy Belle, Kitty Marie, and Madeline Peyton stole the show, beating out all the other international contestants.

When he is not winning magic competitions, West performs nationwide at events of all kinds.

His upcoming performances include corporate events, casinos, as well as performing in Bob Zany's "One Man, 3 Chicks & a BAY BEE!" Show with Bob & Tom Show and Tonight Show Comedian Bob Zany. For the last 23 summers, West has performed a series of magic shows at libraries throughout the Midwest to promote summer reading with Miss Kitty the Library Lady. He also performs a special anti-bullying program in schools.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZtlDwxqM-A&feature=youtu.be

Looking for the next big act to perform at your upcoming event? Learn more about Keith West and entertainment group at entertainmentgroupcomedy.com.

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar