09 Dec 2014

IRS Pension Update: New Limits for 2015

By Jason Alderman

Is it ever too late to plan for retirement? No, as long as you're willing to be thrifty and extend your working years and be mindful of your individual and employer-based retirement savings options. Building a successful, comfortable retirement depends on a variety of individual factors, including where you live, how long you plan to work, your health and your other investments and assets.

The IRS recently announced an update for your options, including cost-of-living adjustments that will give many taxpayers the advantage of putting more away during 2015. Here's a summary:

  • Regular contribution limits for 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal employee Thrift Savings Plan. Increased from $17,500 (for tax year 2014) to $18,000 (for tax year 2015). The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 in these plans is increased from $5,500 to $6,000. Contribution deadline: Dec. 31.
  • Annual contribution limits, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA). For both traditional and Roth IRAs, the annual contribution limit is not subject to a cost-of-living adjustment and remains at $5,500. The over-50 catch-up contribution amount is $1,000. There are particular restrictions (http://www.irs.gov/publications/p590/index.html) based on income levels, workplace retirement plan coverage among other issues. Contribution deadline: April 15.
  • Higher 2015 income phase-out levels for traditional IRA contributions. For singles covered by a workplace retirement plan, the 2015 cutoff is now increased to a modified adjusted gross income (AGI) between $61,000 and $71,000. The IRS website details other significant increases and updates in phase-out levels for married couples and singles.
  • Higher 2015 income phase-out levels for Roth IRA contributions. The IRS website also updates higher phase-out levels for married and single taxpayers on its website. For married couples filing jointly, the 2015 level is now $183,000 to $193,000.

Here's what you can do if you're in your 50s and you haven't yet saved much for retirement:

  • Get qualified financial advice. Organizations such as the Association for Financial Counseling Planning and Education (http://members.afcpe.org/search), Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards list qualified financial advisors, and your state CPA society can suggest tax professionals in your area.
  • Budget and downsize. Want to retire? Start living like a retiree while you're still working. Most experts believe late starters (50 and over) need to put away at least 10 percent of gross income to start making headway. Create a realistic budget, trim debt and consider cheaper housing, transportation and lifestyle options.
  • Take advantage of "catch-up" contribution limits. Retirement savers over the age of 50 have the option to put more away not only in traditional and Roth IRAs but also 401(k) plans - not including SIMPLE 401(k)s, 403(b) plans, SARSEP and 457(b) plans (see Annual contribution limits, IRAs above).
  • Keep working...strategically. If you're lucky, you love your work or are in a position to change careers to one with better retirement savings options. If so, consult an expert on ways to keep earning and investing effectively.

Bottom line: The government's cost-of-living adjustments will allow you to save more for retirement in 2015, but don't wait until then to evaluate your goals to set - or reset - your retirement planning going forward.

09 Dec 2014

Surprising Physical Signs of Heart Disease

By Everyday Health

By Chris Iliades, MD | Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH 

Many people associate heart disease with obvious symptoms like chest pain. But there are some not-so-obvious connections, like swollen feet or bleeding gums, that should also merit a heart check from your doctor.

Heart disease symptoms in women or in men are indications that you feel or experience, while a sign of heart disease is something your doctor can see or find. Obvious heart disease symptoms include shortness of breath or chest pain. But your doctor may also look for some surprising heart disease signs during an examination.

Knowing the signs of heart disease is important because you may have them before you have any of the common heart disease symptoms. Letting your doctor know about these warning signs could help you get an early jump on heart disease.

Are you doing everything you can to manage your heart condition? Find out with our interactive checkup.

"Signs like ankle swelling or weight gain do not necessarily mean you have heart disease, but taken together with other symptoms of heart disease, laboratory studies, and family history, they are an important part of making a diagnosis of heart disease or heart failure," says Carl E. Orringer, MD, director of preventive cardiovascular medicine at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland.

Swelling of the Feet and Lower Legs

Retention of fluid in the feet and legs is known as peripheral edema. Edema may appear as "sock marks" at the end of the day. Mild peripheral edema is common. Your doctor may check for this sign by pressing a finger against your ankle or shin bone to see if a depression is left behind. This is called "pitting edema."

Edema may be a sign of heart failure because, when your heart is not pumping well, fluid from inside your blood vessels tends to leak out into surrounding tissues. The legs and ankles are common areas for edema because of the effects of gravity.

"Peripheral edema may be caused by a host of issues," says Dr. Orringer. "The bottom line is that most people with peripheral edema do not have heart disease, but it could be an important sign if there are other signs and symptoms of heart failure."

Male Pattern Baldness

"If you watched any of the royal wedding, you might have noticed that Prince William is balding on the top of his head. This type of balding of the crown of the head in young men may be a sign of an increased risk for heart disease," says Orringer.

Several large studies have confirmed the link between baldness and heart disease. Compared to men with a full head of hair, men with crown loss have an increased risk of heart disease of about 23 percent. Men with complete loss of hair on the top of their head have an increased risk of 36 percent.

The combination of hair loss, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol pushes the risk even higher. This link may be due to too much of the male hormone testosterone, which interferes with hair growth on the head and causes hardening of the arteries. That doesn't mean you are doomed to heart failure if you are bald, but it does suggest you should be screened more carefully for other signs and symptoms of heart disease.

Yellow Bumps on the Skin

Xanthomas are deposits of fat that build up under the skin. They may appear as small yellow bumps or as flat, wide plaques on your elbows, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks. A type of xanthoma called "xanthelasma palpebra" appears on the eyelids. These yellow, fat deposits can potentially be signs of heart disease because they may indicate high levels of fats in the blood.

"Xanthomas may be a sign of a rare, inherited type of blood disorder in which high levels of triglycerides accumulate in the blood. Xanthomas may also be a sign of increased cholesterol and they may disappear once cholesterol levels are under control," says Orringer.

Gum Disease

Swollen, sore, or bleeding gums are usually a sign of poor oral hygiene, but may also be an important sign of heart disease. "The association between gum disease and heart disease is the real deal," says Orringer. "There is plenty of research available now that backs up this connection."

Gum disease and heart disease may be linked because they are both signs of poor circulation, or there could be common bacteria that are involved in both gum disease and plaque build-up inside coronary arteries. The link may also have something to do with the body's response to prolonged inflammation. In any case, taking better care of your teeth and gums is a good way to cut down your risk for heart disease.

Signs of Heart Failure

Heart failure means the heart is not functioning as well as it should. It doesn't mean the heart has failed. Another term for heart failure is congestive heart failure, or CHF. Heart failure gradually gets worse over time. Some early warning signs may include :

  • Weight gain. If your heart starts to fail and fluid starts to build up in your tissue, causing edema, you might see a sudden weight gain.
  • Frequent urination. Heart failure may cause decreased blood flow to the kidneys, which causes you to retain more fluid. One of the signs of this fluid may be frequent urination.
  • Cataracts. Although the exact connection is not known, studies show that people who have cataracts are at higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. "This link is probably more of an association than a sign of heart disease," says Orringer.
  • Nighttime cough. "One of the signs of heart failure may be the build-up of fluid in the chest and heart when lying flat at night. This pressure can cause a nighttime cough," explains Orringer.

Remember that all these heart disease signs may have many different causes. They do not mean you have or will get heart disease. But combined with other heart disease signs and symptoms, your blood tests, and your family history, they give your doctor the best chance to find heart disease early and keep you in good health.

09 Dec 2014

New Dishes added to the Menu!

By Nho's Cafe

We're so excited to add a few new dishes to the menu

Spicy Herbs Udon Noodle

Miso Noodle

Mushroom Fried Rice

Asparagus Fried Rice

We can't wait for you to try these dishes :)

Nho's Cafe - 3801 Rockingham Road, Davenport IA 52802 - 563-275-8905

Like us on Facebook!

09 Dec 2014

15 Questions for Your Doctor About Type 2 Diabetes

By Everyday Health
Once you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, open communication with a doctor you trust will be key to managing your health. Now that you know what it means to have type 2 diabetes, you're ready to have a dialogue with your doctor about how you'll manage this disease ? together. Here are 15 questions to get the conversation started.
  1. Do you have special training in diabetes? If not, can you refer me to a specialist?
  2. How many patients with type 2 diabetes do you see?
  3. What tests will you do at regular office visits? How often do I have to have the tests, and what will they tell you?
  4. Is there anything I need to do in advance of the tests? For example, do I need to fast if I'm going to have a blood-sugar test?
  5. Can you refer me to a diabetes educator or a registered dietitian?
  6. I have a family history of heart attack and/or stroke. Will my diabetes put me at greater risk for those problems?
  7. How can I tell if my blood sugar is too high or too low? What should I do about either high or low blood sugar?
  8. Will I have to test my own blood sugar at home every day?
  9. What are the best treatments for type 2 diabetes?
  10. Will I need to take pills or inject insulin? Will I ever be able to stop using them once I start?
  11. What are the risks of not treating type 2 diabetes?
  12. How will type 2 diabetes affect me over the long term?
  13. What should I do if my symptoms worsen or if I experience new symptoms?
  14. Is it possible for type 2 diabetes to go away on its own?
  15. Are my kids at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes since I have it?
08 Dec 2014

BUCKTOWN WINE WALK SUPPORTS MENTALHEALTH CHARITY Final Opportunity to See "Angels Among Us" Juried Show

By Rick Martin

DAVENPORT, Iowa (December 4, 2014) -The artists of Bucktown Center for the Arts will host a Wine Walk Friday December19, 2014, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 225 East Second Street, Davenport. Guests may purchase a hand-painted wine glass for $20, which entitles them to a tasting of five wines and light snacks. The evening will include a jewelry fashion show and music made popular by Frank Sinatra from Quad-City area performer Travis Hosette. RSVPs are welcome, but not required, at: https://www.facebook.com/bucktownarts/events

Participating galleries will donate a percentage of their art sales during the Wine Walk to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Mississippi Valley. This 34-year old affiliate of the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization provides free education and support programs locally to individuals and families living with mental illness.

"Angels" Show Pays Tribute to Caregivers

"The Angels Among Us" exhibit honors all caregivers. It's especially a fitting tribute for the holidays as many families are working hard to support those who may be frail or ill. We've chosen to support NAMI as their education programs prepare families to advocate for themselves and for their loved ones living with mental illness." says Gaye Shannon Burnett, owner of Studio 56 Décor Fine Art and Photography. The exhibit includes visual art, photography, mixed media and sculpture.

###

About Bucktown Center for the Arts

Bucktown is a component of Midcoast Fine Arts, a Quad-City nonprofit organization focused on stimulating our community's cultural and economic vitality through the support of regional visual arts and artists. The Center features unique shops and studios where you can purchase creative, unusual and useable works or art created by local artists. Contact the Center at www.bucktownarts.com or 563-424-1210.

 

About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley

NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is a 34-year old affiliate of the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI advocates for early identification, and access to treatment and recovery supports. NAMI provides free programs for individuals living with mental illness and their families that accelerate recovery and prevent further harm. Their programs complement the work of local mental health professionals. NAMI serves families in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties in Illinois, as well as Clinton, Scott and Muscatine counties in Iowa. Contact NAMI at www.namigmv.org or563-322-8870.
08 Dec 2014

Type 2 Diabetes and Complications

By Dr. Sanjay Gupta
For people with type 2 diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar levels pose a serious health risk with a range of potential complications.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, new blindness, and leg and foot amputations unrelated to injury. It's a major cause of heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage. Poor blood sugar control may also raise the risk for Alzheimer's disease.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't use insulin properly to convert glucose into energy. As a result, blood sugar levels become elevated. This buildup of glucose, known as hyperglycemia, can damage blood vessels and vital organs. The A1C blood test is commonly used to see how well, on average, a patient's blood sugar level has been managed over the past two to three months.

"A person's A1C level is an excellent marker of complications," said Joel Zonszein, MD, director of the Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. "If you have a lower number, you'll be healthier." The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C of 7 percent, or an average glucose level of 145 milligrams per decileter (mg/dL).

The following are three common types of complications that can occur when diabetes isn't properly controlled over time.

Eye Damage (Retinopathy)

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of new-onset blindness in adults. It occurs when blood vessels of the retina swell and leak fluid into the macula, where focusing occurs. The result, known as macula edema, causes blurred vision. A more serious form of eye complication, called proliferative retinopathy, occurs when new blood vessels form in the retina to replace damaged ones. Scar tissue can develop and cause the retina to become detached.

Fortunately, "this kind of damage doesn't happen overnight," said Stephanie Marioneaux, an ophthalmologist in Chesapeake, Va., and a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Vision loss can be prevented if the blood vessel damage is caught early enough through regular eye exams.

"If we're seeing damage in the retina that means their blood sugar has been elevated for a while," said Dr. Marioneaux.

Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)

When hyperglycemia damages blood vessels that feed oxygen and nutrients to the nerves, it can result in nerve damage or neuropathy. Common signs include tingling, pain, or numbness in the feet and hands.

Patients may develop blisters or sores on their feet that can spread infection to the bone and cause tissue death. These infections are very hard to treat and can result in amputation.

"If people are experiencing the numbness and tingling, they should be checking their feet regularly for any sores or wounds and get them seen by a doctor before they get infected," said Priscilla Hollander, MD, an endocrinologist at the Baylor Endocrine Center in Dallas.

While A1C is "a great tool," Betul Hatipoglu, MD, an endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic, said it's not a replacement for daily blood sugar monitoring. "Keeping it level can decrease chances of terrible complications that could potentially cause you to lose your limbs," said Dr. Hatipoglu.

Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States. "About 10 percent of people with type 2 diabetes will develop [it]," said Dr. Hollander.

High blood sugar levels compromise the kidneys' ability to properly filter waste products in the blood. Protein that's useful to the body leaks into the urine, while wastes start to collect in the blood. Left untreated, this can lead to kidney, or renal, failure requiring a machine to filter the blood (known as dialysis) or a kidney transplant.

According to Hollander, it usually takes about 10 years for diabetic kidney disease to manifest, and it can be caught in the early stages. A simple urine test can detect excess protein in the urine. Other signs to look for include frequent urination, weight gain, and ankle swelling.

"The incidence is improving," said Hollander. "And we've made a lot of progress by controlling blood pressure, which plays a big role in furthering kidney damage."

For anyone with type 2 diabetes, as Dr. Zonszein points out, "the sooner you can catch that your blood glucose hasn't been under control, the better you can prevent these complications."

Last Updated: 04/24/2014
08 Dec 2014

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY HOLIDAY RECYCLING GUIDELINES

By Laura Berkley
The Rock Island County Waste Management Agency (RICWMA) would like to encourage Rock Island County citizens to "Think Recycling" during the upcoming holiday period.

Due to Christmas holiday gift giving and the numerous celebrations and special events that occur during this time of  the year, a lot of waste materials will be generated. The amount of special holiday waste materials generated can be enormous, and it needs to be disposed of properly. As a result, it is very important for people to remain environmentally responsible and to "Think Recycling," rather than simply throwing items away as garbage. Special attention needs to be given to recycling efforts to be productive and beneficial.

Examples of acceptable recycling materials:

Flattened and broken down cardboard boxes
Other cardboard packaging materials
Tissue paper
Plastic food and beverage containers.

Examples of unacceptable materials and items that are NOT recyclable:

Gift-wrapping paper
All forms of Styrofoam
Gift bows and ribbons
Hard, brittle types of plastic materials
Clear plastic wrappers from cartons and boxes.
Glass containers

Rock Island County citizens are encouraged to utilize their community's curbside recycling services or to use one of the four regional drop-off recycling sites at the following locations:

East Moline - 1200 -13th Avenue (Engineering & Maintenance Services Facility)
Milan - 451 West 4th Street
Moline - 3635 4th Avenue, at Public Works Department
Rock Island - 16th Avenue and 24th Street, at Water Treatment Plant

For more information, Rock Island County residents may contact RICMWA at (309) 788-8925 or visit the website at www.ricwma.org.

### END ###
08 Dec 2014

NEW BUSINESSES AND ARTISTS FEATURED AT GALLERY HOP!

By Micaela Booth

(ROCK ISLAND, IL -December 1st ) - The District, MidCoast Fine Arts, The ARTery & Quad City Arts present Gallery Hop! on Friday, December 12, 2014 from 6 to 9 p.m. Gallery Hop! is a fun, festive and free open house unique to downtown Rock Island. More than 60 artists will be showcased in over 25 locations throughout downtown Rock Island during the event. The "Hop Stops" stretch all the way from 16th Street to 25th Street and from 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue! These locations are not limited to art galleries; artists will exhibit in coffee shops, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues.

Jewelry, photography, woodwork, glass, paintings, drawings, book signings, sculpture, and live music will all be featured. Gallery Hop! does not lack in variety, there is something for everyone! This is a perfect event to take care of some holiday shopping, all while supporting local businesses and artists.

There are many new and exciting things happening at this Gallery Hop! There are artists who have never participated in this event before; more than 10 of the artists are exhibiting for the very first time. New businesses to the downtown area will also be participating! A particularly exciting exhibit will be at SK Models where Kimberly Miller with Celestial by Design will be painting a beautiful masterpiece on a human canvas!

There will be game cards at each "Hop Stop" that will include BINGO, and the voting ballot for the "Best of the Hop" contest. To play Gallery Hop! BINGO just visit at least five locations, have the artist sign off, and make a straight line on your card! Don't forget to vote for your favorite "Hop Stop" before you turn them in! Completed cards can be turned in at MidCoast Fine Arts/The ARTery or Quad City Arts. Winner gets a prize basket full of fun gifts, and art! The winner will be randomly drawn and notified the week of 12/15/14.

Keeping with the theme of all things new this year there will be an "AFTER the HOP" social gathering! With a few venues staying open late for Gallery Hop attendees! Immediately following Gallery Hop! Icons Martini will host a holiday popcorn bar from 9 to 10 p.m., The ARTery will host "Drink & Draw" at Blue Cat Brew Pub from 10 to 11 p.m., and The Establishment Theatre will provide a complimentary improve preview from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m.! It's a chance to get to know the artists, see them in their element, and experience performing arts at no admission cost!

Visual arts, galleries & studios:

Quad City Arts: Naidine D' Angelo (ink drawings) & Teresa Mesich (paintings)

The Art Place: Christina Fait (oil paintings) & Jill Rodts (acrylic/oil painting prints, prayer cards, holy cards, and prints of icons)

DeSoto Arts Center: Quad City Woodturners: live wood turning demonstrations by Steve & Anne Sinner and the wood turners. DeSoto Potters: pottery by Joel Knanishu, Jim Cronk, Amber Williams, and Maryan Wherry; jewelry by Alex Henry.

Rozz-Tox: Greg Dickinson (oil/acrylic on canvas)

MidCoast Gallery West: Linda Kelty (multimedia art), Carolyn Krueger (pottery) & Catherine Moneysmith (oil paintings)

The ARTery: Tony Seabolt (acrylics) & Karen Klingborg (jewelry & softies)

Small Wonders Photography: Anne & Quinn Kirkpatrick (original photography)

Quad City Botanical Center: Glen Marten (photography), Robert Tuftee (blacksmith metal art) & Bill Marsoun (paintings)

Performing arts, theaters, film studio, & live music venues:

Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse: "White Christmas" Reservations required.

The Establishment Theatre/ComedySportz: Live comedy improv show starting at 7 p.m. Rated "E" for everyone.
Rock Island Brewing Co: Scott H. Biram with Mikey Classic & His Lonesome Spur at 9:00 p.m. 21 and older, cover at door.

The Speakeasy: The Manny Lopez Big Band "Special Christmas Concert". Doors at 5:00 p.m.

The District Theatre: "A Christmas Carol" Reservations may be required.

Alternative venues - restaurants, shops, and entertainment establishments:

The Shoppes on 2nd: Andrea Howard (original photography), Elaine Rexdale (abstract acrylic paintings), Rick Esbaum (stained glass stepping stones) & Mark Fowler (hot glass relief panels)

Be Well QC: Project Lydia, a non-profit for widowed and abandoned wives in Ghana Africa (African beaded jewelry, handbags, shea butter, and soaps), Dean Timmerman (multimedia art) & D Terra Essential Oils & Natural Supplements

Mad Roots Juicery: David Zahn (ceramic & bronze sculpture)

Skeleton Key Art & Antiques: John VandeWalle (metal sculpture) & 60+ local artists, craftspeople & antique dealers.

Blue Cat Brew Pub: Bryan Cotton (ink drawings)

Daiquiri Factory: Paul Herrera (calligraphy on paper & stone) & Jenny Woods (landscape painter)

Icons Martini: Brad Gottard (paintings & pencil drawings) & Ron Thomas (acrylic watercolor & pencil drawings)

M.D. Green's: David James Genac (photographs on canvas and metal)

The Arena: Philip Force (metal sculpture)

Phnom Penh: Al Litscher (drawings, etchings, giclees) & Jesse Mumm (wheel thrown pottery)

Mama Compton's: 3 Blind Mice Productions, Porcelinda (up-cycled dishes), Dasha Denger Photography, 3 Gems Jewelry, Shelly Lamb, Ravens Crest Studio, Pam Kaufman (Healing Hands Massage), Sisters Heartland (essential oils & products)

SK Models: Connie (Corcoran) Wilson (Christmas Cats author) & Kimberly Miller (Celestial Design, body paint)

Theo's Java Club: Janette Harrington & Mariann Schroeder (concrete leaf castings) , Judy Heath & Teri Luke (watercolor & acrylics)

Steve's OId Time Tap: Nick Meister (watercolor)

NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Foundation: Yoyo y Yo (acoustic music) & Joyce Ann Rivera (acrylic, photos, watercolors, sketches)

Teranga House of Africa: (incense, oils and gifts of diversity), Cynthia Huffman (SoulCollage & Chakradance)

Vivian's Vintage Varieties: Various artists (antiques & jewelry)

Navarro Canoe Co: Bruce & Sue Peterson (Rock Island handcrafted works of art canoes).

Public art:

MidCoast Fine Arts - Art 'N Alley installations, Quad City Arts' sculpture program, and several murals.

Gallery Hop! is presented by The District, MidCoast Fine Arts, Quad City Arts, and The ARTery and sponsored by the Dispatch-Argus, WHBF/CBS4, and River Cities Reader.
The event is free. For more information and to print a map of participating locations, please visit www.ridistrict.com.

The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District (The District) is a 501(c) 6 not-for-profit organization established in 1992 by local downtown merchants. The District's mission is to establish and manage downtown Rock Island as a creative and innovative experience by focusing on the development of the arts and quality special event management. It features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and several entertainment venues. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River, three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, IL.

###



08 Dec 2014

Add Sparkle to Your Holidays with Me&Ro

By David Balluff

Newly opened retail boutique L&D15 brings a bit of exclusive celebrity bling to the Quad Cities for the holidays with a stunning jewelry collection from New York designer Me&Ro.

Me&Ro has developed a strong celebrity following throughout the years including Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron, Kate Moss, Sheryl Crow, and Mary-Louise Parker among others. Me&Ro can be seen on the pages of many magazines including W, InStyle, Elle, Marie Claire, Glamour, Town & Country, and Vogue.

The Me&Ro collection at L&D15 consists of men's and women's jewelry in sterling silver and 10K gold, adorned with rubies, black diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones.  We have selected pendants, rings and cuff links with a lot of character for the guys, while the women's pieces are more delicate, and include earrings, bracelets and pendant necklaces stamped with floral and lotus petal motifs.

Me&Ro's art is inspired by the human need both to adorn and to communicate through jewelry. Equally important is the power jewelry has to express the human values of strength, love, and faith. Me&Ro emphasizes the wear-ability of its designs, even when working with materials that verge on excessive. Known for its stackable rings, hammered bangles, personal amulets, and hoops of all sizes, Me&Ro pursues an aesthetic of simple beauty.

L&D15 brings a new style of retail to the Quad Cities, highlighting both local and international artists and designers. L&D15 has exclusive retail arrangements with a number of high profile designers, including Me&Ro, NYC clothing designers Peter Hidalgo and San & Soni and fashion illustrator Jeffrey Fulvimari.

Me&Ro is a New York City based jewelry design company founded in the summer of 1991. Inducted into the CFDA in 2008, designer and CEO Robin Renzi continues to express herself through the art of making jewelry. All Me&Ro jewelry is 100% made in New York City.

L&D15 is located at 520 West 2nd St. in downtown Davenport, and is open daily from 10am - 7pm. For more information, visit us at http://landd15.com. More information on Me&Ro is available at http://www.meandrojewelry.com.

08 Dec 2014

Niabi Zoo Passes USDA Inspection

By Marc Heinzman

Coal Valley, IL - December 5, 2014- Niabi Zoo announced today that it passed its inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with a perfect report.

Niabi Zoo was inspected on December 2, 2014, by a member of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. A USDA inspection consists of a thorough review of the wellbeing of Niabi Zoo's animal collection, its animalrelated facilities such as habitats and holding areas, its animal records, veterinary program, diet preparation areas, storage facilities, and more. Inspections by USDA occur on a regular basis as part of the licensing requirement for Niabi Zoo to be open to the public as an animal exhibitor.

Niabi Zoo Director Marc Heinzman said this successful inspection is another in the zoo's long history of positive USDA reports. "This successful inspection is one of many consecutive perfect reports for Niabi Zoo," said Heinzman, "and is just further confirmation of what I already know: that Niabi Zoo provides top-notch welfare and care for our animals." Heinzman went on to add that Niabi Zoo has received perfect inspections from USDA for many years, including the entire time (nearly seven years) that he has been at the zoo.

Niabi Zoo is currently closed to the general public for the winter, but is scheduled to reopen in March of 2015.

# # #

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