DES MOINES, IA (10/01/2014)(readMedia)-- Adventure to the Iowa State Fairgrounds on November 2 for the 8th annual Fairgrounds 5K, presented by West Bank. Runners, joggers and walkers can experience the Fairgrounds' park-like setting without the hustle and bustle of the Fair. Nothing compares to an Iowa State Fair corndog and this is your chance to enjoy one "guilt free".

"In August, the Fairgrounds are filled with great people, entertainment, rides and the best food we all look forward to every year. The 5K is the perfect opportunity for Iowans to see how beautiful our Fairgrounds are while supporting its preservation and renovation," said Peter Cownie, Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director. "I encourage all runners, walkers, and Fair-goers alike to take part in this special event."

The 5K run's scenic race route will take you down the Grand Concourse, around the livestock barns and through the hills of the Campgrounds. Runners will see current projects on the Fairgrounds with the continued renovation of the Youth Inn and construction on the new MidAmerican Energy stage. Awards will be given to winners in different age groups and to the overall male and female finishers. Registration is $20 before October 20th, $30 from October 20-28 and $40 on race day. Entry fee includes a t-shirt and goodie bag.

Fair-lovers can also participate in the one mile walk. Take a nice stroll through the beautiful Fairgrounds. All participants in the walk will be entered into a drawing for additional prizes. Registration for the walk is also $20.

Just like the Iowa State Fair, the 5K event is for the entire family. Kids are able to participate in the Chase the Cow Kids' Run. All kids will receive a participation ribbon and a t-shirt for the $5 registration fee. To make it even more fun, kids will chase a cow mascot to the finish line!

Online registration for the Fairgrounds 5K is available at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org. For more information about the Fairgrounds 5K or the Blue Ribbon Foundation, please visit our website or call 515-262-3111 Ext. 675.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

###

Monticello, IA-- On Sunday, October 12, 2014, The East Central Federation and Cedar Valley Callers Association will sponsor the 25th Annual Square Dance Benefit for Camp Courageous. The calling begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m. in the main lodge of Camp Courageous.

Callers and cuers from all over eastern Iowa and the surrounding areas are invited. Dance clubs as well as individuals and couples are welcome to enjoy the afternoon dancing or just observing in the spacious camp lodge. Tours will be available for anyone interested in seeing all that camp has to offer. Admission fee is a donation to camp. Participants are asked to bring cookies or a snack to share. Beverages are provided.

Located near Monticello IA, Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. The camp was built and continues to operate on donations, without government support, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fundraisers. The camp serves nearly 7,000 individuals with special needs annually.

###

Author Subba Rao pours out observations, insights in life through humor, fiction

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - A cornucopia of enthralling tales that immortalize the memories of experience lived in varied parts of the world awaits readers within the pages of author Subba Rao's newest book. "Dolphin Nose," (published by Xlibris) Rao's third title, exposes his light-hearted observations of life from the events and incidents of both present and past; producing an exquisite collection of lessons that aims to inspire and entertain.

Through the narration of Juggernaut, Rao shares whimsical and jovial tales based on his thoughts and observations of life. His perspective is rich, astute and full of reflective insights that grace the readers with quotable life lessons. As per the world events, the best he could do was to come out with his own list of wishful thinking. He ponders on many pointless pursuits in life, all presented with light humor.

The dominant influence of diverse cultures spices up Rao's portrayal of every unique character. He takes readers through the beguiling terrains of India, the azure Caribbean and the land of freedom that is the United States. "Without looking at the events from the past and learning from it," Rao believes, "one cannot move forward." Through his eccentric approach in writing, he hopes to create a comforting reprieve from the ills of existence and inspire readers to look at life in a new light.

 

"Dolphin Nose"

By Subba Rao

Hardcover | 6x9in | 268 pages | ISBN 9781499055092

Softcover | 6x9in | 268 pages | ISBN 9781499055108

E-Book | 268 pages | ISBN 9781499055115

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

Subba Rao was born in 1948 in Visakhapatnam, a southern Indian City he fondly calls Pineappleville since it is known for growing pineapples. The author considers himself a non-conformist and defies conventional writing style using his ear as measuring rule for use of grammar. A gypsy at heart, Rao has a penchant to travel through different cultures.  He published his first collection of short stories "Curry Goat and Calypso" in 2012 and "From Donkey's Mouth" in 2013. He lives in Sioux City, Iowa with his wife Radha and daughter Samantha.

to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisPub on Twitter for the latest news.

###

45th Annual Celebration of Pioneer Bridge Builders

On October 11-12, 2014 the 45th Anniversary of the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival will be celebrated in Winterset, Iowa, with the theme "Timeless Treasures".  The six remaining covered bridges, some over 140 years old, are center-stage during this much-loved community festival and celebration.

The Festival runs from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily on the courthouse lawn in downtown Winterset, Iowa.  Entry to the festival grounds is $2 each day which children ages 11 & under being free.  Parking is free with shuttle services to outlying lots and various other Festival venues.

Guests to the Covered Bridge Festival will enjoy old-fashioned demonstrations including sheep shearing, woodcarving, jewelry, and pottery making.  A quilt show, car show, Spelling Bee, festival food, plus two live entertainment stages offer something for everyone to enjoy.  Horse and carriage rides through the Winterset City Park are available as well as scavenger hunts, a re-enacted civil war battle, and courthouse tours.

A collectable coin is struck each year commemorating local historic structure.  This year the North River School is featured which many Madison County residents remember fondly and housed lessons from 1874-1945.  Local artist Kristy Hoefing provided original artwork for the coin.

For more information or to schedule an interview, call the Madison County Chamber of commerce at 515-462-1185 or visit the website:  www.MadisonCounty.com.  Images are available upon request.

###

More than 685,000 People Now Have Access to Quality Health Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that since open enrollment began nearly one year ago, more than 685,000 people across Illinois now have access to quality healthcare through the Affordable Care Act. State officials are gearing up to ensure even more residents sign up for healthcare in year two of the Affordable Care Act's open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 15. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure all people have access to quality healthcare and improve the health and well-being of the people of Illinois.

"Thanks to the leadership of President Obama and the Affordable Care Act, we have made health coverage a reality for hundreds of thousands of people across Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Today, more than 685,000 people have access to healthcare who didn't have it just one year ago. We have come a long way but we are not going to stop until everyone in Illinois has the quality care they deserve."

According to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, 468,000 people have enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program under the ACA, more than double the state's initial projections. Coupled with the 217,000 who enrolled in private health plans through the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace, approximately 685,000 people have enrolled in health care as a result of the state's aggressive enrollment efforts. The state's Marketplace enrollment during the initial six-month enrollment period exceeded the federally established goal of 143,000 Marketplace enrollees by 52 percent.

Get Covered Illinois is in the process of training and preparing navigators for the second open enrollment period under the ACA, which will begin Nov. 15 and run through Feb. 15.

Governor Quinn made the announcement at Alivio Medical Center in Pilsen, one of the dozens of trusted community organizations across the state that is participating in the state's In-Person Counselor (IPC) program. The federally-funded program establishes a network of "navigators" across the state whose job is to educate consumers about the financial assistance available under the ACA for those who qualify based on their income, and help them navigate through their healthcare options and enroll in a healthcare plan.

The Illinois Department of Public Health recently announced that 37 community organizations around the state, including Alivio, were selected through a rigorous application process to participate in year two of the IPC/navigator program.

"Alivio Medical Center is very proud to have the opportunity to serve our community for a second year by participating in Get Covered Illinois' IPC program," Alivio Medical Center's CEO Esther Corpuz said. "We see families coming through our doors every day who remind us of the critical need for access to healthcare and the role it plays in allowing children and families to achieve their full potential in life."

Governor Quinn has long supported affordable and effective healthcare for all. In addition to the success of the ACA, Governor Quinn has signed multiple pieces of legislation to clarify and expand the scope of practice for certain health care professionals in order to ensure that Illinois residents have access to the health care they need. He also supports efforts to streamline and expedite veteran applications for professional licenses to benefit military families seeking employment and consumers seeking access to qualified health care professionals.

For more information about Get Covered Illinois and the state's implementation of the ACA, go to: www.GetCoveredIllinois.com.

###

SPRINGFIELD, IL (09/30/2014)(readMedia)-- Illinois National Guard collaborates with rape crisis centersSPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Daniel M. Krumrei of Springfield, Illinois, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard signed memorandums of understanding between the Illinois National Guard and multiple rape crisis centers throughout Illinois at Camp Lincoln, Sept. 30.

"At the center of our vision for the future of the Illinois National Guard, is for us to always do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reasons," said Krumrei. "While it's true that sexual assault negatively affects our mission effectiveness, there is an even bigger picture here and that is to do right by our Soldiers, Airmen, and our citizens. This is what right looks like."

The memorandums establish a written understanding between the Illinois National Guard and 27 rape crisis centers; defining processes and procedures for the coordination of services and support for National Guard military personnel who are victims of sexual assault residing within the centers' service area.

"Governor Quinn has made it crystal clear that sexual assault has no place in the great state of Illinois, and we in the Illinois National Guard do not tolerate it within our ranks," said Krumrei. "It is our top priority to create an environment where all of our servicemembers are safe. We will provide for every person in all of our formations, the simple human dignity that we all deserve."

The memorandums provide insight into the care and advocacy a sexual assault victim receives and promotes communication between organizations to assess and support a victim's needs.

"Anytime more victims can be served, it is a good thing," said Sean Black, communications coordinator for the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. "We are looking forward to this partnership; we hope this reduces violence in the Guard and outside of the Guard. The education we can provide will help reduce sexual violence. It is a step in the right direction to prevent sexual violence."

View Online: http://readme.readmedia.com/Illinois-National-Guard-collaborates-with-rape-crisis-centers/9786327

Coal Valley, IL - September 30, 2014 - Niabi Zoo has announced the birth of a baby Black and White Colobus monkey. The baby, whose gender is still unknown, was born on September 27 to Shirati, an 11 year old female. This is the seventh baby for Shirati. The Colobus monkey troop's adult male, Tuli, is the father. The baby has not been named.

Zookeepers found that the baby had been born upon an early morning check that day. Shirati, who had been suspected to be pregnant, was cradling the baby in her arms and allowing him to nurse. As time has gone on, some of the other females in the troop have begun to serve as babysitters for Shirati from time to time. The new baby will be on display daily with his mother (weather permitting) at the African Treetops exhibit. Plans for a naming contest will be announced soon.

Black and White Colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) are native to the forests of west-central and east Africa. Females give birth after a 6 month pregnancy to babies which are pure white in color with pink faces. At the  age of about 1 month, they begin to change to more closely resemble the black and white coats of adults. Colobus monkeys in the wild are threatened by deforestation and the bush meat trade.

Niabi Zoo will be open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday. Niabi Zoo closes for the year after October 26th.

# # #

Click here to view the silent auction items

Bid from home from your computer, tablet or text your bids with your cell phone. It's easy and fun and gives you a way to support future exhibits at Niabi Zoo.

Here's How It Works

Click here for the auction website

Click the orange Register for Auction button near the top of the screen and follow the simple instructions. You will be asked to provide your cell number and credit card. You will ONLY be charged if you donate or win an auction item. There is no fee to browse or register.

Cool Bidding Features

Receive text messages showing when you've been outbid, reply with a higher bid or set your maximum bid.

To set your maximum bid, enter the item number, your maximum bid amount, and the letter M to indicate the maximum you are willing to bid. The system will automatically bid for you until you win or your max is met. To check the status of your bids, reply to any Qtego text with the word STATUS and send. You'll receive a text showing items on which you are the current high bidder.

Zoofari Attendees

Sign up for the auction in advance or see any Qtego staffer in a bright orange t-shirt upon arriving at Zoofari if you need assistance.

Be sure to fully charge your cell phone!

You can use your cell phone at Zoofari to purchase 2013 Honda Fit Sport raffle tickets for $25 each (donated by Zimmerman Honda), take a 1 in 100 chance to win a $1,500 diamond from Necker's Jewelers for only $40, or fund a need at any level of giving to support future exhibits at the zoo. By registering through Qtego for your purchases, check out is a breeze.

Be sure to check out the live auction items by clicking here. Several group trips are available so contact your friends about bidding together for a fantastic getaway!

Dress is casual for the event and the tent will be heated. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for walking on grass.

Bring your charged up phone. Bring your appetite. And bring your friends to Zoofari for a fun night to support Niabi Zoo. The event starts at 6 pm.

Tickets are $100 each and still available by clicking here.

Tables of 8 are $800 and a VIP table with bottle service is $1,000.

More Top-Quality Retail Will Bring New Energy To Moline

MOLINE, Ill ? September 30, 2014 ? The evolution of SouthPark Mall continues as today the center announces DICK'S Sporting Goods.

DICK'S Sporting Goods, the leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer, will bring an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories to serve the athletes and outdoor enthusiasts of the Moline community.  The store is expected to open in June 2015.

"Through exciting new retail and amenities, we are always working to perfect the overall experience for our local community," said Kathy Jurgens, Property Manager for SouthPark Mall. "We are committed to bringing in the best brands and DICK'S Sporting Goods, the leading sporting goods provider, fits with our ongoing strategy for the future of the center."

As the redevelopment at SouthPark continues, thirteen national retailers have reinvested new prototypes into the center, including Journeys, Shoe Dept. Encore and Bath & Body Works, to name a few. Improvements to the interior and exterior aesthetics are making the mall a completely new shopping experience. The new lighting, brighter colors and soft seating amenities are transforming the center and the newly designed Kids Play Area will be unveiled just in time for the holiday season.

SouthPark's official unveiling of the new shopping experience is set for November 13th at 10a with officials from the City of Moline, the Chamber and a special guest, Santa will attend. "Rediscover SouthPark" festivities will include a ceremonial ribbon cutting, a family concert, and entertainment throughout the holiday season that includes Santa's arrival and fun, family- focused entertainment that includes Snacks with Santa and the always popular, Pet Night with Santa. More details to come throughout the season.

Macerich, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust or REIT, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States.

Macerich currently owns 57 million square feet of real estate consisting primarily of interests in 53 regional shopping centers. Macerich specializes in successful retail properties in many of the country's most attractive, densely populated markets with significant presence in California, Arizona, Chicago and the Greater New York Metro area. Additional information about Macerich can be obtained from the Company's website at www.macerich.com.

About DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.

Founded in 1948, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. As of August 2, 2014, the Company operated more than 570 DICK'S Sporting Goods locations, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best through a blend of dedicated associates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops.  Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DICK'S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream and True Runner specialty stores. For more information, visit the Press Room at www.DICKS.com.



 

 

###

1. Grocery shop weekly
Healthy eating starts with having healthy food in the house. Plan a trip to the grocery store weekly and stock up.

2. Plan meals and pack lunches
Taking your lunch to work at least a couple days per week will lead to healthier eating and it's much easier for those who are carbohydrate counting too. Planning meals and grocery shopping go hand in hand, so this can be the first step toward healthy eating.

3. Cook at home majority of the time
Eat most of your meals at home. This does not mean you have to cook gourmet meals every night, but even making a large pot of turkey chili or making a quick batch of black bean quesadillas will probably be a healthier option than eating out.

4. Eat fruits and vegetables
Bottom line - people who eat healthy eat more fruits and vegetables and less "junk snack food." Try to constantly think of ways to eat more veggies at lunch and dinner. Whether it be a salad, veggies and hummus, extra cucumber and tomatoes on your sandwich or a stir-fry at dinner - eating more veggies helps control blood glucose levels and helps fill you up.

5. Eat 3 meals per day
Healthier eaters do not skip meals! This leads to better blood sugar control and less overeating at dinner.

6. Eat 3 food groups per meal
Healthy eaters eat a variety of foods at a meal, so they usually aim for 3 food groups at a meal. An example could be a dinner with salmon, quinoa and green beans for a total of 3 foods groups.

7. Drink lots of water
Healthy eaters are drinking more water and less soda or other drinks.

8. Get "back on track" if you ever overdo it
Healthy eaters are not perfect eaters! But if they do overdo it, they tend to get back on track quickly.

9. Willing to try new foods
Healthy eaters do not say things like, "I don't like any fruit or vegetables." They are willing to try to new foods and see if they like it before forming a decision.

Habits of Non-Healthy Eaters

1. Eat out more than 3 times per week
Unhealthy eaters tend to eat at a lot of meals at restaurants for lunch, dinner and sometimes breakfast.

2. Go to Fast Food Restaurants weekly
Fast food restaurants are a common place for unhealthy eaters.

3. Eat a lot of processed or packaged food
Unhealthy eaters consume a lot of processed foods such as chips, cookies, or sometimes large portion sizes of packaged "healthier" food options, such as popcorn, cereal, crackers or pretzels.

4. Skip meals
Unhealthy eaters do not eat regular meals at regular times.

5. Eat fried foods weekly
Fried foods are commonly eaten among unhealthy eaters, whether it is fried chicken, French fries, or potato chips.

6. Drink sweetened drinks
Regular soda, lemonade, juice, or sweetened ice tea make the list of drinks for unhealthy eaters.

7. Drink large amounts of diet soda or coffee
Not everyone that drinks diet soda or coffee is an unhealthy eater, but when people are drinking these things in excess, it becomes a problem. For example, drinking a pot of coffee or more than 3 diet sodas per day usually takes the place of how much water a person is drinking.

8. Snack a lot after dinner
Some unhealthy eaters do well during the day and then really overdo the snacking in the evening time. This could be due to boredom, stress relief, emotional eating, or not eating enough during the day.

9. Make excuses for why they can't eat healthy
Unhealthy eaters tend to have many excuses on why they don't eat healthy. The bottom line is ? if they want to make healthy eating a priority there will be no more excuses.

Do you want to make a change in your eating habits? Set up a meeting with a Registered Dietitian today!

Pages