12 Aug 2014

Love Without Borders

By Rev. Rich Hendricks
12 Aug 2014

Food News and Results from the 2014 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

Best Bacon Dessert Cook Crowned at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Cristen C. Clark of Runnells proved that when sweet and savory meet good things are bound to happen, as she won first place and a $1,000 cash award in the Beeler's Bacon Dessert competition judged Thursday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Anita Van Gundy of Des Moines claimed second place and $500. Norita Solt of Bettendorf earned third place and $250.

Entries were judged on taste, bacon's contribution to the dessert and originality.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. There are 226 divisions, 883 classes and over 10,500 entries at this year's Fair. Food judging is held in the Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

Funnel Cake Sticks Win Iowa State Fair Value-Priced Food Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/12/2014)(readMedia)-- The Funnel Cake Sticks took top honors in the New Food Contest at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. The tasty new treat bested four other value-priced finalists after receiving nearly 40 percent of the votes. The winning dish will be available throughout the Fair, August 7-17.

The champion treat is just $3 and offers a new twist on a Fair classic with funnel cake batter fried to golden perfection, served on-a-stick and topped with chocolate, strawberry or vanilla glaze. Fairgoers can find the sweet snack at Arnold's Concessions on Grand Avenue across from Hy-Vee Health and First Aid.

Arnold Blewer will receive an official Iowa State Fair plaque and a year's worth of bragging rights for his winning entry.

The four other finalists are also $3 and will remain available throughout the Fair at their respective locations:

  • Brownie Blitz: available at Bauders Ice Cream on the southwest side of the Agriculture Building
  • Caprese Salad On-a-Stick: available at the Salad Bowl in the Agriculture Building and Cultural Center Courtyard
  • Smoked Brisket and Bacon Mac N Cheese: available at the Rib Shack in Walnut Square
  • Three Buck Bowl: available at Steer N Stein on the Grand Concourse

Entries in the New Food Contest were limited to value-priced items for $3 or less. Prior to the start of the Fair, five finalists were chosen based on taste/flavor, presentation/appearance, value and creativity/originality. Fairgoers were invited to vote for their favorite finalist during the first four days of the Fair.

Mount Pleasant Pumpkin Grower Wins Iowa State Fair Contest

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- The state's best giant pumpkin growers squared off in the Big Pumpkin competition judged Friday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Martin Schnicker of Mount Pleasant won first place and a $1000 cash award for his 1,131-pound pumpkin.

Don Young of Des Moines earned second place and a $650 cash award with his 780-pound entry.

David Miller of Riverside received third place and a $450 cash award with his 768-pound pumpkin.

Marc Peterson of Clinton was awarded fourth place and a $250 cash award for his 715-pound pumpkin.

Jennifer Heeren of Allison received fifth place and a $150 cash award for her 414-pound entry.

The State Fair record of 1,323-pounds was set in 2010.

The winning entries will be on display outside the John Deere Agriculture Building throughout the Fair.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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12 Aug 2014

Judges Do a Double Take in Iowa State Fair Contest

By Lori Chappell
DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Fairgoers and judges saw lookalikes and copycats at the annual Twins, Triplets and More contest judged Thursday on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Complete results below:

Under 1, Most Alike

1) Avril and Becca Shahan, Jefferson

2) Quinn and Kylie McKillip, Ankeny

3) Hannah and Henry Althoff, Indianola

Under1, Least Alike

1) Abel and Tessah Hayes, Keota

2) Holden and Breck Noah, North Liberty

3) Kinsley, Hadley and Landon Meyer, Newton

4) Elly and Gage Branson, Melcher-Dallas

Age 1, Most Alike

1) Tell and Ethan Saylor, Cambridge

2) Rachel and Veronika Rathjen, Urbandale

3) Landon and Logan Tibken, Wiota

4) Gabriella and Sophia Coleman, Des Moines

5) Isabella and Ellaina Thornton, West Des Moines

Age 1, Least Alike

1) Cameron and Trinity Newton, Grimes

2) Lydon and Sawyer Stephenson, Des Moines

3) Jameson and Eden Ortner, Slater

4) Sidney and Stella Wickett, Newton

Age 2, Most Alike

1) Ashlyn and Jillian Whitehead, Nevada

2) Emma and Audrey Nielsen, Des Moines

3) Alyssa and Abigail Bos, Montezuma

4) Brooke and Katie DeVries, Monroe

5) Carys and Harper Hayes, Martensdale

Age 2, Least Alike

1) Lincoln and Jordyn Schnell, Sully

2) Rayni and Rylan Lynch, Cumming

3) Riley and Reece Goodrich, Urbandale

4) Alex and Eva Koerner, Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas

5) Kennahriah and Abrianna Hardin, Des Moines

Age 3, Most Alike

1) Bradie and Brenna Bruck, Boone

2) Madeline and Reagan Monsma, Des Moines

Age 3, Least Alike

1) Kylen and Kyler Williams, Chariton

2) Mason and Jackson Carter, Eldridge

3) Jacob and Jaiden Briggs, Des Moines

4) Krystol and Brooklon Clarke, Des Moines

5) Julianne and Jocelyn Waters, Collins

Age 4, Most Alike

1) Avery and Aubry Fisher, Humboldt

2) Ada and Evie Roberts, Urbandale

3) Violet and Lily Tedder, West Des Moines

4) Jenna and Nora Grovert, Shellsburg

5) Ainslee and Kylee Doty, Danbury

Age 4, Least Alike

1) Zachary and Isaac Thorpe, Ames

2) Lexton and Brycen Markin-Weber, Des Moines

3) Reece, Riley and Regan Russell, Bondurant

4) Peyton and Kalli Watters, Des Moines

Ages 5 and 6, Most Alike

1) Jackson and Joel Waters, Collins

2) Brodie and Bryce Aiken, Des Moines

3) Kyleigh and Kennedey Ozmun, Ogden

4) Zach and Nick Chance, Norwalk

5) Zoey and Bella Boots, Des Moines

Ages 5 and 6, Least Alike

1) Anna and Logan Vandell, Waverly

2) Hayden and Harper Janssen, Urbandale

3) Logan and Lucas McNeeley, West Des Moines

4) Livia and Savanna Davenport, Rhodes

5) Claire and Luke Erselius, Montezuma

Ages 7 and 8, Most Alike

1) Maxx and Jett Tyler, Des Moines

2) Ethan and Evan Tollari, Altoona

3) Addi and Alexis Zaehringer, Davenport

4) Sidney and Addison Swartzendorber, Cedar Rapids

5) Autumn and Gracie Glosser, Ottumwa

Ages 7 and 8, Least Alike

1) Luke and Alyssa Bartlett, Pleasant Hill

2) Quinn and Heath Leone, Ankeny

3) McClain and Carson Crigger, West Des Moines

4) Kerrigan and Jamesyn Guthrie, Altoona

5) Emerald and Cloud Abbott, Clive

Ages 9 to 11, Most Alike

1) Bailey and Bella Buerger, Mitchellville

2) Georgia and Jasmine Padget, Keosauqua

3) Ella and Grace Sundstrom, Des Moines

4) Antonía and Bernadette Venturi, Carroll

5) Natalie and Karlyn Parkins, Indianola

Ages 9 to 11, Least Alike

1) Jillian and Tessa Kniep, Mount Ayr

2) Tommy and Torin Chinery, Ames

3) Jack and Sarah Wicker, Windsor Heights

4) Ben and William Iboshi, Portland, Ore.

5) Justin and Jacob Keller, Melrose

Ages 12 to 17, Most Alike

1) Jessica and Jenna Stringer, Guthrie Center

2) Alexis and Aricka Oppman, Manly

3) Katie and Molly Lorence, Mason City

4) Cade and Coy Snakenberg, Oskaloosa

Ages 12 to 17, Least Alike

1) Abby and Zoee Buffalo, Tama

2) Paige and Peyton Migby, Carroll

3) Christy and Michelle Diggins, Omaha, Neb.

4) Elizabeth and Danielle Lara, West Des Moines

5) Christy and Cindy Parker, Nevada

Ages 18+, Most Alike

1) Valerie and Sarah Hermann, Altoona

2) Sherry Wells and Shelly Robertson, Des Moines

3) Jacklynn and Jordann Rush, Manly

4) Karen Pope and Kay Moranville, Jefferson

5) Mollie and Megan Harney, Granger

Ages 18+, Least Alike

1) Sandy Sargent and Sharon Shufert, Sarasota, Fla.

2) Patty Garland, Altoona, and Betty Judkins, Pleasant Hill

3) Christine Fry, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Laura Ready, Ankeny

4) Nancy Winn, Ollie, and Norman Reiner, Newton

5) Glen and Dawnlee Cosner, Osceola

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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12 Aug 2014

Iowans Carve Out Honors in Wood Projects Contest at Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Woodcarvers from all around Iowa gathered to showcase their skills in the Wood Projects contest held prior to the start of the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

The contest is divided into two divisions: Woodcarving and Woodworking. Randy Hansen of Des Moines earned Best of Show honors in the Woodcarving division. Clark Weaver of Grinnell grabbed second-place Best of Show honors, and Sue Orth of Plainfield received third. Judy Simmons of Windsor Heights snagged fourth.

First place in the Best of Show category for Woodworking went to Tom Brumback of Alleman. Second and third places were given to Bernie Kluesner of New Vienna. LeRoy G. Monson of Waukee received fourth.

Additional results below:

WOODCARVING

Animals Domestic - Realistic

1) Sue Orth, Plainfield

2) None Awarded

3) None Awarded

Honorable Mention) Randall Freeman, Clive

Animals Domestic - Caricature

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

Human Figures - Realistic

1) None Awarded

2) Sharon L. Powell, Urbandale

Human Figures - Caricature

1) Linda Medhus, Gilman

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

3) None Awarded

Honorable Mention) Walter Smith, New Sharon

Abstract - Non-Objective

1) Perry Schaeffer, Ankeny

Stylized - Human Figure

1) Perry Schaeffer, Ankeny

Stylized - Animal

1) Perry Schaeffer, Ankeny

Stylized - Other

1) Perry Schaeffer, Ankeny

2) None Awarded

3) Ray Layton, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Darrell Brown, Des Moines

Miscellaneous - Signs, Canes & Gunstocks

1) Sue Orth, Plainfield

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

3) None Awarded

Honorable Mention) Randy Pleva, Urbandale

Miscellaneous - Chip Carving

1) Linda Medhus, Gilman

Miscellaneous - Woodburning

1) Nole Blair, Auburn

2) Nole Blair, Auburn

3) Kelsie Adams, Fruitland

Honorable Mention) Paula Eichinger, Slater

Miscellaneous - Miniatures

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Hazel Bohardt, Waukee

3) Denny Neubauer, Rockford, Ill.

Honorable Mention) Denny Neubauer, Rockford, Ill.

Miscellaneous - Decorated Functional Frames & Clocks

1) Nedra Herr, Newton

2) None Awarded

3) Rex Kepford, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Denis Johansen, Knoxville

Miscellaneous - Bark Carving & Cyprus Knees

1) Judy Simmons, Windsor Heights

2) Robert Frisk, Des Moines

3) Robert Frisk, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

Miscellaneous - Seasonal Decorative

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

3) David Cretors, Grimes

Honorable Mention) Hazel Bohardt, Waukee

Whittled Pieces - Chains, Balls & Cages

1) None Awarded

2) David Lammers, Sioux Center

Decoys - Ducks & Geese Floating

1) Randy Hansen, Des Moines

2) Tom Swale, Clive

3) Harvey Blanchard, Hartford

Decoys - Shore Birds

1) Richard Peterson, Callender

Decoys - Other Waterfowl

1) Richard Peterson, Callender

2) Don Van Ekeren, Hartford

3) Tom Swale, Clive

Decoys - Working Decoys

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Robert Sellers, Council Bluffs

Wild Fowl - Birds of Prey

1) Clark Weaver, Grinnell

2) Randy Hansen, Des Moines

3) Richard Peterson, Callender

Honorable Mention) Jim Chittenden, Ames

Honorable Mention) Robert Sellers, Council Bluffs

Wild Fowl - Song Birds

1) Randy Hansen, Des Moines

2) Randy Hansen, Des Moines

3) Clark Weaver, Grinnell

Wild Fowl - Upland Game Birds

1) Harvey Blanchard, Hartford

2) Tom Swale, Clive

3) Tom Swale, Clive

Wild Fowl - Miniature Birds

1) Clark Weaver, Grinnell

Wild Fowl - Birds (group or pair)

1) Randy Hansen, Des Moines

2) Richard Peterson, Callender

Novice Adult - 1st Year Carver, Age 18 & Over

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Jim Evans, Knoxville

Youth - Age 12 & Under

1) Ian Landers, West Des Moines

2) Emma Landers, West Des Moines

Wildlife - Realistic Predators

1) None Awarded

2) Harvey Blanchard, Hartford

3) None Awarded

Honorable Mention) John Ver Steeg, Runnells

Honorable Mention) Clarion Lofte, Des Moines

Wildlife - Caricatures

1) Perry Schaeffer, Ankeny

Wildlife - Other Animals

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) None Awarded

Honorable Mention) Clarion Lofte, Des Moines

Wildlife - Fish/Sea Mammals

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Harvey Blanchard, Hartford

Honorable Mention) Harvey Blanchard, Hartford

Religious Carving - In the Round

1) Hazel Bohardt, Waukee

2) Stephen Bennett, Pella

3) Hazel Bohardt, Waukee

Religious Carving - Relief

1) None Awarded

2) Don Van Ekeren, Hartford

Relief Carving - Nature Scenes

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Leroy Orth, Ames

Honorable Mention) Ray Layton, Ankeny

Relief Carving - Natural History

1) Robert Sellers, Council Bluffs

2) Denny Lind, Colfax

3) Don Van Ekeren, Hartford

Honorable Mention) Leroy Orth, Ames

Relief Carving - Scene (other than nature)

1) Sue Orth, Plainfield

2) Denis Johansen, Knoxville

3) Sharon L. Powell, Urbandale

Relief Carving - Human Subject

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

3) Dwayne Mortenson, Knoxville

Honorable Mention) Denis Johansen, Knoxville

Group Carvings

1) None Awarded

2) Philip Kohler, Ankeny

3) Philip Kohler, Ankeny

Instructor Assisted - Birds

1) None Awarded

2) None Awarded

3) Denny Lind, Colfax

Instructor Assisted - Human

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

3) Denny Lind, Colfax

Honorable Mention) Darrell Brown, Des Moines

Instructor Assisted - Wildlife

1) Dorcas (Dee) Wolfe, Des Moines

2) Darrell Brown, Des Moines

3) Darrell Brown, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Dorcas (Dee) Wolfe, Des Moines

Roughouts - Human

1) Roger Beane, Oskaloosa

2) James Hogue, Winterset

3) Dwayne Mortenson, Knoxville

Honorable Mention) Dorcas (Dee) Wolfe, Des Moines

Roughouts - Other

1) Harry Pringnitz, Urbandale

2) Harry Pringnitz, Urbandale

WOODWORKING

Turned Wood - Bowl

1) Dick Meuler, Runnells

2) James Hogue, Winterset

3) LeRoy G. Monson, Waukee

Turned Wood - Box

1) James Hogue, Winterset

2) James Hogue, Winterset

3) James Hogue, Winterset

Turned Wood - Hollow Vessel

1) Robert Beattie, Des Moines

2) Robert Wallace, Ames

3) Jack Rolison, Ottumwa

Turned Wood - Household Item

1) Robert Beattie, Des Moines

2) Robert Beattie, Des Moines

3) Jeremiah S. Murphy, Mount Ayr

Turned Wood - Jewelry

1) LeRoy G. Monson, Waukee

2) Dick Meuler, Runnells

3) Dick Meuler, Runnells

Turned Wood - Pen, Pencil, Seam Ripper, etc.

1) Dick Meuler, Runnells

2) Chuck Spitler, Des Moines

3) Nate Gibson, Indianola

Turned Wood - Seasonal

1) Dick Meuler, Runnells

2) Walter Smith, New Sharon

3) Walter Smith, New Sharon

Turned Wood - Segmented Bowl or Vessel

1) Walter Smith, New Sharon

2) Ben Swartz, Clive

3) Pete Holden, Traer

Turned Wood - Stylized

1) Jack Rolison, Ottumwa

2) Jack Rolison, Ottumwa

3) Daniel Henderson, Waukee

Turned Wood - Any Other

1) LeRoy G. Monson, Waukee

2) Robert Beattie, Des Moines

3) Peggy Smith, New Sharon

Other Techniques - Luthier Class

1) Roger D. Anderson, Marengo

2) Larry DaRos, Ankeny

3) Roger D. Anderson, Marengo

Other Techniques - Wood Inlay or Intarsia

1) Dave Rabe, Ottumwa

2) Russell Hansen, Collins, Iowa

3) Dick Meuler, Runnells

Honorable Mention) Sue Orth, Plainfield

Other Techniques - Furniture Item

1) Tom Brumback, Alleman

2) Tom Whalley, Urbandale

3) John Twedt, Ankeny

Other Techniques - Table

1) Stephanie Riva, Norwalk

2) John Twedt, Ankeny

3) Tom Brumback, Alleman

Other Techniques - Model

1) Bernie Kluesner, New Vienna

Other Techniques - Clocks

1) Dave Rabe, Ottumwa

Other Techniques - Household Item

1) John Twedt, Ankeny

2) John Cinnamon, West Des Moines

3) Lee Nepple, Clive

Honorable Mention) Steve Dishman, Pella

Other Techniques - Wood Toy

1) Tom Whalley, Urbandale

2) Shawn Brown, Urbandale

3) John Cinnamon, West Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Tom Whalley, Urbandale

Other Techniques - Scroll Saw

1) Bernie Kluesner, New Vienna

2) Lynn Clary, West Des Moines

3) Todd Olstad, West Des Moines

Senior Citizen Project

1) Robert Beattie, Des Moines

2) Ben Swartz, Clive

3) Dwayne Mortenson, Knoxville

Honorable Mention) Russell Hansen, Collins, Iowa

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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12 Aug 2014

TIMBER LAKE PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCEMENTS

By James Beaudry

Shout! Celebrates the 60s at TLP

Mount Carroll?The summer season at Timber Lake Playhouse comes to a close with Shout! The Mod Musical, opening Thursday, August 14 and performing through Sunday, August 24. This "swinging sixties sensation" features TLP favorites Daryn Harrell, Allison Hunt, Caroline Murrah, Lexie Plath and Melissa Weyn performing songs made famous by Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Nancy Sinatra and more.

Featuring terrific new arrangements of such classics as "Those Were The Days," "To Sir With Love," "Downtown," "Son of a Preacher Man," "Goldfinger," and the title song, Shout! The Mod Musical follows five women through Swinging London. With a shimmy and shake, the songs are tied together by hilarious sound bites from the period -- from 60s advertisements from face creams to The Pill, to letters answered by an advice columnist who thinks every problem can be solved with a "fetching new hair style and a new shade of lipstick."

The cast includes some of the best talent TLP has had in the last several years. Daryn Harrell (Sweet Charity, Children of Eden) returns after spending the last two years working with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Allison Hunt won the heart of the audience and "the monster" in Young Frankenstein. Caroline Murrah brought her gorgeous voice and charms to all six of TLP's mainstage shows this year. Lexie Plath is completing her second full summer, and Melissa Weyn is back after blowing audiences away as the narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Courtney Crouse, who helmed last year's hit 'SWonderful, directs the show, with musical staging by James Beaudry. While the show takes a lighthearted look at the 1960s, it includes some discussion of the sexual revolution, so parental discretion is advised.

Shout! The Mod Musical performs Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30. There is a Saturday matinee at 3:00 p.m. on August 16, Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. on August 17 and 24, and a Wednesday matinee at 2:00 p.m. on August 20. Tickets are $17-$23. This program is partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.

To purchase tickets, visit www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or contact the TLP box office. The box office is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through August 24.

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Timber Lake Playhouse Announces 2015 Summer Season

Mount Carroll?Timber Lake Playhouse, the professional summer theatre of Northwest Illinois, and Executive Director James Beaudry announced their 54th consecutive summer season for 2015 at on July 19th. The theatre company, which has over 20,000 visitors annually, announced a lineup of six mainstage shows. Two productions for young people will be announced shortly.

The season will be begin June 4, 2015 with the musical Hairspray. Winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Hairspray is a family-friendly musical piled bouffant high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs. It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire?to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, using her newfound power to dethrone the reigning teen queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her 'do.

Following Hairspray, is a big-hearted new play called The Big Meal, which premiered in Chicago in 2011 and tells the extraordinary story of an ordinary family. Somewhere in America, in a typical suburban restaurant on a typical night, Sam and Nicole first meet. Sparks fly. And so begins an expansive tale that traverses five generations of a modern family, from first kiss to final goodbye.  Though it premiered in 2011, The Big Meal already feels like a classic. In the spirit of Thornton Wilder's plays (Our Town, The Long Christmas Dinner), The Big Meal is humorous, human and ambitious.  Pulitzer Prize Winner Annie Baker recently called it "The greatest play ever written."

In July, for the first time ever, TLP will present the Broadway musical Peter Pan. Since 1955, when Mary Martin first took to the air as Peter, the show has become a must-see classic around the world. Beloved by generations, the playhouse will offer additional matinees of the productions to accommodate families.

The fourth show and second play of the season is Greater Tuna, the hilarious comedy about the third smallest town in Texas, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. The eclectic band of citizens that make up this town are portrayed by only two performers, making this send-up of life in rural America even more delightful as they depict all of the inhabitants of Tuna -- men, women, children and animals. The action takes place in the early Eighties, though nothing in Tuna has changed since then, anyway.

In 2003, film director Tim Burton transformed the novel Big Fish into a beloved film starring Albert Finney, Ewan McGregor and Jessica Lange. Last year, the story was turned in a glorious new Broadway musical. TLP will present the area premiere of this show in a special production starring long time TLP favorite Karl Hamilton (last seen as Rev. Moore in Footloose) and Elizabeth Haley (who starred as his wife, Vi Moore). The two are also married in real life.

Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him - most of all, his adoring wife Sandra. But their son Will is determined to find the truth behind his father's fantastic tales. Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stage magic as Edward's stories come to life, it is an extraordinary new musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre - for an experience richer, funnier and bigger than life itself. Executive Director James Beaudry, who brought his inventive style to Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, directs and choreographs.

The final production of the 2015 season will be Roger Miller's Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Propelled by an award winning score from Roger Miller, the king of country music, this journey down the mighty Mississippi provides a brilliantly theatrical celebration of pure Americana. Twain's timeless classic is played out by actor-musicians to the sound of country and bluegrass as irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom. Their adventures are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life our favorite characters from the novel.

Subscribers may reserve advance tickets to all six productions immediately. Tickets for individual shows will go on sale in 2015. Gold series subscriptions are $105 (30% off the individual ticket price), and are available through Labor Day only. Silver series subscriptions are $119 (20% off the individual ticket price) and will be available following Labor Day.

Audition opportunities for area teens and kids will be announced in March.

To purchase a subscription, visit www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or contact the TLP box office. The box office is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through August 24.

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12 Aug 2014

FFA Winners and Results from the 2014 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

Nelson Wins Iowa State Fair Breeding Sheep Show

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Chansea Nelson of Exira showed the Champion Commercial Ewe in the FFA Breeding Sheep show Friday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. Nelson's ewe topped 266 sheep exhibited by 112 other competitors.

Kaci Keitzer of Mediapolis was awarded Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe.

Additional results below:

Champion Suffolk Ram: Kolton Werner, Grinnell

Reserve Champion Suffolk Ram: Kayte Werner, Grinnell

Champion Suffolk Ewe: Ashleigh Metzger, State Center

Reserve Champion Suffolk Ewe: Kayte Werner, Grinnell

Supreme Champion Suffolk Individual: Ashleigh Metzger, State Center

Champion Dorset Ram: Logan Wilson, Colfax

Reserve Champion Dorset Ram: Blake Miller, Atlantic

Champion Dorset Ewe: Zach Vermillion, Pleasant Hill

Reserve Champion Dorset Ewe: Daren Chambers, Indianola

Champion Other Meat Breeds Ram: Rebecca Martin, Dewitt

Reserve Champion Other Meat Breeds Ram: Faith Reiners, Muscatine

Champion Other Meat Breeds Ewe: Payge Edwards, Monroe

Reserve Champion Other Meat Breeds Ewe: Blake Miller, Atlantic

Champion Commercial Ewe Lamb: Chansea Nelson, Exira

Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe Lamb: Kaci Keitzer, Mediapolis

Champion Commercial Yearling Ewe: Tara Gray, Toledo

Reserve Champion Commercial Yearling Ewe: Jaxon Kampen, Humboldt

No Horsing Around for FFA Competitors at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Elyse Buysse of West Liberty was named High Point Exhibitor at the FFA Horse Show judged Thursday during the 2014 Iowa State Fair.  Katie Rinkert of Prole showed the High Point Horse.

Additional results below:

Champion Barrel Racing: Melissa Lindley, Creston

Reserve Champion Barrel Racing: Sydney Dornbier, Wesley

Champion Flag Race: Jannell Huebbe, Maquoketa

Reserve Champion Flag Race: Morgan Quick, Redding

Champion Draft Breeds: Ethan Bair, Keswick

Reserve Champion Draft Breeds: Ethan Bair, Keswick

Champion Draft Showmanship: Ethan Bair, Keswick

Reserve Champion Draft Showmanship: Kim Blackford, New Virginia

Champion Trail Class: Abbey Smith, Adel

Reserve Champion Trail Class: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Champion Draft Horse Single Pleasure Driving: Kim Blackford, New Virginia

Champion Light Horse/Pony Pleasure Driving: Lauren Faas, Williamsburg

Champion Heavy Hitch Draft Team: Ethan Bair, Keswick

Champion English Pleasure: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Reserve Champion English Pleasure: Katie Rinkert, Prole

Champion English Equitation: Katie Rinkert, Prole

Reserve Champion English Equitation: Jessica Hanrahan, Prole

Champion Hunter Hack: Jessica Ackerson, Indianola

Reserve Champion Hunter Hack: Amy Turner, Knoxville

Champion Two-to-Five Year Old Walk Trot: Amber Hammes, Ankeny

Reserve Champion Two-to-Five Year Old Walk Trot: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Champion Pony Western Pleasure: Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

Reserve Champion Pony Western Pleasure: Amy Turner, Knoxville

Champion Junior Western Pleasure (two and three-year-old): Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Reserve Champion Junior Western Pleasure (two and three-year-old): Wade Wuebker, Jefferson

Champion Junior Western Pleasure (four and five-year-old): Shania Roush, Newton

Reserve Champion Junior Western Pleasure (four and five-year-old): Jessica Hanrahan, Prole

Champion Senior Western Pleasure: Brittany Nicholson, Ellsworth

Reserve Champion Senior Western Pleasure: Meredith Williams, Hudson

Champion Western Equitation: Brittany Nicholson, Ellsworth

Reserve Champion Western Equitation: Katie Rinkert, Prole

Champion Reigning: Danielle Nemmers, Earlham

Reserve Champion Reigning: Deven Heitland, Sheffield

Champion Bareback Pleasure: Brittany Nicholson, Ellsworth

Reserve Champion Bareback Pleasure: Elyse Buysse, West Liberty

Champion Ranch Horse Pleasure: Deven Heitland, Sheffield

Reserve Champion Ranch Horse Pleasure: Danielle Nemmers, Earlham

Champion Pony Breeds: Jane Hoffmann, Deloit

Reserve Champion Pony Breeds: Alexandra Cleverley, Newton

Champion Mule: Bailey Brummel, Peru

Champion Other Light Breeds: Leslie Marvin, Bellevue

Reserve Champion Other Light Breeds: Caley Jacobsen, Clinton

Champion Western-Type Horse: Katie Rinkert, Prole

Reserve Champion Western-Type Horse: Larissa Volz, Norway

Champion Showing: Crystal McGarry, Bryant

Reserve Champion Showing: Brittany Nicholson, Ellsworth

Premier Exhibitor

1) Amy Turner, Knoxville

2) Jarret Horn, Newton

3) Meghan Mills, Janesville

FFA Members Flock for Ribbons at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Fifty-seven FFA members exhibited 329 birds in the FFA Poultry Show judged Thursday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.  Emily Martins of Fairbank showed the Grand Champion Market Broiler. Hannah Sikkink of Decorah claimed the Reserve Champion Market Broiler title.  Payton Rivera of Durant won the Grand Champion Breeding Birds title while Nathaniel Foell of Forest City claimed the Reserve Champion Breeding Birds banner.

Breed division winners in the FFA Poultry Show included:

Champion American: Payton Rivera, Durant

Reserve Champion American: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Champion Asiatic: Nathaniel Foell, Forest City

Reserve Champion Asiatic: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Champion Continental: Zach Redmond, Long Grove

Reserve Champion Continental: Madalyn Boehm, Elgin

Champion Mediterranean: Alaina Martensen, Onslow

Reserve Champion Mediterranean: Darcey Tjaden, Wyoming

Champion English: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Reserve Champion English: Emiy Meerdink, Hawarden

Champion Miscellaneous: Darcey Tjaden, Wyoming

Reserve Champion Miscellaneous: Josh Sunberg, Red Oak

Champion Bantams, Old English Game: Hunter Britton, Muscatine

Reserve Champion Bantams, Old English Game: Hunter Britton, Muscatine

Champion Bantams, Rose Comb, Clean Legged: Cami Maurer, Wilton

Reserve Champion Bantams, Rose Comb, Clean Legged: Jay McCoskey, Jewell

Champion Bantams, Any Other Comb, Clean Legged: Natasha Klocke, Rockwell City

Reserve Champion Bantams, Any Other Comb, Clean Legged: Natasha Klocke, Rockwell City

Champion Bantams, Feather Legged: Alaina Martensen, Onslow

Reserve Champion Bantams, Feather Legged: Rease Morris, Maxwell

Champion Bantams, Single Comb, Clean Legged: Jay McCoskey, Jewell

Reserve Champion Bantams, Single Comb, Clean Legged: Cami Maurer, Wilton

Champion Ducks, Market: Kenzie St. Germain, Gilbert

Reserve Champion Ducks, Market: Braeden Vandervoort, Wilton

Champion Ducks, Breeding: Nathaniel Foell, Forest City

Reserve Champion Ducks, Breeding: Bradlee Hank, Wapello

Champion Geese, Breeding: Bradlee Hank, Wapello

Reserve Champion Geese, Breeding: Bradlee Hank, Wapello

Champion Turkeys, Breeding: Noah Gronewold, Calamus

Reserve Champion Turkeys, Breeding: Noah Gronewold, Calamus

Champion Egg Production: Madalyn Boehm, Elgin

Reserve Champion Egg Production: Natasha Klocke, Rockwell City

FFA Exhibitors Compete for Supreme Honors at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Drew Norris of Corydon exhibited the Supreme Female Champion in the FFA Breeding Beef show held Thursday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

James Gradert of Sibley won the Reserve Supreme Female title.

Additional results below:

Champion Angus Heifer: Drew Norris, Corydon

Reserve Champion Angus Heifer: Chayse Jaspering, Washington

Champion Charolais Heifer: Joni Erwin, Crawfordsville

Reserve Champion Charolais Heifer, Matthew Schroeder, Radcliffe

Champion Chianina Heifer: James Gradert, Sibley

Reserve Champion Chianina Heifer: Makayla Smith, Charter Oak

Champion Hereford Heifer: Colton Black, Chariton

Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer: Hunter Wilkening, State Center

Champion Limousin Heifer: Bailey Walrod, Moorland

Reserve Champion Limousin Heifer: Anna Radcliff, Davenport

Champion Appendix Maine-Anjou Heifer: James Gradert, Sibley

Reserve Champion Appendix Maine-Anjou Heifer: Cody Fausch, Cambridge

Champion Shorthorn Heifer: Jacob Darbyshire, Morning Sun

Reserve Champion Shorthorn Heifer: Mikaela Boss, Manchester

Champion Simmental Heifer: Paige Reck, Blakesburg

Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer: Katlyn Ruth, Iowa City

Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Cendra Sebolt, Seymour

Reserve Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Kennedy Wohlford, Geneva

Champion All Other Breeds Heifer: Mallory Bormann, Algona

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Heifer: Parker Frey, Earlham

Champion Commercial Heifer: Jaden Compton, Tipton

Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer: Jordan Crall, Albia

Champion All Other Breeds Bull: Katelyn Holmes, Benton

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Bull: Morgan McDermott, Wiota

Champion All Other Breeds Cow-Calf: Sadie Simatovich, State Center

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Cow-Calf: Rachel Maloy, Ottumwa

FFA Ag Mechanics Competition Revs-Up Its Engine at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Restored tractors and metal working topped off the Ag Mechanics competition judged Friday at the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Entries were judged on the basis of workmanship, design, usefulness, appearance and safety.

Complete results below:

Restored Tractor 1958 & Prior: Tayler Jones, Eddyville

Restored Tractor 1959 & Later: Jacob Miller, Dixon

Restored Tractor by First Year Exhibitor: Parker Kray, Monticello

Restored Tractor by Group: North Scott FFA, Eldridge

Metal Working (small): Natalie Johnson, Murray

Metal Working (medium): Riley Rowold, Wheatland

Metal Working (large): Brett Roquet, Fremont

Restored Farm Equipment: Kyle Huber, Wellman

Computer Designed: Logan Mesenbrink, Gilbert

Woodworking (indoor): Taylor Lee, Sumner

Woodworking (outdoor): Addison Crow Schrader, Marion

Overall - First Year: Parker Kray, Monticello

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

12 Aug 2014

Iowans Crochet Wins in Iowa State Fair Contest

By Lori Chappell
DES MOINES, IA (08/11/2014)(readMedia)-- Alyssa McNab of Des Moines received Best of Show honors in the Crochet division of the Fabric and Threads contest judged prior to the start of the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

Melanie Stiles, also of Des Moines, received the Sweepstakes award.

Additional results below:

Doily (less than 14 inches, white or ecru)

1) Jessica Weinreich, Oskaloosa

2) Alice Grimm, Riverside

3) Sandy Winchester, Ankeny

4) Keri Crowley, Indianola

Doily (less than 14 inches, colored thread)

1) Alyssa McNab, Des Moines

2) Jessica Weinreich, Oskaloosa

3) Sarah Delo, Ottumwa

4) Keri Crowley, Indianola

Honorable Mention) Erin Hodgson, Ames

Doily (2 or more colors)

1) Jessica Weinreich, Oskaloosa

2) Keri Crowley, Indianola

3) Melanie Stiles, Des Moines

4) Alyssa McNab, Des Moines

Centerpiece (14-21 inches in diameter)

1) Alyssa McNab, Des Moines

2) Jessica Weinreich, Oskaloosa

3) Sherry Murtle, Des Moines

4) Sandy Winchester, Ankeny

Centerpiece (22-30 inches in diameter)

1) Alyssa McNab, Des Moines

2) Keri Crowley, Indianola

3) Jessica Weinreich, Oskaloosa

4) Alice Grimm, Riverside

Honorable Mention) Norma J. Hill, Des Moines

Luncheon Cloth (30-54 inches in diameter)

1) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

2) None Awarded

3) Jessica Weinreich, Oskaloosa

Dresser Scarf or Runner

1) None Awarded

2) Alyssa McNab, Des Moines

3) Alice Grimm, Riverside

Tablecloth (over 54 inches in diameter)

1) Alyssa McNab, Des Moines

2) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

Afghan (granny squares, block pattern & assembly)

1) Lila Modlin, Perry

2) Melanie Stiles, Des Moines

3) Margie Davidson, Windsor Heights

4) Deanna Cathcart, Fort Dodge

Honorable Mention) Miranda Hartman, Urbana

Afghan (ripple pattern)

1) Melanie Stiles, Des Moines

2) Sandra Kinzenbaw, Marengo

3) Marilyn Bacon, Brooklyn

4) Deanna Cathcart, Fort Dodge

Afghan (shell stitch)

1) None Awarded

2) Shirley J. Leonard, West Des Moines

3) Norma J. Hill, Des Moines

4) Melanie Stiles, Des Moines

Afghan (stitch other than above)

1) Linda Campbell, Johnston

2) Marilyn Bacon, Brooklyn

3) Melanie Stiles, Des Moines

4) Sandra Kinzenbaw, Marengo

Honorable Mention) Julie Lyon, Boone

Honorable Mention) Nancy Schimmels, Cresco

Baby Afghan

1) Sandra Kinzenbaw, Marengo

2) Betty Christianson, Pleasant Hill

3) Sarah Delo, Ottumwa

4) Wynona Bohemann, Norwalk

Honorable Mention) Bethany Kula, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) Marilyn Bacon, Brooklyn

Baby Jacket

1) Melanie Stiles, Des Moines

2) Norma J. Hill, Des Moines

3) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

Child's Dress

1) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

2) Laurie Navin, Polk City

3) Darcy Johnson, Arispe

4) Samantha Bullock, Ankeny

Child's Sweater

1) Tracy Feldmann, West Des Moines

2) None Awarded

3) Jackie Holecek, Davenport

Shawl / Poncho

1) Alyssa McNab, Des Moines

2) Sara Brown, Iowa City

3) Melissa Perkins, Nevada

4) Christina Shuy, Marion

Honorable Mention) Diane Killam, Cedar Rapids

Honorable Mention) Molly Vriezelaar, Altoona

Honorable Mention) Laurie Navin, Polk City

Pullover Sweater

1) Tracy Feldmann, West Des Moines

2) None Awarded

3) None Awarded

4) Laurie Navin, Polk City

Cardigan Sweater

1) Katy Diltz, Coggon

2) Betty Whitson, Ottumwa

3) Tracy Feldmann, West Des Moines

4) Keri Crowley, Indianola

Honorable Mention) Sarah Delo, Ottumwa

Lace Edging

1) Jadvyga Gerasimovic, Iowa City

2) Louise Whitlow, Johnston

3) Jessica Weinreich, Oskaloosa

4) Susan Cole, Exline

Scarf

1) Katy Diltz, Coggon

2) Tracy Feldmann, West Des Moines

3) Sara Brown, Iowa City

4) Seren Shank, Ames

Honorable Mention) Sarah Delo, Ottumwa

Hat

1) Seren Shank, Ames

2) Stephanie Masumura, Des Moines

3) Tracy Feldmann, West Des Moines

4) Sara Brown, Iowa City

Honorable Mention) Deanna Cathcart, Fort Dodge

Purse

1) Tracy Feldmann, West Des Moines

2) Judith Hainaut, Des Moines

3) Catherine Gochnauer, Adel

4) Melanie Stiles, Des Moines

Honorable Mention) J. Sue Myatt, Bettendorf

Honorable Mention) Seren Shank, Ames

Jewelry

1) None Awarded

2) Sarah Delo, Ottumwa

3) Seren Shank, Ames

4) Stephanie Masumura, Des Moines

Doll Garment - Yarn

1) Melanie Stiles, Des Moines

2) None Awarded

3) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

Doll Garment - Thread

1) Melanie Stiles, Des Moines

2) Barbara DeWit, Tracy

3) Joey Shaw, Perry

Toy

1) Catherine Gochnauer, Adel

2) Stephanie Masumura, Des Moines

3) Taylor Hardy, Osceola

4) Samantha Bullock, Ankeny

Honorable Mention) Sarah Berns, Cedar Rapids

Honorable Mention) Terri Argotsinger, Ankeny

Ornaments

1) Louise Whitlow, Johnston

2) Jessica Weinreich, Oskaloosa

3) Alyssa McNab, Des Moines

4) Keri Crowley, Indianola

Holiday Decoration

1) None Awarded

2) Alyssa McNab, Des Moines

Crochet Rug

1) Melanie Stiles, Des Moines

2) None Awarded

3) None Awarded

4) Tracy Feldmann, West Des Moines

Felted Item

1) Seren Shank, Ames

2) Melissa Perkins, Nevada

3) Katy Diltz, Coggon

4) Laurie Navin, Polk City

The Fabric and Threads Department is located on the second floor of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building sponsored by Principal Financial Group. The exhibits are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every Fair day.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

12 Aug 2014

Gov. Branstad, Iowa DOT announce new service for Iowans - Personalized and specialty plate applications now available online

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - At his news conference this morning, Governor Terry Branstad and Iowa Department of Transportation Director Paul Trombino announced a new service which allows vehicle owners purchasing personalized or specialty registration plates to complete the process online. This new online application allows customers to apply for plates where and when it is convenient for them rather than using the paper application that has been in place for many years. The online process can be completed by customers in minutes, with typical application processing around one day, rather than the paper application process which can take up to 18 days.

View the Iowa DOT's Personalized Plate Application

The online product is another service from state government designed to increase the level of service and reduce wait time for Iowans.

Customers wishing to obtain personalized plates can now enter their personalization in the online system and immediately see if their desired combination is available. Plate fees vary depending on plate design and are shown in the system when a plate design is chosen.

The online process not only saves customers time, it reduces staff time by eliminating 14 paper processing steps. The online process will also eliminate postage costs, saving both the customer and the state money. In fiscal year 2014, the Iowa DOT processed 17,177 paper applications for specialty and personalized plates.

Here's how the online process works:

1.       The customer must have an Iowa driver's license or non-driver ID to complete the online process.

2.       Go to iowadot.gov/personalizedplates and enter information about the vehicle you are licensing and type of plate you are wanting.

3.       If the requested personalization and/or specialty plate requested are available, the online process will allow customers to see on-screen how their plate will look. The system will notify customers if their desired personalization and/ or plate are not available.

4.       Payment can be made online through the system using, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA. A $1.50 convenience fee will apply.

5.       The plate production time of 21 days remains the same for both paper and online processes.

6.       Customer will receive notification once plates are available for pick up at their county treasurer's office.  Current plates on the vehicle must be returned when the new plates are picked up.

All specialty and personalized license plate orders are subject to Iowa DOT approval.  Reasons for denial of an application include personalizations which are sexual in connotation; a term of vulgarity, contempt, prejudice, hostility, insult, or racial or ethnic degradation; recognized as a swear word; a reference to an illegal substance or to a criminal act; offensive or a foreign word falling into any of these categories; or those that conflict with the regular license numbering system.

This online process is available for any license plate that does not require a qualification for the vehicle owner (such as firefighter, EMS, veterans, amateur radio, or persons with disabilities). Applications for plates that require a certification must still be ordered through the mail or at a county treasurer's office. Complete information regarding personalized and specialty plates can be found online at http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ovs/plates/plates.htm

Standard design county numbered plates continue to be available at the customer's county treasurer's office.

###
12 Aug 2014

Modern Woodmen hosts meal-packing event to feed hungry in QCA

By Amber O’Brien

Modern Woodmen home office employees attempt to pack 50,000 meals for the hungry

Rock Island, Illinois - Hunger is a serious epidemic for some in the Quad Cities and Modern Woodmen of America is stepping up to make a difference for food-insecure families in the community. On Friday, August 15 Modern Woodmen will host an Outreach, Inc. food-packaging event from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Modern Woodmen printing and shipping building (2015 2nd Avenue, Rock Island). Interview opportunities will be available.

Nearly 450 Modern Woodmen employees will take part in the food packaging event to provide 50,000 meals for River Bend Foodbank. Modern Woodmen will cover the cost the ingredients and supplies to package the meal. Each meal costs 25 cents.

Bags of delicious and nutritious macaroni and cheese will be packaged, sealed and boxed for distribution at River Bend Foodbank's mobile food pantry on Aug. 23, also sponsored by Modern Woodmen. The packaged meals, developed by Outreach, Inc., are high in vitamins, protein, calcium and other nutritious items.

This event is one of many fraternal projects sponsored by Modern Woodmen as part of the summer-long campaign to Knock Out Hunger.

Knock Out Hunger campaign

This year, Modern Woodmen has selected River Bend Foodbank to support through its Knock Out Hunger campaign. Modern Woodmen employees and members will donate time, money and food to the food distribution center throughout the summer.

The culmination of the Knock Out Hunger campaign is a 5K charity run, walk and kids' fun run on September 20. Families across the Quad Cities are invited to participate in the event located in the District of Rock Island. All proceeds will benefit River Bend Foodbank.

River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing more than 8 million pounds of food annually to feed the hungry. The Foodbank serves more than 10,000 individuals every week through its distribution network of 300 charitable feeding programs in a 22-county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal financial services organization offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

-end-
12 Aug 2014

Schilling Veterans Bill Signed Into Law

By Jan Schweppe

Schilling: "monumental step forward for veterans"


EAST MOLINE, Ill.?Bobby Schilling's veterans bill has been signed into law by President Obama.

Schilling's bill, which allows veterans the ability to use their own doctors in their own hometowns when VA waitlists prevent veterans from getting immediate access to care, did not become law overnight. Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) initially introduced the Enhanced Veterans Health Care Experience Act in 2011 and worked throughout his term to pass the bill through committee. Unfortunately, he faced gridlock and significant partisan opposition to reforming the Veterans Administration.

However, once the media firestorm surrounding the VA scandal took place, Congress finally got to work for our veterans. Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Florida) picked up Schilling's bill, made a few tweaks, and introduced the Veterans Access to Care Act. Miller continued Schilling's critical work, pushed the bill through committee, and got it passed it through the House of Representatives unanimously.

For more information on Bobby Schilling's bill and the initial work he did to move it forward in Congress, click here.

The Senate passed a similar version of the bill 93-3 and proceeded to conference with the House to draft a compromise bill. The new compromise veterans legislation passed both chambers and was signed into law by President Obama last Thursday.

Bobby Schilling released the following statement:

"While there is still much work to do, this bill?now law?is a monumental step forward for veterans in this country who have been needlessly burdened with waitlists and backlogs from the VA for far too long. Now veterans have the right to use their own doctors in their own hometowns, rather than wait extended periods of time for the VA when they need care immediately.

"There are still additional reforms we need to pass to improve our veterans access to health care, but this is a monumental first step and I'm pleased to see this bill signed into law. Working on this veterans issue was a passion of mine while serving in Congress, and it's great to see our work pay off to help our heroes."

Bobby Schilling was a leader on this important issue and recognized the problems in the Veterans Administration three years ago. After the problems his own father had with the Veterans Administration, Schilling analyzed the problem and designed a creative way to help solve it without expanding government bureaucracy. He was ahead of his time in introducing his bill and was very pleased to see it signed into law. Still, there is more work to be done to serve veterans, and Bobby Schilling is seeking to once again represent the people of the 17th Congressional District to put his problem-solving skills back to work for the middle class, the working poor, and especially our veterans in need of quality, accessible health care.

Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 28 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Schilling is seeking another term and is running against incumbent liberal Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.
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