Woman Living with Incurable Cancer Offers 3 Ways to Get
the Most Out of Every Day

Jane Schwartzberg cringes when she hears someone say that a terrible accident or frightening medical diagnosis made them realize what's important in life.

"In some ways, I do wish everyone could experience a taste of terminal, if that's what it takes to make them appreciate the intangible gifts we receive not just during the holidays, but all year," says Schwartzberg, co-author with Marcy Tolkoff Levy of "Naked Jane Bares All," www.nakedjanebaresall.com, a new book that shares Jane's story with candor and humor.

"But I wish they'd known all along, and I hate the thought of goodness coming at the expense of so much suffering."

Schwartzberg says she was clear about what's most important before she was diagnosed with stage four incurable breast cancer. As a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, she knew that all that really matters is how much love we give and receive.  
The holidays are a wonderful opportunity for people to remember that and to focus on who they love. But, too often, they become a source of anxiety, stress, and tension. Financial concerns, having too much to do, and missing loved ones were among the top causes of holiday stress, according to a recent Mental Health America survey.

"Although I won't attribute any revelations about what's most important in life to my illness, I can say that there are a few things that I am trying to do better since getting sick," Schwartzberg says.

"The holidays are a great time to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and to re-focus on the things that are most meaningful."

For Schwartzberg, those include :

• Showing up. If you're worried about yesterday or always planning for tomorrow, you're missing the present moment and any wonderful experiences it may hold.

"Although my clock ticks louder than others, I know we are all here for a short time," Schwartzberg says. "I am determined to find joy in every single day. It may come from the simplest of things: a view from my window, a great conversation or a hot cup of coffee. But I know I need to be always present and available, with an open mind and open heart, to experience any of it."

• Riding her love train. We all have people in our lives who care about us, and it's important to let them know how much we appreciate them. Schwartzberg's "love train" is a metaphor for all of the people she chooses to share her life with.  "They are rooting me on and giving my family and me love and support," she says. "I try to be as meticulous and thoughtful as I possibly can be with those on board, and that means making sure they know how much I love and value them."

• Knowing my place in the world. There is a Jewish teaching that says everyone should carry with them two pieces of paper, each in a separate pocket. One paper should say, "I am but dust and ashes."  The other, "The world was created for me."

"I constantly remind myself that both statements are true," Schwartzberg says. "I am capable of incredible things to improve the world, and I am just a tiny speck in the universe. Powerfulness and humility can, and do, exist for me side by side."

As the holidays approach, keep in mind that the best gift you can give - or receive - is love.

"It's not a table full of food or gadgets you can't afford," she says. "Approach this holiday season as if it could be your last, and you'll probably find much more to revel in than to stress about."

About Jane Schwartzberg

Jane Schwartzberg, 45, is the co-author of the newly released book, "Naked Jane Bares All," the many-layered story - told with humor and candor -- of how she learned to embrace life when she was down for the count. Jane is a financial services executive and founder and former CEO of a start-up technology company.

"Naked Jane Bares All" was co-written by veteran writer Marcy Tolkoff Levy. Following a year of interviews and many late nights with Jane, her family and friends, Marcy formed the foundation of a colorful, poignant and even humorous collection of vignettes about how Jane continues to get back up when life throws her down.

CANTON, MO (11/01/2013)(readMedia)-- Culver-Stockton College is continuing the tradition of bringing a professional actor to campus to share the stage with students in the 28th Annual Guest Artist Production. Ian Sodawasser, musical theatre major from Davenport, Iowa, has been cast to act alongside professional actor Michael Brainard in Culver-Stockton College's production of "Other Desert Cities," written by Jon Robin Baitz and directed by Dr. Haidee Heaton.The performance runs at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8-9 in the Mabee Little Theatre, with a Sunday afternoon matinee at 3 p.m., Nov. 10. Sodawasser has been cast as the understudy of Lyman Wyeth.

This is Brainard's second time participating in C-SC's Guest Artist Production. In addition, Brainard has had a long career in television, cinema and theatre. His most recognizable role was as Dr. Joseph 'Jake' Martin Jr. in the television series "All My Children." He also had a recurring role on the television series "American Heiress." He is in the upcoming movie, "Mi America," scheduled for release in 2014.

The annual guest artist production is an opportunity for students and faculty to experience theatre with professional actors. Students are able to work with the actor onstage, behind the scenes and in workshops and master classes. They also have the opportunity to learn new techniques in the field and share firsthand experiences of how the profession plays out on a day-to-day basis.

Culver-Stockton College, located in Canton, Mo., is a four-year residential institution in affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). C-SC specializes in experiential education and is one of only two colleges in the nation to offer the 12/3 semester calendar, where the typical 15 week semester is divided into two terms, a 12-week term and a 3-week term.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad denied the following application for commutation:

Shannon Elizabeth Lee Breeden, age 28, committed her crimes on May 27, 2002, in Scott County.  She is currently serving a twenty-five year sentence with a 70% mandatory for attempted murder.

Helena F. Burrell, age 70, committed her crime on January 10, 1985, in Polk County.  She is currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder.

Sheri Fisher, age 29, committed her crimes on September 3, 2006, in Polk County.  She is currently serving a thirty-five year sentence with a 70% mandatory for attempted murder and willful injury causing serious injury.

Laura E. Hockmuth, age 32, committed her crimes on May 15, 1997, in Scott County.  She is currently serving a fifty-year sentence with a 70% mandatory for second-degree kidnapping and first-degree robbery.

Christine M. Lockheart, age 46, committed her crimes on February 17, 1985, in Scott County.  She was originally sentenced to a life sentence for first-degree murder and first-degree robbery.  Because she was under the age of 18 at the time of her crime, her sentence was vacated and she is currently waiting resentencing.

Tifany A. Myers, age 32, committed her crime on January 20, 2000, in Polk County.  She is currently serving a fifty-year sentence with a 70% mandatory for second-degree mandatory.

Susan Ross, age 55, committed her crimes on January 24, 2003, in Polk County.  She is currently serving a one hundred year sentence for second-degree kidnapping and drug possession with intent to deliver.

Judy K. White, age 67, committed her crime on April 13, 1979, in Cedar County.  She is currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder.

# # #

Each year, seniors in Iowa and across the country have an opportunity to adjust their Medicare health benefits for the coming year. This seven-week period known as Medicare Open Enrollment, offers beneficiaries a chance to customize their Medicare plans to suit their current health needs. This year, Open Enrollment begins on October 15th and runs through December 7, 2013.  The enrollment period offers seniors a chance to get a jump start on selecting their health plans for 2014, and ensures they will receive essential plan details and membership cards before new coverage starts on January 1, 2014.

To help seniors access information, answer questions about their medical coverage, and choose the best plan for their needs, the Medicare website - www.medicare.gov - includes The Medicare Plan Finder. The plan finder is a unique tool that conveniently allows seniors to compare numerous drug and health plans simultaneously.  Additionally, the site breaks down monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pay levels, and prescription drug coverage.

The Medicare website also highlights the most popular and highly rated Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans that have been reported by Medicare recipients.  The highest quality plans received an overall rating of five stars with the best performers receiving a "gold star" icon.  This guide can help Iowans analyze others' experiences with Medicare plans and choose the plan that's right for them.

I encourage all beneficiaries in Iowa to take a look at these resources.  For more information about Medicare and the new changes, please visit the Medicare Open Enrollment homepage at http://www.cms.gov/Center/Special-Topic/Open-Enrollment-Center.html and Iowa's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) at www.shiip.state.ia.us for information specific to Iowa.  Iowans who do not have access to a computer can call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance in adjusting their benefits.

For more information, please visit http://harkin.senate.gov/ , Senator Harkin's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/tomharkin or follow him on Twitter https://twitter.com/SenatorHarkin.

A PDF version of this article is available here.

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Rock Island, IL, November 1st - How would you feel if the donation you made to support a local charitable organization was automatically doubled, without you adding another penny? Denver Mattress Company is partnering with Christian Care to help your financial gift go even further. During the month of November only, the Denver Mattress Company will match your donation to Christian Care, dollar for dollar. With your support, Christian Care can earn up to $2,500!

To make a donation:

  • Go to Christian Care's website at www.christiancareqc.org.

  • Click on the Denver Mattress Company Campaign link, and double your gift!

With a tap of the finger, you can help make a difference by supporting the services that Christian Care offers to so many in the Quad City area.

Christian Care is transforming the lives of homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to those in need. Christian Care's services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of nourishing the bodies, minds, hearts and souls of the men, women and children who come seeking a new way of life. Help Christian Care help others; donate now. Call Lindsey at 309-786-5734 for more information.

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IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - For the past four years, Results Marketing of Bettendorf, IA, St. Ambrose University and select sponsors have been bringing the annual Leadercast event to the Quad-Cities. Recently, Results Marketing expanded its leadership scope and branched out with a new division called The Idea Lab, which is now preparing for its second educational offering to the community.

"Leadership is our passion, as many Quad-Citians know from our involvement with Leadercast, and we started The Idea Lab because we wanted to provide the community with a wide spectrum of interactive, engaging learning experiences," said Todd Ashby, Managing Partner of Results Marketing. "The Idea Lab is a place to share thoughts, concepts, procedures, and success stories. We invite the community to join us on this ongoing educational initiative."
The Idea Lab has completed the first course of an ongoing educational offering called Krypton Community College, a free online/offline project based on a simple idea: We learn better when we do it together. Every four weeks, Krypton Community College presents a different course, based around the work of an acclaimed author / teacher / scholar / speaker - someone with something to say and a track record doing it. The first course, No. 001, was based on the works of acclaimed leadership expert Seth Godin.
From noon to 1 p.m. on Nov. 5, The Idea Lab will present the first session of four-week course No. 002 of Krypton Community College. "We are happy to announce that the second course, The Sociology of Success, comes from the works of Malcolm Gladwell," Ashby said. "This course draws from Malcolm's writings about how the society we build influences who we become, the heroes that lead us, and the choices we make."
Like the first course, course No. 002 will be held at the historic Joseph Bettendorf Mansion on the Rivermont Collegiate campus, 1821 Sunset Dr., Bettendorf, IA. "What a unique opportunity this is, for adults to be able to gather and learn in a space where intellect, character and creativity are normally fostered in children," Ashby said.
The course is held at lunchtime, so The Idea Lab makes group arrangements for those who wish to order lunch. Lunch is catered by Chick-fil-A, and attendees can pick from either a chicken sandwich meal or a veggie-wrap meal. The cost for the lunch is $10 per person per session.
About Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell searches for the counterintuitive in what others take to be the mundane. According to Gladwell, "There is more going on beneath the surface than we think, and more going on in little, finite moments of time than we would guess."
A staff writer for The New Yorker since 1996, Malcolm Gladwell is the author of multiple New York Times bestsellers, including The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make a Big Difference (2000); Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking (2005); and Outliers: The Story of Success (2008). His latest book, David and Goliath (2013) was an instant bestseller.
How It Works...
Ashby explained how Krypton Community College works. "With every course, we meet each Tuesday for lunch for four weeks," he said. "Everyone who enrolls in the course gets a PDF document with links to articles and other resources. We come together to discuss and encourage each other to dive deeper into the work."
Unlike traditional school, there are no tests and no memorization, Ashby noted. "Instead, we put together a group of forward-thinking individuals who share their experiences and grow from the information being offered," he said. "We're truly excited to be hosting this empowering course."
To enroll in Krypton Community College, contact Marcia Brandt of Results Marketing at marcia@resultsimc.com or 563-322-2065. Also, please let her know if you will be ordering a chicken or veggie-wrap meal. Feel free to befriend The Idea Lab on Facebook at www.facebook.com/idealabqc.
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No. 12-0618

STATE OF IOWA vs. DAVID HAL CALVIN

No. 12-1636

STATE OF IOWA vs. COREY DOUGLAS DRISCOLL

American Cancer Society's Discovery Shop to hold Annual Holiday Open House Sunday, November 17th

The Bettendorf Discovery Shop in Cumberland Square invites you to their Annual Holiday Open House Sunday, November 17th from noon to 4 pm.

Deck your halls and fill all of your stockings with all of the treasures that you will "Discover".   The shop will be full of all kinds of holiday clothing, ornaments, trees and wreaths, collectibles, and many beautiful gift items for inside and outside your home.  What a great way to help in the fight against cancer!

If you are looking for something for yourself or for someone on your list, this is a great place to start. Get a sneak peek on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/QCdiscoveryshop

The Discovery Shop is an upscale resale shop.  All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research, patient services, education and advocacy.

The shop will be closed Saturday, November 16th to prepare for this event.

If you have items that you would like to donate for this event, donations are accepted anytime the shop is open and a tax receipt is always available.  Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 5 pm., Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm. and Saturday from10 am to 4 pm.

Monticello, IA– Camp Courageous of Iowa will sponsor the 5th

annual "Walkin' & Wheelin' for Camp Courageous" on Saturday November 9, 2013  This fun-filled event will take place from 8:30-11:00 a.m. at Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids.  Registration is from 8:30-9:30, with the walk from 9:30-10:30. Awards will be presented from 10:30-11:00.  T-shirts will be given to each participant who has collected a minimum of $10 in donations. Prizes will be awarded to the individual and team raising the most money for this event.

Participants may pre-register for this event by calling 319-465-5916 Ext. 2130, visiting camp's website at www.campcourageous.org, or may register the day of the event.

Camp Courageous of Iowa is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities, located near Monticello, Iowa. The camp was built and continues to operate on donations, without government support, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fundraisers. In 2012, the camp served nearly 6,500 individuals with special needs. 

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MOLINE, Ill. Nov. 1, 2013 – Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today celebrates new, nonstop jet service between Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Southwest Florida via Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will offer fares as low as $68* one way.

"We are pleased to add the beaches of Southwest Florida as another affordable destination option for Quad City residents to escape the cold this winter," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President. "We are confident the community will appreciate the convenience of flying nonstop to Punta Gorda and the value of booking hotel rooms and car rentals through us."

"We are very excited that this day has arrived," says Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation, Quad City International Airport. "We know that hundreds of travelers throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois frequent the Southwest Florida region, including Ft. Myers, Naples and Sanibel.  This nonstop flight to Punta Gorda will make travel easier for those staying in, and visiting family or friends in those areas."

The new flights will operate twice weekly between Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found at Allegiant.com.

Catering perfectly to a personal, romantic or family getaway, the Southwest Florida Coast features exquisite beach-front dining, exotic wildlife and a wide variety of recreation in the warm, pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Allegiant partners with many of the area's most exciting hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car, and offers great deals on activities such as dinner and ocean exploration cruises. Quad City travelers can book their entire Southwest Florida vacation for less by visiting Allegiant.com.

Quad City residents can now get more out of their vacation when they book airfare and hotel on Allegiant.com. Current deals include :

About the $68* one-way fares:

Seats are limited. Price includes taxes and fees. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by Nov. 7, 2013, for travel by April 29, 2014. Price reflects debit card discount; credit card price higher. For baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.

Allegiant, Travel is our deal. ®

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets. All can be purchased through the company website, Allegiant.com. The company has been named one of America's 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine for four consecutive years. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/17bZ4xO.

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