94th Annual AFBF Meeting Concludes Jan. 15 in Nashville

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - January 16, 2013 -Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) farmers brought forth and won national approval of several key issues during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) national convention this week in Nashville, Tennessee.

One particular issue which won overwhelming national support was the continuation of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), an over-arching federal policy to incent development and use of renewable fuels of all types.  "Renewable fuels have been important to the continued economic growth of the Midwest for decades which include expansion and development of all kinds of green energy including cellulosic, biomass-based diesel, sugar ethanol and next-generation renewable corn ethanol," said Craig Hill, IFBF president.  "This is an opportunity for our nation because we all know we must work to end our nation's reliance on foreign fuels." AFBF approved Iowa's proposal to continue support of RFS targets as well as retaining Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) administrator authority to waive the RFS if conditions merit, such as a national drought or other unforeseen circumstances.

Another priority issue for many families in Iowa involves proposed changes in the nation's school lunch program.  IFBF policy supports a school lunch program that promotes a balanced meal containing dairy products, eggs, meat, fruit, vegetables and grains to make sure every child has their nutritional and caloric needs met for proper growth.  "But when it comes to school lunch, it's not always a case where the government knows best.  Local school districts should have authority in this, and the current guidelines are too restrictive and inflexible, especially when it comes to those who want to bring their own school lunches, such as athletes or those with dietary or health restrictions," said Hill.  Several states agreed with those points and AFBF policy was adopted.

Another food safety issue that IFBF members proposed included the headline-making issue of milk pasteurization.  "We believe in consumer food choices, but for the protection of consumer health, raw milk sales should not be permitted across state lines.  If someone wants to consume unpasteurized milk from their own supply, that's up to them, but generations of food science should be the guide on this issue," said Hill.  AFBF policy was adopted on this issue.

The 2012 Farm Bill, which recently won an extension, is still a key concern for AFBF members.   "The lack of action in Congress that led to this extension amounts to 'kicking the can down the road' and it leaves farmers and consumers with a lot of uncertainty.   Farming today is a capital intensive business that requires long-term investment decisions, not only for production and risk management, but also for conservation, investment in grain storage facilities, etc., that are frankly very difficult to make when not knowing the rules of the game. With real risks such as a continuing drought staring us down in 2013, the passage of a new Farm Bill is key.  Our farmers found national support today for the continuation of crop insurance, to cover big risks such as drought and other natural disasters."  Hill added.

For more information on AFBF-approved resolutions, leadership awards or to hear IFBF farmers discuss key issues from the AFBF annual convention, visit the media section of www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today they are inviting graduating seniors to apply to be a delegate to the 2013 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC).  Two seniors from across the state will receive a full scholarship to exchange ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds at the camp, which will be held next summer in West Virginia.  Students may nominate themselves or may be nominated by school administrators, teachers or parents to attend the three-week camp, which includes lectures and hands-on research projects presented by scientists from across the nation, overnight camping in the Monogahela National Forest, and a visit to Washington, D.C.  Delegates must demonstrate academic achievement in science and potential for thoughtful scientific leadership.

The once-in-a-lifetime experience is possible thanks to generous contributions to the National Youth Science Foundation. Educational and recreational programming, as well as meals, lodging, and round-trip air passage are provided to delegates free of charge.  The camp will be held near Bartow in the eastern mountains of West Virginia, within the Monongahela National Forest. The 2013 camp dates are June 26 to July 20.

"This is an outstanding opportunity for two young Iowans to learn about different scientific disciplines and leadership along with delegates from other states," said Branstad. "The camp recognizes the excellence that participants have already demonstrated, and their potential."

"In keeping with the goal of the Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Advisory Council, the National Youth Science Camp is a great way to engage more students in science and to inspire them to become future scientists, engineers and mathematicians," said Reynolds, who is co-chair of the council, along with University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen. "I hope many Iowa students will express interest in participating."

Application forms are available at http://2013.nysc.org/ and must be submitted directly to the Iowa Academy of Science as follows: Attention Marcy Seavey, NYSC, Iowa Academy of Science; 2607 Campus Street; Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0508.

Applications must be postmarked by Friday, Feb. 15.  A selection committee from the Iowa Academy of Science and the Iowa Department of Education will review applications and select Iowa's two National Youth Science Camp delegates and up to four alternates.  Delegates and alternates will be honored by Iowa's scientific community at the 125th Annual Meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science at Simpson College on Friday, April 19.

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Collaborating to bring their celebrated sounds into one highly anticipated live experience, Dove Award winners and GRAMMY®-nominated artists Brandon Heath and Mandisa will perform at the Adler Theatre on Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Reserved tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, January 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Indianapolis, Ind. - The non-profit National Private Duty Association (NPDA), along with its Iowa chapter today announced that the organization has changed its name to the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) to better reflect the organization's role as an advocate for affordable and safe home care services.

Founded in 2002, the HCAOA is the nation's first and only association for private duty home care agencies. Members of the HCAOA are companies that provide private pay in-home care services for the elderly and disabled including home care aides, companion care, homemaker services and nursing care.
As an organization the HCAOA develops industry standards and best practices, creates core training and education programs for members, addresses legislative issues, and educates the public about the differences in private duty care models.
"There have been many changes in our industry as it continues to grow and evolve," said Tim Purcey, president of the HCAOA. "Our organization continues to keep abreast of changes and make our members successful by helping them deliver affordable, quality services. We feel this name change allows us to better serve and support our membership, while continuing to educate the public and legislative leaders."

The HCAOA, and its Iowa chapter, are the recognized resource for private duty home care practice, supported by a strong national membership of providers. HCAOA leads the industry that cares for people at home through education and advocacy. It currently represents nearly 1,400 home care agencies in 49 states and Puerto Rico.

HCAOA also launched a new website, www.homecareaoa.org. Effective immediately, all future business will be conducted using the new name.
DAVENPORT, Iowa - Jan. 15, 2013 -- If you know the name of President Franklin Roosevelt's dog, there is a place at the table for you at the ninth annual Trivia Night to benefit the Genesis Stroke Prevention and Recovery Center (SPARC) and the Quad-Cities Brain Injury Support Group.

The event will be held Saturday, March 2 at the Knights of Columbus, 1111 West 35th Street in Davenport. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and questions will begin at 7 p.m.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first and second-place teams. The cost of the event is $10.00 per person, with a maximum of 8 players per team. No spectators will be allowed at this event.

Popcorn will be provided at each table and players are encouraged to bring treats for their team, but all drinks must be purchased at the event.

For more information or to reserve a table, contact Alicia Owens at (563) 421-3491 or owensa@genesishealth.com

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Enjoy Winter Outdoors In Missouri

Jefferson City, Mo. ? We know it is tempting to just sit in your living room and wait for spring; after all, it is warm and dry in there. As winter tightens its grip, a person's fancy often turns to thoughts of . . . skiing (snow, not water) and canoeing.

You can do both right here, in Missouri. No need for a 12-hour road trip through treacherous mountain terrain, or to endure the long, demanding lines of airport security. Missouri's tourism website, VisitMO, has listings for everything you need to get out and experience nature, even in winter.

Missouri has two venues for swishing down the slopes: Snow Creek, north of Kansas City, and Hidden Valley, on the western fringe of St. Louis. Both are perfect for an exhilarating afternoon, regardless of your skill level. Just pick your ride of choice, from downhill or cross-country skis, to snowboards, to tubes, and enjoy a refreshing day outdoors. Yes, both offer professional instructors.

Snow Creek is about 10 minutes north of Weston; a half hour south of St. Joseph. Their state-of-the-art snowmaking machines can blanket the hillside with 12 inches of snow. The venue has a total vertical drop of 300 feet; a 700-foot long tube area; and a terrain section for snowboards. One-day, two-day and season tickets are offered.

The lodge at Snow Creek includes a bar, cafeteria, picnic and barbecue area, a bonfire pit, equipment rentals, souvenir and gift shop, an award-winning ski school, and (just in case) a first-aid station. They hold nighttime sessions some weekends. Watch their website for details.

To make a weekend of it, stay just down the road, in Weston ? voted Missouri's No. 1 Day Trip by Ingram's Magazine, and the No. 1 Best Overnight Destination by VisitKC.com.

  • Weston Bend State Park has hiking trails that meander through the woods and along a bluff with great views of the Missouri river. Picnic sites and camping are available if the weather is good.
  • Visit Pirtle Winery, known for their fine Missouri wines and meads (mead is wine made from honey).
  • Unwind at O'Malley's Pub, an Irish microbrewery and restaurant.
  • The American Bistro-style cuisine at the Avalon Cafe, situated in an 1847 home, has dishes ranging from pizza to wild boar, pasta to beef steaks, elk loin to chicken.
  • For a down-home meal and scrumptious breakfast, try the Weston Cafe.
  • Spend a relaxing night at the Inn at Weston Landing, a four-guestroom bed and breakfast, built in 1842.
  • The 26-guestroom Saint George Hotel opened its doors in 1845. The hotel has been renovated with modern conveniences, while maintaining its original architectural style and beauty.

Across the state, in Wildwood (a western suburb of St. Louis), the skiing hot spot is Hidden Valley ski resort. Their snowmaking system can provide all the snow necessary for skiing, tubing and snowboarding, on 30 acres with an overall 310-foot vertical drop. The ski lodge holds a bar, cafeteria, equipment rentals, and (just in case) a first-aid station. Certified instructors offer skiing and snowboarding instructions (all levels and ages; private and group). Trails at Hidden Valley are lighted for night skiing and special moonlight sessions, some of which last until 3 a.m. Day tickets, group and senior rates, and season passes are available.

After a day on the slopes, it's about 10 minutes to Eureka, where you can relax, dine and spend the night.

  • A highlight of the Eureka area, Route 66 State Park features an original section of old Route 66, plus a visitor center with Route 66 and Times Beach exhibits, Meramec River access, picnic areas and shelters, and trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.
  • Plan ahead and make reservations to tour the Endangered Wolf Center. This internationally recognized captive breeding facility raises endangered wolves and releases them into the wild. This is a fascinating attraction you'll never forget.
  • The Holiday Inn at Six Flags features a heated indoor pool, arcade games, a bar and a restaurant (kids eat free).
  • Chow down on some of the best barbecue in America at Super Smokers Barbecue Restaurant. This is the home of the St. Louis area's only World Champion BBQ team; their award-winning barbecue sauce is available on-site and at grocery stores throughout the Midwest.
  • If barbecue isn't your thing, try Poor Richard's Restaurant, where they serve two tons of chicken wings every week, in addition to fish, steaks and daily specials.

Not into snow skiing? How about floating a cool Missouri stream? Yes, in winter. This is a swell season to enjoy the solitude, while drifting along in a canoe . . . and it isn't crowded. The water this time of year is especially clear; the winter views give you a different perspective of the Missouri countryside; fishing is always good; and there is an abundance of camping and cooking spots on gravel bars. Caution: take extra clothes in a dry-bag, just in case.

About 10 miles east of Steelville, the folks at Bass' River Resort can set you up for a trip on three rivers: the Courtois, the Huzzah and the Meramec. Their facilities include tent camping sites, RV sites and cabins. In January, they offer one free canoe rental with the rental of a log cabin; other specials apply in February and March.

  • Seven miles southeast of Steelville, unwind and refresh at Westover Farms, on 475 acres adjacent to the Mark Twain National Forest. Stay the weekend, or longer, in one of their hand-hewn log and stone cabins, equipped with modern conveniences, a wood-burning fire place, and a full kitchen; just take your own food. Hike and bike the trails; fish for rainbow trout year-round; and visit the on-site fish hatchery. Do not take your own firewood.
  • While you are in the area, visit Peaceful Bend Winery and try some outstanding Missouri wine. From the coziness of the tasting room, it is a short hike to the banks of the Meramec River, where the wintertime views are worth the walk.

Outdoor and nature enthusiasts are sure to enjoy Missouri's wintering eagle population. America's symbolic bald eagles can be spotted along open waterways and lakes throughout Missouri. In winter, Missouri's resident eagle population is supplemented by migrating birds from the north, with numbers reaching more than 2,500 eagles, the second-largest number of wintering eagles in the lower 48 states.

Several organized "Eagle Days" are held, giving you the opportunity to witness these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. These events include discussions by professional naturalists; spotting scopes for an up-close-and-personal view and refreshments are usually available.

For eagle viewing on your own, try:

Missouri has an abundance of outdoor winter activities; these are but a few ideas. The key is . . . get outside and experience this diverse and fascinating season. There is no need to get the winter blahs.

To find more exciting things to do, information about lodging, attractions, events and dining across Missouri, check out VisitMO.com.

About the Missouri Division of Tourism
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11.2 billion industry supporting more than 279,000 jobs and generating $627 million in state taxes in Fiscal Year 2011. For every dollar spent on marketing Missouri as a travel destination in FY11, $57.76 was returned in visitor expenditures. For more information on Missouri tourism, go to http://www.visitmo.com/.

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PEORIA, Ill. (Jan. 16, 2013) – Like the emergency room of a hospital, the American Red Cross must be prepared to respond to patient emergencies with blood products 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Through the dedication of blood donors, the Red Cross can be prepared day in and day out, no matter The need is when or where blood is needed.

Readily available blood helps save the lives of people like David Zien, who was on his way home on his motorcycle when the SUV in front of him lost control during a lane change and flipped onto its side, sending Zien nearly 350 feet. He was transported by helicopter to a hospital, where he received 32 pints of blood. Today, Zien says he attributes much of his survival to the generosity of blood donors.

All blood types are currently needed. For more information and to make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll County
Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 2100 Chicago Ave. in Savanna, Ill.

Henry County
Feb. 11 from 2:30-6 p.m. at Hooppole Community Center, 1404 Washington St. in Hooppole, Ill.
Feb. 13 from 1:15-5:15 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Whiteside County
Feb. 2 from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.
Feb. 5 from 8-11 a.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fulton High School, 1207 12th St. in Fulton, Ill.
Feb. 6 from 2-6 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.
Feb. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD No. 3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill.
Feb. 12 from 1-5:15 p.m. at River Bend Senior Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.
Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sterling High School, 1608 Fourth Ave. in Sterling, Ill.

Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an
appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms
of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental
consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be
eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also
have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters;
supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides
international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red
Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the
American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join
our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

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January 15, 2013–Pittsburgh, PA– At the 50th annual international conference in San Antonio, TX, the
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) is celebrating diversity with keynote topics, conference
sessions, and featured speakers at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio Hotel on the Riverwalk, February 13-16, 2013.
Educators, administrators, support professionals and parents will gather to take a comprehensive look at issues
and best practices in professional preparation and evaluation; advances in reading and math research; early
childhood assessment; and transition from school to work.

Reviewing LDA's past 50 years of advocating, educating, and supporting individuals with learning disabilities
and projecting the future of LDA, the keynote speakers will energize the audience to celebrate all aspects of
diversity, including: diverse learners, cultural diversity, linguistic diversity and bridging the diversity gap.
Throughout the four days, more than 200 breakout sessions and topical workshops will be provided by leading
experts in special and general education, mental health, education research, best classroom techniques, adult
issues, assistive technology, and advocacy.

The opening keynote session on Wednesday, Feb. 13, "Building on the Past, Looking Toward the Future," will
be a roundtable of nationally recognized authorities in the field of learning disabilities: Doris Johnson, Ph.D.,
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; Nancy Mather, Ph.D., University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; and Brock L.
Eide, M.D., and Fernette Eide, M.D., Eide Neurolearning Clinic, Edmonds, WA.

General session keynotes are Thursday, Feb. 14, "Technologies of the Future: Where Assistive Meets
Mainstream," Manju Banerjee, Ph.D., Institute for Research and Training, Landmark College, Putney, VT; and
Friday, Feb. 15, "Celebrating Diversity and Culturally Responsive Teaching," Vivian Correa, Ph.D.,
Department of Special Education and Child Development, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC.

Two special sessions will be open to the public. On the evening of February 13, the session is "Brain Food:
How Nutrition, Chemical Exposures and Genetics Interact, and Steps Schools Can Take to Protect and Nurture
Children's Development." On Saturday morning, February 16, "Finding Your Future: Postsecondary
Opportunities" will bring mini-sessions and exhibitors with information on postsecondary education and
training to young adults with learning disabilities and the educators and parents who support them.

LDA is a non-profit organization of parents, professionals and adults with learning disabilities providing
support, information, and advocacy on behalf of individuals with learning disabilities.

For further information go to www.ldaamerica.org/conference/index.asp

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Des Moines, January 15, 2013– On Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at 10 a.m., in the House Chambers, Chief Justice Mark Cady of the Iowa Supreme Court will address a joint convention of the General Assembly on the State of the Judiciary.

Chief Justice Cady will present a vision for the future of the Iowa Judicial Branch: "to make the Iowa court system the best, most advanced, and the most responsive court system in the nation." Justices of the supreme court traveled throughout the state during the past 12 months listening to Iowans' expectations of the Iowa court system. The State of the Judiciary addresses how the Iowa court system is moving forward to best serve Iowans now and into the future, by protecting Iowa's children, providing full-time access to justice, operating an efficient and full service court system, providing faster and less costly resolution of legal disputes, continuing openness and transparency of the courts, and providing fair and impartial justice for all.

Live video of the speech will be broadcast on the Iowa Public Television .3 Channel (IPTV World) and streamed live on the Iowa Public Television website (www.iptv.org) and the Iowa Legislature's website (www.legis.iowa.gov) beginning at 10:00 a.m. The speech will be rebroadcast in HD at 6:30 p.m. on statewide IPTV's main channel.

Members of the media may obtain advance copies of the speech January 16, 2013, at 8:30 a.m., in the supreme court courtroom at the Capitol. The message will be posted on the Iowa Judicial Branch website www.iowacourts.gov at 10:45 a.m.

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Heroic Abilities Aren't Exclusive to Comics, Novelist Says

Cynical adults may sneer when they say, "Youth is wasted on the young." But young world-traveler Ryan Pearson sees a more positive message in George Bernard Shaw's often repeated quote.

"I see it as meaning that youth is an opportunity to seize direction, enlightenment, significance and to expand one's powers," says Pearson, author of "Green Hope" from "The Element Series," (www.theelementsseries.com), about a teenager blessed with wealth and fame who discovers he has the added responsibility of super powers.

"It's sad that so many teens get sidetracked by trying to fit in with a crowd, or worrying that they don't measure up somehow. At a time when they should be enjoying a new sense of independence and capabilities, they're often paralyzed by self-doubt."

Pearson says all teens have super powers - they just need to recognize them:

• Your inner "mutant": Many teens like to make a big deal out of not caring what others think about them, precisely because they care about what everyone thinks of them. This can make them sensitive and anxious about how they express themselves and what they enjoy, from what they wear to the music they like to the grades they earn. Embrace what sets you apart! No one else in the world is quite like you. Explore your interests and find what you love - whether or not it's what other teens love. You'll get a head start on developing valuable skills.

• "Punisher" fitness training: You don't have to be built like the renowned vigilante from the Marvel universe, but you'll look your best - and feel your best - if you establish a good exercise routine now. Not only will working out give you a nice physique, it's a good way to reduce stress and it even gives you a natural high thanks to the release of endorphins, chemicals that make your brain happy.

• Batman's first rule in fighting: Despite the fact that it would make his crime fighting much, much easier, the Caped Crusader absolutely refuses to use guns. That's because a deranged criminal with a gun shot and killed Bruce Wayne's parents when he was a child. The result is that his fighting methods are more moral and creative, and he always knows what to do when a quick decision is needed. Getting into the habit of making your own decisions based on your values and your understanding of right or wrong, instead of following the crowd, will help make even the hardest choices easier.

• Cultivate your "spidey" senses: Teens are naturally impatient, impulsive and impetuous. Slow down! Take your time on the road, in relationships, during confrontations and when contemplating big decisions. Part of why Spider-Man is so fast is that time slows for him during tense situations. Likewise, teens who can slow down emotionally-driven decisions and better understand their consequences, much like a "spidey" sense, will make wiser ones.

• Know your kryptonite: Some kids just seem to have it all: academic excellence, athletic accomplishments, popularity, and a clear complexion to boot. But everyone has their limits, like Superman's kryptonite. Knowing your limits and learning how to worked around them, or strengthen them, is a lifelong challenge for everyone.

About Ryan Pearson

After completing a Bachelor of Laws degree at age 21, Ryan Pearson took a leap of faith by leaving the beautiful beaches of Australia to travel the world. Eventually, he landed in Montreal for several years before returning home to write about his adventures. He overcame many challenging personal experiences and now embraces an audacious new lifestyle. Pearson writes about his own character arc - involving a supernatural and overzealous way of life - via character Reagan Jameson.

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