This week kicks off the third annual Stars for Heroes in-store fundraising campaign, a special partnership between your local area Hardee's restaurants and military charities. Proceeds will benefit charities that support military personnel and their families, including the 2013 national beneficiaries American Red Cross, Dream Foundation and USA Cares, and several other local and regional charities.


From now through Sunday, May 12, your readers can donate $1 at their local Hardee's to help assist military families and communities - and receive more than $10 worth of restaurant coupons in return for their generosity. In addition, those who donate will receive a patriotic, Stars for Heroes' star cut-out to personalize and place on display in the restaurant. Additionally, supporters can donate online via the Stars for Heroes Facebook page.

Since the program's inaugural campaign in 2011, Stars for Heroes has raised more than $1.75 million to support more than 40 military charities, including prior national beneficiaries USA Cares, Homes for Our Troops and The Mission Continues, as well as many local and regional charitable organizations.

More information on the Stars for Heroes program and the charities that will benefit, including logos and video, is available here.

Families can enjoy a brunch buffet on the Sky Deck before the River Bandits game Sunday, May 12

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 18, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits will host their second annual Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 12. Individuals and families can now reserve tickets for a special brunch buffet on the Modern Woodmen Park Sky Deck before the 2 p.m. game between the River Bandits and the Peoria Chiefs.

The pre-game brunch buffet will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Modern Woodmen Park Sky Deck overlooking downtown Davenport and the Mississippi River.

"Families in the Quad Cities area can make so many memories at Modern Woodmen Park throughout the year, and the Mother's Day Brunch is another great way for families to share a special day at the ballpark," said team owner Dave Heller. "The River Bandits are excited to see this special event return after last year's memorable event, and we are delighted that families can treat their mothers to brunch and a baseball game - all in one fun-filled, affordable package!"

Tickets for the all-you-can-eat brunch must be purchased in advance by Monday, May 6, and are $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 10 and under. The ticket includes Sky Deck admission for the River Bandits' 2 p.m. game against the Peoria Chiefs as well as the pregame brunch. The brunch menu includes waffles, hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits & gravy, garden salad, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, glazed ham, meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, french fries, chicken nuggets, assorted cookies, fresh fruits, mini desserts and muffins, water and orange juice.

The Sky Deck, which was completed during the 2011 season, is a climate-controlled environment that features large glass windows offering a beautiful view of the ballpark, downtown Davenport, and the Mississippi River.

"It's very exciting to be able to celebrate a holiday as special as Mother's Day at Modern Woodmen Park and include it with a baseball game," said River Bandits General Manager Harold Craw. "Our ballpark is a great venue for annual and special occasions, such as our Bandits Race to Home 5K, Frost Fest and Valentine's Day Dinner, and it is great to make the Mother's Day Brunch one of those occasions for a second year in a row."

Reservations must be made by Monday, May 6, for the Mother's Day Brunch by calling 563-324-3000. Please ask to speak to either Amy, Andrea or Shauna.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for a six-game home stand beginning Thursday, April 25, with Manti Te'o Night and a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities' CW, and the River Cities' Reader. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will make one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is scheduled to open in early June, along with a dual zip line, a carousel, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

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Le Claire, Iowa, April 17, 2013 - A small distillery in LeClaire, Iowa has been recognized as producing some of the world's finest spirits.  Three of Mississippi River Distilling Company's products recently received top industry ratings at one of the world's top spirits competitions.

Results were recently announced from the 13th Annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey won silver and Cody Road Rye Whiskey earned bronze in the American Craft Whiskey category.  River Pilot Vodka received silver in the vodka category.

"This is a huge honor."  Said owner and distiller Ryan Burchett.  "We obviously like our stuff a lot.  But to line up against some of the finest spirits in the world and walk away with this kind of recognition is an amazing feat for a tiny distillery like ourselves."

The 2013 competition had record entries, up 17% from last year. Distillers and importers submitted 1407 spirits from 63 countries into 85 different classifications.  Many categories of spirits experienced a marked increase this year, included in the most notable, American Craft Whiskey which MRDC won two medals.

"We're really proud of the whiskies." said owner and distiller Garrett Burchett.  "To have them stand out in such a huge crowd of entries this year is really a thrill and an affirmation in all the hard work we have put into it."

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition has gained a reputation as the leading gauge for spirits trends and top quality products in the country.  This competition is considered to be the rite of passage for top quality spirits as it has 34 of the most professional global palates serving as judges.

Cody Road Bourbon, Cody Road Rye and River Pilot Vodka are now available at retailers across 10 states including Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas and Mississippi.  Free tours of the distillery in LeClaire are available daily.

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MOLINE, IL/ APRIL 22, 2013 - Miss Mamie's Restaurant and Bar in Moline is hosting a grand re-opening week from April 22nd to the 28th.  Miss Mamie's will be introducing their new, fresh and casual vibe along with new chef-inspired entrees they're adding to their menu.

Over the past six months, Miss Mamie's has made some dramatic renovations to their restaurant, as well as incorporating a new look.  These changes have included remodeling both the interior and exterior of the restaurant; along with a new look to their menu.  These changes compliment the rich tradition of entrees this restaurant has been known for throughout the area, while adding an upbeat and relaxed flair to your experience.

When asked about these changes, Mike Osborn, owner and head chef of Miss Mamie's Restaurant and Bar says, "While we're keeping most of our popular entrees, we're adding some fresh new entrees to add to your overall experience with us.  Adding these items wouldn't be complete without updating the ambiance of the restaurant as well," Mike also says, "Some people might refer to what we're doing as budget gourmet food. We just call it good food, served at a great price with a little extra finesse."

About Miss Mamie's: Miss Mamie's Restaurant and Bar is located it Moline, Illinois.  We define fresh as locally sourced steaks, cut in our kitchen. The best seafood we can buy. Crisp salads with house-made dressings. Original entrees crafted by a culinary chef and offered at a good value in an established, locally owned Quad Cities restaurant. Our restaurant and menu embody a casual coastal flair you won't find anywhere else in the area. There's something for every food mood and flavor lover, so let us take care of your current craving, whether it's salad or steak, sandwiches or seafood.

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If you catch United Soybean Board Chairman Jim Stillman in the kitchen, chances are he's whipping up one of his favorite soy-based dishes. Join Stillman in making one of his favorites - Overnight Egg Casserole. Click here to watch.

UPCOMING ADULT CLASSES

THURSDAY, MAY 23RD 7-9 P.M.
$25 per person
TOO CUTE CUPCAKES
In this hands-on class we will show you how to use all kinds of candy and other edible items to create amazing cupcakes.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 7-9 P.M.
$25 per person
COOKING WITH BEER
From stew and sauces to desserts we will share recipes that use a variety of beers to enchance the flavor.

UPCOMING KIDS CLASSES

THURSDAY, May 9TH 6:30-8 P.M.
$15 per child
Mother's Day Breakfast in bed
We'll teach kids how to make the ultimate breakfast in bed for mom. We will also make a super-secret gift for kids to give to their mothers.

SATURDAY, June 15TH 6:30 -8 p.m.
$30 per pair
DADDY AND ME
Just in time for Father's Day, this class gives dads and kids some quality time together creating yummy treats.

PARTY FOR THE PLANET

Celebrate Earth Day with hands on activities and get great ideas for conservation of plants and animals. Make enrichment items for Niabi's animals, learn how to tell the age of a tree by counting rings and make and take a home for bees.

CLICK FOR MORE

PARTY FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY

 Party at Niabi! Host a birthday party for 10 people for only $150. Pump up the party experience with premium packages that include train and carrousel passes and admission for up to 30 guests. Go totally wild with an after hours zoo party for 50 guests.

CLICK FOR PACKAGES

JUNIOR ZOOKEEPERS

The deadline to apply to Niabi's Junior Zookeeper program is Monday, April 15. Students 14-17 can participate and there are a few spots open for eligible applicants. Download the application and apply before time runs out!

CLICK TO APPLY

SIGN UP FOR THE GOLF OUTING

Only a few foursomes are still available for Niabi's annual Golf Outing on Friday, May 31 at Short Hills Country Club in East Moline. Sign up your team to golf, or become a hole sponsor that includes the round of golf for your team. Several sponsorships starting at $250 are still available. Click here to find out how you can support Niabi Zoo.

This Tuesday, April 16, Chef Stephanie Godke is cooking up some of her new dishes from her new cookbook at the Center For Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI), 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806!  Her class will be held in CASI's kitchen from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Come enjoy some yummy dishes while learning from the famous Chef Stephanie Godke!

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For more information, please call: Sarah Arp at CASI at: 563.386.7477, 229 (office) or 563.343.0038 (cell) or email at: sarp@casiseniors.org

CASI, 1035 West Kimberly Road, Davenport, Iowa. CASI is open Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm.

www.CasiSeniors.org

Along with your sneakers, dairy plays an important role in your spring training. Whether you and your family are gearing up for little league season, a triathlon or 5K, dairy's unique nutrients ? including protein ? can fuel your bodies along the way.

Protein Power

Protein is a powerhouse nutrient for our bodies. Not only does it help us feel fuller longer, it also protects muscles after we work out and as we age. Dairy foods are a tasty, convenient and cost-effective way to power up with protein throughout the day. On average, one serving of milk, cheese or yogurt provides 8 grams of high quality protein.

Learn four simple ways to get
your daily recommended
servings of protein.

Farmers on the Moo-ve

Managing two dairy farms and 3,800 cows requires a lot of hard work. But the Pulfer family, like many Midwestern families, has come to understand the importance of balancing work with healthy eating and exercise.

Learn how this family of six has made running a family affair on their farm and logged more than150 race miles along the way.

A Cure for Spring Fever

As spring fever spreads throughout Midwest classrooms, it's important to find tools to help kids focus until that final bell rings. Two simple solutions: breakfast and exercise! A new study reports students who eat breakfast have better attention and memory, and after 20 minutes of exercise, brain activity improves.

... And 4 More Unlikely Good-for-You Foods
Recommended by Celebrity Dietician

Bacon has always been popular, but now it's the standard by which many express affection with the ubiquitous online meme: I love you more than bacon.

It's considered by many to be the ultimate food indulgence, but according to Dr. John Salerno, a protégé of "Atkins Diet" creator Dr. Robert Atkins, bacon is one of the healthiest foods you can eat.

"Many think of bacon as one of the guiltiest pleasures possible, but it has also been shown to alleviate the effects of diabetes, heart disease and strokes," says Dr. Salerno, author of "The Silver Cloud Diet," (www.thesilverclouddiet.com). "Nitrate-free bacon is an excellent source of high protein, low-carbohydrate energy that helps to reset the metabolism, and it's filled with amino acids delivered without the risk of dangerous levels of mercury, which can be found in many fish."

Need more reasons to love bacon?

It has a 4:1 ratio of protein to fat;
It contains choline, which boosts memory and healthy brain function;
It's composed of monounsaturated fats, the kind that contains lots of healthy fat-soluble vitamins and minerals
It's a potent source of oleic acid and saturated fats, which help reduce levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), lower triglycerides, and raise HDL - commonly referred to as the good form of cholesterol.

Dr. Salerno says there are other indulgent-yet-healthy foods out there, including:

• Butter: Butter contains the highest amount of butyric acid found in a natural food source. Butyric acid is recognized for its roles in cellular health, antioxidant protection and metabolic properties; it also increases energy and may prevent cancer. Butter derived from natural, grass-fed animals is recommended.

• Barbecue: Add sauces and condiments and this American favorite will have more starch and sugar than Salerno recommends. But the main ingredient - meat - speaks to the heart of a low-carb, high-protein diet. Grass-fed hamburger meat and organic, hormone-free chicken provides the nutrients your body needs. Stay away from the buns, sugary condiments, sauces and marinades, and you can enjoy a healthy barbecue.

• Omelets: Eggs contain lots of cholesterol and saturated fats, which have been demonized throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Fortunately, we know there is such a thing as good cholesterol and fat. Packed with vitamins, minerals and one of the best-absorbed proteins we can feed our body, any negatives associated with eggs are far outweighed by the benefits. Natural, unprocessed cheeses and cream add to the nutritional value of an omelet.

• Chocolate ice cream: Ice cream made with organic egg yolks, heavy cream and a small amount of stevia herb for taste, instead of sugar, is actually a healthy dessert. Fats are fine, with the exception of trans fats, so long as dieters control their carbohydrate intake. Humankind did not evolve with the vast amount of foods today that contain complex carbs and hidden sugar. Our bodies are used to high amounts of natural fat and a limited amount of unprocessed carbs.

About Dr. John Salerno

A board-certified family physician, Dr. John Salerno has been pioneering complementary medicine for more than 20 years. Best known for his Silver Cloud Diet nutrition program, anti-aging supplements, and natural therapies, Dr. Salerno has crafted original treatment plans to restore human health. His publications and professional studies have made him a popular expert on the physiology and assessment of many complex medical conditions. Dr. Salerno was a protégé and colleague of prestigious Dr. Robert Atkins and served as a clinical preceptor at the Yale University School of Medicine for three years. He has worked with Hollywood actress/author Suzanne Somers (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy pioneer); actor Steven Cannell; and president of the International Congress of Integrative Medicine, Dr. Hiroyuki Abe M.D.

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