WHEN: 10-22-11

TIME: 11 a.m.

WHERE: West Kimberly Market, Fall Fun Day, 4004 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport, IA 52806

WHAT: Dorris, a resident of Davenport, IA, will be available to sign copies of his book, Life Is Too Short; Life Is What We Make It.

Fear not, for in Life Is Too Short: Life Is What We Make It, author David Dorris shows you how to approach life's problems and that making the right choices is easier than you think. Life is like a baseball game where the pitcher is constantly throwing you curveballs. As this is the case, do you want to simply be a spectator, or do you want to get in the game and face life head-on? Although it may sound simple sometimes, life is not an easy game to play. There are many challenges to overcome and many choices you have to make. None of you have a choice as to how you come into the world; however, you do have a choice as to the kind of life you live. Follow David in Life Is Too Short: Life Is What We Make It, and find out for yourself how you too can knock life's curveballs out of the park.

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What is a bee garden?  How do I make one?  Why would I want to make one?  Two Rivermont seniors would like to answer these questions for you (and for children throughout the Quad City community!) - and they'd like to do it with a loveable bee named Buzzie!  Pavane Gorrepati and Ramya Prabhu, seniors at Rivermont Collegiate, are presenters at the 2011 David R. Collins Children's Literature Festival, to be held October 25th at the River Center. Pavane and Ramya are the author and illustrator of A Buzzie Bee Tale, a picture book about Buzzie Bee, his friend Lily Lilliput, and their efforts to help Buzzie Bee's friends and family, whose environment has been affected by climate change.

Pavane and Ramya are dedicated, passionate students balancing a rigorous academic class load with a variety of extracurricular pursuits.  Pavane, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Krishnarao Gorrepati of Davenport, founded the Rivermont Environmental Club, has earned the title of "Eco-Ambassador" from the Weather Channel, and was awarded the President's Environmental Youth Award.  Pavane was recently named a Commended Student in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program and spent the summer doing research in China on a 2-month World Food Prize Borlaug-Ruan International Internship.  Ramya, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. N.V. Rama Prabhu of Moline, serves as secretary and treasurer of the Rivermont Environmental Club and is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council.  In addition, Ramya is a gifted artist and accomplished violinist.

Given the variety of other pursuits you both have, what inspired you to add another project to your plate with A Buzzie Bee Tale? Pavane, an avid proponent for the environment, feels that education is one of the most important aspects of environmental conservation, particularly at a young age.  Her goal was to start with educating children in her own community and grow from there.  Inspiration for character and setting illustrations came to life for Ramya as she read Pavane's story.

What are some favorite reactions to the book? Pavane knew she had worked with the right illustrator when one child decided they wanted Buzzie Bee as their friend!  Another favorite reaction, of course, is when children decide they want to build their own bee garden after reading the story.

How did you get started writing and illustrating? Pavane remembers writing books and sharing them with her class as early as second grade.  Ramya collaborated with fellow Rivermont student Christopher Mbakwe (Class of 2011) on illustrations for the 2011 comic-book-themed yearbook.  Her illustrations are also used in media for several groups she's involved in, including Rivermont's Student Council, National Honor Society, and Environmental Club.

What advice do you have for other students interested in writing and illustrating? Pavane recommends young writers pick their passion, because it will truly shine through in their pages.  Ramya urges illustrators to try out different styles and move beyond their comfort zone - not always stick with what they've done before - she herself is now doing just that!

What will you be doing at The David R. Collins Children's Literature Festival later this month? Pavane and Ramya will be explaining to students their writing, illustrating, and publishing process for A Buzzie Bee Tale, as well as reading parts of the book aloud.

Where can A Buzzie Bee Tale be purchased? The book is available for sale at www.lulu.com and copies will be available for sale at the festival.  In addition, Pavane and Ramya are in the process of getting the book for sale on Amazon.com.

The David R. Collins Children's Literature Festival, presented by the Midwest Writing Center and the Davenport Public Library, will feature Newbery Award winner Clare Vanderpool, author of Moon Over Manifest, as well as a variety of other exciting authors and illustrators.  The festival is named after its founder, a beloved author and Moline teacher who passed away in 2001.  David founded the festival in 1978 to encourage future generations of readers and writers by exposing them to the authors and illustrators behind the books they read.

Rivermont Collegiate, located in Bettendorf, is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college prep school for students in preschool through 12th grade.

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate, contact Brittany Marietta at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or marietta@rvmt.org and visit us on the web at www.rvmt.org!

For additional information on the David R. Collins Children's Literature Festival, visit www.midwestwritingcenter.org.

Tampa, Fla.  (October 12, 2011) - In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is providing home and business owners with guidance on the safe use of alternative heating sources.

"Each year, consumers seek ways to save on home heating costs by turning to things such as space heaters, fireplaces and wood or pellet stoves during colder months," said Julie Rochman, president & CEO of IBHS. "While alternative heating sources can be affordable options, particularly for just one room at a time, if used incorrectly, they also can increase the risk of a house fire. Consumers should exercise great caution and follow all safety procedures when using any heat source."

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fires involving heating equipment peak in December, January and February, as do deaths from these fires. Further, in 2009, heating equipment was the second leading cause of all reported home fires and home fire deaths. U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 64,100 heating-related home fires each year between 2005 and 2009, causing an average of 560 deaths, 1,620 injuries, and $904 million in direct property damage.

"Proper maintenance and use of alternative heating sources is a critical step to reducing fire risk," Rochman said. "In addition, it is important to have your fireplace, wood or pellet stove professionally cleaned and inspected each year before it is used - and never, ever use kerosene heaters indoors."

Prior to using any alternative heating devices, IBHS recommends installation of carbon monoxide detectors in several parts of the house. IBHS' Alternative Heating Sources web page provides home and business owners with complete guidance on selecting and using alternative heating sources.

For example, IBHS notes that proper placement of an alternate heating source, such as stoves, is essential. Half of all fire deaths attributed to home heating systems resulted from the heating equipment being placed too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding, according to the NFPA. Stove placement should allow adequate space for installation, maintenance and replacement, flue or vent pipe routing and - most importantly - a safe location relative to combustible materials. Further, protection of the floor or combustible surface under a stove must be addressed.

To arrange an interview with IBHS, contact Joseph King at 813-675-1045/813-442-2845, jking@ibhs.org or via direct message on Twitter @jsalking.

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About IBHS

IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.