Utah’s Hogle Zoo and Utah Clean Energy Launch Zoo-m Go Electric Program to Improve Air Quality with Zero-emission Electric Vehicles
Hogle Zoo Community given access to a streamlined purchase process and discounted pricing on EVs and E-bikes in May
SALT LAKE CITY, April 22, 2017 - Utah’s Hogle Zoo and Utah Clean Energy launched a Zoo-m Go Electric program at Hogle Zoo’s Party for the Planet event, on Earth Day, Saturday April 22. Zoo-m Go Electric offers discounts on the purchase or lease of new and used EVs and E-bikes to Hogle Zoo members, staff and visitors through May 31, 2017. Utah Clean Energy partnered with Hogle Zoo on the program to reduce the barriers associated with electric vehicle adoption.
“Clean transportation solutions are critical for improving our air quality along the Wasatch Front,” stated Sarah Wright, Utah Clean Energy’s executive director. “Nearly half of Utah’s urban air pollution comes from cars and trucks, so electrifying our vehicles is essential to cleaning up our air. Electric vehicles and e-bikes are emission-free technologies, and they can even be powered with clean energy when they are charged with solar energy. We’re excited to introduce many different electric bike options to expand clean transportation choices and appeal to all types of commuters.”
Liz Larsen, Hogle Zoo’s conservation director added, “Air quality is an important issue to our guests and to the hundreds of rare and endangered animals living at the Zoo. This program is an excellent opportunity for us to come together as a community to actively improve the health of our shared environment.”
Zoo patrons viewed Electric vehicles and E-bikes from participating dealers at the event. Car dealers and bike shops can offer discounts because the program drives targeted customer demand during a limited timeframe. Those who enroll in the program will have access to discounts of up to 25 percent off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for BEV (battery-electric vehicle) and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) models from the participating Ford and Nissan dealerships. There are also nine participating bike shops offering discounts of up to 45 percent on E-bikes from 17 different manufacturers, and more than 40 individual bike models.
Interested community members can sign up for the program at www.zoomgoelectric.org. Once registered, participants work directly with any of the selected dealers or bike shops to purchase or lease the electric car or E-bike of their choice. The program ends May 31, 2017. Participants must finalize purchases by that day to guarantee access to discounts.
The public is invited to attend one of the upcoming educational workshops to learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles and E-bikes. Those who are interested can RSVP on the program’s website, www.zoomgoelectric.org. Workshops will take place:
· April 27, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Salt Lake City Public Library, Anderson-Foothill Branch, 1135 S. 2100 E., Salt Lake City
· May 9, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at the Salt Lake County Public Library, Ruth Vine Tyler Branch, 8041 S. Wood St. (55 West), Midvale
To offer this program, Utah’s Hogle Zoo partnered with Utah Clean Energy, a nonprofit, public interest organization that works to drive the transition to a clean energy future. The program was made possible by generous grant support from the Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR) and the Patagonia Outlet of Salt Lake City.
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About Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Utah's Hogle Zoo nurtures respect and appreciation for the natural world by providing diverse educational, recreational and conservation opportunities. This is accomplished through imaginative exhibits and programs, professional animal care and commitment to excellence.
At the heart of the Zoo's movement towards sustainability is the many staff and community engagement programs led by the Zoo's Green Team. Committed to advancing sustainability in our operations, this team of multi-departmental advocates is continually improving the Zoo's recycling efforts, promoting alternative commuting strategies, and engaging the community.
About Utah Clean Energy
Utah Clean Energy is Utah’s leading expert public interest organization working to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in a way that is beneficial not only for Utah’s environment and health, but also our economy and long-term energy security. Utah Clean Energy is committed to creating a future that ensures healthy, thriving communities for all, empowered and sustained by clean energy.
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Secretary Zinke & USFWS Announce Winner of National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a talented young artist from Duffield, Va., took top honors at the National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest. A pair of trumpeter swans painted by 12-year-old Isaac Schreiber will grace the 2017-2018 Junior Duck Stamp, which raises funds to educate and engage our nation’s youth in wildlife and wetlands conservation, and outdoor recreation.
A panel of five judges chose the entry, painted in acrylic, from among best-of-show entries from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Isaac’s artwork will be made into the 25th Junior Duck Stamp.
“We have to get more kids outside and away from all the screens. Programs like the Junior Duck Stamp contest are great ways to help inspire the next generation of Teddy Roosevelt conservationists and outdoorsmen and women,” said Secretary Zinke. “I grew up with a fly rod in one hand and a rifle in the other, hunting and fishing on our public lands and waters. My kids had the same opportunity and I want to make sure future generations do too. Every child we reach through this program is a future steward and participant in our public lands.”
“Our nation’s young people are our future conservation stewards, hunters and wildlife managers,” said Acting Service Director Jim Kurth. “Efforts such as the Junior Duck Stamp Program that connect youth with their natural world and outdoor recreation help ensure that our natural resources and our sporting traditions will continue.”
The Junior Duck Stamp program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Conservation and Hunting Stamp, commonly known as the Federal Duck Stamp, and officially launched as the national Junior Duck Stamp art contest in 1993. It encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles. Some 3,000 Junior Duck Stamps are sold annually for $5 each.
Daniel Billings, 16, of Gallatin, Mo., took second place with an oil painting depicting a wood duck.
Third place went to Rene Christensen, 17, of Nekoosa, Wis., for her graphite rendition of a pair of Canada geese.
The 2017 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Message Contest winner was 14-year-old Catherine Wang from Johns Creek, Ga., who wrote: “Conservation is the promise that the children of tomorrow will witness the beauty of today.” The conservation message expresses the spirit of what students have learned through classroom discussions, research and planning for their Junior Duck Stamp Contest entries.
“I am constantly amazed at the talent of all of our Junior Duck Stamp Program participants, and this year is no exception,” said Assistant Director for Migratory Birds Jerome Ford. “These young people express their appreciation for nature eloquently through their art and their conservation messages.”
This year, 52 entries were received by the Junior Duck Stamp contests around the nation. For complete contest results, visit http://www.fws.gov/birds/education/junior-duck-stamp-conservation-program.php. A gallery of all state Best of Show entries can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq/sets/72157679322206893/.
The Junior Duck Stamp Contest winner receives $1,000. The second place winner receives $500, the third-place winner receives $200 and the Conservation Message winner receives $200.
You can buy Junior Duck Stamps online through the U.S. Postal Service and Amplex, and at some national wildlife refuges. Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamps are used for awards and scholarships to individuals who submit winning designs in state or national competitions and for awards to schools and other participants to further education activities related to the conservation education goals of the program.
The First Day of Sale ceremony for the 2017-2018 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps will be held June 23 at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Little Rock, Ark. The event begins at 10 a.m. and is free and open to the public. Both the Federal and Junior Duck Stamp artists will be available to sign stamps, and the U.S. Postal Service will have a special cancellation for collectors.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
-FWS-
Caption: The 2017-2018 National Junior Duck Stamp art by Isaac Schreiber, 12, from Duffield, Va., with trumpeter swans on acrylic. Courtesy of USFWS
Note to Editor: More photos available upon request, including the additional placed winners and state's entries.
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1,589 Research Studies in Active Stages at Intermountain Last Year
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, USA, April 20, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Research is the key to better and higher quality clinical care. That was one of the messages at Intermountain Healthcare’s 14th Annual Research Summit, held at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah this month.
Over 220 researchers and research enthusiasts met for the annual event. The event was hosted by Raj Srivastava, MD, MPH, Intermountain Assistant Vice President of Research, and included presenters Marc Harrison, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Intermountain, and top researchers from the organization.
Presenters provided insight into a broad spectrum of research studies that showcased Intermountain’s passion for asking questions and finding answers to the many complexities in healthcare delivery.
Dr. Srivastava shared his plans to better align Intermountain resources and investigators across the care delivery system, in order to better serve patients and community. The goal of research at Intermountain is to conduct research that has a rapid impact on improving patient care, focused on achieving the best medical result at the lowest necessary cost. This includes a five-year plan to create a Research Center, aligning researchers and resources with Intermountain’s overall strategic direction.
“Research at Intermountain will focus as one program on the five fundamentals of extraordinary care – safety, quality, patient experience, access, and stewardship,” said Dr. Srivastava.
Dr. Harrison reaffirmed the healthcare organization’s support and his tripartite focus to healthcare. That focus involves three areas: clinical care, education, and research. The three areas will help build healthier communities.
Various researchers spoke about research studies that were either done, or still in motion, involving Intermountain. In 2016, Intermountain published 402 studies with another 1,589 in active stages. In addition, the summit assists researchers with helpful advice and instruction.
Researchers and subjects presented included:
• Scott C. Woller, MD — Venous Thromboembolism Reduction Initiative: Joint Efforts to Prevent Hospital-Associated VTE
• Terence D. Rhodes, MD – Cancer Immunotherapy Program
• Brian K. Whisenant, MD – Early Feasibility Trials for Transcatheter Valve Therapies at Intermountain Medical Center
• Sarah D. Majercik, MD, MBA – Venous Thromboembolism Screening in the Trauma Population, A Randomized Vanguard Trial
• Patrick D. Carroll, MD – Umbilical Cord Blood, No Longer Waste
• Eddie A. Stenehjem, MD, MSc – Antibiotic Stewardship in Community Hospitals
• M. Sean Esplin MD – Providing Higher Quality Care and the Role of Research
• Andrew J Knighton, PhD, CPA – Social Determinants, Health and Healthcare Outcomes
To find out more about Intermountain Healthcare Research and the advancement of medical knowledge in many clinical areas visit intermountainresearch.org.
Intermountain Healthcare is a not-for-profit system of 22 hospitals, 180 clinics, a Medical Group with about 1,500 employed physicians and advanced practitioners, a health plans group called SelectHealth, and other medical services. Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare through high quality and sustainable costs. For more information about Intermountain, visit www.intermountainhealthcare.org.
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Allstate agencies collecting clothing for local domestic violence victims
Allstate’s domestic violence campaign to support the Dove Center in St. George
WHAT: 19 local Allstate agents are hosting a state-wide clothing drive to support local domestic violence shelters and nonprofits. Allstate agencies will collect clothing and household items.
WHEN: Thursday, April 20 through Monday, April 24
WHERE: Participating agencies:
Shonie
Christensen
1240 East 100 South STE #8A
St George
Adam
Ware
35 West 10600 South
Sandy
Michael
Nunley
263 Country Club Suite 105
Stanbury Park
Trent
Ferguson
675 E Union Square
Sandy
Patrick
Sanchez
7300 S 300 W Ste 107
Midvale
Lisa
Smith
1218 W South Jordan #D1
South Jordan
Ryan
Larson
3575 N 100 E STE 275
Provo
Carrie
Batchelor
2651 Washington Blvd Ste 1
Ogden
Dawn
Manzanares
161 East 100 North
Price
Cathe
Cook
1382 W State Street
Pleasant Grove
Lisa
Eshleman
1635 E 3300 S
SLC
Neil
Barney
35 West 10600
Sandy
Mark
Nelson
331 N 100 W
Cedar City
Michael
Haight
1870 N Main Ste 106
Cedar City
Aaron
Grover
11576 S State Street #1003
Draper
Greg
Lund
280 No Bluff St
St George
Richard
Harris
929 W Sunset Blvd #17
St George
Richard
Davis
675 E Union Square
Sandy
Erica
Bishop
127 E Telegraph St
Washington
WHY: One in four women will be a victim of Domestic Violence in her lifetime1. In fact, 99 percent of all cases of domestic violence include financial abuse1, leaving victims who escape with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. With courageous survivor requests for help up, but staffing and budgets at shelters who offer services to victims down1, local Allstate agency owners and financial specialists have come together to host a community-wide drive to support survivors and their families with the high demand for daily necessities.
VISUALS: Reporters can set up in a local Allstate agency to showcase the donation bins and the most-needed items.
About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Other growth platforms include predictive analytics company Arity and consumer-product protection plan company SquareTrade. Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®.” Allstate agencies are in virtually every local community in America. In 2016, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $42 million to support local communities.
About Dove Center
DOVE Center's mission is to build a community of peace one person, one family, and one home at a time. We strive to do this by providing confidential shelter, advocacy, and counselling to support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We work to increase safety in our community by building collaborative partnerships and providing awareness and prevention education
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SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO TO UNVEIL
“NEXT GENERATION SEA-LIFE EXPERIENCE” THIS SUMMER WITH
LARGEST ATTRACTIONS’ PREMIERE IN PARK’S HISTORY
(SAN DIEGO – April 20, 2017) — The next generation sea-life experience arrives for this generation at SeaWorld San Diego.
Forging a futuristic vision for animal lovers to experience the dazzling world of creatures beneath the waves that few can ever witness – SeaWorld San Diego will unveil the largest attractions’ debut in its history.
And millions the world over who ponder the ever-changing and largely unexplored underwater universe that envelopes more than 70 percent of the earth, won’t be disappointed.
“What we’ve done is gather some of the world’s most distinctive aquariums, ocean exhibits, and oceanographic exploration experiences and fused them with the latest advances in technology,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s vice president of theme park experience and design. “The result is what we think is the most unique way to experience the mysterious creatures that dwell in a submerged universe most will never see.”
The three attractions debuting this summer represent the highest level of investment since the world-renowned park’s opening more than half a century ago.
Ocean Explorer will immerse families in an underwater world of deep-sea discovery. This extraordinary new attraction will combine multiple aquariums, exciting rides and digital technologies designed to engage park guests in an experience centered on exploration and adventure.
Submarine Quest, the attraction’s signature ride, is an interactive adventure intended to encourage guests to explore and act to protect wildlife in the future. This three-minute, digitally enhanced experience boasts the world’s first use of “smart-play” technology enabling riders to guide their mission of oceanic exploration.
Climbing out of their specially designed exploration mini subs, guests will then roam one-of-a-kind aquariums, some featuring 360-degree viewing experiences enabling younger guests to enter a splendid saltwater world without getting wet while being awed by many of the mightiest marine animals on earth. Among those are the rarely seen giant Japanese spider crab, the world’s largest arthropod; dozens of slithering eels lurking in the shadows; and imposing giant Pacific octopuses spying with black-sapphire eyes from their rock-encrusted caves.
Also debuting this summer is the all-new, inspiring Orca Encounter. It represents an important evolution of how SeaWorld guests will experience killer whales. Presented in a documentary-style format featuring a three-story, first-of-its-kind infinity screen, Orca Encounter features state-of-the-art integration of verbal and visual storytelling.
“We are fortunate to be able to share these magnificent creatures,” said Morrow, “their social structures and communication, their physical attributes and hunting skills, and their unique relationship with mankind.”
Orca Encounter combines a live orca presentation in a most natural setting complete with a rugged coastline backdrop featuring towering pines and picturesque waterfalls with an extraordinarily enhanced and augmented digital environment. The result is an astonishing learning experience that will engage guests on an unprecedented educational and inspirational level seen nowhere else in the world.
Capping off SeaWorld San Diego’s spectacular new attractions will be Electric Ocean, the only nighttime experience of its type in the United States. Electric Ocean will transform the entire above-the-ground park to the look of the deep bioluminescent ocean below.
“When the sun goes down, the vibrant colors of the world’s oceans are going to come up,” Morrow said. “Big time.” The entire SeaWorld park under the nighttime stars will be re-imagined as a place where guests will feel like they are actually walking through moving currents of the undulating ocean.
New entertainment showcased in ways never before seen will surround the guests—ranging from a school of neon-like fish passing by as guests stroll through the park to a dance club seemingly pulsating in the midst of life-like florescent coral reefs to exotic shopping opportunities to cirque-like performers in specially outfitted LED suits, to acrobats, to gravity-defying aerialists and futuristic power glide stilt walkers mimicking the movement of darting denizens of the deep.
Marilyn Hannes, SeaWorld San Diego’s park president said, “We are incredibly excited about bringing our amazing visions of the future to our guests today.
“These extraordinary new attractions not only ratchet up the fun and exciting atmosphere our guests have come to love and expect at SeaWorld, but maintain our company’s focus on animals,” she continued. “We are thrilled to entertain and also inspire current and future generations of people to take action to help protect wild animals and wild places.
