(NAPSI)—If you’re looking for a healthy start to your day, give California Sweet potato Blueberry Yogurt Muffins a try. Chock full of nutrient-dense ingredients such as blueberries, yogurt and whole wheat, these powerhouse muffins have a secret ingredient: shredded California sweet potatoes. A designated superfood, California sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Plus, they keep the muffins moist and tender and add just the right amount of sweetness.
Bake a dozen (or more) and store in individual bags in the freezer for a healthy portable breakfast the entire household will enjoy.
California Sweet potato Blueberry Yogurt Muffins
Makes 24 regular or 10 jumbo muffins
4 large eggs
1 1/2 c plain yogurt
1/2 c butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 c all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
2 c shredded sweet potatoes
1 c sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 c blueberries
Preheat oven to 375° F. Coat muffin tins with nonstick spray.
In large bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt, butter and vanilla. In medium bowl, combine flours, sweetpotatoes, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix flour mixture into egg mixture. Gently stir in blueberries.
Divide batter between 24 regular or 10 jumbo muffin cups. Bake until golden brown and set, about 25 minutes for regular muffins or 30 for jumbo.
(NAPSI)—Cleaner air can improve public health, maybe even save lives. Fortunately, renewable energy resources—wind, sun, hydropower and the like—are now producing more electricity than coal. That’s where innovative energy storage solutions come in. They help create a cleaner world, encouraging investment into clean, green, renewable energy. To help, engineers and policymakers are increasingly turning their attention to energy storage solutions. New bi-partisan efforts in states such as New York and the Trump administration are in alignment to support new energy storage technologies that drastically improve the economics of wind and solar projects.
The global rise in electricity generation from renewable sources has led to increased demand for advanced batteries that can be used to firm up this intermittent supply. This requirement is particularly important in areas where grid connections may be tenuous, unreliable or even non-existent. Additional demand for advanced batteries is presented by grid applications such as peak-shifting and Transmission and Distribution (T&D) capital deferral.
Energy storage systems provide many ways to manage the power supply for a more resilient energy infrastructure, and bring cost savings to utilities and consumers. Batteries allow the use of electricity whenever it’s needed, not only when it’s generated. However, traditional battery economics and performance have not proved helpful as utilities look to increase renewable penetration through long-duration energy storage.
The Problem
One of the challenges to growing a North American energy storage industry, however, has been a dependency on a supply chain of hardware components, metals and chemicals, many of which come from outside North America. As well, metals such as lithium and vanadium used in some batteries are impacted by price volatility and security of supply.
An Answer
Those same risks do not apply to zinc-air batteries. Zinc is abundant and inexpensive, with a significant North American supply. Its chemistry is robust and safe. A zinc-air battery has decoupled energy and power, making it one of the lowest-cost long-duration battery storage solutions available.
A safer, cleaner future requires less polluted air which means replacement of carbon-based power generation with renewable, sustainable sources of electricity. Long-duration, low-cost energy storage systems such as zinc-air will be a key driver to a quicker path towards a greener future. A “bet” on energy storage is a wager that will deliver a cleaner planet that will thrive for current and future generations, suggests Ron MacDonald, president and CEO of Zinc8 Energy Solutions, the leader in zinc-air battery technology, a unique flow battery technology using zinc and air as fuel.
Learn more
You can find further facts and stats on energy storage at www.zinc8energy.com.
(NAPSI)—From a World War I veteran who lost both legs to a Vietnam vet suffering the effects of Agent Orange to a young Marine with post-traumatic stress disorder finding her way after returning home from Afghanistan—many of America’s veterans live with physical, mental and emotional injuries that impact their lives as a result of military service. They often need support with things such as navigating the complex Department of Veterans Affairs system to access veterans benefits, including health care and education benefits or identifying employment opportunities after military service. And because of their service-connected health conditions, they can be particularly vulnerable during health epidemics and economic downturns.
Fortunately, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has been providing a century of care to help disabled veterans of all generations adjust to life back home. For the last 100 years, this nonprofit organization has offered a range of services from assisting veterans in accessing the benefits earned through their service to finding meaningful employment and supporting their families. DAV has continued to evolve and provide new care as veterans’ needs have changed. However, one tradition remains a constant: DAV’s services are provided to veterans and their families at no cost or obligation to them. Continue reading
“These are our parents, grandparents of our children, friends and neighbors, who are too valuable to risk losing to a virus that can be prevented if precautions are taken,” said Lander. “Younger adults are becoming infected with the virus in our community and passing it on to older adults they contact at home, at work, at the store, or elsewhere in the community.”
Older adults must take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19
– Wash your hands often
– Avoid crowds and large gatherings, especially in venues with poor ventilation.
– Don’t shake hands with people.
– Keep at least six feet between you and other people.
– Stay away from people who may be sick.
– Wear cloth face coverings in public places.
– Try shopping during off-hours—later on weeknights or earlier on weekends—when crowds at stores are lower.
– Avoid touching “high-touch” surfaces: elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, etc.
– Find out if family or friends have been sick in the past two weeks BEFORE they visit. If they have been sick, reschedule at least two weeks out.
– If you depend on regular medical treatment like dialysis, wound care, etc., talk to your health care provider about special arrangements.
– Create a contact list of family, friends, neighbors, health care providers, community assistance programs and drivers. Make sure phone numbers are up to date.
– Stay in touch with the people on your list and let them know you may need them for help if you become sick.
Post Date: 07/23/2020 5:46 PM
OCALA, Fla. (July 23, 2020) – City of Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, will launch a monthly newsletter to provide an overview of his community engagement and updates from the Ocala Police Department.
The newsletter will be available the third Friday of each month, with the inaugural issue launching Friday, July 24.
The community is encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter by signing up online at https://www.ocalafl.org/services/advanced-components/enotification.
For more information, please contact the Office of the Mayor at 352-401-3977.
OCALA, Fla. (July 16, 2020) – The Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), in partnership with the City of Ocala, has made the decision to reschedule the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series to 2021 due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, including restrictions for attending public gatherings in Florida, community reservations about attending public events, and the limited resources to execute the event. After conversations with series partners, including the Levitt Foundation, the series is being slated for 2021 to provide time to overcome the effects of COVID-19 and to secure additional resources.
In addition to the important objective of safeguarding the health of the community, the long-term sustainability of the series was also considered. Moving forward, the series will need to secure additional resources to continue the level of performances the community has come to expect and enjoy. The Levitt Foundation has committed to continued grant support of the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series in 2021, and the City and MCA are working on additional resources to support the series. Organizations interested in supporting the series through volunteerism or sponsorship should contact Ocala Cultural Arts at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org.
“Marion Cultural Alliance is the nonprofit partner of the Levitt AMP Music Series and supports the decision by the City to postpone the popular free music series until next spring,” said Jaye Baillie, Marion Cultural Alliance Executive Director. “This decision did not come easily as this concert series, now in its fourth year, is loved by thousands of friends, families, and neighbors who enjoy this free concert series. However, the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic is driving the decision. We want to ensure the people of our community, including the attendees, performing artists, sponsors, community partners, vendors and dedicated staff remain safe.”
To stay up-to-date on Levitt AMP Ocala, visit www.ocalafl.org/levittamp or follow @LevittAMPOcala on Facebook or Instagram.
Post Date: 07/10/2020 2:43 PM
OCALA, Fla. (July 10, 2020) – In order to accommodate a road resurfacing project, lane closures will be in place along North Magnolia Avenue, from State Road 40 to NE Fifth Street Monday, July 20 through Saturday, October 17.
All necessary devices will be in place to redirect traffic. Construction will take place Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with Saturdays reserved for weather delays. During construction times travelers may experience delays, noise, dust, and heavy equipment within the project areas.
For more information, please contact the City Engineer’s Office, Capital Projects Division at 352-629-8419.
OCALA, Fla. (July 10, 2020) – Due to scheduled runway and taxiway construction work, the Ocala International Airport will be closed nightly, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., during the following:
- 8 p.m. Thursday, July 16 through 7 a.m. Saturday, July 18
- 8 p.m. Sunday July 19, through 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 22
Aircrews are advised to plan accordingly to accommodate these critical airport infrastructure improvements. During these nightly closures, the airport will be closed to all fixed-winged aircraft. Rotary wing (helicopter) operations will be permitted away from construction areas. Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) will be published on the FAA NOTAM website to publicize the closure to aircrews.
For more information, please contact the Ocala International Airport at 352-572-0492 or visit www.ocalaairport.com.
Held on the outdoor stage July 23 to August 1!
Vocalists are Shannon Guinn, Deion Howard, James Taylor, and Megan Wager, with Philip King as music director and pianist.
Reservations available by phone or online only
Join us for a theatrical concert featuring some of OCT’s best-known performers!
This 90-minute concert with no intermission will be held on our brand-new outdoor stage behind the theatre. Seating is limited and safely distanced at small tables (up to groups of four) on the patio around the stage. There will be outdoor concessions.
Featuring old and new favorites from All Shook Up • Annie Get Your Gun • Big Fish • Cinderella
Dear Evan Hansen • Guys and Dolls • Into the Woods • Mean Girls • On the Town • Seussical
Songs for a New World • The Sound of Music • Sweet Charity • You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown • and more!
PLEASE NOTE
Physical tickets will not be printed. You will receive an email confirmation for you records when you complete your order. When you come to the performance please check-in at the outdoor stage area and we’ll have your name on our VIP list for that performance!
Performances held on our recently renovated our Outdoor Stage located behind the theatre! Please consider making a donation at check out.
OCALA, Fla. (July 9, 2020) – The City of Ocala’s Aquatic Fun Centers are extending their summer season. Both the Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center, 2390 SW 36th Ave., and the Hampton Aquatic Fun Center, 255 NW Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., will remain open through August 8, Mondays through Saturdays, with two swim sessions, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Facilities will remain closed Sundays to facilitate current cleaning and sanitation measures.
Beginning August 15 through September 5, both facilities will be open on Saturdays only, with two sessions, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
The final day of the season will be Monday, September 7 with two sessions, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. The Aquatic Fun Centers will close for the season Monday, September 7, 5 p.m.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, additional restrictions and guidelines are in effect for operations at both facilities:
- Temperature and health screenings at entry
- Plexiglass shields installed at customer service counters, as well as six-foot separation markers for entry
- Reduced bathing loads to 75% normal capacity that are monitored and adjusted to ensure proper social distancing
- No swim lessons
- Waterslides are closed
- Groups, camps, and field trips are prohibited
- Reduced number of chairs available with distancing guidelines in place
- Concessions are pre-packaged foods only
Admission for each swim session is $2 for ages 17 and under and $3 ages 18 and up. Admission is free for ages one and under. Facility operations are subject to change and staff continue to monitor conditions based on recommended guidelines. A detailed list of restrictions and guidelines for both aquatic centers can be found at www.ocalafl.org/aquatics.
For more information, please call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.
