DALLAS, April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As the country celebrates the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, Dallas-based nonprofit Earth Day Texas gears up for its fifth annual event. Founded in 2011, the organization expects more than 75,000 attendees during the three-day event.

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Earth Day Texas takes place April 24, 25 and 26 at historic Fair Park in Dallas.

Confirmed speakers include Karenna Gore, author and daughter of Al Gore; Bill White, former mayor of Houston; David Yarnold, president of the Audubon Society; Dan Patrick, Lt. Governor of Texas; B.A. Norrgard, Tiny House advocate; Laura Turner Seydel, chairperson of the Captain Planet Foundation; and Louie Psihoyos, Oscar^®-winning director of The Cove.

Seven-time Grammy Award winner Paul Winter will perform on Saturday, April 25, at 4:30 p.m. Grammy nominated artist Michael Martin Murphey will perform on Sunday, April 26, at 4:45 p.m.

“The fifth anniversary of Earth Day Texas has speakers, exhibitors and activities to engage the entire family,” said Earth Day Texas founder, Trammell S. Crow. “The event’s biggest goal is to influence the way people think, live and work to lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.”

Earth Day Texas will also feature a green panel discussion with James Beard Foundation-recognized chefs about farm-to-table cooking, organic produce, locally sourced ingredients, non-GMO foods and the fresh food movement.

Nissan and Tesla Motors will present ride-and-drives and ride-alongs with their newest environmentally friendly vehicles.

Special exhibitors include National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NASA will present a multimedia experience that will immerse visitors in the story of the organization and the International Space Station.

All events at Earth Day Texas are free and open to the public.

For more information about Earth Day Texas and a complete list of activities, please visit www.earthdaytx.org.

About Earth Day Texas

Each April, Earth Day Texas hosts the world’s largest public exhibition devoted to environmental stewardship. The show is a platform that brings businesses, environmental organizations, academic institutions and government agencies together to positively influence the way Texans think, live and work. By providing enlightening talks, unique showcases and interactive workshops, EDTx catalyzes meaningful conversations that will shape a sustainable future.

WHITE PLAINS, New York, April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Celebrity fitness icon, mom and Kmart ambassador Jillian Michaels, World Champion swimmer Alison Schmitt, All-American Football Star Tevin Coleman, and others are teaming up with half a million volunteers for March for Babies to help fight premature birth. The goal for this year’s event is to raise $100 million for research, education and services to help moms have healthy, full-term babies.

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“Premature birth is the leading cause of death for children under age five worldwide. Babies who survive a premature birth may face lifelong health and learning problems,” says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “Thanks to our walkers and celebrity ambassadors, more premature babies and their families will receive the care they need, and we will continue to fund research into the causes of preterm birth and other problems that affect the health of babies.”

The Los Angeles March for Babies will be led by celebrity fitness icon, mom and Kmart ambassador Jillian Michaels. A designer for her own fitness wear line, Impact by Jillian Michaels at Kmart, she has designed a signature t-shirt for this year’s March for Babies to help generate fundraising and awareness. Kmart is the number one corporate sponsor for the event, having raised over $125 million over the past 30-plus years.

“As a mom, I’m proud to team with Kmart in support of March of Dimes because their work has made such incredible strides in its mission for healthy babies,” said Jillian Michaels, celebrity fitness icon and Kmart ambassador. “I know first-hand the transformative impact people can achieve when they dedicate themselves toward a goal – and that’s what giving to March of Dimes is all about. Together with Kmart, I’m excited to drive more awareness of this great cause and help more babies get a healthy start in life.”

Athletes with a personal connection to premature birth are also stepping up to support March for Babies throughout the country. In Chicago, former Indiana All-American running back Tevin Coleman will step out in his hometown at the downtown Lakefront March for Babies on Sunday, April 26^th. Coleman, projected to be a top running back pick in this year’s NFL draft, was born 10 weeks early weighing only 3 ½ pounds. Doctors gave him a 20 percent chance of survival. He now serves and an inspiration to others to help fight premature birth.

In Baltimore – Allison Schmitt, who has amassed 14 swimming medals in major international competition throughout her career, will help lead the opening ceremonies of March for Babies on Saturday, May 9^th at Camden Yards. Schmitt was also born prematurely and is sharing her own story so more babies will be born full-term and healthy.

In Mt Airy, North Carolina – Houston Texans Offensive Tackle Tyson Clabo is leading the walk with his family team on Saturday, May 9 in on honor of his son, Cameron Michael Clabo, born at 34 weeks weighing four pounds, two ounces. Baby Cameron spent 40 days in the hospital including twenty days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on feeding tubes, as he was too weak to eat on his own. “We prayed daily for the strength and knowledge of our doctors and nurses,” said Tyson Clabo’s wife, Kendra. “We are so grateful for the support of March of Dimes.”

Also supporting this year’s March for Babies is John Colaneri of HGTV’s Kitchen Cousins and America’s Most Desperate Kitchens who will walk in his home state at Darlington Park in Mahwah, New Jersey on Sunday, April 26. Colaneri and his wife Jennifer welcomed their first child Lilyan Belle in December 2014.

Thalia, Melissa Joan Hart, Dr. Travis Stork, Gabrielle Reece, Elisa Donovan and musicians Sara Evans and Howie Dorough, and several other celebrity volunteers have also joined in to encourage fans and followers to sign up and support March for Babies and March of Dimes mission via social media.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. Anyone can join the March for Babies by visiting marchforbabies.org.

LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Vatican today confirmed that Pope Francis will canonize Blessed Junipero Serra on September 23, 2015 outside the National Shrine in Washington D.C. during the Pope’s first apostolic trip to the United States.  Blessed Junipero Serra, a Franciscan Friar who established the California Missions and secured a bill of rights for native peoples, will be the first Hispanic saint in the United States.

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez has also been invited to speak at the Pontifical North American College, Rome’s American seminary, during Pope Francis’ first visit there for a special conference on Saturday, May 2, honoring Blessed Junipero Serra.

“Father Serra’s canonization will be a great blessing,” Archbishop Gomez said. “Father Serra was a holy man who brought the good news of God’s love and mercy to the Americas. He was also a strong protector of the Native peoples. I think it is special that America’s first Hispanic saint will be canonized on American soil by Pope Francis, who is the first Pope from Latin America.” 

Pope Francis will be the guest of honor at the May 2 Day of Prayer and Reflection for the conference, themed “Brother Junipero Serra: Apostle of California, Witness of Holiness.” The conference, a joint effort of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the College and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, is designed to help spread awareness of Fr. Serra’s life, mission and testimony.

Archbishop Gomez, who heads the nation’s largest diocese, will discuss the origins of Christianity in America at the conference attended by historians, college seminarians and cardinals residing in Rome. After the conference, Pope Francis will celebrate a Mass honoring Blessed Junipero Serra at the College.

In preparation for the upcoming canonization, a new website, http://stjunipero.org/, on the life and legacy of Blessed Junipero Serra launched today to serve as a resource for the public.  Msgr. Francis J. Weber, archivist emeritus of the Archdiocese and author of several books on Blessed Junipero Serra and the California Missions contributed to the site and explained that “in order to understand why Father Serra is being canonized, we need to understand the real story of why he is being considered for sainthood.”

CONTACT:
Monica Valencia
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Office: (213) 637-7254, Cell: (310) 714-0503
[email protected]

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Spring storm season has arrived which means it’s important all drivers understand that any amount of rain can cause hazardous road conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration, 74% of weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement. Contrary to what most may think, only 17% of weather related crashes occur during snow or sleet.

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Take time today to gain some simple wet weather wisdom that can help all drivers reduce the risk of car crashes.

Get wet road savvy this spring by:  

• Making sure windshield wiper blades and headlights are working well. Replace blades at least once a year for best results. It’s the law in all states to turn headlights on when visibility is low, and many states also require having the headlights on when the windshield wipers are in use.
• Checking that rear and brake lights are functioning properly. They help your vehicle be seen in rainy weather.
• Switching from winter to summer tires, if needed. Don’t forget to check tread wear and tire inflation. Both can help with traction.
• Reducing your speed on wet surfaces and allowing a safe following distance. Rain, oil and dust equal slippery conditions and traction problems on roads.
• Turning off cruise control. When roads are wet it is best to allow the driver to control speed and react to conditions.
• Paying attention to flood warnings and barricades. They’re typically placed in areas where flooding occurs often and can be potentially dangerous.
• Avoiding driving through standing water, putting yourself, passengers and your vehicle at risk. You can lose control in as little as six inches of water; deeper, moving water can cause stalling or carry vehicles away.
• The Centers for Disease Control report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water.
• Hydroplaning, the skidding or sliding of tires on wet surfaces, can happen anytime roads are wet. If your vehicle hydroplanes:
  • Don’t panic.
  • Avoid hard braking and quick turns.
  • Ease off the gas, gently apply the brakes (lightly pump standard brakes, apply consistent pressure if you have ABS).
  • Steer straight ahead or to a safe open area.
  • Vehicle braking and traction control systems vary. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to know your vehicle systems and recommended action.

If you’re teaching a new driver, be sure to practice driving in an array of weather conditions, including rain, and cover these tips with them. Warmer weather means children, pets and bicycles will be out and about. Take extra caution, especially in residential areas. Teach new teen drivers to scan for these potential hazards.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to affect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

About State Farm®:
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve over 82 million policies and accounts – nearly 80 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 41 on the 2014 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.