YOUR COMMUNITY WEEKLY
STORY COUNTY
INSIDE: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUME 9, ISSUE 33 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2016
Edwards Elementary School receives Technology Grant from area realtor groups LittleBits are powerful creative learning tools that children love to work with. Technology Teacher Librarian Teresa Green said these magnetic modular electronics empower students to learn about circuitry at a very fundamental level without having to understand how to solder wires. “They provide an introduction to how things connect to each other that lets even the youngest of learners use them,” Green said. “Whenever I survey my Edwards (Elementary School) students as to what they want in their Makerspace, LittleBits always ranks toward the top.” But, as tends to be the case with things that are educationally valuable, LIttleBits are expensive. “The only way we can provide more ‘bits’ is to seek out funding sources,” Green said. Edwards parent Misty Metschke, a realtor with Hunziker & Associates, responded to the need by organizing a grant she helped fund along with Hunziker & Associates and Central Iowa Board of Realtors. The grants, totalling more than $800, will help students engage in the Engineering Design Process with each other to investigate, create, share, and learn using their imagination and creativity.
Edwards Elementary School Technology Teacher Librarian Teresa Green, left, and realtor Misty Metschke from Hunziker Realty, pose with a check representing a portion of grants that helped purchase LittleBits modular electronics.
Page 2 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016
STORY COUNTY
The Story County Sun is published weekly on Wednesdays by GateHouse Media, at 317 Fifth St., Ames, IA, 50010. 515-233-3299 Mary Beth Scott, sales manager, (515) 663-6951, MScott@amestrib.com. Ali Eernisse, RE Weekly, (515) 663-6956, AEernisse@amestrib.com. Megan Wolff, content coordinator, (515) 663-6920, news@midiowasun.com.
Publisher: Scott Anderson Advertising Director: John Greving
© Copyright 2016
BETHANY LIFE FOUNDATION AWARDS NURSING SCHOLARSHIP The Bethany Life Foundation awarded an Excellence in Nursing scholarship to Paul Mwaniki of Boone. Paul has been an employee of Bethany Life for six years, working as a CNA and CMA, and is currently studying for his nursing degree. Married, with a young son and daughter, Paul remarked “I really like what I do and like the residents that I meet. I enjoy hearing their stories and learning about their lives.” Paul’s scholarship was awarded by Scott Saienga, who currently serves on the Bethany Life Foundation Board of Directors. A regular supporter of the Excellence in Nursing Fund, Scott is committed to supporting Bethany Life, particularly in the area of employees who are dedicating themselves to furthering their education, allowing them to continue to serve our residents in more advanced capacities.
Paul Mwaniki, left, and Scott Saienga
Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016 • Page 3
Southwestern Chicken and Rice Skillet Meal gets a boost of flavor and fi ber from fresh ingredients and homemade spice mixture. PHOTO BY TAMMY LJUNGBLAD/KANSAS CITY STAR/TNS
Southwestern chicken and rice skillet recipe gets a boost from fresh peppers, spices By Jill Silva
The Kansas City Star
When it comes to a quick dinner, every cook could use a helping hand. But handy “skillet supper” brands sold at the supermarket usually contain powdered seasoning packets and an ingredient list that includes partially hydrogenated oils. As with most packaged foods, fiber content is low. The Kansas City Star’s
Southwestern Chicken and Rice Skillet Meal is a fresh take on the skillet concept. Adding beans, corn and brown rice allowed us to significantly bump up the fiber — to 11 grams — while enhancing the flavor with fresh peppers, lime juice and fresh herbs. The most famous skillet meal, Hamburger Helper, was introduced in 1970: “In the annals of pop culture, Hamburger Helper rates right up there
with such other ‘bad taste’ food items as Spam, Easy Cheese, Slim Jims, Twinkies, and TV dinners — because if you really think about it, how much help does a pound of hamburger really need?” David Mansour writes in “Abba to Zoom: A Pop Culture Encyclopedia of the Late 20th Century” (Andrews McMeel). The line featured other starch and meat combinations to make a casserole in a skillet. Eventually “hamburger” was dropped from the line’s name, and a Whole Grain Helper is available, eliminating the trans fats. Still, the less processed a food is, the better it is for your overall health. SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN AND RICE SKILLET MEAL Makes 4 servings 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes 2 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, slice each breast evenly lengthwise to make 4 cutlets 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 poblano chili, seeds removed, chopped
1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped 1/2 yellow onion, chopped 1 cup frozen yellow corn 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 1/2 cups cooked brown rice 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 3 tablespoons salsa 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro Juice from 1 lime Garnish: Chopped cilantro and salsa, if desired In a small bowl, stir together salt, cumin, coriander, pepper and red pepper flakes. Using 1 tablespoon olive oil, rub each chicken cutlet with oil on both sides and sprinkle with 1/2 of the spice mixture. Set remaining spice mixture aside. Heat remaining tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Cook chicken until golden and meat is no longer pink inside, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and allow to stand for a few minutes. Slice cooked chicken into thin strips and set aside. Add poblano, jalapeno and onion to skillet and cook, stirring frequently, over medium high heat, until vegetables are tender, about 4 minutes. Add corn, garlic and remaining spice
mixture; blend well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in chicken, brown rice, beans, salsa, cilantro and lime juice. Stir gently and cook until heated through, about 1 to 3 minutes. If desired sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro and dollops of salsa. Serve immediately. Per serving: 530
calories (19 percent from fat), 11 g total fat (2 g saturated), 66 mg cholesterol, 69 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein, 996 mg sodium, 11 g dietary fiber. Recipe developed exclusively for The Star by Kansas City-based professional home economists Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss.
Page 4 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Nov. 17 NAMI Support group The NAMI Connections peer support group will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. and a new, evening group will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at NAMI of Central Iowa Wellness Center, 416 Douglas Ave., Suite. 205. Call (515) 2929400 for more information. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization.
morning after the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. masses, with free will donations to support their parent-sponsored end-ofyear class trip. Everyone is welcome to attend the Market and breakfast!
Holiday Fair Stop by for holiday shopping experience with many direct sales and craft vendors present, along with door prizes, free gifts, cinnamon rolls, cider, coffee, baked goods, and even lunch! The fair will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdayu, Nov. 19 at Oakwood Road Community Center, 2400 Oakwood Rd. Admission is $1.
Nov. 19
Nov. 21
Global Day of Service
Iowa State University Women’s Club
The Volunteer Center of Story County will participate in Family Volunteer Day on Saturday, Nov. 19.During the morning, 10 a.m. to noon, families will work together to assemble food packages for local pantries at either the Ames or Nevada Public Library. In the afternoon, 1 to 3 p.m., families can partner with Project Linus to make blankets at the Ames Public Library. Families can register in advance at vcstory.org. If you have any questions about the event or sign-up process, please call or email the VCSC at (515) 268-5323 or volunteer@vcstory.org
ISUWC will meet at 1:30 p.m., with the program titled: “Volunteer and Older Adult Services at MGMC” by Vickie Newell, Mary Greeley Medical Center, held at Bethesda Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 1517 Northwestern Ave.
Nov. 24
Chirstmas Market
Community Thanksgiving meal
Saint Cecilia Parish will have its annual Christmas Market from 4::3o to 630 p.m. on Saturday, Nove. 19 and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20 at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Avenue. Various groups will have items for sale, with proceeds going to charitable causes. The 5th grade class will also host a pancake breakfast on Sunday
Join Food at First for the 29th Annual Free Community-wide Thanksgiving Meal. The meal is open to everyone and will include all the classic Thanksgiving favorites, plus vegetarian options and dessert. The meal will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24 at First Christian Church, 611 Clark Ave.
TO REPORT BREAKING NEWS EMAIL MCRUMB@AMESTRIB.COM OR CALL 515-663-6961 Ames Tribune • amestrib.com
Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016 • Page 5
Nevada FFA harvests 3,850 bushels corn Nevada High School FFA Chapter recently completed harvesting three fields of their chapter’s corn fields. Yield checks showed several hybrids yielding over 215 bushels per acre, and one Wyffels running 237 bpa. Nevada FFA owns a John Deere diesel combine which the students maintain, repair, and harvest much of their own corn. Also donating harvesting and trucking was Jeff and Jim Collins, and Jeff Anderson. Kevin Cooper, Nevada High School Ag instructor and FFA advisor also donated hauling several loads of corn to the Nevada KEY Cooperative location. The Nevada FFA leases 14 acres from the Iowa DOT, and Heartland Cooperative donates the use of 6 acres.
The pile of corn at KEY Cooperative.
Wyffel’s Seed Company donated the seed for the Nevada FFA test plot.
Nevada FFA members Jay Calentine & Hunter Anderson operating the Nevada FFA’s John Deere diesel combine.
Page 6 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Ames High School students accepted for 2016 All-State Music Festival Hours of practice, lessons, support from parents and instructors, and a love of music have put 34 Ames High School students in the spotlight for next month’s All-State Music Festival. Chris Ewan, director of bands at Ames High School, said the results of All State auditions held this month represent an “extremely high number for any 4A high school in Iowa to achieve.” “We are honored to have 23 band students, six orchestra students and five vocalists representing the hard work of our students,” Ewan said. Ewan said about 17 students are selected for every 100 students who audition for the All-State Music Festival, under the auspices of the Iowa High School Music Association and the Iowa Music Educators Association. The 70th Annual Iowa All-State Festival Concert is 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19 in Hilton Coliseum. AHS Band All-State accepted and alternates: Eileen Murray – Flute (orchestra) Maya Chen – 1st Flute Maria Werner Anderson – 2nd Flute Caleb Kong – 2nd Flute Tianxin Xu – 2nd Flute Kevin Park – Clarinet (orchestra) Benjamin Moats – 1st Clarinet Grace Lee – 1st Clarinet Ana DiSpirito – 1st Clarinet Hayden Pritchard – 1st Clarinet
Lauren Cassaidy – 2nd Clarinet Lillian Montabon – 2nd Clarinet Neta Friedberg – 2nd Clarinet David Kim – 3rd Clarinet Joshua Zhao – 1st Alto Saxophone David Vigil – 1st Trumpet Nathan Paskach – 1st Cornet David Tarte – 1st Horn Isak Anderson –3rd Horn (orchestra) Adam Eichhorn - 2nd Trombone Channing Che – 3rd Trombone Peter Jaynes – Tuba Dominick McDonald - Percussion Alyssa Romp – Clarinet –1st Alternate Julia White – Alto Saxophone – 2nd Alternate Sam Packard –Tenor Saxophone – 1st Alternate AHS Orchestra All-State Accepted: Ryan Jeong - Violin I Jana Kim - Violin 1 Maddie Tuggle - Violin I Olivia Wong - Violin I Kira Davis - Violin II Grace Kim - Cello AHS Choir All-State Accepted: Julie Michelle Manohar - Soprano Eily Mickelson - Soprano Natalie Bretey - Alto Josh Gartin - Bass Andrew Bryant - Bass
AMES GOLDEN K MEMBERS SALUTE NEVADA GOLDEN K Eleven Ames Golden K members attended Nevada Golden K’s Tenth Anniversary of their formation, and joined them in celebrating this milestone. Ames Golden K attendees pictured left to right, Gina Spohnheimer, Duane Brodie, Pete Peterson, John Arthur, Alan Spohnheimer, Don Muff, Jim Cornette, Keith Folkmann, Craig Fulton, Keith Peterson, and Al Wagner. For more information about Ames Golden K, please check their website www.amesgoldenk.org.
Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016 • Page 7
Attack Black Friday shopping with a plan By Debbie Carlson Chicago Tribune
The days of wild shoppers running over one another to snap up Black Friday deals are largely a memory now as both online availability and a longer shopping window are mainstays. Still, deal-watchers say it’s easy for shoppers to get caught up in the frenzy if they go into Black Friday blindly. The No. 1 action to take is to plan ahead, they said. “Have a shopping list and budget, and stick to them. The most important thing you can do is to do your research and have a plan. This way you know you’re getting a good deal … and you won’t have to think twice when you see a deal. That can mean the difference between getting a good price and having it sell out too quickly,” said Benjamin Glaser, features editor at DealNews. It’s easier than ever for shoppers to do their research ahead of Black Friday as more stores are “leaking” sales circulars, allowing shoppers to price compare. Many shopping websites are
“Don’t go crazy trying to buy door busters on Friday. Don’t buy something because you think you won’t get a better deal. If you didn’t get something on Black Friday or don’t see a price you were expecting, you generally can get a second chance on Cyber Monday. The worst that can happen is you get at least a decent deal, if not a great deal.” Benjamin Glaser, features editor at DealNews
also compiling links or PDFs of the fliers, simplifying research. Preparing also keeps shoppers from succumbing to impulse buys, especially for those who still go to physical stores. “Being in a crowd and having everyone else around trying to buy things kind of urges you to buy,” said Ivy Chou, director of content and marketing at DealsPlus. Going to the store isn’t really necessary anymore. With rare exceptions, virtually everything that is in stores is available online, too, said Rene Kirschbaum, director of content and marketing at BlackFriday. fm. Those leaked circulars
will state if a deal is only in stores, he added. Glaser said that, while some retailers have a few Black Friday sales at the start of Thanksgiving week, except for a few select instances, the real deals start on Thanksgiving. Shoppers need to be wary of retailers trying to make an item look as if it’s a good deal by what he calls “fake discounting.” Retailers might suggest an unrealistically high list price that is never charged
but then sell the item at a regular price and claim it’s a huge discount off the list price. “That’s when you do your research and know what items actually cost and not what the store says it costs,” he said. Many Black Friday deals go live by midnight Eastern time just before Thanksgiving Day, so online shoppers theoretically can buy everything they want before they even start cooking the big meal, Kirschbaum said. It’s worth checking online sites on Thanksgiving, as Glaser said that, in the past several years, that’s when stores have had the best discounts. When it comes to shopping on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, there’s not a lot of difference in what’s on sale, the shopping experts said. It’s harder to predict what might be featured on Cyber Monday since those deals
are generally not leaked, Kirschbaum said. Glaser said DealNews’ research shows better deals on clothing and shoes on Cyber Monday, while televisions, laptops and home appliances are usually featured on Black Friday. Toys are rarely discounted during this time. Instead, he recommends that toy shoppers wait until the second week of December to buy. This year, the shopping experts say to expect substantial discounts on Black Friday on high-end 4K
TVs, streaming devices and gaming consoles. The main piece of advice Glaser had for shoppers this season is to relax. “Don’t go crazy trying to buy door busters on Friday. Don’t buy something because you think you won’t get a better deal. If you didn’t get something on Black Friday or don’t see a price you were expecting, you generally can get a second chance on Cyber Monday. The worst that can happen is you get at least a decent deal, if not a great deal,” he said.
Page 8 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Here’s how to remove those campaign bumper stickers By Christine Clarridge The Seattle Times
At some point, you had the bright idea of putting a bumper sticker on your vehicle that proudly proclaimed whatever you believed in at the time. But things have changed. The belief you once cherished is now passe, embarrassing, idiotic or worse, provocative in a bad way. Unlike a bad tattoo, you can probably remove the bumper sticker
yourself. But take heed, there are ways to do it wrong. “Do not use razor blades,” said Anthony Gabarino of AnthonyG’s Auto Detailing, which serves Kitsap County and beyond. “That’s what most people try and it will scratch your car.” The best way to remove a bumper sticker is to use a heat gun, which he says can be bought for about $15. Aim it at the bumper sticker, and let the heat do most of the work.
Then, carefully work a fingernail under one corner and peel slowly. “Sometimes they will come right off and sometimes they will be a bear,” he said. If you’re loathe to buy a heat gun for a one-time job, Gabarino says you can also try a blow dryer. When using a hair dryer yourself, experts recommend keeping the heat source moving in a circular fashion a few inches from the bumper sticker to avoid damaging the paint in one area.
If there’s a little gluey residue left, that can be removed with rubbing alcohol and a cloth. If you absolutely can’t get it off, and you can’t live with it either, Gabarino concedes that you might be able to get a Band-Aid type of fix by covering it with a newer, less objectionable bumper sticker. “I’m not suggesting it, but it would look better that the one that’s cracking, peeling and bubbling up,” he said. His most important tip, however, is for next time. “Don’t put bumper stickers on your car,” he said. “It’s been a pet peeve of mine my whole life and when I see one on a painted bumper I just cringe.” Put them on your glass windows, instead, where they’re a cinch to remove with a razor and Windex, he said.
It’s sometimes called ‘the winter blues’ From Mayo Clinic News Network
With winter in the northern hemisphere approaching, it’s not uncommon for people to feel sluggish or moody. Those symptoms can be typical of someone experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter. Symptoms include sleeping too much, overeating, loss of energy, social withdrawal and difficulty concentrating. While many people periodically experience some elements of SAD in winter, Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Mark Frye says you should seek professional help if your symptoms begin to affect your ability to perform at work and/or begin to take a toll on your personal relationships. Seeking clinical help is particularly important if you begin to feel hopeless, or have thoughts of self-harm. Tips to keep your mood and motivation steady during the winter: — Get outside — There is no substitute for natural light. If you work during the day, try to go for a walk during a break or lunch.
— Light therapy boxes can help boost your mood when you’re unable to get outdoors. — Get regular exercise — At least three times a week for 30 minutes. — Stay social — Interact with family and friends on a regular basis. What causes SAD? Sunlight enters the brain through our eyes, stimulating the production of a neurotransmitter, serotonin, which supports nerve cell functioning including mood. Less light results in lower levels of serotonin. Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin, which promotes sleep. The combination of less serotonin (which helps nerve cells cooperate) and increased amounts of melatonin (which puts a body to sleep) causes SAD. Mayo Clinic Health System psychiatrist William Weggel says, “There are many people who experience winter blues. However, there are those who are experiencing more serious symptoms. The good news is that in most cases, we are able to find a treatment plan to help the patient through the winter months.”
Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016 • Page 17
KEY COOPERATIVE PROVIDES GRAIN
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reg Artz of KEY Cooperative visited Mr. Kevin Cooper’s Ag Business class on Thursday, Oct. 27 to present the “Bushels for Ag” program. KEY Cooperative donated 40 bushels of soybeans and 100 bushels of corn to Nevada Ag Education and FFA for the purpose of marketing. Students must determine a marketing strategy and make decisions based on fundamental market information to sell at the optimum times. Artz explained Greg Artz of KEY Cooperative presented grain marketing information and donated grain basics of commod- pictured with Nevada students, left to right, Luke Fevold, Madysen Farmer, Jack Cahill, Artz, ity price discovKody Kruschwitz, Connor MacVey, and Eden Highland ery, basis, futures, and price averaging over time. Some calculations were worked through with students regarding crop insurance income and yield risk management.
Dining Guide
Wishing Tree Project helps families for the holidays The Clothes Pantry “Wishing Tree Project” will begin the 2016 Holiday Season of Giving on Sunday, Nov. 20 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 11. Residents living in the Ballard School District are eligible to request assistance with gifts for their children. Only Ballard children from birth to 12th grade are eligible for the program. Participants will be required to bring proof of residence in the Ballard Community, letter with name and address etc… Community members should come in during open hours and fill out a “Wish List” and put it on the tree. Pantry hours are: 1 to 3 p.m. on Sundays, 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Community members wanting to fulfill these wishes should also come in during these days and take a “list” home to purchase some of the items requested. Gifts purchased need to be returned to the pantry by Wednesday, Dec. 14. It is up to the individual whether or not to wrap the gifts. It is recommended to put gifts in a large bag along with wrapping paper and tape as well as the list/glove they selected.
Parents then could wrap the gifts themselves. Gifts may be picked up by families at the pantry on Saturday, Dec. 17 or Sunday, Dec. 18 during open hours, unless other arrangements have been made. For questions about the project or to select a family if these hours do not work, or to make a donation, call Jeriann McLaughlin at (515) 597-2971 Ext: 2190 at Ballard High School or (515) 291- 3543 or email jmclaughlin@ballard.k12. ia.us The pantry is located behind Ballard Creek Retirement Center on North Hwy 69 in Huxley. Please take time to help make a difference in your community!
TIMELINE FOR WISHING TREE
Sunday, Nov. 20— Wishing Tree begins – families fill out lists and others fulfill wishes at the same time Sunday, Dec. 11 — Wishing Tree ends – last day for families to fill out wish list and for public to fulfill wishes Wednesday, Dec. 14 — all gifts need to be returned to pantry Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18 — families pick up gifts
Page 18 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016
ISU WOMEN’S CLUB DONATES HEALTHY SNACKS TO EDWARDS ELEMENTARY
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or their 2016 service project, the ISU Women’s Club “Taste Buds” Division chose to donate healthy snack foods to the Edwards Elementary School in support of this on going need at the school. Representing the group is Joyce Vegge and Joan Senne.
A&R MARKETING DONATE TO AMES NOON LIONS CLUB
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oger Ossian, left, and Anne Taylor, right, from A&R Marketing present Ames Noon Lions Club Vice President Roger Bentley with a check for $100 in support of the club’s fall fundraising efforts. The Lions support KidSight preschool vision screening, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Ames MICA Dental programs, Alzheimer’s Association, Food at First, Adaptive Sports and Special Olympics of Iowa, and many other programs in Ames and Story County. For more information on the Ames Noon Lions please contact Secretary Jim Gunning at bearfan63@mchsi.com
Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016 • Page 19
Left to right: Galen Wilke, Don Muff; Darren Johnson; Deputy Aaron Kester, dive team coordinator; Rick Dietz; Dennis Jones; and Art Barton.
Great Ames Adventure Race donates to Story County Sheriff Dive Team Great Ames Adventure Race presented a check to the to the Story County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team on Nov. 9 at Torrent Brewery. The Great Ames Adventure Race is a paddle, bike and trail run event, held this year on Sept. 11. The event is organized by Ames Area Running Club, Friends of Central Iowa Biking, and Skunk River Paddlers. This year part of the proceeds were donated to The Story County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team for their on the water support of the event. The Story County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team is comprised of full time deputies and volunteers that provides water rescue, underwater search and recovery and underwater investigative services to the citizens in Story County. Composed of highly skilled SCUBA divers who are mentally and physically prepared to respond to water related incidents under dangerous environmental conditions, the team is committed to the preservation of life, collection of evidence, recovery of property and education of the public on water safety.
AMES HYVEE DONATES MEAT FOR FFA BARBECUE The Ames Lincoln Center Hy-Vee recently donated 150 hamburger patties for the Nevada FFA barbecue. The FFA members barbecued and sold burgers at the Hickory Grove cross country meet hosted by Nevada High School. Eugene Moody of Maxwell provided the grill. The chapter made $356 from the effort and the monies will be used to finance chapter and student leadership development. Kevin Kisling, manager store operations, facilitated the donation. Other Hy-Vee employees involved included Roger Luing, and Loren Navartil.
Page 20 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016
AMES TOWN AND COUNTRY KIWANIS CLUB CLEAN-UP BROOKSIDE
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embers of the Ames Town and Country Kiwanis Club met in Brookside Park to preform fall clean-up on its garden in pre-preration for winter. Pictured after the work was completed are: front row, left to right: Dan Franklin, Phillip Johnson, Paul Brackelsberg, Stephanie Clark, Terry Proescholdt, Stan Carpenter, and D. Kent Woodsworth. back row, left to right: Gerri Bugg, Richard Engen, Randy Griffith, Marion Kresse, Donald Beitz, Richard Eller, Jack Winkler, Donald Erickson, Dean Howarth, and Hugo Ramirez. The garden is located at the main entrance to Brookside Park.
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Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016 • Page 21
Six non-political ways to channel post-election fatigue into something positive By Leslie Barker
The Dallas Morning News
The election is over. You can breathe a sigh of relief or cry a little or collapse onto the couch. But no matter your political affiliation or whether what you wanted to happen actually happened, chances are you’re feeling a bit drained. With that in mind, here are five ways to channel your exhaustion into something positive. 1. Give blood. Need a reason why? Here are but a few: One pint can save three lives. Every three seconds, someone needs blood. Every year, blood transfusions save the lives of 4.5 million Americans. 2. Go to church. Or to your synagogue. Or your mosque. Just sit there, close your eyes, breathe in peace and take comfort that we live in a country where we can do that. 3. Pay for a stranger’s coffee. Or oatmeal, as I did recently. I never (as in never) use the Starbucks drive-through, but that Sunday, the Starbucks I pulled up to only had a drive-through. So when
I reached the window, I asked the barista what the person behind me had ordered. “Oatmeal,” she said. I figured I could afford that and handed her back my Starbucks card. Turns out I felt like I couldn’t afford NOT to do that. Wow, what a kick. Best $2.43 I’ve spent in a long time. 4. Pet a dog. Or a cat. Studies have shown the mere act of petting animals lowers blood pressure and releases relaxation hormones. Plus, think of how it feels to them. Pets tend to give you a better sense of meaning, a sense of belonging, says Allen R. McConnell, a professor of psychology at Miami University told webmd.com. “You feel,” he says, “like you have greater control of your life.” 5. Dig in some dirt. Cut those straggling periwinkles that will be gone soon and put them into a vase to enjoy every last moment of color they offer. Better yet, give them to a neighbor. Or pop a seed or a bulb into the ground or
Buying a cup of coffee for a stranger can be ever so satisfying for both of you. PHOTO BY RON BASELICE/THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS/TNS
a flower pot. True, you might not see much now, but with a little time and perspective, to say nothing of sunshine and water, chances are they’ll thrive. Isn’t that the way life so often works? 6. Be nice. Be kind. You’ll feel much better being that way than you will snarking off at someone. Really.
Page 22 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Latin American corncakes stack up to whatever you want to put on top By Leah Eskin
Chicago Tribune
The corn maze amazes. So clever! So complicated! So scary. Clever? In a single summer the American farmer can devise the sort of cunning landscape it takes the British gardener a lifetime to achieve. Corn bolts from seed to skyhigh in no time. Boxwood, shown proper deference, occasionally deigns to stretch. Hence the hedgerow, diversion of the estate set. And the corn maze — open all fall to anyone with 9 bucks and nerve. Complicated? And how. Once the maze featured an entrance, a zig, a zag and an exit. Followed by cider, doughnuts and a bin full of ogre-nose gourds. Now, it’s
a feat of civil engineering — all switchbacks, dead ends and checkpoints that form an image — if viewed from space. Scary. Have you navigated a corn labyrinth lately? Have you sensed the husks rustling, the crows laughing, the tweens sneering? Have you found yourself, 9 miles into a 2-mile loop, gnawing on a desiccated yellow cob, rattling the prickly corn bars and shouting, “Let me out!?” No? Good for you. Me, I’m sticking with corncakes. CACHAPAS Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 7 minutes each Makes: 12 corncakes These Venezuelan street snacks are tasty plain or topped with shredded pork, roasted vegetables — or anything else. 3 cups fresh yellow corn kernels (cut from about 3 ears of corn) 1/2 cup arepa flour, see note 1/3 cup whole milk 2 eggs 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Grated mozzeralla melts on top of the cachapas. Fold and eat as they are, or top with shredded pork or roasted vegetabls. PHOTO BY ABEL URIBE/CHICAGO TRIBUNE/TNS
1/4 teaspoon baking powder Corn oil, for cooking 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1. Swirl: Measure all ingredients (except corn oil and cheese) into the food processor. Swirl smooth (or as smooth as possible), about 30 seconds.
2. Cook: On a nonstick griddle or in a nonstick skillet, heat a little corn oil over medium-low. Pour on 1/4 cup batter and nudge into a circle about 4-inches in diameter. Cook until the corncake is brown at the edges, speckled with popped bubbles and no longer sticky to the
touch, about 4 minutes. Flip. Scatter on 1 tablespoon cheese. Cook until cheese has melted and cake is golden on the second side, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. 3. Repeat: Adding more oil as needed, cook remaining cakes. Keep finished cakes warm in a 250-degree oven. 4. Serve: Enjoy openfaced or folded in half.
Note: Arepa flour, precooked white cornmeal, is shelved with other kinds of flour or with Latin American goods at the grocery store. Or try a Latin market. Brand names include Goya Masarepa and Harina P.A.N. Don’t get distracted by standard cornmeal or masa harina. Provenance: Adapted from Alma Cocina Latina restaurant, Baltimore.
Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016 • Page 23
Cochlear implants for advanced hearing loss From Mayo Clinic News Network
Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m 72 and have worn hearing aids for about a decade. Over the past several years, my hearing seems to be getting worse. Although I’ve tried several different kinds of hearing aids, I can’t hear well with them anymore. A friend suggested I ask my doctor about a cochlear implant. I thought those were just for people who are deaf. Could a cochlear implant help someone like me? How does it work? A: It’s possible that a cochlear implant could be a good alternative to hearing aids in your situation. When they were introduced in the 1980s, it’s true that cochlear implants mainly were used for people who had complete hearing loss. Today, however, they often are used to help people who have more
advanced hearing loss that cannot be corrected with hearing aids. Your ear has three areas: the outer, middle and inner ear. Sound waves pass through the outer ear and cause vibrations at the eardrum. The eardrum and three small bones of the middle ear transmit the vibrations as they travel to the inner ear. Within the inner ear, the vibrations pass through fluid in a snailshaped structure, called the cochlea. Attached to nerve cells in the cochlea are thousands of tiny hairs that help translate sound vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to your brain through your auditory nerve. The vibrations of different sounds affect these tiny hairs in different ways, causing the nerve cells to send different signals to your brain. That's
how you distinguish one sound from another. In most people who develop hearing loss, the hairs in the cochlea are damaged or missing, usually as a result of aging and exposure to loud noise, or for genetic reasons. That means the electrical signals can’t be transmitted efficiently to the brain, and the result is hearing loss. A cochlear implant bypasses hair cells that don’t work anymore and gives the brain the ability to perceive sound once again. The implant has two main pieces: an external processor that fits behind your ear and an internal receiver implanted under the skin behind your ear. The processor captures and processes sound signals and then sends those signals to the receiver. The receiver sends the signals to tiny electrodes that are placed directly into
the cochlea when the device is implanted. Those signals are received by the auditory nerve and directed to your brain. Your brain interprets those signals as sounds. All of the parts of a cochlear implant are small, and the processor that fits behind your ear looks somewhat similar to a hearing aid. Because of the small size of these devices, they are relatively inconspicuous, particularly in people with long hair. Cochlear implantation requires a relatively short outpatient surgical procedure. A small incision is made behind the ear to insert the device. Most people experience little discomfort from the surgery, and its overall risk is low. The device usually is turned on several weeks following surgery. After the device is turned on, you will be able
to hear; however, hearing improvement continues for six months to a year after surgery. Cochlear implants are a well-established technology. At first, physicians and researchers only recommended them for people who had total hearing loss. Over the years, though, research has shown that cochlear implants can be useful for people who still have some hearing. They can be particularly helpful for people who have difficulty understanding speech
in everyday listening situations, despite using good hearing aids. Talk to your doctor or a medical professional who specializes in hearing loss to find out if you would be a good candidate for a cochlear implant. The great majority of people who receive a cochlear implant find that they are able to communicate better with the people around them and more fully participate in conversations and other daily activities that require the ability to hear clearly.
Page 24 • Story County Sun • Wednesday, November 16, 2016
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2016 Altrusa Holiday Home Tour Altrusa International of Ames members are once again offering their unique home tour with its perfect blend of heartwarming holiday spirit and caring community support. The 28th Annual Altrusa Holiday Home Tour (HHT) will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4. Always included in this longrunning event are sponsorships from local businesses, people who make it part of their can’t-miss holiday plans, and—of course—thoughtful residents willing to share their beautifully Decorated homes with the public. Hosts and homes for the 2016 tour include: JoAnn Kinart, 2823 Monroe Drive David and Marianne Spalding, 2705 Ridgetop Road Doug and Wanda McCay, 3016 Burnham Drive Larry and Debra Joel, 4269 Cameron School Road Steve and Alice Moore, 2421 Dalton Circle This year’s HHT proceeds will support the MICA Food Pantry, Story County Legal Aid Society, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and the Emergency Residence Prepare for Success Project. Tickets are $12 in advance, and $15 at the door of any home on the tour. Find them at Mary Kay’;s Flowers, Evert’s Flowers, Coe’s Flowers, or from an Altrusan. Participants may use their ticket on either day or split their time and the homes on both days. Friend Altrusa International of Ames, Inc. on Facebook to learn more about the tour and the organization.
Top left, the home of David and Marianne Spalding at 2705 Ridgetop Road. Above and bottom left, decorations from the 2015 Holiday Home Tour.