Interesting Facts Related To Independence Day
Americans celebrate Independence Day every July 4. The holiday has become synonymous with summer fun, as
fireworks displays & backyard barbecues are integral components of many people’s July 4 celebrations. As Americans & residents of the United States prepare for some festive Fourth of July celebrations, they can keep these interesting facts related to Independence Day in mind.
• There have been many iterations of the American flag. The American flag has become an iconic symbol of freedom recognized across the globe since the U.S. declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. But few July 4 celebrants may know that the current version is the 27th iteration of the American flag. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the current version of the flag officially became the flag on July 4, 1960.
• More than half of all Americans own an American flag. A 2023 poll from WalletHub found that 57% of Americans own an American flag. And that’s not the only way Americans show their national pride, as the same poll found that roughly one in three Americans intended to purchase patriotic merchandise for July 4.
• The United States is not the only place to celebrate American independence. Such celebrations occur in various countries, including Australia, Denmark, Ireland, & Norway. The festivities in Rebild National Park in Denmark is believed to be the largest celebration of American independence outside the United States.
• The National Hot Dog & Sausage Council estimates that 150 million hot dogs are consumed on July 4. Though there’s no corresponding estimate related to how many hamburgers Americans eat on July 4, various reports suggest Americans eat roughly 50 billion burgers annually, so it’s fair to conclude many a burger will be consumed this Independence Day.
• July is a popular month for nations to celebrate their independence. In addition to the United States, various countries, including Algeria (July 5), Argentina (July 9), The Bahamas (July 10), Belarus (July 3), Burundi (July 1), Canada (July 1), Cape Verde (July 1), Colombia (July 20), Kiribati (July 12), and Liberia (July 26), celebrate their Independence Day in July.
• John Adams, a Founding Father of the United States & the second president in the country’s history, felt Americans should celebrate their independence from Great Britain on July 2. That’s because the Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776. However, the Declaration of Independence was not approved for two more days, thus making July 4 the day to celebrate America’s independence from Great Britain.
Unplug Illinois At Belvidere Park July 13th, 2-8PM
Belvidere Park will host its 4th Annual Unplug day, a day where everyone is encouraged to get up, get out, unplug, play & engage with one another through experiences at local park, recreation & conservation agencies. The Belvidere Park will set up space for people of all ages to learn a new activity or skill, or simply enjoy recreating outdoors. Join a class to learn something new, pop in & catch a play or music, or explore the Unplug activity area to learn more about agencies that are doing great things in the outdoors.
The day starts at 2 PM at Baltic Mill with a special performance from the Boone County Main Street Players. The astronomy show begins at 7 PM. All activities are free and open to anyone. Pre-registration is encouraged for any of the classes but not required. For a list of activities or more information call 815-547-9557 or visit belviderepark.org.
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
AT BELVIDERE PARK
Make The Most Of A National Park Visit
Many countries feature a national park system. Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Stephen Mather, & Horace M. Albright were the founders of what would become the National Park Service of the U.S. On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park in the territories of Montana & Wyoming became America’s first national park, which led to a worldwide national park movement.
Many national parks do not even charge an entrance fee, so they can be affordable options for individuals & families who want to take in the majesty of nature & wildlife. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a repeat customer, these tips can help you make the most of a national park trip.
• Time your visit correctly. Some parks are open year-round while others are not. Learn the operating schedule to determine when to visit. Also, the timing of a trip will depend on what you hope to gain from the experience. For example, many parks are quite busy during the peak of summer. If it’s quiet & reflection you’re after, it’s probably best to visit during a less hectic time of year.
• Consider in-park lodging. If the national park you’re visiting has a national park lodge, think about using it for your accommodations. You’ll get to maximize time spent in the park, and won’t have to travel long distances each day from a hotel or another lodging place. Also, there’s nothing like waking up to the awe-inspiring vistas in national parks.
• Identify what you want to do. National parks can be massive & you won’t be able to see every sight in just one visit. It’s better to pick one goal & stick to it, identify some things you feel you must do on an upcoming visit.
• Utilize the park rangers. Make visiting the ranger station your first stop. Park rangers know the park intimately & will have the insider information needed to guide your trip & keep you trucking along successfully.
• Try camping for a night. Unplug & remove yourself from the confines of indoor spaces. These parks are some of the best places to sleep under the stars. Leave no trace, & remember to be mindful of campfires, making sure they’re completely extinguished before setting off anew.
• Utilize the internet. The NPS has various online resources you can use. Find A Park enables you to select from a list or search for parks by certain criteria, & there’s also online park maps. These are easily accessible resources at your disposal.
• Follow the rules. Oftentimes visitors get too close to wildlife or even feed them. The NPS says a “fed bear is a dead bear.” In 2022, Parks Canada staff said a fox & one of her kits (babies) which had grown used to being fed by humans were struck & killed by vehicles in Gros Morne National Park. Similar stories happen each year. Feeding or approaching wild animals can cause them to lose their natural fear of people. This endangers both the animals & park visitors. Follow the rules to ensure that national parks can be enjoyed for years to come. National parks are wonderful places to vacation.
Why Swimming Is So Good For Your Body
Engaging in fitness activities that are enjoyable can increase the likelihood that a person will remain committed to routine exercise. In addition to being fun, swimming is an exercise that benefits the entire body. It’s also ideal for people of all ages, as the buoyancy of water reduces the strain on muscles & joints. Here are some of the ways swimming is good for your body.
• Engages the entire body: Swimming works just about all the muscles of the body. Various swimming strokes can enable a person to focus on certain muscle groups, if desired.
• A thorough cardiovascular workout: Swimming increases heart rate without stressing the body. The fitness level can be customized & gradually built up so that one can increase strength & endurance.
• Reduces body fat: Swimming can help many people slim down. According to Harvard Medical school, a 155pound person can burn about 432 calories swimming versus about 266 calories walking at a moderate pace for the same duration of time.
• Improves heart health: Research has linked swimming to a reduction in blood pressure & additional benefits related to improved cardiovascular health.
• Enhances lung volume: Swimming involves deeper breathing & can strengthen the muscles involved with respiration, says Everyday Health.
• Improves quality of life: Older adults who swim may experience decreased rates of disability & improved quality of life. Swimming helps to improve or maintain bone health, particularly among post-menopausal women. Water-based exercise also is low-impact & builds strength.
• Improves mental health: The CDC notes that swimming can improve mood in both men & women. Swimming may decrease anxiety, and exercise therapy in warm water can improve symptoms of depression. These are just some of the health benefits associated with swimming. The swimming pool at the Belvidere YMCA is open afternoons this summer. The YMCA is located at 220 W. Locust, call 815-547-5307 for information.
The Nutritional Benefits Of Blueberries
Are you ready to dig into a bowl of delicious blueberries? Perhaps you’re adding a handful to your morning smoothie? Regularly eating blueberries is not only tasty, it can be excellent for your overall health. That’s because they are not only low in calories, they’re full of nutrients the body needs to thrive.
Healthline indicates blueberries are among the most nutrient-dense berries. A cup contains only 85 calories, & in that serving a person can enjoy 3.6 grams of fiber, 16% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C; 24% of the DV of vitamin K; & 22% of the DV of manganese. One of the main benefits of blueberries is that they are rich in antioxidants. Produced as a natural result of metabolism or exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke & alcohol, free radicals are molecules that damage cells over time. Antioxidants create barriers around cells to help protect them from damage by free radicals.
The Cleveland Clinic says that the high soluble fiber content of blueberries can make them strong allies in the fight against cholesterol. Soluble fiber binds to bile in the gut. Bile is made of cholesterol & other substances that need to be removed from the body. Lowering cholesterol helps prevent or reduce risk of heart disease.
In relation to heart health, blueberries also may help reduce blood pressure, which can be beneficial for the heart & brain. Healthline reports that in an eight-week study, people with obesity who had high risk of heart disease noted a 4-6% reduction in blood pressure after consuming two ounces of freeze-dried blueberries per day. Additional studies have uncovered similar blood pressure-lowering abilities of blueberries.
Individuals concerned with keeping their brains sharp may want to consider adding blueberries to the mix of foods they eat regularly. An American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study uncovered cognitive function improved when participants ate about 3/4 cup of blueberries per day. Since blueberries lower blood pressure, more blood can flow to the brain, which improves cognitive function.
Blueberries also are low in sugar & high in fiber, which gives them a low glycemic index. This means blueberries can potentially control blood sugar levels. They are powerhouses of nutrition & people of all ages can benefit from consuming them regularly.
Directions
1. Wash hands with soap & water. Gently rub produce under cool running water.
2. Add ingredients to blender, blend until smooth & serve.
Note: Nutritional facts calculated with 1% milk & blueberries as the frozen fruit.
Senior 60+ Food Distribution
The Boone County Council on Aging will distribute food provided by the Northern Illinois Food Bank to seniors 60+ on the 2nd Friday of the month at 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. Upcoming distribution dates are July 12th and August 9th from 1-3 PM. Call 815-544-9893 with questions.
Simple Tips For More Flavorful Grilling
Though grilling requires a little trial & error on the path to becoming a go-to grillmaster, there are some simple strategies anyone can employ to produce more flavorful finished products.
• Dry rub foods before grilling. A dry rub can be convenient because it can be applied shortly before foods are grilled without sacrificing flavor. Many recipes call for foods to marinate for several hours. Both dry rubs & marinades improve the flavor profile, but the former can do so without too much planning ahead of time. Dry rubs also tend to be made with ingredients such as salt, pepper & brown sugar that many people already have.
• Oil the grates. Oiling the grill grates can add flavor & make grilling more convenient. Experts advise using a silicone brush to apply an oil with a high smoke point (the smoke point is the temperature at which the oil will begin to smoke). The oil applied to the grate can add some additional flavor, & also create a nonstick surface.
• Bring meat to room temperature. One of the keys to successful grilling is to ensure foods cook evenly. Prior to grilling meat, take the meat out of the refrigerator roughly 20-30 minutes before you intend to put it over a flame. This allows the meat to reach room temperature, which in turn increases the likelihood it will cook evenly.
• Cook with wood. Wood can be used to add flavor to grilled foods. Williams-Sonoma recommends soaking wood chips, herbs, or grapevine cuttings for 30 minutes & then draining before using with a charcoal grill. Avoid soaking wood or aromatics when grilling on a gas grill, as doing so can make it difficult to ignite the grill.
Grilling is a skill that anyone can develop over time. But even novices can employ a few strategies to increase the flavor profile of their next meal cooked over an open flame.
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I O R L I V I N G SENIOR LIVING
County-Wide Transportation Service
Submitted By: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center Dear Friends,
Did you know that Boone County Transit (BCT) is a county-wide transportation service available to all residents of Boone County, regardless of age. Our local transportation service is not your typical bus service. It is a doorto-door service, which means the bus picks you up where you request and drops you off at your desired destination anywhere in Boone County and some limited locations in Rockford. BCT is a program of Boone County Government. Boone County Council on Aging is the operator of the program, providing the staffing and maintaining vehicles.
We are happy to announce some recent program updates, including an expansion of program hours. BCT’s service is also replacing Rockford Mass Transit District Route 24 in Belvidere. Riders will be dropped off and picked up at RMTD’s East Side Transfer Center.
Door-to-Door Service to Rockford
East Side Transfer Station • Center for Sight & Hearing
Davita Churchview (on Ware) • Van Galder bus terminal Rockford Medical Appointments
Riders qualified through RMTD as Paratransit can travel from Boone County to medical appointments in Rockford.
Expanded Program Hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday; 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday
Rates: Ages 12 to 59 – $2; Ages 60+ - Donation; Children Under 12 - $1
Boone County Museum of History Lecture Series
The Boone County Museum of History will continue their lecture series on July 25th at 6 PM in the Grand Gallery of the Museum. The program will be Zelda Fitzgerald This Side of Paradise...Her Story with historian & storyteller, Lynne Rymarz. The lectures are free to sustaining members, $5 for regular members and $10 for non-members. The Museum is located at 314 S. State Street in Belvidere. For more information about the Museum and their lecture series, please call 815-544-8391. Mark your calendars for the next lecture: August 8th, Historical Blacksmiths with Christopher Hubbard.
Signs Your Dog May Be Dehydrated
Water is essential for mammals’ bodies to operate at peak capacity. The American Kennel Club says water is necessary to lubricate joints, facilitate digestion, regulate body temperature, & cushion internal organs, among many other functions. Similar to humans, pets that fail to consume enough water can face dire consequences. Dehydration is a medical term for when the body has lost more fluid than it has taken in. Dehydration can occur at any time, but it is even more common during the warm weather months. Dogs quickly can become very sick from dehydration. That is why every pet owner should learn how to recognize the symptoms in their dogs. The Veterinary Emergency Group says symptoms of mild dehydration can include:
• Dry nose, although this also can be a signal of other problems, like fever.
• Excessive drooling occurs as the dog tries to cool down its body.
• A dehydrated dog can exhibit signs of fatigue, including a reluctance to move around much.
• Sticky gums
As the dog becomes more dehydrated, the following symptoms can develop:
• Loss of elasticity of the skin.
• Thickening of the dog’s saliva.
• Excessive panting may begin.
• Loss of appetite.
• Gums may go from sticky to dry.
• Vomiting or diarrhea also may occur.
• Dehydration causes the body to redistribute fluid lost, & fluid may be pulled from the eyes, causing the eyes to appear sunken.
If a dog appears to be dehydrated, you can start offering small amounts of water to slowly rehydrate the animal. It’s important to call the veterinarian & get further advice regarding how to address dehydration. Some vets may suggest offering an electrolyte-enhanced fluid like Pedialyte so electrolyte loss does not affect organs. The vet may want you to come into the office so the dog can receive intravenous fluids, says the American Kennel Club. The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it in the first place. Provide dogs with a constant supply of clean, clear water at all times. The amount of water needs to increase if the dog is spending time outdoors in hot weather or exercising. Cats also are prone to dehydration and can exhibit the same symptoms as dogs. So cat owners also must be diligent in checking for dehydration symptoms in their pets.
