Boone County Shopper Senior Living July 2023

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Notable Events That Have Taken Place On July 4th

Residents of the United States spend July 4th celebrating the country’s independence. Though July 4 has served as America’s Independence Day for centuries, many other significant & memorable events have taken place on the fourth day of July.

1744: The Treaty of Lancaster is signed in Pennsylvania. The treaty dictates that the Iroquois will cede land between the Allegheny Mountains and the Ohio River to the British colonies.

1776: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. July 4 actually marks the day the final wording of the declaration, which had been submitted on July 2, was approved.

1802: The United States Military Academy officially commences operations. Located in West Point, New York, the USMA is the oldest of the five American service academies.

1826: On the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of the Independence, the second & third presidents of the United States, John Adams & Thomas Jefferson, respectively, pass away. Both men were instrumental to American success during the American Revolution.

1831: Samuel Francis Smith’s “America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)” is performed in public for the first time. The performance took place during a children’s Independence Day celebration in Boston.

1845: Naturalist & essayist Henry David Thoreau moves into a cabin on Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. His experiences there would later be detailed in “Walden Pond.”

1913: President Woodrow Wilson addresses veterans of the American Civil War at a reunion marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. More than 50,000 veterans of the war, including roughly 9,000 Confederate veterans, attend the reunion.

1939: New York Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig announces his retirement to a crowd at Yankee Stadium, informing them he feels he is “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” Gehrig had recently been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that would later be widely referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”

1983: Twenty-four-year old New York Yankees left-hander Dave Righetti throws a no-hitter against the rival Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Righetti struck seven of the first nine batters he faced & even overcame a delay in the eighth inning when umpire Steve Palermo suffered a knee injury. Outspoken Yankees owner George Steinbrenner did not attend the game, as he was in Florida celebrating his 53rd birthday with family.

2004: The cornerstone of the Freedom Tower is laid on the World Trade Center site in New York City. Now known as One World Trade Center, the building formally opened in November 2014.

Hydrating Is Key In Summer Heat

Summer is a season to enjoy some fun in the sun, but it’s imperative that people remember to take steps to reduce their risk for heat illness. Those measures should include efforts to hydrate & remain hydrated throughout the day. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention report that water will almost always help people remain hydrated even when they’re working in the heat. But food also plays a vital role in preventing heat illness, as the CDC notes eating regular meals can help to replace the salt lost through sweat.

It’s also important that individuals avoid energy drinks & alcohol when spending time in the hot summer sun. Many energy drinks contain more caffeine than standard servings of coffee, tea & soft drinks, & excessive caffeine consumption can contribute to dehydration. The same can be said for alcohol, & the CDC reports that consuming alcohol within 24 hours of working in the heat can increase the risk of heat illness.

First in Caring

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Plan A National Park Adventure

The National Park Foundation reports that the National Park System spans more than 84 million acres & encompasses 424 sites & units in the United States.

National parks do their part to foster conservation of natural resources & reserve wild land for the scores of animals that call these places home. They’re also enticing places to visit, with their vast vistas & interesting wildlife. Planning ahead can make any trip to a national park even better.

• Know when to go. Research the best times of year to visit certain parks. All may not be open year-round. Think about the kind of experience you want to have. Most parks are busiest during the summer. Therefore, if you want to skip the crowds, perhaps visit in a slower season.

• Research environments. With so many parks, it can be challenging to decide where to go. Take into consideration your interests as well as your limitations. Find out which amenities & features each park offers, including shuttles, stores for gear, animal life, terrain, & potential hazards. The more you know about each potential park, the better you can narrow down the place to visit first.

• Know the rules & regulations. Most parks have regulations in place to keep visitors safe. Some parks require reservations to enter or access certain areas of the park. Some may need you to reserve space in advance. Permits may be needed for certain activities, such as fishing. Check the park’s website to learn about permits or restrictions that may affect your trip.

• Choose your accommodations. With their expanse of land & things to see, you’ll likely want to spend more than one day exploring a park. Figure out if the park has accommodations on the property. If not, you’ll need to locate lodging nearby. Camping on the grounds can be a way to enjoy the park more intimately. Look into campsite rentals or whether recreational vehicles can be parked on a campsite in or near the national park. Yellowstone & Yosemite are two national parks that tend to book campsites well in advance, so plan accordingly.

• Pick your priorities. National parks tend to be massive, so make a list of the must-see attractions this time around (you can always visit again). While you can have an itinerary, you likely will enjoy the trip more if you’re relaxed & get to meander around rather than sticking to a strict schedule.

• Consult the rangers. Make friends with the park rangers. They are experts on the park & can let you know which places to visit or if there are any shortcuts to certain attractions. Utilize their experience & guidance.

National parks are located across the United States. The parks are wonderful vacation spots, & visitors can plan now for their trips to see these natural wonders.

How Mentoring Benefits Mentors

Mentors tend to be unsung heroes. If asked to explain their success, many who have reached the pinnacle of their professions would cite the influence of a valuable mentor among the many factors that helped them achieve their goals. Mentoring is often discussed in terms that note its value to those being mentored, but mentors also gain much from the experience of helping the people they advise. That’s worth noting for successful individuals over 50 who are looking to make the most of their professional experience by giving back to others. Professionals thinking of becoming a mentor can consider the many ways the experience could be as beneficial for them as it is for the people they will help.

• Mentoring provides a sense of satisfaction. An analysis by the human resources dept. at Sun Microsystems found that mentees are promoted five times more often than colleagues who do not have mentors. Many mentors gain significant satisfaction from watching someone they helped advance through the professional ranks.

• Mentoring is effective. Professionals over 50 who are hesitant to become a mentor because they suspect it might not be effective can rest easy knowing that it has a profound & positive impact on mentees. According to a recent survey, nine in 10 workers who have a mentor reported being satisfied with their jobs. In fact, 57% of such individuals reported being “very satisfied.” The percentage of individuals without a mentor who report being satisfied or very satisfied is significantly lower. The implication of that disparity is significant, suggesting that mentoring has a very real & positive effect on mentees.

• Mentoring helps a diverse group of professionals. Professionals hoping for more diversity & inclusion in the workforce should know that workers in groups that have historically been adversely affected by a lack of diversity are more likely to have mentors. For example, data from the CNBC survey indicates that women are more likely than men to have a mentor, while members of various minority groups, including Hispanics & African A mericans, are more likely to have mentors than whites. Prospective mentors who want to create a more inclusive workplace can utilize mentoring as a tool to help various minority groups further their careers.

• Mentoring can benefit your bottom line. Mentors typically pursue mentoring to give back. However, becoming a mentor can benefit your bottom line. The Sun Microsystems analysis found that 28% of managers who took on the role of mentor received a raise, while just 5% of those who did not mentor received a raise. Mentoring can help young professionals in myriad ways. But experienced professionals also benefit in some surprising ways from advising younger colleagues.

How To Make Grilling Healthier

Summer is synonymous with many things, including family vacations & relaxing days. For foodies, perhaps nothing evokes the spirit of summer more effectively than grilled foods. Grilling is a beloved tradition, but it’s not necessarily the healthiest way to eat. Traditional barbecue fare like hot dogs & hamburgers likely won’t make physicians’ hearts flutter, but there are ways to enjoy the flavor of grilling without compromising a nutritious diet.

• Replace burgers & hot dogs with healthy proteins. The occasional hamburger or hot dog won’t do much damage, but people who regularly grill should skip these staples & use healthy proteins. The American Heart Assoc. reports that fish & skinless chicken breasts are healthy alternatives. Burger devotees can still enjoy their go-to grilled food, but replace ground beef with lean ground poultry, with less saturated fat than red meat.

• Avoid overdoing it. Most people have overindulged at a backyard barbecue at one point or another. The relaxed, party-like atmosphere of the backyard barbecue makes it easy to snack on chips & other unhealthy fare before moving on to burgers & hot dogs. Hosts can do guests a favor by replacing snacks & sides like chips & potato salad with healthier fare like celery, fruit salad or chickpea salad. Keep portions of grilled fare as close to a healthy size as possible. The AHA notes that a healthy portion of meat is around 3 oz. & no more than 6 oz.

• Create a salt-free rub. There’s no denying salt makes food more flavorful. But that flavor comes at a high cost. The health care experts Piedmont note that excessive amounts of salt can contribute to inflammation from fluid retention & increase a person’s risk for hypertension, or high blood pressure. Salt may be a go-to for many grilling enthusiasts, but it doesn’t have to be. A salt-free rub made with chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and/ or other spices is an effective & salt-free way to add flavor to meat, chicken & fish.

• Grill more vegetables. Grilled vegetables, whether they’re part of kebabs or simply grilled alongside the main course, add significant flavor & provide all the health benefits of veggies cooked in more traditional ways. The AHA notes that coating vegetables in a healthy oil like olive oil makes it easy to grill them directly over an open flame without sticking. Cooking in this way imparts that signature smoky, grilled flavor to vegetables. Grilling can be as healthy as it is flavorful with a few simple strategies to make a menu any doctor would love.

This Month’s Healthy Recipe

Chickpea, Tomato & Spinach

Ingredients

8 oz dry whole-wheat pasta, rotini or shells

1-1/2 cups pasta water, saved from step 2

1 T. vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 t. garlic powder

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 carrots, diced

1 celery stalk,

Directions

1. Wash hands with soap & water. Gently rub produce under cool running water.

2. Fill a large pot with 4-6 qts. of water & bring to a boil over high heat. Add pasta & cook until tender, about 12 minutes. Reserve 1-1/2 cups pasta water & set aside. Drain pasta & set aside.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat & add vegetable oil once hot. Add garlic, onions, carrots, celery, rosemary, salt & pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir vegetables occasionally.

4. Add chickpeas to skillet. Add reserved pasta water & tomatoes & stir. Cook for 10 minutes.

5. Add cooked pasta & spinach to skillet. Cook until spinach is tender & most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Top with red pepper flakes & grated Parmesan.

The Important Role Played By Bees In Gardens

A colorful garden in full bloom is an aesthetically appealing sight. The pleasant aromas emanating from such spaces add to their appeal. Many variables contribute to a thriving garden, & perhaps none is more important than bees. North America is home to thousands of species of bees, but many of those species are experiencing dwindling populations. According to the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, 53 bee species have experienced population declines over the last several decades. Individuals accustomed to seeing bees as unwanted guests may wonder why that’s a problem. Though declining bee populations pose a number of problems, perhaps none is more relatable than the link between bees & food production. Declines in both managed & wild bee populations raise significant concerns about long-term food security. The U.S. Food & Drug Admin. reports that commercial production of more than 90 crops relies on roughly 3,600 bee species. Declining bee populations could put that production in serious jeopardy.

But all is not lost in the fight to restore bee populations. In fact, Cornell indicated in a 2019 report that bee populations are thriving in agricultural & natural areas, but they must thrive in suburban & urban areas. Planting a pollinator-friendly garden is one step you can take to help restore bee populations. When planting homeowners should always look for native plants, as they are well-adapted to local climates & unlikely to upset local ecosystems. Local garden centers can be great resources for anyone looking to plant native species. According to HGTV, the following are some bee-friendly garden flowers & plants to consider for gardens: Bee balm, Honeysuckle, Sunflower, Cosmos, Strawberries, Dahlia, Butterfly bush, Crocus, Pot marigold, Geraniums.

Live Your Best Life

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Opportunities To Support The Community

Article From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center

One of the things that stood out to me when I began working at the Boone County Council on Aging (BCCA) was residents’ willingness to give back to their community. It has been said that how much we give for the sake of others largely determines how well our lives are lived. Winston Churchill said it best, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

The Belvidere Chamber of Commerce has a long-standing tradition of honoring community members that give back. Each year they bestow the Doctor of Civic Betterment Award honor on individuals who strive toward the highest levels of service in our community & have devoted time & energy to their community in a meaningful way outside of the individual’s regular job or profession. Many of these recipients have supported BCCA in numerous ways through the years. The Belvidere Chamber would like to honor their past Doctors of Civic Betterment & hear more from some of our local organizations on what is happening in Boone County, including BCCA/Keen Age Center, CASA & Boone County Community Foundation.

The Keen Age Center will be hosting this event on Thursday, July 27th at 7:30 AM. Please join the Chamber for breakfast provided by Americold. Registration is required through the Chamber with a $10 registration fee for non-chamber members at https://business.belviderechamber.com/ap/Events/Register/4rJGBXbp

Another opportunity to show your support is by joining us as a vendor or shopper at our Junk-in-the-Trunk fundraiser, July 21, 9 AM - 2 PM (Rain Date July 28), at Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Ln., Belvidere. The proceeds benefit Keen Age Center, keeping programs & activities free for area seniors. Vendors are needed! $30-$50 reserves your spot, 8 AM set-up, bring your own tables, no electricity available or provided. Keep all the money from your sales! All are welcome to buy and sell. Call 815-544-9893 to register or for more information. Register by July 7th! Food will be available for purchase. No weapons, drugs, or alcohol allowed on premises.

About Gardening In Our Area

Lecture Series - As part of the Boone County Museum of History’s ongoing lecture series they will be hosting Tina Dawson Scott on July 13th at 6 PM. Tina will be speaking about Ethnobotany: Unique Uses of Common Herbs Among The Native Peoples and Early Settlers of the Midwest. Lecture series programs are free to sustaining members, $5 for regular members and $10 for non-members. For more information call 815-5448391. The museum is located at 314 S. State Street in Belvidere.

Community Garden - The Ida Public Library offers a community garden located east of the library parking lot. The garden is a lovely spot to sit & enjoy the quiet. The Library Gardeners grow a variety of vegetables and herbs that you are welcome to pick & eat. The garden is sponsored by the Boone County Gardeners Club, and the Boone County Extension Office. The library is located at 320 N. State Street.

Unplug Illinois Day July 15th

July 15th marks the 5th Annual Unplug Illinois Day - when people are encouraged to get up, get out, unplug, play and engage with one another through experiences at local park, recreation and conservation agencies. Whether a person is biking with friends on local trails, playing a sport, taking in a class or simply cooling off in some water, Illinois is home to thousands of facilities and opportunities that help people live a happier & healthier life.

Miss America Judi

Belvidere Park will host its 3rd Annual Unplug Day & invites families to spend the day unplugged outdoors & learning a new activity or skill. Activity sessions run from 7 AM - 8 PM and include bird watching, nature hikes, fishing, disc golf, outdoor cooking, painting, rock painting, kid activities & astronomy. Learn from hobbyists & specialized Organizations like Rockford Fishing Tightlines, Boone County Conservation District, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, League of United Latin American Citizens, Boone County Master Gardeners & Naturalists.

In addition to targeted sessions, spend time wandering through the open Unplug Activity Area, enjoy lunch, or simply spend time doing your own thing in the park! The best part of all, this is a FREE event! For more information, a schedule and to register to limited classes visit belviderepark.org or call 815-547-9557.

National Parks & Recreation Month is celebrated every July. Enjoy some activities for all ages!