COMMUNITY CONNECTION JANUARY 2023

Runaway Farm · 215.679.6219

Runaway Farm · 215.679.6219

Runaway Farm · 215.679.6219

Runaway Farm · 215.679.6219

Easy Resolutions for You and Your Dog

By Marion O’Neil

Is Fido getting fluffy or fat? It’s important to use an 8-ounce measuring cup to ensure your dog isn’t taking in more calories than he needs. No more eyeballing meals. Try not to free feed by keeping food in the bowl all day. Older pets and those who have been neutered usually have lower energy needs than young, intact dogs. Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your dog’s life stage is a great way to keep them at optimal weight.

Yearly examinations by your veterinarian are a key component of good preventive care. Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging dogs and much easier to manage when detected in the early stages of the disease process. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask questions, for advice or to update your dog’s food intake.

Brushing your dog’s coat serves many purposes. It removes excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount you find on your clothes and furniture. Less vacuuming is always a plus for me. It helps distribute oils from the skin to the fur keeping the coat shiny and healthy. Daily grooming is a good way to find bumps, lumps, or boo-boos.

Any brushing is better than no brushing, but daily toothbrushing is the best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay. Be sure to use a toothpaste meant for dogs. Water additives or all natural dental chews designed to reduce tartar can also be a helpful in keeping teeth clean and fresh breath.

Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals. In other words, keeping your dog’s brain active can actually make it healthier! Teaching your dog new tricks and practicing those they already know are a great way to keep those neurons

firing. Puzzle feeders, which force a pet to think through a task in order to be rewarded with a treat, are also an excellent way to keep a pet’s mind engaged.

Over the course of a year a lot can change: people move, get new phone numbers, and for get to update their dog’s tags or microchips information. Often, they only remember once the pet is lost. If any of your contact information has changed don’t wait update their tags and mi crochip information today! It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way safely home.

Things to do in January

The festivities are over — all the family dinners, open houses, parties... poof, done! Here are a few things to do around the house this month while you have some downtime.

1. Review presents and hostess gifts

Of course your friends and family love you and were grateful for your hospitality, but no doubt you don’t really need all the tokens of affection you received. Surely someone else could make better use of that collection of tea, those pot holders or that picture frame? Hold on to what you love, by all means, but get rid of the rest by dropping it off at open link or The Community Thrift store.

2. Tapers, tea lights, scented...

Candles make the season and since you’ve probably gone through a whack of them, replace your stock now. They don’t have a shelf life so it’ll be one less thing to shop for next year.

3.

Move the furniture

You may be surprised what you find there. Take the cushions off sofas and chairs, vacuum along the wall behind the furniture and then turn your attention to the inside of the furniture itself. After the hosting you’ve done, no doubt it needs it.

4.

Sort your CDs

Are there songs or compilations you wish you’d had at your last get-together? Are there CDs you just never listen to anymore? Now’s the time to get rid of those and make a list of the titles you want to add to your collection. Look online –- some of your favorites may be on sale now.

5.

Clean out the fridge

All those half bottles of olives, maraschino cherries, and other garnishes that you use only for special occasions… Those opened containers of sauces, dips and marinades that don’t work with weekday meals… why hold on to them? The next time you need them, they will probably have passed their best-before date. Either plan menus around them or get rid of them and don’t feel guilty about it.

6.

Inspect your seasonal decorations

When you put them away, look for missing hooks or broken bits on balls and wreaths. You can probably fix them yourself, but if you can’t, get rid of them now and use this as an excuse to go shopping again. There will no doubt be serious bargains to be had.

7.

Restock the liquor cabinet

You may have used up a lot of your mix and stand-by offerings like vodka, rum or scotch. It’s always nice to have a few sweet after-dinner bottles as well, and they may also be close to empty now that the guests have gone.

8.

Take care of your dinner party accessories

Polish the silver and pack it away carefully. Check table linens for small holes before washing them and putting them away. Don’t bother putting them away if they need to be mended. It’s easier to take care of this stuff now, rather than adding it to your to-do list when you’re in the throes of getting ready for the next holiday.

9.

Deal with your pictures

Take that film in if you used a traditional camera or download the precious ones if you’ve gone digital. If you wait till after the next celebration, you’ll feel overwhelmed by them all. Sit down now and edit the great ones from the less-than-stellar and make a plan for them all. As you create a file, e-mail them to people who were in the shots, as a way of saying thank you for celebrating with us. (You’ll kill two birds, as they say; see number 10.) And if you’re going to hang on to all the shots yourself, pick up a few photo albums now.

10. Send thank-you cards

Keeping on top of holiday notes can be tough when you’re in the middle of planning, celebrating and shopping. But now that things have slowed down, there’s more time to draft short missives of gratitude. Do it — you’ll feel good about it.

THE "RHOAD" TO HEALTH

Dan Rhoads provides health insurance, life insurance, and investment advisory services. He’s been working in financial services since 2016.

Everything that Dan does under “Health & Wealth” is based on his belief that individuals and families deserve clarity, security,

and personal freedom in preparing for their healthcare and retirement needs. Access to those qualities should not be dependent upon your employer.

He educates his clients on how insurance and investing works. His level of honesty and the depth of the explanations that he provides will help you.. And he really knows what he’s doing, saving people money on

insurance and guiding them on how to grow and protect their life’s savings. This level of trust and transparency is what wins him clients’ trust.

Call him at (484) 460-3922, and you’ll see why so many people keep coming back for his support,renewing their benefits, year after year. Specific

Disclosures: In his capacity as an insurance broker, he may provide recommendations regarding purchase of health and life insurance products and may receive commissions and incentives accordingly. Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Simplicity Wealth, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Subadvisory services offered through Simplicity Solutions, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Accounts are secured with TD Ameritrade. Insurance services offered by Dan Rhoads are separate and unaffiliated entities from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

Warm this winter Keeping

Put on layers.

The real trick to staying warm is to dress in layers, so get a few pairs of long underwear and longsleeve undershirts that you can wear in addition to your regular lounge clothes. Don’t underestimate the heating power of a wool sweater! Don’t forget about slippers! And if you’re really chilly, wear a cap or hat! (even to bed!)

Add layers to your furniture.

During the chilly months of fall and winter, no matter what heat source you use—oil, gas, electricity, or wood—you can cut costs by adopting temporary measures to keep the thermostat turned down. Here are some money-saving tips for cutting the cost of cold snaps.

Keeping Down Heating Costs

Keep doors and vents open in each room to keep air circulating properly throughout your home. In most cases, when heating your home, it’s best to keep the doors and vents open; closing the vents or doors can actually make your heating system work harder and less efficiently, and may cause leaks in the ductwork or other problems. Move furniture back from the heating vents so that you get all the heat you’re paying for!

Hang blankets over the windows at night.

Get insulated curtains in your windows to trap heat. Or, just tape or thumbtack the sides and bottom of blankets to the walls or windowsills to maximize the insulation value. (Press the tacks or tape under the bottom of the sill and over the top of the frame to hide any damage to the finish.) Remove the coverings on the south side of the house during the day to let in the warming sunlight.

Cover cracks around doors and windowsills with rugs, newspaper, towels, or other insulation.

Window-sealing kits can be bought at hardware stores, too.

Use electric space heaters in living or work areas.

These are more efficient than the furnace for localized heating, and they will allow you to set the thermostat lower for the whole house. Always be sure to use space heaters in open areas only.

Don’t forget to add warm blankets to your sofa and flannel sheets on your bed and even extra rugs to your floors (especially the bathroom)!

Change your furnace filter.

A dirty filter increases your heating bill. It’s worthwhile to change your filter every month if needed! It goes without saying that an annual furnance tune-up is well worth the money saved.

Lower the thermostat.

For many heating systems, if you are home during the day, it is best to keep to the lowest comfortable temperature; an often recommended setting is 68°F. When you are asleep or away for several hours, however, it makes sense and cents to lower the thermostat about 8 to 10 degrees. Tip: A programmable thermostat will make the adjustments for you. (Note: If you have a heat pump, a more moderate, constant setting works best; or use a programmable thermostat specifically designed for heat pumps.) During extreme cold snaps, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature that your furnace can handle (the furnace will work better at lower temperatures), and keep it at that temperature both day and night. (Remember that setting the thermostat higher than your goal won’t make the home heat faster.) If you are planning to be away for a few days, set your thermostat no lower than 55°F, to help prevent water pipes from freezing during cold weather.

Check the damper.

Shut the damper when the fireplace is not in use. Check the seals around the damper to make sure that thay are tight.

Drink a warm drink.

Though consuming the hot liquid will only warm you marginally, holding a warm mug in your hands can really help!

Everyone wants to save on their heating bill, so here are 10 ways to cut heating costs and keep your home warmer in the cold season!

Safety Begins at Home with Family Caregivers

by Bryan Fioriglio

Let’s start the year 2023 in a positive way by identifying and assessing the safety hazards in and around your home! Too many safety hazards are overlooked or forgotten about because of how busy our home lives can be. There are a few simple ways to minimize the emergencies that can occur in our homes. Do you use extension cords? Is there adequate lighting, especially at night? Do you use throw rugs? These are basic items we use every day, but if not used properly, pose unnecessary dangers. Let us look at some ways to secure our homes in the new year to ensure our safety at home!

Extension cords are a big safety risk, especially around the holidays as they are widely used for decorations. Remember to use surge protectors! When using an extension cord do not plug it directly into the wall outlet. Plug it into a surge protector first to minimize the risk of an electrical fire.

Installing motion lights in hallways and outdoor walking paths are an easy and effective way to reduce the risk off falling at night.

Throw rugs are the most common tripping hazard in the home especially for aging individuals. It is quite easy to catch your foot on the elevated end of the rug, lose balance, and fall forward. However eye catching or sentimental that rug may be, it’s time to remove it from your home! Your safety is paramount!

As we begin to look at our homes through a lens of safety, be sure to pick up on the tiny details that can make the biggest difference. If you would like a comprehensive home safety assessment by one of our Certified Home Safety Specialists, please call Family Caregivers Network at 215-541-9030 or visit us at www.family-caregivers.com for more information. Stay safe and Happy New Year!

If you are interested in becoming a professional caregiver, scan the QR code to apply!

Fun and flavorful recipes from our kitchen to yours!

Best Ever Pork Roast and Sauerkraut

Juicy and packed with so much flavor!

While pork roast and sauerkraut is a traditional New Year’s eve or Day recipe, I enjoy this recipe all year round. The aroma fills the house and brings back memories of a simpler time when Sunday dinner was still all the rage. Nowadays when I want the ultimate comfort food, this is my go to meal. Feel free to adjust the brown sugar depending on how much “bite” you want from the sauerkraut.

If you make this recipe, drop a photo on our Facebook page. We would love to hear from you!

Pork and sauerkraut.

Ingredients Instructions

• 4 pound pork loin roast

boneless and at room temperature (don’t skip this step!) – this should take about 20-30 minutes from being in the fridge

• 2 pounds sauerkraut

• 1 cup chopped Vidalia onion

• 1 peeled apple, chopped

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 cup water *optional

• 2 Tbl olive oil

Adding Apples:

I add the apple to help curb the bitterness of the kraut plus it adds such an incredible depth of flavor to the kraut! It’s a must try in my book! If you like it more bitter.

Preheat oven to 325F, place rack in the middle. Pat the pork dry and sprinkle the entire roast with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add in olive oil. Sear all sides until golden brown approx. 5-8 minutes per side.

In a Dutch oven with a lid, place the sauerkraut over the bottom. Sprinkle over onions, apples and brown sugar. Place the seared pork roast on top of the sauerkraut. If you’ve drained your sauerkraut, add water. If you did not you do not need the water. You want at least a cup of liquid in the pot.

Cover tightly with a lid and bake for about 2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads between 145F-150F. While it’s cooking check the pot to ensure that it’s not drying out. If needed, add more water. Remove from the oven once the thermometer reads 145F-150F. Carefully remove the roast from the pan and place on a cutting board covering loosely with foil.

Allow to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes:

Adding Brown Sugar

Adding sugar is completely optional as it to how bitter/ sour you like your kraut. If your Kraut is really bitter, add the full amount of sugar. Start with a 1/4 cup if desired.

Prevent it from drying out

You need to ensure that your pot has a tight seal. If it does not, add foil to cover the pot and then the lid. If you do not have a lid, ensure that the foil is fitted snugly.

Got a recipe you would love to share?

Send it to: donnao@ccmonthly.com. If we pick your recipe for publication, you’ll receive one of my favorite local food products!

You say Potato, I say Potato...

Local youth judging potatoes

Potatoes! This most versatile of vegetables gets to shine this month when the Montgomery County 4-H team gets ready to compete at the State Contest, held at the PA Farm Show in Harrisburg each January. This year’s contest is on Tuesday, January 10th at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. The contest is comprised of 3 parts, 1. Identifying and correctly labeling all of the official grading defects found in potatoes; 2. Speed grading of 100 potatoes according to the US #1 White Potato Specifications; 3. Placing plate entries of 5 potatoes for acceptability and uniformity.

Montgomery County typically has one of the largest teams of 4-H members participating in the statewide Potato Judging competition, and has taken the top prize a number of times. Youth aged 5-18 are eligible to participate. For more information please reach out to the Montgomery County 4-H Extension Educator

Amy Garges at 610-489-4315 Ext. 107 or at als525@psu.edu.

It is a lot of fun and very educational and competitive! One year they even incorporated a potato cooking demonstration into practice! So if you find yourself with some extra time on January 10th, head to the Farm Show Complex and watch local kids judge potatoes! Because, potatoes!

Dillon & Jaxson checking out some potato samples

NewHappyYear

ccm MONTHLY EVENTS

JANUARY 1 · 1PM

NEW YEARS DAY BINGO @ TYLERSPORT

Submit your events to donnao@ccmonthly.com prior to the 12th of the month

Tylersport Fire Hall · Tylersport Doors & Kitchen open at 10:30, Games begin at 1:00. $30 until Dec. 26, $35 at the door To reserve tickets, call 215 257 5900 Ext. 7, and leave your name, phone number, and number of tickets. We will return your call.

JANUARY 13 · 12PM

RED HILL LINE DANCING

Red HIll Fire Co. Social Hall, 82 East 5th Street, Red Hill Line Dancing Every 2nd Friday! 7pm to 11pm $10 Cover Lessons and Dancing, Food and Drink Available

JANUARY 21 · SAT 10AM - 3PM

BRING A FRIEND- BOGO- 3 YEARS CELEBRATION

Talking Feathers Wellness Center, 239 Main St. East Greenville Please join us as we celebrate 3 years in business with this fun twist to our event. Bring a friend and when you both book ahead receive your second session with the same practitioner at 1/2 price! Pat Ezzo is offering mini Shiatsu sessions.Shiatsu is a pressure point body work great for relieving physical pain and creating emotional space. contact Pat to book: 267-218-2408 Brian Brunner is offering Chirology,Reiki and Theta Healing Sessions. Contact Brian to book: 484-644-9770 bbrunner1972@gmail.com. Complimentary gift for the 1st 10 people to attend! There will be light refreshments and mini mystic retail.

JANUARY 22 · 2PM

MEATBALLL THROWDOWN

Red HIll Fire Co. Social Hall, 82 East 5th Street, Red Hill Do you think you make the best meatballs? We will be the judge of that! Here are the rules: Contestants must provide 30 meatballs to be taste tested and judged. All ingredients will be disclosed on a recipe card for allergy reasons only. No sides will be allowed for tasting. Those entering the contest the judges will be serving the meatballs to those tasting to keep the meatballs makers a secret until the winners have been selected. Entrance fee is 10.00. Anyone wishing to taste the cost is 1.00 per ball. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Those entering the contest will have entries to the Social Club by 1:00pm in a crock pot

What is community? A group of people? A place? A mindset? We believe it’s all of the above. It’s a group of like-minded people who join together to make a place more than a geographic location, for the betterment of one another and their region. We believe in great relationships, and in our magazine motto, “Because we know local matters” Behind every coupon and marketing strategy is a desire to help a local business survive and thrive.

Why? Here are just a few of the reasons:

• If we don’t have small, independently run businesses in our community, we don’t have a “community.”

•Local businesses give each community a unique flavor or personality. From sponsoring local events, to donations, small businesses are the backbone of the community.

•Owners of local businesses hire residents as their employees and contribute to the area’s financial stability.

•Shoppers are more likely to receive one-on-one help at a small business and build ongoing vendor relationships and lasting friendships.

•Stability filters down to every level – to the support of local teams, pride in our downtowns, to stronger and better schools and chambers…in essence, to communities that thrive!