a Magazine for FUN women!
July/August 2022
TM
Camping for
BEGINNERS Grow blueberries in
CONTAINERS
Spotlight: Lindsey Sarkilahti, DPT Meet Lindsey Sarkilahti, a physical therapist at Alomere Health for more than nine years. If you ask Lindsey what she does as a PT, she’ll answer very simply, “We help people get back to what they want to be doing.”
Lindsey Sarkilahti, DPT with her husband, Jon.
A favorite memory of hers that underlines this definition is a patient who owned a small business, yet his work-related pain was stopping him from doing his job. The fear of losing his business made the effect even worse. But after just two sessions with Lindsey, he was seeing significant improvement and his whole mood shifted. “You could tell he had hope again.” A typical day for Lindsey includes meeting between 9 or 11 patients with a wide range of needs—from back and neck pain, to workplace and sports injuries, and everything in between.
With her LSVT BIG certification, Lindsey is even able to help people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease live a more independent life. She says her most valuable skill as a physical therapist is empathy.
“One of the best thing you can do for a patient is to simply listen. They may have seen lots of other doctors and they don’t feel like they’ve been heard.” Besides a good education, Lindsey notes PTs also need to have good organizational skills, flexibility, and the willingness to adjust and problem solve. “Th he rehab team is always willin ng to jump in and help if som meone needs an extra han nd or fill their shift. I’m most proud of how our team ca ame together during COVID. Th hey’ve become a second family and just another reason why I love my job.”
Want to join our award-winning team? Visit AlomereHealth.com and click the “Careers” button to view all of the open positions.
Alomere Health Alexandria Clinic Osakis Clinic Lakes E.N.T. Heartland Orthopedic Specialists
2 Chicz July/August 2022
It’s better here.
July/August 2022
Beat the heat!
July is here and the way this summer has begun, the rest could be a scorcher! This issue brings you great articles on how to stay cool and enjoy your summer season. Al Edenloff gives you some ideas on pairing wines with foods from the grill and we have a few tips on how to get the most out of your grilled food. Looking to keep cool? How about making homemade popsicles? We also give you tips on how to beat the heat. In Real Chicz of Douglas County, Celeste Edenloff brings you Osakis preschool teacher Jan Campbell’s story of her love for teaching. If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, we have an article on camping for beginners as well as a list of camping essentials. And did you know it’s not too late to plant summer vegetables? We bring you the details as well as tipps for growing blueberries in containers. Lowell Anderson lets you in on the reasons to take notes in The Learning Life, and I bring you a fun idea for creating rainbow pasta for your grandkids. These stories and many more are just waiting for you in this issue of Chicz. Enjoy! Lori Mork, Chicz editor
Put some sizzle in your summer
6
RAINBOW PASTA
Inside this issue
10
Library corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Learning Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Puzzles and games. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 CAMPING FOR BEGINNERS
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Food and drink
Put some sizzle in your summer. . . . . . . . . . . 6 Grilling tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Rainbow pasta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Homemade popsicles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Life/Wellness
Camping for beginners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Camping kitchen essentials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beat the heat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Have fun with soap bubbles. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HOMEMADE POPSICLES
12 13 15 21
Grow blueberries in containers. . . . . . . . . . . Best container blueberry varieties. . . . . . . . It’s not too late to plant summer vegetables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midsummer vegetable chart . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Your writers
Chicz contributing writers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Home
Create an inviting front porch. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Choosing an outdoor rug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
GROW BLUEBERRIES
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To advertise in Chicz call 320.763.3133
Diann Drew, Publisher Lori Mork, Editor/Designer
Chicz is a publication of
Echo Press, 225 7th Ave. East Alexandria, MN 56308 ©2022 Echo Press
Send your feedback to:
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Real Chicz of Douglas County PAGE
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It’s all about the
kids Brandon woman has helped young minds for decades
By Celeste Edenloff
W
orking with children and teaching their young minds is something Jan Campbell has done most of her life. Whether it was staying home with her own kids, taking care of others while being a daycare mom, substitute teaching or now, for the past 12 years, working in the Osakis School District. Campbell, who lives in Brandon with her husband, Roger, was the Early Childhood Family Education coordinator
Jan Campbell of Brandon is a preschool teacher in Osakis. She has worked for the Osakis School District for 12 years. Celeste Edenloff / Alexandria Echo Press and preschool coordinator in Osakis, but last year opted out of ECFE and is now strictly a preschool teacher. “I love working with kids. I love their excitement and their honesty,” said Campbell, who is the mom of three grown children – Craig, 27; Diane, 25; and Kevin, 23. She also feels like she is a pretty positive person and that helping kids get a positive attitude about school when they are first starting out is really important.
Jan Campbell, left, an Osakis teacher, is shown with Jan Moore, right, a paraprofessional in the district, and their preschool students during Homecoming Week 2021. Contributed photo 4 Chicz July/August 2022
“I also love watching their growth,” she said. “It’s really fun and they are really such cool people. As they go through the year, they gain more independence and become more confident in themselves. Some kids don’t know the letters of their name or how to write their name. And so to watch how they progress over the year is really fun.”
TEACH WITH EVERYDAY ITEMS
Campbell said many parents think they need flashcards or technology devices to teach their children the basics like numbers, shapes and colors. But, she said there are a lot of things parents can use to teach their children. For instance, she said, ask children what color cup they want to use, or have them count out spoons or forks when setting a table or count the number of steps walking up or down the stairs. Teach them that tires are round like a circle or that windows are rectangle or square, she said. “Use whatever things you can point out in your everyday world,” said Campbell. She said books even work. Sometimes instead of reading all the words in the book, just look at the pictures, point to different things or ask children to find different things, like maybe a yellow dog or the blue sky, etc. She said it is also good to add words while reading. For instance, if there is a horse in the book, instead of just saying horse, say brown horse.
“You can add colors or shapes even if they are not written in the text of the book,” she said.
PUT DEVICES DOWN
Letting children know they are an important part of your world is crucial to their growth and development, said Campbell. “Put your devices down and let your children know they are not a burden,” she said. “I think when parents are stuck to their devices, kids feel like they are second fiddle. I think parents need to give their children their full attention.” Parents may often think, “I have to read another book,” but Campbell said let that time be a special time and even if parents aren’t into it, they should “fake it until they make it” because their attitude can rub off on their children.
So often, she said, when her students come in and if they are having a bummer of a day, she will have them look in the mirror and have them make a fake smile. She said it doesn’t take long before they are smiling for real. “I tell parents if they can muscle through it, it won’t be long and they might actually find they are enjoying themselves,” said Campbell. “And, it ends up not being a hassle or a chore.”
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Playing outside, playing board games, using their imagination, helping with simple chores around the house are all things children should be doing, said Campbell. CAMPBELL continued on 22
During Halloween week at Osakis Elementary School, preschool teacher Jan Campbell reads a book to her students. Contributed photo
July/August 2022 Chicz
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Put some in your summer Fire up the grill and try these five wine pairings By Al Edenloff Can anything beat a beautiful summer day, enjoying the company of good friends outside while something delectable is sizzling away on the grill? There’s even a whole month, “National Grilling Month” in July, to celebrate the occasion. Grilling, afterall, dates back to the cavemen days when hunks of meat were tossed into the fire. It’s a bit more refined these days with all kinds of grills, smokers and techno-tools in the neverending quest for the perfect BBQ. But here’s an easy way to elevate that meal – uncork or unscrew a bottle of wine that will bring out the best in those smokey, seared, slightly charred items that come off the grill. Here are five pairing suggestions for the ultimate grill/wine sipping experience.
BURGER HEAVEN Let’s start with the basic burger. If you’re one of those burger purists who want their hamburger naked, except perhaps, with a squeeze of ketchup, go with a classic Cabernet Sauvignon. If, however, you like your burger toppings to be taller than the burger itself, you have lots of options. With a bacon-stacked burger, try a smoky Lodi Zinfandel from California or a Shiraz from Australia. If you like your burger on the spicy side, look for a wine with less tannin and lower alcohol, with a hint of sweetness. A full-bodied Rose is a good choice. Are you a big mushroom-burger fan? Try it with a glass of Pinot Noir or Zinfandel.
(Remember, you don’t have to consume all five bottles. That’s what wine stoppers are for.)
STEAK PARTY It’s perhaps the most classic wine pairing out there – a juicy, medium-rare steak with a big and bold Cabernet Sauvignon. But there are other options to consider. Zinfandel, Syrah, Malbec or Bordeaux are a nice change of pace. A suggestion: Have a steak party with your buds and have all five of those reds as an option and crown a champion.
FISH FAVORITES For those planning a grilled fish dish like cod or tilapia, try a Pinot Gris or a Sauvignon Blanc. Pinot Noir is excellent with swordfish and you can’t go wrong with serving mahi mahi with Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. What about a Minnesota favorite, walleye? Try it with a light, chilled red, such as Pinot Noir or a Rose.
PORK PARADISE Like grilled pork chops? You’ve got choices. Look for something on the fruity side – Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Beaujolais or even a white wine option, Chardonnay. A sweet port is also a perfect complement to the chop’s saltiness. A SUMMERY BRAT It isn’t summer until you have your first grilled brat. Try it with a Riesling from Germany (especially if the brat is topped with sauerkraut), or a Chardonnay from California or an Argentinian Malbec. Yum!
TIPS for perfectly grilled foods this summer
It’s grilling season and you want your meals to be memorable. Here are 10 tips for making the most of cooking on your grill. HAVE A CLEAN GRILL. Use a strong metal brush to clean the grates of a hot grill to remove any leftover food. STOP OVER FLIPPING. Only flip or move food once it’s unstuck. The fewer times you move it, the better it will be.
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DON’T SQUISH IT. Flattening or squeezing grilling meat will press out the fst, removing the flavor and moisture. USE A MEAT THERMOMETER. It will ensure that your meat is properly cooked. DON’T COOK COLD FOOD. Allow meat to reach room temperature before grilling to allow it to cook more evenly. UNDERCOOK FOODS. Food continues to cook after it is removed from the grill.
LET IT REST. Allowing meat to sit for 15 minutes lets it reabsorb juices. DON’T CHAR IT. Cooking meat until it has a black char makes it taste burned. Instead, cook on high to get a nice crust, then move it to more indirect heat to finish grilling. KEEP IT SIMPLE FOR A CROWD. Trying to grill too many options can cause some foods to be undercooked, while others can be overcooked.
LIBRARY CORNER Your local library is a world of wonder. It can be your entry to more knowledge, different cultures and history, along with an opportunity to dive into adventures –
Dessert Island
by Ben Zhu
Ben Zhu’s Dessert Island is an irresistible picture book about sharing and caring. Monkey is on a dessert island. It is made of frosting, berries, and other delicious things. Fox is on a desert island. It is made of dirt, rocks, and sand. But as time goes on, their fortunes change, and Monkey and Fox discover that no animal is an island. This wonderfully layered story has themes of consumption and conservation at its center, and wraps up with a sweet and satisfying ending.
great for children and adults alike. Check out these three books found at the Douglas County Library.
By Dawn Dailey Douglas County Library director
It’s the End of the World and I’m in My Bathing Suit
by Justin A. Reynolds
Brighter by the Day: Waking Up to New Hopes and Dreams
by Robin Roberts
From the beloved host of Good Morning America and New York Times bestselling author Robin Roberts, a guide to instilling hope and optimism into readers’ lives, infusing their days with positivity and encouragement. Over the last 16 years as the esteemed anchor of Good Morning America, Robin Roberts has helped millions of people across the country greet each new morning, gracing our screens with heart and humility.
A hilarious new middle-grade fiction book from Justin A. Reynolds that asks: What happens when five unsupervised kids face the apocalypse under outrageously silly circumstances? T w e l v e year-old Eddie Gordon Holloway has concocted his most genius plan ever to avoid chores... especially the dreaded L-A-U-N-D-R-Y. If he can wear all the clothes he owns, he’ll only have to do the laundry once during his school break. On the day of the highly anticipated Beach Bash, Eddie’s monstrous pile of dirty laundry is found by his mom.
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July/August 2022 Chicz
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Create an inviting front porch When the seasons turn to summer, we all love to spend more time outdoors. One area we can take advantage of is a front porch. Whether your home boasts a full wraparound porch or just a small nook, adding some special touches will give you a space to sit and and enjoy as well as create curb appeal. DECORATIVE ITEMS A small side table, candles, a tray for small items like drink glasses brings in a cozy feel to your porch. Candles can do double duty if you select citronella by adding a cozy glow as well as keeping mosquitos at bay. COMFORTABLE FURNITURE Whether you prefer a porch swing, rattan furniture or upholstered chairs, make sure your furniture is comfortable and suits your style. Or maybe try a hammock to kick back in.
LIGHTING Add lighting to give your seating area ambience. It doesn’t matter what type – solar, electric or battery operated – lighting helps make those summer evenings extra special. Here’s a quick lighting idea. Remove the light bulb from an old lamp and replace it with a solar light that has been charging in the sun. No need to plug in to electricity for light; a solar light will last for hours!
PILLOWS Outdoor pillows can be change with the seasons to add softness and comfort to your porch furniture. Choose pillows that are comfortable but stand up to the weather and resist fading. INCLUDE SOME PLANTS Bring in some nature to your decor by adding a few plants. Whether you enjoy live potted plants or prefer the ease of artificial, plants will add a natural element to your porch.
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ADD A RUG From bright and cheery to sedate and neutral, there are many options for outdoor rugs. Use a rug to make your outdoor space feel more livable.
How to choose an
outdoor rug
If you’re looking to add an outdoor rug to your patio area, here are a few tips on what to look for:
DURABILITY. An outdoor rug needs to allow airflow to prevent mildew and it needs to be durable enough for areas that see a lot of use. Be sure to check on the care and cleaning of your rug and look for something that is easy to take care of. FADE RESISTANT. If your rug will get a lot of sun, you need to look for fabrics that will resist fading. PLACEMENT. Selecting the right rug will also depend on what type of surface that it will be placed on. If your patio is concrete, and especially if it’s not sealed, you need to look for a rug that will allow air to help moisture evaporate to prevent mildew.
If your rug will be on tile, moisture can also build up and can damage grout, so make sure your rug doesn’t have a rubber backing. A rug placed on a wooden deck can cause rotting, even if the deck is stained. Rugs will trap moisture, especially after a rain. Synthetic fibers are less likely to absorb excess moisture, lessening the chance of mildew and moisture damage. To help minimize the chance of mildew, try using a mildew resistant wood stain or one that resists fading. If your patio, deck or balcony is steel, too much moisture can cause rust and corrosion. It’s possible to add click-lock tiles underneath to lessen any potential damage and allow a rug to dry faster. Click-lock flooring combines the practical benefits of traditional luxury vinyl tile glue-down flooring, but has the ease of a floating floor that doesn’t require glue.
INTEGRITY
Doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
TRUST. EXPERTISE. SATISFACTION
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PEACE OF MIND
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N B I O A R pasta W
By Lori Mork
I’m always looking for ways to entertain my grandchildren when they come to visit and searching Pinterest brought this fun idea – rainbow pasta! This was an easy project that doesn’t add any unusual flavors – a no-no at our house! The noodles can be topped with a sauce of any kind, or they can be eaten with a little butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and you’re good to go! QUICK TIP: Pasta of any kind can be frozen and pulled out quickly to serve. After rinsing and draining thoroughly, I divide them into freezer bags, squeezing the air out gently, then laying them flat to freeze. Just pull out what you need, thaw on the counter or under running water, then re-heat in the microwave. They taste just as fresh as when you made them.
While pasta is cooking, combine about 2 Tbsp. of water and 20 drops of food coloring in a large zip-top pastic bag. Repeat with additional colors.
1 Cook pasta al dente according to directions.
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2
When pasta is done cooking, drain in a colander and rinse it in cold water to stop the cooking process.
4 Transfer the pasta in equal portions to the prepared zip top bags and seal. Use your hands to gently combine the pasta and food coloring, then let each bag sit for at least 1 minute to soak up the color.
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One color at a time, transfer a bag of pasta back to the colander and rinse with cold water to remove any extra food coloring. Put the pasta back in your original pot. Toss all of the colors of pasta together to combine the colors.
The TAKING NOTES Learning Life
The importance of
By Lowell Anderson
For many people, the main goal of learning is to soak up as much information as possible and try to remember it all. You could visualize this kind of learning as trying to fill a leaky bucket as full as possible or using a sponge to absorb more and more information. However, these assumptions are probably inaccurate. Do we really want to remember every word we read, or everything we hear? Do we need to remember introductions, silly stories and self-promoting filler material? Do we need to try to remember what we already know or things that are irrelevant to us? Probably not. What we do need is a way to sort out the really important information from the useless and find a
way to soak that up in our sponge so that we can use it later. We can try to do that with our brains alone, but, as author David Allen says, our brains are designed for having thoughts, not storing them. Eventually you get to the point where the sponge is temporarily full, and then important stuff starts leaking out. The solution is some form of notetaking. Apart from handson learning, where you can practice and reinforce the material right away, learning without taking notes is usually just plain lazy and inefficient. Taking notes could involve handwriting, typing, highlighting and underlining, or any other method that makes it easy to store and retrieve ideas. The key is to have a way to filter out the less important
stuff to get to the few main ideas that you want to record, review and memorize. Taking notes is really just active learning. Rather than only listening, you are processing everything and discovering what really matters. It involves simplifying, ordering, evaluating and categorizing. It also includes questioning, forming associations to things already learned, deciding what else you want to explore, and thinking about what you’re learning. What makes taking notes so valuable is that it not only gives you a way to store the material until it can be memorized, but it also requires you to do the hard thinking and organizing that are essential for good
notes. Without that thinking, it is easy to get lazy and just listen passively and hope you remember it later. It helps to be creative when taking notes, using color, symbols, or whatever. But don’t get too complex, you want to be thinking about what you are learning, not about taking notes. Find a system that works for you and make it automatic. Also, remember to read and clarify your notes as soon as possible after taking them. This not only offers a mini review, but it helps you fill in any important pieces that you may have missed and ensures that you’re soaking up only the most vital information.
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July/August 2022 Chicz
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Camping for beginners: Camping is an opportunity for individuals of all ages to venture into the great outdoors. Camping can be an immersive outdoor activity that includes hiking, cooking and sightseeing, all in a single, memorable trip. According to KOA’s 2021 Annual North American Report, more than 70 percent of North American campers changed their camping habits in 2020. First-time campers increased fivefold between 2019 and 2020, and experts note the pandemic likely had a great deal to do with that spike. Even though camping seems like a relatively easy activity, first-time or novice campers should familiarize themselves with some of the basics of camping before
embarking on their trips. Camping beginners can consider these tips to make the most of their time in the great outdoors. PRACTICE IN YOUR BACKYARD. If you have a backyard, practice setting up a tent and other camping equipment in the yard first so this becomes second nature by the time you reach the campsite. Sleep outside in the yard and learn the sounds of nature to get a feel for camping, including spending time in a sleeping bag. It’s a lot easier to make initial adjustments in the backyard as opposed to at the campsite. CAMP IN WARM WEATHER. Novices may want to camp in warm weather first.
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Learn the basics before heading out
This way you will not have to purchase a lot of gear just to keep warm. In addition, you’ll have more daylight to set up your tent and enjoy long evenings outside. RENT OR BORROW GEAR AT FIRST. Try out gear before you purchase anything to figure out what you need. The experts at REI say that if budget allows, go bigger on the tent to give occupants a little more wiggle room, such as a six-person tent for a family of four. Experiment with sleeping bags with different temperature ratings so you’ll be able to gauge just how hot or cold you’ll be inside of them. CHECK OUT OTHER CAMP SETUPS. Visit a campsite by tagging along with an
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avid camper to see what others use. You’ll need to bring all of your supplies, so find out how people pack light and how they differentiate between necessities and luxuries. You’ll likely want foldable camp chairs, lanterns, camp cooking utensils, a cooler, and a camp stove. If you camp at an established campsite, there may be grills or designated areas for campfires. Camping is an enjoyable pastime that has inspired scores of devoted campers across the globe. Novices can learn the basics and then expand on their camping knowledge with each ensuing adventure.
Did you know? CAMPING CAN RELIEVE STRESS AND DEPRESSION
As good as camping and hiking are for your physical health, they are equally as good for your mental and emotional health. Taking part in physical activities outdoors raises oxygen, serotonin and melatonin levels, lowering your stress levels. Source: campjellystone.com
Campsite kitchen essentials Are you going camping? With a bit of preparation, you can eat as well as you do at home. In addition to food, here’s what you’ll need. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Matches, lighters or firelighters Plates and bowls Cups and mugs Cutlery Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, etc.) Pots and pans Knives A cutting board A can opener A dishpan, biodegradable soap, a sponge and towels Containers, bags and food wrap for storing leftovers Aluminum foil Paper towels Garbage bags Potable water A cooler and ice bags A coffee maker A camp stove and fuel A telescoping fork A grill (for cooking on the fire) Scissors
For added convenience, use foldable or nestable tableware, multi-purpose cutlery and cookware with detachable handles. This way you can reduce your load but still have a hearty spread.
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Beat the heat with
HOMEMADE POPSICLES When the temperatures rise this summer, beat the heat with a homemade popsicle. There’s no need for special molds or popsicle sticks; you can use what’s on hand. For the popsicle molds, substi-
tute small disposable paper or plastic cups, muffin tins, ice cube trays or small yogurt containers. Replace the sticks with plastic spoons, straws or chopsticks.
HOMEMADE POPSICLE INGREDIENTS INSTRUCTIONS: Blend the ingredients until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze.
BLUEBERRIES AND CREAM POPSICLES INGREDIENTS: 1-1/2 cups vanilla yogurt 1/2 cup blueberries
EASY STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM POPSICLES INGREDIENTS: 1 cup strawberries 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream or yogurt 1 cup of milk 1 Tbsp. sugar
RASPBERRY YOGURT POPSICLES INGREDIENTS: 2 cups yogurt 1 cup raspberries
RASPBERRY POPSICLES INGREDIENTS: 1 cup raspberry juice 1/2 cup raspberries, optional KIWI POPSICLES INGREDIENTS: 4 kiwi 1-1/2 cups grape or pineapple juice 1-3 tsp. sugar, optional
STRAWBERRY BANANA POPSICLES INGREDIENTS: 1 3-oz. package strawberry gelatin 1 cup boiling water 1 banana 1 cup yogurt or ice cream INSTRUCTIONS: Dissolve gelatin in water. In blender, mix gelatin mixture, banana and yogurt. Pour into molds and freeze.
DOLE WHIP CREAMY PINEAPPLE POPSICLES Inspired by the Dole Whip that’s served at Walt Disney World, these popsicles are filled with tasty pineapple. INGREDIENTS: 20-oz. Dole crushed pineapple 6-oz. pineapple juice 4-oz. heavy whipping cream INSTRUCTIONS: Combine crushed pineapple with canned juice and
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additional pineapple juice in a blender. Blend on low until fully combined. Add whipping cream and pulse until well mixed. You can blend thoroughly for a lighter texture. Taste and add additional whipping cream, if desired. Pour into molds and freeze at least five hours or overnight before serving.
Did you know? The popsicle was accidentally invented in 1905 by 11-year-old Frank Epperson of the San Francisco Bay area, who stirred a glass of water and powdered soda mix in a glass with a wooden stick, and left it outside overnight. The next morning, Epperson’s solution was frozen. One taste and he fell in love with it. He named his concoction the Epsicle. Source: npr.org
WATERMELON KIWI POPSICLES Serves 8 Pour watermelon purée into the INGREDIENTS: molds and add chocolate chips or 3 cups fresh seedless watermelon, blueberries. Stir them in gently, add cubed popsicle sticks and freeze for 3 hours. 1-2 Tbsp. mini chocolate chips or Add thin layer of coconut yogurt small blueberries over the watermelon and freeze for an 3/4 cup coconut yogurt hour and a half. 4-5 kiwis, cubed Blend kiwi in a blender or a food Popsicle sticks processor. Pour kiwi on top of the other layers INSTRUCTIONS: and freeze for at least an hour. Add watermelon to blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
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Beat the heat!
Tips to stay cool as your summer heats up July is here and the days are heating up. When your day is a scorcher and you can’t find relief, here are a few ways to help keep cool. DRINK LOTS OF WATER. It seems like an obvious thing to do but many people don’t realize how dehydrated a body can get when you sweat. Water tops the list of cooling liquids, but don’t look past energy drinks, soda or sports drinks. Any liquid is better than nothing, although coffee is a diuretic and can actually cause you to lose moisture.
to an ice pack or a cold water bottle, lowering your temperature. LIMIT SUN EXPOSURE AT THE HOTTEST TIMES. It’s best to avoid the summer between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the summer, which are the hottest times of the day. It’s also the time that most sunburns take place. EAT COOL FOODS. Pick a salad or a cold sandwich over hot foods such as burgers and fries.
PICK THE RIGHT CLOTHING. Loose clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton will keep you cooler. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses.
KEEP YOUR HOME COOL. Air conditioning is great, but make it work more efficiently by keeping your windows and shades closed. Avoid turning on the oven or other appliances that can increase your home’s temperature. Don’t have AC? Try this trick. Place ice in a bowl in front of a fan. The air movement from the fan will help evaporate the ice and blow cool air around the room.
COOL PULSE POINTS. Areas such as your ankles, inside your elbows, behind the knees, wrists, neck and temples react
TAKE A COLD SHOWER. A cool, refreshing shower, especially before bed, can keep you cool.
CONSUME A SMOOTHIE OR POPSICLE. Eating or drinking something cold can help lower your temperature and keep you hydrated.
EXERCISE INDOORS. You may enjoy exercising outdoors, but when the temperature rises, it’s best to bring your exercise indoors if it’s possible. DAMP SHEETS. This little trick came from the ancient Egyptians. Wet a sheet or bath towel with cool water until it’s just damp. Place a dry towel underneath your body, then cover yourself with the damp sheet. This will help you keep cool as the moisture evaporates. For added cooling, turn on a ceiling or portable fan.
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Grow
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S E I E R R B E LU
You may have tried your hand at container gardens with tomatoes, cucumbers, peas or even strawberries, but have you considered blueberries? Blueberries are delicious, are packed with nutrition and take very little effort to grow. Using containers lets you control the pH of the soil, which is very important since blueberries require a pH of 4.0-5.0. The size of the pot is also important since blueberry roots spread horizontally. Select a container that is larger than you might feel necessary and has good drainage. The shallow roots dry out fast so they need a lot of water, but they also like sandy, well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
in containers
According to the University of Wisconsin, it’s also smart to avoid black pots which can raise the heat of the soil too high. To grow the most fruit, cross pollination is necessary, so plant two or more varieties in containers that are near to each other. Many blueberries are self-pollinating, but two plants allows for more fruit. Don’t forget to cover your plants with netting once the fruit grows to keep squirrels and other animals from eating through your produce. Blueberry plants need six to eight hours of sunlight per day, so make sure you you can move your containers if necessary. Don’t forget to test the soil’s pH regularly to ensure it is where it needs to be.
It’s not too late to plant
summer vegetables It may be the middle of summer, but there’s still time to plant yummy vegetables. If you know the average first frost in your area, you can check out the information on midsummer vegetables and how long it takes for them to mature. Some vegetables can tolerate a light frost, but others will stop growing once cool weather hits. Vegetables such as kale and other cabbage-family veggies are perfect for planting in mid-summer since they can handle temperatures below freezing. Fast-growing radishes can will continue to grow until the soil freezes,
making them the perfect fit for a later planting. Harvesting leafy vegetables when they are young will give you tender and tasty produce, and lettuce is actually better when grown in cooler weather. Growing summer lettuce in the shade of taller plants will help keep it from tasting bitter. Green onions, beets and peas are also vegetables that can withstand temperatures into the high 20s, with cauliflower, turnips and broccoli being able to survive a light frost. Don’t forget herbs such as basil and cilantro that are both fast growing and can be harvested after about a month.
MIDSUMMER VEGETABLES
Crop Days to maturity Basil 30-60 Beets 50-60 Bush Beans 45-65 Broccoli 50-70 Brussels sprouts 90-100 Cabbage 50-90 Cauliflower 60-80 Cilantro 60-70 Collard greens 40-65 Garlic Harvest the following July Green onion 60-70 Kale 40-65 Kohlrabi 50-60 Leaf lettuce 40-60 Mustard greens 30-40 Peas 70-80 (longer than if planted in spring) Radishes 30-60 Spinach 35-45 Swiss chard 40-60 Turnips 50-60
Cold hardiness Killed by frost Survives high 20s Killed by frost Survives light frost The hardiest - down to 20° The hardiest - down to 20° Survives light frost Survives light frost The hardiest - down to 20° Winters over in ground Survives high 20s The hardiest - down to 20° Survives light frost Survives light frost Survives light frost Survives high 20s
Dig until soil freezes Survives light frost; may overwinter Survives light frost Survives light frost Source: extension.umn.edu
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CROSSWORD
CLUES ACROSS 1. Female parent 5. NY city 10. Israeli diplomat Abba 14. Surrounded by 15. Car part 16. Simple aquatic plant 17. Tough skin of fruit 18. Finnish lake 19. Composition 20. Very willing 22. One and only 23. Cluster cups 24. Famed Hollywood director 27. Score perfectly 30. Important lawyers 31. Undivided 32. Part of the foot 35. Spun by spiders 37. Married woman 38. Reagan’s Secretary of State 39. Instruments 40. The A-Team drove one 41. Short-tailed marten 42. Oil organization 43. Predecessor to the EU 44. ‘Hotel California’ rockers 45. Color at the end of the spectrum 46. Actress Ryan 47. Digital audiotape 48. Expression of creative skill 49. Scientific instrument 52. Dog-__: marked for later 55. Israeli city __ Aviv 56. Fencing sword 60. Turkish title 61. Wise individuals 63. Cold wind 64. Popular type of shoe 65. The territory occupied by a nation 66. Tattle 67. Chop up 68. Actress Zellweger 69. Romanian city
BLUEBERRY WORD SEARCH
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NUTRITIONAL POLYPHENOLS PURPLE QUERCETIN SERVINGS SUPERFOOD SWEET VITAMINS
CLUES DOWN 1. Female horse 2. Bowfin 3. Chinese dynasty 4. Small venomous snake 5. Global news agency 6. Common fractions 7. American state 8. Tired 9. Boxing’s GOAT 10. Made less severe 11. A group of countries in special alliance 12. God of fire (Hindu) 13. Northeast Indian ethnic group 21. Anchor ropes 23. They __ 25. Apprehend 26. Autonomic nervous system 27. A theatrical performer 28. 2-door car 29. Partner to flowed 32. Pair of small hand drums 33 Former Houston footballer 34. Discharge 36. Former women’s branch of the military 37. Partner to cheese 38. Witch 40. Live in a dull way 41. Satisfies 43. Snakelike fish 44. Consume 46. Type of student 47. Erase 49. Instruct 50. Girl’s given name 51. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 52. Every one of two or more things 53. Indian city 54. Greek letters 57. Weapon 58. Geological times 59. Cycle in physics 61. Soviet Socialist Republic 62. Witness
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e for FUN
a Magazin
women! TM
Celeste Edenloff
Celeste is a reporter for the Echo Press. She enjoys perusing her social media accounts, running and participating in races with her husband, Al.
January/Febria
s Fashion trend
2022
TIPS forskdriny winter
Dawn Dailey
TM
Lowell Anderson is a photographer at the Echo Press newspaper.
a Magazine for
FUN women!
From doodles to drawings
TO ART
TM
March/April 2022
Al Edenloff
Dawn Dailey is the library director for the Douglas County Library in Alexandria.
May/June 2022
Al Edenloff of Alexandria and his wife, Celeste, were married in the heart of California wine country and enjoy sipping wine on their weekend date nights.
ry 2022
contributing writers
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DEVILED EGGS
Lowell Anderson
Lori Mork of Lowry is a mother, grandmother and dabbler in all things food, photography and decor related.
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Have fun with soap bubbles
Are you looking for a way to make soap bubbles even more fun? Here are three things to try this summer.
1
INFINITY SERPENTS. Cut the bottom off a plastic water or soda bottle and cover the hole with a stocking. Secure it with a rubber band and tape. Then, dip the stocking-covered bottom into soapy water. When you blow into the neck of the bottle, you’ll make bubbles shaped like long snakes. Just be careful not to inhale so you don’t swallow the soap.
2
EXPLODED ART. Pour soapy water into several containers and add different food coloring shades to each.
Blow bubbles onto a large sheet of paper. As the bubbles burst, they’ll leave unique and colorful patterns. Hang the artwork on the fridge or use the paper for gift wrap and other crafts.
3
FRIENDLY COMPETITION. Hold a contest to see who can make the biggest bubble. You can also try creating a track on a piece of cardboard to see who can
make their bubble go the farthest without bursting. Blowing bubbles is a simple activity that can provide hours of fun.
Imagine… your greatest goals within reach. Let’s work together. Contact me today and schedule a consultation. Wendy Oksness LPL Financial Advisor D: (320) 460-7488 E: wendy.oksness@lpl.com 405 50th Ave W, Alexandria MN mmfcu.org Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) and Mid Minnesota Investment and Retirement Services (MMIRS) are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using MMIRS and may also be employees of MMFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, MMFCU or MMIRS. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
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CAMPBELL
continued from page 5
Jan Campbell, a preschool teacher in Osakis, is shown with some of her students after they made Mr. Sparkle Pumpkin. Campbell said that is the name the students gave the Jack-o-Lantern. Contributed photo
I can’t picture loving a job more than I love this one. I really can’t.
JAN CAMPBELL
Osakis preschool teacher
Jan Campbell, right, a preschool teacher in Osakis, is pictured on the first day of school in September of 2021 with Jan Moore, a paraprofessional who works in her classroom. Contributed photo
22 Chicz July/August 2022
She said kids should be included in everyday chores like picking up after themselves, clearing off the table after supper or putting clothes in laundry baskets. “I think the more parents include them in their everyday stuff the better,” said Campbell. When it comes to board games, she said that sometimes parents don’t realize what their children are capable of. She said kids like to be challenged. She also said that parents should be talking with their children. Not talking at or to them, but talking with them, asking them questions and waiting for answers, she said. If there are multiple children, Campbell said parents should try and carve out a few minutes each day for each child. “We can really tell when a child has had a lot of conversations with an adult because their vocabulary is a lot bigger,” she said. “We know it can be hard to find a few minutes, but it is so beneficial. Visit with them. Really talk with them. And let them know they are not a burden, that they are really a joy in your world.” Campbell also stressed that parents need to make the rules in a home. She has seen
situations where the child makes the rules and it is not very helpful. “Kids feel safer when there are guidelines,” she said. “Saying no is OK. I think future employers and your children’s future spouse will appreciate it. Kids need to know there are rules they have to follow and that some things are not OK. Kids need to feel safe and guidelines and rules are good.”
LOVING HER JOB
Campbell has her elementary education degree, an early childhood minor and a kindergarten teaching certificate. “I always knew that I liked the younger ages and when Pat Ryan approached me about the preschool job, I took it,” she said. She started working in October 2010 and at first, wasn’t quite sure but then once she started, everything fell into place. “I really dig this and I think I have finally figured out what I want to do with my life,” said Campbell. “I can’t picture loving a job more than I love this one. I really can’t. There’s always going to be some days that are a little bit more challenging, but I know there’s a lot of people who don’t love their job, but I love my job. I really do!”
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