2013 WHATS Happening HAlloween & Treats Pink Tea Gala
October 2013 everythinglake.com
October is Breast awareness Month
OUR HEROS OF TOMORROW
INSIDE THIS ISSUE October 2013 7 Autumn edibles: Tips for fall gardening and second plantings 8 -9 Natural, balanced and beyond: Making sense of dog food labels 10 2013 Pink Tea Gala
11 October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
12 Business Spotlight: Karen Riscinto Vangie Berry Signature Realty
14 -15 Halloween: The History
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16-17 Halloween Happenings & Treats 20 -21 Stop the spread of cold and flu viruses this school year 22 - 31 Six reasons to switch Medicare plans for 2014 24 -25 Things retailers do to make you love their stores - and spend more
26 -27 Weeknight meals made easy with simple tips
5-10 pm
from the publisher’s desk Al Asghar One of my favorite times of year is Halloween. This means that the weather is starting to change and that the holiday season is right around the corner. It is the start of our decorating season. And it is always fun to see the different costumes out there. Our cover this month is Halloween based. The kids on the cover are local future super heroes. I want to thank Penny and Don at the Party Source, in Eustis, for the use of their facilities. Their selection of Halloween costumes and party supplies are off the chart again this year. This also means that our festivals season is starting around Lake County. There are lots of good events planned, so go out and enjoy yourselves. I want to thank everyone who listens to our radio show, Everything Lake Magazine Hour. The show has grown beyond my expectations. Keep the feedback coming in, for that is what makes us better. Enjoy the current issue and I will see you next month. Al Asghar Everything Lake Magazine www.everythinglake.com www.facebook.com/everythinglake 407-697-7933
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staff Publisher & Managing Editor
Al Asghar al@everythinglake.com
Design & Layout
Joe Ramirez
Photography
Jennifer Moseley Elizabeth Betsy Reed Dakota Davis
Contributing Writers
Ajay P Amir Asghar Al Asghar
Advertising Sales
Al Asghar Matt Roderick
Cover photo:
Jennifer Moseley
Cover Models: Ashly Raya, Jose Enrique, Amir Asghar & Jack Cassela Cover shot on location at the Party Source, 2910 Kurt St, Eustis 352-357-5700
The goals of the writers at EverythingLake Magazine is to provide great stories that are true and accurate from beginning to end. Please be forgiving if we make a mistake. We will make it right. EverythingLake is a monthly publication and can be located in various Schools, Chamber of Commerce, Businesses, Restaurants, etc. Any comments can be sent to EverythingLake Magazine at al@everythinglake.com or call 407-697-7933. 2273 Jennah Circle, Eustis, Florida 32726 EverythingLake Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to EverythingLake Magazine become property of EverythingLake Magazine and maybe reproduced at any time. All views expressed in our magazine are those of the writers and may not be of EverythingLake Magazine. Use of the material in our magazine is prohibited unless written approval is given by EverythingLake Magazine
Autumn edibles: Tips for fall gardening and second plantings (BPT) - People choose to garden for many reasons: Food is fresher and tastes better. It’s a healthy hobby that exercises the body. It saves money. Numerous reports show an increasing number of homeowners are growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs. As summer’s end nears, you may think gardening season is over. The good news is with a few strategic tips, you can keep your green thumb going and enjoy a plethora of autumn edibles for months to come. Step 1: Select second plantings Second plantings are the plants you use for the latter part of the gardening season. Late summer is typically the best time to plant these varieties. Call your local extension offices or access information online to find regionalized planting schedules and recommended plant varieties. The length of the fall season and when the first frost will likely hit are important considerations when selecting second plantings. Keep in mind that fast-maturing vegetables are ideal for fall gardening and they should be planted early enough to reach maturity before the first frost arrives. Popular second plantings that yield a delicious late fall/early winter harvest include broccoli, lettuce, turnips, collards, carrots, peas, radish, spinach, leeks and beets. Some people even claim root vegetables and cole crops like kale and turnips taste better after the first frost. Step 2: Prepare your garden space If you plan to use your current garden space for second plantings, remove the early-season plants that are done producing. Add those plants to your current compost bin or create a new compost pile with easy-to-use, stylish options from Outdoor Essentials. Wood-slate bins blend well with the outdoor aesthetic and the design allows oxygen to circulate and facilitate the composting process. Next, prepare your garden space. Elevated garden beds are growing in popularity because they look great anywhere in your yard or on your patio, and are easy to move if necessary. Raised
garden beds from Outdoor Essentials elevate the plants so gardeners don’t have to bend over and risk injury. They are ideal for fall because gardeners can regulate the temperature of raised beds with ease. On hot days, move or add a shade netting to protect plants from the heat; when frost is a threat, cover the entire bed for protection. While you’re getting your hands dirty, fall is the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs. A little outdoor work now and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful flowers when spring arrives next year. Step 3: Enjoy the harvest Tend your garden daily for the best results - it may just need a quick check for pests and proper soil moisture. Typical benefits of late-season gardening include fewer bothersome bugs and the soil has better water retention. As plants grow, pick the fruits and vegetables and enjoy Mother Nature’s bounty. If your plants become crowded, pluck a few out to help remaining plants grow roots and increase the harvest yield. You may be surprised just how many cool months your plants provide you with fresh, delicious produce. Fall is a great opportunity to keep gardening momentum alive. So get started and decide what second plantings are best for your space. In as little as 30 days you could be eating the freshest, most flavorful vegetables you’ve ever had, all while under the gorgeous autumn sun.
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Natural, balanced and beyond: Making sense of dog food labels (BPT) - Dogs are man’s best friend, so it’s only natural to want to give him the best care, from the veterinarian he goes to, right down to the food you put in his bowl every day. But in a world filled with an ever-expanding array of choices, it can be hard to make sense of it all. However, getting to know the meaning behind the labels you see at the pet store will make it easier to give your four-legged friend the food he deserves. “Making sense of dog food labels can be a challenge and many owners aren’t sure where to start when it comes to choosing the best food for their pet,” says Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, veterinarian, petMD contributor and author of Pawcurious.com. “A single, seemingly simple word can have a much more complex meaning. But learning the story behind those words will tell you a lot about what you’re feeding your dog.” Vogelsang points out a few key words that dog owners should pay attention to: “Natural”: When it comes to dog food, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a body that sets voluntary standards for the pet food industry, defines “natural” as “a feed or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources.” In practical terms, this means that a “natural” dog food, like Hill’s Ideal Balance, contains no chemically synthesized ingredients (aside from vitamins). “Balanced”: Pet food is formulated to be the sole source of your pet’s nutrition so it’s the ingredient ratios that are essential to making 8 everythinglake.com
the food complete and balanced. This means that it has to strike the right balance between macronutrients, like carbohydrates, fat, and protein, and micronutrients or vitamins and minerals. Macronutrients provide calories and both the amount of calories and the ratio of carbs, fat and proteins to one another are important for optimum pet health. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that the body uses in smaller amounts, but they are no less important. For example, minerals like OVER 25 Brands of Grain Free, Holistic and Natural Foods Unbeatable Prices on: Natural Balance Natural Choice Blue Buffalo Taste of the Wild From Natures Variety Orijen, Canidae Merrick, Earthborn & Full Reptile Supplies 19814 SR 44, Eustis FL 32726 352-589-1746
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Natural, balanced and beyond: Making sense of dog food labels calcium and phosphorous are essential to bone health and provided in the wrong amounts can cause health problems for your pet. “Grain-free”: Like people, some dogs have food allergies and sensitivities and can benefit from a grain-free diet. “When you shop, read labels carefully, and consider the source,” Vogelsang says. “For instance, Hill’s has a long history of making leading dog foods, and their new Ideal Balance has been formulated by a team of pet nutritionists to provide your pet with natural ingredients perfectly balanced.”
Keep up with more stories Like us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ everythinglake
Providing your pup with healthy food is one of the best ways to ensure that you’ll share a long, happy life together. To learn more about feeding your dog well, visit petMD.com or Pawcurious. com.
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2013 Pink Tea Gala
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ink Tea is a wonderful event for lovely ladies to get together and raise money for those who cannot afford to get a mammogram done. This year they raised over $5000.00 to help fund the tests for the local women. This year they had a Titanic Fashion Show where several women walked the stage showing off vintage dresses and clothing. A good time was had by all and the atmosphere was outstanding. If you are in need of a mammogram and would like an application or if you would like to donate to the cause please contact, Margaret Anderson at 352-360-9497 or you can email her at maggiemae@maggezine.net
Melissa Atkins
Jay Banafal-Feather
Cathy Hoechst Betsy Arvelo
Rhema
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October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), also referred to in America as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer. NBCAM was founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, producer of several anti-breast cancer drugs). The aim of the NBCAM from the start has been to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer.[1]
A variety of events around the world are organized in October, including walks and runs, and the pink illumination of landmark buildings. In the United States, the National Football League promotes breast cancer awareness by incorporating pink on and off the field, and comic strip artists use pink on one day in October. In October 1983 the Race for the Cure was held for the first time in Dallas, Texas, where 800 people participated. According to the organizers, by 2002 the number of participants reached 1.3 million and the event was held in over 100 US cities. The event is also being organized in several other parts of the World.
In 1993 Evelyn Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President of the EstĂŠe Lauder Companies founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and established the pink ribbon as its symbol, though this was not the first time the ribbon was used to symbolize breast cancer.[2] In the fall of 1991, the Susan G. Komen Foundation had handed out pink ribbons to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors.
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Business Spotlight: Karen Riscinto Vangie Berry Signature Realty
For All Your Out Of The Box Real Estate Needs! A REALTOR® who is familiar with the Lake County area, market conditions, property rules, Lake county schools, etc. is vital to getting to the closing table without interruption. I’ve helped families purchase and sell in Lake County for years, and I’m ready to help you today. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing or researching, you’ll need an agent who understands technology and how to apply it to a real estate transaction. You’ll love the resources available available on my website, www. realestateoutofthebox.com , such as mortgage calculators, our listings, tips for staging your home and much more - plus the e-mail alerts that I send. But these will never replace the time I spend in person with you, serving as your personal guide through this exciting process. Top 10 Reasons I’m the Real Estate Agent for You! 1. I have years of experience successfully buying and selling homes in the local market. 2. I know the neighborhoods, schools, market conditions, zoning regulations and local economy. 12 everythinglake.com
3. I’ll do the leg work, keeping you up-to-date with new listings and conditions as they impact the market. 4. I’m a full-time real estate agent - anything less and you’d be short changed. 5. I’ll use my connections throughout the mortgage industry to get you the best deals possible. 6. You’ll be my only client in the real estate transaction. 7. I’ll guide you through the complexities of buying and/or selling a house, eliminating hassles and stress. 8. As a standard business practice I preview homes as they become available, keeping you apprised of market conditions as they evolve. 9. I won’t waste your time - when an offer is made, I’ll require acceptance or a counter offer within 24 to 48 hours. 10. You’ll have the advantage of personal, oneon-one attention, as well as my dynamic web and e-mail resources. So, go on my website or call me at 352-250-3166 and it will be my pleasure to help you.
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Halloween: The History
S
traddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by childfriendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats. Halloween Comes to America Celebration of Halloween was extremely limited in colonial New England because of the rigid Protestant belief systems there. Halloween was much more common in Maryland and the 14 everythinglake.com
southern colonies. As the beliefs and customs of different European ethnic groups as well as the American Indians meshed, a distinctly American version of Halloween began to emerge. The first celebrations included “play parties,” public events held to celebrate the harvest, where neighbors would share stories of the dead, tell each other’s fortunes, dance and sing. Colonial Halloween festivities also featured the telling of ghost stories and mischief-making of all kinds. By the middle of the nineteenth century, annual autumn festivities were common, but Halloween was not yet celebrated everywhere in the country. In the second half of the nineteenth century, America was flooded with new immigrants. These new immigrants, especially the millions of Irish fleeing Ireland’s potato famine of 1846, helped to popularize the celebration of Halloween nationally. Taking from Irish and English traditions, Americans began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today’s “trick-or-treat” tradition. Young
women believed that on Halloween they could divine the name or appearance of their future husband by doing tricks with yarn, apple parings or mirrors. In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-togethers than about ghosts, pranks and witchcraft. At the turn of the century, Halloween parties for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day. Parties focused on games, foods of the season and festive costumes. Parents were encouraged by newspapers and community leaders to take anything “frightening” or “grotesque” out of Halloween celebrations. Because of these efforts, Halloween lost most of its superstitious and religious overtones by the beginning of the twentieth century. By the 1920s and 1930s, Halloween had become a secular, but community-centered holiday, with parades and town-wide parties as the featured entertainment. Despite the best efforts of many schools and communities, vandalism began
to plague Halloween celebrations in many communities during this time. By the 1950s, town leaders had successfully limited vandalism and Halloween had evolved into a holiday directed mainly at the young. Due to the high numbers of young children during the fifties baby boom, parties moved from town civic centers into the classroom or home, where they could be more easily accommodated. Between 1920 and 1950, the centuries-old practice of trick-or-treating was also revived. Trick-or-treating was a relatively inexpensive way for an entire community to share the Halloween celebration. In theory, families could also prevent tricks being played on them by providing the neighborhood children with small treats. A new American tradition was born, and it has continued to grow. Today, Americans spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country’s second largest commercial holiday. Today’s Halloween Traditions The American Halloween tradition of “trickor-treating” probably dates back to the early continued on page 28
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Halloween
Happenings & Treats Terror On The Lake Presents MindShaft13 Haunted Attraction When: Friday, October 11, 2013 Sunday, October 13, 2013 Friday, October 18, 2013 Sunday, October 20, 2013 Friday, October 25, 2013 Saturday, November 02, 2013 Time: 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Wednesday
Eustis House When: October 1 – October 31 Where: Home of Joe & Denise Cassella, 1201 Chesterfield Ct, Eustis Cost: Free Jay’s Haunted Halloween Light Show 2013 When: Monday, October 07, 2013 Thursday, October 31, 2013 Time: Sun - Thu: 7 to 9:30 p.m., Fri - Sat: 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: The Town Center At Cagan Crossings 16729 Cagan Oaks, Clermont
Where: United States 1119 Jayhil Drive, Minneola
Cost: $15
Cost: Free
Description: Explore a virtual haunted mine. Go 1300 ft. below the earth. If air-starving darkness doesn’t frighten you, then occupant will. This event offers something for the entire family. A musical pumpkin patch, kid train ride, games, fortune tellers, coffin rides and and much more. This October don’t miss Haunt Weeks at The Town Center at Cagan Crossings.
Description: A computerized light show synchronized to Halloween music. Reaper Nights: (With Additional Special Effects) Oct. 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, & 31st On these days the Reaper joins the show searching for new victims. Don’t worry….. He will take good SCARE of you!!!
Contact: Call Michael Ganley at 407-928-3011 or email info@terroronthelake.com.
Contact: Call Jay Peterson at 352-321-6457 or email jay@jayslights.com.
Halloween Party Saturday, Oct 26 Lake County/Halloween 11am - Noon in Community Room 108. Please wear a costume. Cooper Memorial Library 2525 Oakley Seaver Dr Clermont, FL Saturday Morning Market Boo Bash Saturday, Oct 26 Lake County/Halloween 8 am - 1 pm, FREE costume contest, pumpkin decorating, parade. Leesburg Saturday Morning Market 510 W. Main St. Leesburg, FL The Not So Scary Spooktacular Story Time When: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 Time: 10:30 a.m. Where: Fruitland Park Library 205 W. Berckman St., Fruitland Park Cost: Free Description: No tricks, just treats! Join us for a fun filled story time with a costume parade and crafts. Perfect photo opportunities. Contact: Call Jo-Ann Glendinning at 352-360-6561.
Tavares Seaplane Base Monster Seaplane Fly-in Date: October 26, 2013 Time: Planes fly in from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm Location: Wooton Park, Lake Dora, Tavares Seaplanes of every size and description fly in from all over the country for a spooky splash-in featuring competitions such as the “Smashing Pumpkin Drop”! FREE Admission. 9:30am to 10:30am - Kids can decorate the pumpkins used for the drop! Flying competitions begin at noon. Enter your name in the seaplane ride drawing! Contact: City of Tavares, Economic Development Phone: 352.742.6176 Email: lfarrell@tavares.org Howl-O-Fest Date: October 26 & 27, 2013 Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Location: Downtown Tavares - Main & Ruby Streets This event is hosted by the Tavares Chamber of Commerce. It includes hay rides, trunk-or-treat, entertainment and costume contests. Specific details will be available closer to the event. Contact: Tavares Chamber of Commerce Phone: 352.343.2531 Website: http://tavareschamber.com/
Lights, camera, holiday party (BPT) - With the holiday party season right around the corner, a growing camp of entertaining experts suggests approaching things a little less like Martha Stewart, and a little more like Steven Spielberg. Whether it’s a Halloween party for the kids, a Thanksgiving potluck, or an elegant Christmas dinner, entertaining pros know that “setting the scene” for a memorable event can make a significantly greater impact than debuting the next ambitious dessert recipe. “Inviting family and friends into your home is an intimate gesture,” says Ginny Bean, founder/ publisher of Ginny’s catalog and Ginnys. com.”From the way the lighting is set, to the scented candles you choose and the music that’s playing, the best gift you can give your guests is to create a scene that makes them feel comfortable and welcome.” Bean offers the following checklist for transforming your home into a seamless scene for holiday entertaining, and creating a warm and inviting place for guests to interact. * Choose your space. Identify and arrange the area of your home where your scene will be set. When choosing a location, think about the season and theme of your event. If it’s a Halloween party and you’ve transformed your yard into a ghoulish garden of spooky spectacles, convene in a front room and open the curtains. On Thanksgiving, 18 everythinglake.com
gather near the fireplace. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, electric fireplaces provide surprisingly affordable ambiance and seasonlong enjoyment for your family. * Set up the room the day before the party, so you have plenty of time to make last-minute changes. Arrange furniture so guests can move around easily, clearing out extra furniture if necessarily. A general rule of thumb for mixers and cocktail parties is to have seating for 10 to 15 percent of your guests. If the space you choose is going to be crowded, use a single, preferably round, center table for hors d’oeuvres. If your space is too big for the number of guests, use multiple small tables to create mini food stations, which will encourage guests to move throughout the room.
Lights, camera, holiday party * Dim the lights. Avoid unflattering overhead lights, and instead rely on table and floor lamps, and mood-enhancing candlelight. To get more light from candles, place them in clusters, and decorate with metallic accents that bounce light around and provide a festive holiday feel. Candles, of course, bring more to the party than a flattering light source. Seasonal scents like spiced pumpkin, cranberry clove and gingerbread maple play a dramatic sensory role in setting the scene. * Simplify the table decor. When creating centerpieces and decorative accents for your table and serving areas, less is often more. Seasonal fruit presented with nuts and berries, or evergreen branches and pinecones from your backyard, can make a lovely and elegant statement, at a fraction of the cost of fresh flowers. If you want to decorate with flowers, remember that one large arrangement makes a stronger impression than several small ones. For maximum impact, place flowers on the main food station or at the bar, where guests are guaranteed to see them.
* Add thoughtful touches. Place cards casually incorporated into a nicely folded napkin, or placed between the tines of a fork, show how you have thought about each guest and who they might enjoy meeting. * Turn on the music. Music helps your guests relax and gets them in the proper party mood. Many stereo systems now have an mp3 player dock, so you can create a playlist for the entire evening and avoid the hassle of scrambling to change CDs. Choose tunes that match the occasion, but Bean suggests mixing traditional holiday songs with favorite party tunes in a ratio of one to three. * Ready, set, relax. Set the table, dim the lights, start the music and light the candles well in advance, so you’re relaxed and ready to greet your guests the minute they walk in the door. “If you’re sometimes challenged to get everything ready in time, remember that getting 80 percent of the work finished is good enough,” says Bean, who also encourages her fellow hostesses to “stop trying to be Superwoman in an apron, and ask for help.”
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Stop the spread of cold and flu viruses this school year (BPT) - A new school year is starting and as many parents know, kids are likely to bring home more than their homework at some point. Many catch cold and flu viruses from their classmates, which can then spread to other family members at home. When kids are sick, they miss out on valuable learning experiences and social interactions in the classroom. On average, elementary school children get eight to 12 colds or cases of the flu each school year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For the older kids, it is about half that. That’s why it’s important that parents, teachers and kids work together to stop the spread of germs in the classroom. Everyone can follow these simple steps to help prevent the spread of germs that can cause cold and flu viruses this school year:
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Get vaccinated: Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in flu prevention. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year to protect against the flu virus. Stay home when sick: If possible, keep kids home from school when they are sick to help prevent teachers and classmates from catching their illness. Sing and scrub: Make sure kids wash their hands the right way. They should wash frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). Do the elbow cough: Teach kids to cough into elbows, not hands, since hands are more likely to spread bacteria and viruses through touch. 20 everythinglake.com
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Stop the spread of cold and flu viruses this school year Disinfect germ hot spots: The CDC recommends disinfecting frequently touched surfaces or objects when someone is ill. In the classroom teachers can use a disinfectant approved to kill cold and flu viruses on desks, computer mice and doorknobs. “Creating a healthier learning environment starts with small actions that add up to a big impact,” says Dr. Howell Wechsler, CEO of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children thrive. “Parents play an important role and can lend a hand to teachers by reinforcing healthy lessons at home and donating useful items like tissues, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.”
To provide teachers with the resources they need to help stop the spread of germs in the classroom, the Clorox Company is partnering with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation for “Canisters for Classrooms.” For every parent that takes the “Canisters for Classrooms” pledge, Clorox will donate a canister of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to a school in need and $1 to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program, which creates healthier learning environments in more than 18,000 schools, reaching 11 million students across the country. To take the pledge and learn ways to help keep your family healthier this school year, visit www.CloroxClassrooms. com. Parents that take the pledge will also receive a coupon, so that they can donate disinfecting wipes and make a difference in their child’s classroom, too.
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Six reasons to switch Medicare plans for 2014 (BPT) - Each year, Medicare open enrollment brings with it changes that can affect nearly 50 million people. The limited enrollment timeframe of just 54 days - Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 - gives all Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to change their Medicare plans for the coming year to better match their needs and potentially save on health care costs. This includes anyone using original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans. If your Medicare coverage worked well during the previous year, it may seem simple to continue with those existing Medicare plans. But there are many reasons why this annual enrollment season should grab the attention of Medicare beneficiaries, according to Paula Muschler, manager of the Allsup Medicare Advisor. This is a Medicare plan selection service offering personalized help that includes customized research and enrollment assistance. “In the broadest terms, your Medicare plans may have changed what they cover, or your own needs may have changed, or both,” Muschler says. “If you continue with the same plan next year, you could find your plan doesn’t cover things you thought it did or that you need, leaving you holding the bill.” Muschler outlined the following six reasons why beneficiaries should review their Medicare plans during the annual open enrollment season. 22 everythinglake.com
Six reasons to switch Medicare plans for 2014 1. Your health situation has changed. Perhaps you have developed a health condition in the previous 12 months that requires a new prescription drug or ongoing visits to a specialist. It’s important to know whether the plan you have, or decide to purchase, covers these health needs. 2. Your health care provider situation has changed. Physicians may retire or relocate, and medical facilities may change their terms. A number of developments could lead your plans to no longer include the doctors you see or the medical center you visit. “If your doctor choice is important to you, this is a good reason to study your options and possibly switch Medicare plans,” Muschler says. 3. Your coverage changes. Plans can alter the drugs, procedures and conditions they cover. For example, your prescription drug Part D plan may no longer cover the prescription drugs you need to purchase in the coming year, or put restrictions on how and where you purchase them. “Questions about prescription drug costs are one of the top concerns our Allsup Medicare specialists encounter,” Muschler explains. “This is especially critical for those who fall into the prescription drug donut hole.” The donut hole is the gap of coverage in which the individual pays a greater percentage of the drug cost.
In these instances, beneficiaries must select a new plan, or they may default to another plan chosen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Sometimes plans are eliminated because the provider offers a similar plan, but it’s still important to compare that coverage to what you actually need in the coming year,” Muschler says. Each fall, Medicare participants receive their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from their current Medicare Advantage and Part D providers. “It’s important you read this information,” Muschler says. “Take time to review your current health care needs, and then compare this to the plan’s coverage for the coming year. “Reviewing your Medicare plan options earlier rather than later will put you in a better position to make changes during the annual enrollment window,” she says.
4. Your plan premiums, co-pays or deductibles are increasing. Price changes occur year to year, so examine the prices you have been paying and what you can expect to pay in the coming year. There may be alternative plans with lower costs available in your area that an experienced Medicare specialist like Allsup can locate. 5. You have moved or are planning to move. It’s important to consider your Medicare plans when moving because you may leave the plan’s service area or have additional options. 6. Your current plan no longer will be available. everythinglake.com 23
Things retailers do to make you love their stores - and spend more (BPT) - Holiday shopping can make you feel frantic, while you sprint from store to store, trying to find the right gift for everyone on your list. If you think you’re under pressure to achieve during the holidays, however, just image how the retailers feel; holiday season is often makeor-break for many of them. And they’ll go to great lengths to keep shoppers in stores, happily spending. From sweet-on-the-feet commercial flooring to interactive product displays that incorporate sound and video, stores use a variety of marketing tools to make you feel welcome, wanted, and generous during the holidays. As you’re scouting for deals this holiday season, keep your eyes open for these five “come-hither” tactics employed by retailers: * Fatigue-fighting flooring - As you scurry from store to store, you probably haven’t considered the toll that average store flooring takes on your feet. Concrete floors, covered by carpet, tile, or vinyl, are common in retail settings, and they can contribute to foot fatigue. Savvy retailers realize that if your feet hurt, you’re not likely to linger in one spot. By installing flooring with anti-fatigue properties, like ECORE’s forest rx, stores hope to keep shoppers more comfortable. While the flooring
looks like hardwood - adding a touch of class in retail settings - it’s really a revolutionary composite of vinyl sheet laminated to 5 millimeters of engineered, recycled rubber underlayment. It’s more comfortable underfoot, easier to keep clean, and quieter than tile and some carpet - all of which adds up to a more pleasant environment for shoppers. * Lights, camera, action! - Taking advantage of new technologies, many retailers have added interactive video displays throughout stores to entice shoppers to pause and learn more about a featured product. Some employ touchscreen technology to engage shoppers whose interest is already piqued by video and sound displays.
CATCH HOUR
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Things retailers do to make you love their stores - and spend more Others have even added features that interact with shoppers’ smartphones, such as scannable barcodes that deliver information or coupons to a user’s phone. * An oldie but still a goodie - For a while, department stores stepped away from the whole concept of free gift wrapping, but these days it’s back in a big way. From big department stores to mom-and-pop gift shops, retailers have rediscovered the value of providing this service to customers. Free gift wrapping is a relatively low-cost service, but it’s hugely valuable - both to time-pressed customers who appreciate the convenience, and for retailers who are able to keep shoppers in-store a bit longer while wrapping takes place. * The way to a shopper’s heart - Another tried-and-true holiday enticement is food and beverage. You might expect to find samples in a grocery store or wine shop, but enterprising retailers know refreshments are welcome, regardless of what product they’re selling.
During the holidays, clothing stores to hardware shops find their way into consumers’ hearts via their stomachs, serving a variety of treats that range from specialty candies available for sale in the store to holiday cookies, cider, or hot chocolate. * Y’all come back now - No matter how delightful your shopping experience, eventually you’re going to leave the store. Smart retailers use a variety of tactics to encourage you to return another day - from handing out coupons for future discounts at the cash register when you check out, to “greeters” who also bid you a fond farewell on your way out the door. Marketers know that if they can leave you with a positive feeling and a reason to return, you’re much more likely to shop in their store again. Of course, retailers have many ways to draw consumers into their stores. And as the holidays arrive, they’ll be adding incentives like these to ensure shoppers enjoy their time in stores more - and hopefully spend more because of it.
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Weeknight meals made easy with simple tips
(BPT) - What’s for dinner? It’s a question most of us ask every day. With evening routines packed full of extracurricular activities, chores and preparation for the following day, we don’t always have as much time as we’d like to make dinner. Fortunately, a quick, delicious and healthy meal can still be an option for your family, even when you’re short on time. All it takes is a little planning, some common ingredients and one trip to the grocery store. Here are five dinners to take you through an entire work week: Monday Start the week by putting your slow cooker to work for you. Slice off the tops of four to six bell peppers, but don’t throw them out. Remove the seeds and stuff each pepper with a combination of lean ground turkey or chicken sausage, grated cauliflower, carrots, onion and garlic, plus fresh herbs, salt and pepper. Put the pepper tops back on, arrange the peppers securely in a slow cooker, pour a large can of low-sodium chopped
tomatoes over them and cook on low for eight hours. Dinner will be ready when you walk in the door. Tuesday Soup can be a quick way to have dinner on the table in minutes - and it allows you to use up vegetables that may be near the end of their shelf life. Try a Broccoli Cheese Soup (recipe follows), a classic favorite that the whole family will enjoy. There’s minimal pre-cooking required - simply steam the broccoli, measure the remaining ingredients, put them in your Vitamix Professional Series 500 blender and start the Hot Soup program. When the program completes, pour into bowls and garnish with extra steamed broccoli florets and bit of grated cheese. For a heartier meal, chop and add grilled chicken chunks. Serve with crusty bread and a salad for a complete dinner.
Weeknight meals made easy with simple tips Wednesday Whole-wheat pasta with basil walnut pesto is a crowd pleaser. Take fresh basil, Parmesan cheese and walnuts and puree with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice in your Vitamix for a quick and easy sauce. If there are stuffed pepper leftovers, chop and heat for a tasty pasta topping. Make a large batch of pesto and you can use the leftover portion later in the week. ThursdayThrow together a chicken stir-fry for another quick weeknight meal. Chop up your favorite vegetables, including extra cauliflower, onions and carrots from Monday’s stuffed peppers and broccoli from Tuesday’s soup. Saute the vegetables with cooked, cubed chicken and a mix of soy and teriyaki sauces. Serve over rice and offer a spicy chili sauce for those who like it hot. Friday You’ve made it through the week. Why not treat your family to pizza? Top a ready-made, whole-wheat pizza crust with your leftover pesto sauce, cheese and any toppings you’d like. Add peppers, mushrooms and vegetables you chopped for the soup and stir-fry to create a veggie delight. Follow the cooking instructions on the pizza crust package, and you’ll be ready to kick off your weekend in no time. With a bit of planning, you can shop once and have your dinners set for the week. Buy canned or frozen fruits and vegetables in bulk and try to prepare at least two meals using the same ingredients. Even with hectic schedules, families can prepare and sit down to a satisfying meal every night of the week. Broccoli cheese soup Yields two cups. everythinglake.com 27
All Souls’ Day parades in England. During the festivities, poor citizens would beg for food and families would give them pastries called “soul cakes” in return for their promise to pray for the family’s dead relatives. The distribution of soul cakes was encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. The practice, which was referred to as “going a-souling” was eventually taken up by children who would visit the houses in their neighborhood and be given ale, food, and money. The tradition of dressing in costume for Halloween has both European and Celtic roots. Hundreds of years ago, winter was an uncertain and frightening time. Food supplies often ran low and, for the many people afraid of the dark, the short days of winter were full of constant worry. On Halloween, when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly world, people thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts, people would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits. On Halloween, to keep ghosts away from their houses, people would place bowls of food outside their homes to appease the ghosts and prevent them from attempting to enter. Halloween Superstitions Halloween has always been a holiday filled with mystery, magic and superstition. It began as a Celtic end-of-summer festival during which people felt especially close to deceased relatives and friends. For these friendly spirits, they set places at the dinner table, left treats on doorsteps and along the side of the road and lit candles to help loved ones find their way back to the spirit world. Today’s Halloween ghosts are often depicted as more fearsome and malevolent, and our customs and superstitions are scarier too. We avoid crossing paths with black cats, afraid that they might bring us bad luck. This idea has its roots in the Middle Ages, when many people believed that witches avoided detection by turning themselves into cats. We try not to walk under ladders for the same reason. This 28 everythinglake.com
superstition may have come from the ancient Egyptians, who believed that triangles were sacred; it also may have something to do with the fact that walking under a leaning ladder tends to be fairly unsafe. And around Halloween, especially, we try to avoid breaking mirrors, stepping on cracks in the road or spilling salt. But what about the Halloween traditions and beliefs that today’s trick-or-treaters have forgotten all about? Many of these obsolete rituals focused on the future instead of the past and the living instead of the dead. In particular, many had to do with helping young women identify their future husbands and reassuring them that they would someday—with luck, by next Halloween—be married. In 18th-century Ireland, a matchmaking cook might bury a ring in her mashed potatoes on Halloween night, hoping to bring true love to the diner who found it. In Scotland, fortune-tellers recommended that an eligible young woman name a hazelnut for each of her suitors and then toss the nuts into the fireplace. The nut that burned to ashes rather than popping or exploding, the story went, represented the girl’s future husband. (In some versions of this legend, confusingly, the opposite was true: The nut that burned away symbolized a love that would not last.) Another tale had it that if a young woman ate a sugary concoction made out of walnuts, hazelnuts and nutmeg before bed on Halloween night she would dream about her future husband. Young women tossed apple-peels over their shoulders, hoping that the peels would fall on the floor in the shape of their future husbands’ initials; tried to learn about their futures by peering at egg yolks floating in a bowl of water; and stood in front of mirrors in darkened rooms, holding candles and looking over their shoulders for their husbands’ faces. Other rituals were more competitive. At some Halloween parties, the first guest to find a burr on a chestnut-hunt would be the first to marry; at others, the first successful apple-bobber would be the first down the aisle. Of course, whether we’re asking for romantic advice or trying to avoid seven years of bad luck, each one of these Halloween superstitions relies on the good will of the very same “spirits” whose presence the early Celts felt so keenly.
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