ZBGUIDE November 2015 by GoFLO.com

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NOVEMBER 2015

Visit us online at www.ZBGuide.com and www.facebook.com/zbguide

FRIDAY THE 6TH

NOVEMBER MONDAY THE 2

• 6:30 PM: The Essential Edgar Allan Poe at the Zion-Benton Public Library. Registration required! www.zblibrary.info

TUESDAY THE 3

• 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Parents Are Leaders Workshop “Balancing Stress” at East Parent Center. www.zion6.org

THURSDAY THE 5TH • 6:00 PM: Coalition for Healthy Communities Corporate Community Spelling Bee at North Point Church www.zbchc.com • 7:00 PM: Fall Concert – Concert/Symphonic Bands at Beach Park Middle School. www.bpd3.org/middle/ • District 126 Parent Conferences and Academic Awards. www.zbths.org

TUESDAY THE 10TH

• 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Coalition for Healthy Communities Meeting at Zion-Benton Public Library. www.zbchc.com

SATURDAY THE 7

• 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Newport School PTO Pancake Breakfast at the Applebee’s in Zion. www.bpd3.org/newport/ • 9:00 AM: Zion Benton Leadership Academy Graduation Saturday, at Market Square Hotel www.zbla.info • 9:00 AM: Wild Turkey Shoot at Sherpherd’s Crook Golf Course www.sherpherdscrook.org

MONDAY THE 9TH • 6:30 PM: Board of Education, Regular Meeting/Levy Hearing at Kenneth Murphy School. www.bpd3.org/km/

• 3:30 PM: Guys Read: A Taste of Space at the Zion-Benton Public Library. www.zblibrary.info • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Parents Are Leaders Workshop “Internet/ Social Media” at East Parent Center. www.zion6.org • 6:00 PM: BPMS Drama Performance at the BPMS Multipurpose Room. www.bpd3.org/middle/

WEDNESDAY THE 11TH • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM: RESPOND Luncheon at Wesley Free Methodist Church www.wesleyfmc.org • 1:00 PM: ZB Cinema at the Zion-Benton Public Library. Come watch PT 109! www.zblibrary.info • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Top Box Distribution Wednesday, at the Zion Shiloh Center. www.topboxfoods.com/ • 2:45 PM: Explore Your World at the Zion-Benton Public Library. www.zblibrary.info • 6:30 PM: Finding the PT 109 at the Zion-Benton Public Library. Registration required! www.zblibrary.info • 7:30 PM: Marching Band Revue Concert at the ZBTHS Main Gym. www.zbths.org

THURSDAY THE 12TH • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Queen Bees of Zion Red Hat Society Monthly Trip Thursday. Sign up at Zion Park District. www.zionparkdistrict.com 2

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November 2015

• 7:00 PM: Parent Bee Network Meeting at ZBTHS IMC www.zbths.org

FRIDAY THE 13TH

• 7:30 PM: Fall Sports Awards at the ZBTHS Main Gym www.zbths.org

• 6:00 PM: Full Moon Run at Zion Park District. www.zbrun.org

SATURDAY THE 14TH • 9:30 AM – 3 PM: Circus Trip at All State Arena. Meet at the Leisure Center in Zion. Register at the Park District. www.zionparkdistrict.com • 10:09 AM - 3 PM: Craft and Vendor Fair at North Prarie Junior High. http://www.whsd1.org/

• 7:30 PM: Fall Musical, “The Addams Family” at Pearce Rotunda Theatre www.zbths.org/ • Friday - 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Parent Cafe “Safety in the Community” at Zion Central Middle School. www.zion6.org • Friday - Saturday: Girls Basketball Tournament, Beach Park Middle School www.bpd3.org/middle/

• Saturday - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: 11th Annual Holiday Craft Fair at the Zion-Benton Public Library. www.zblibrary.info

SUNDAY THE 15TH • School Board Members’ Day

TUESDAY THE 17TH • 6:30 PM: Zion Township Board Meeting, at Zion City Hall. www.ziontownship.org • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Parents Are Leaders Workshop “Strength Builder/Goal Developement” at East Parent Center. www.zion6.org

November 2015

• Saturday - 9 PM: All submissions are due for ZB Inked Short Story Contest at the ZionBention Public Library. www.zblibrary.info

• 11:00 AM: Crash Course Calligraphy at the Zion-Benton Public Library. Registration required! www.zblibrary.info

• 10:00 AM: Zion Park District Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon. Sign up at Zion Park District. www.zionparkdistrict.com

THURS - SAT THE 19 - 21 TH

• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: KM Kids Running Club (CREW Full Moon Run)5K in Zion. www.bpd3.org/km/

WEDNESDAY THE 18TH

• 6:30 PM: Colors & Chillers at the Zion-Benton Public Library. Registration required! www.zblibrary.info

• Saturday - 2:00 PM: American Girl: Kaya’s Creative Crafts at the Zion-Benton Public Library. Registration required! www.zblibrary.info

FRI – SUN THE 20TH – 22ND • Gobbler Tournament at the Shiloh Park Golf Course. Payment required at registration. www.shilohparkgolf.com • Saturday - 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Howe PTO Pancake Breakfast at Applebee’s in Zion. www.bpd3.org/howe

TUESDAY THE 24TH • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: DropIn Craft: Native American Bracelets at the Zion-Benton Public Library. www.zblibrary.info

THURS & FRI THE 26TH - 27TH • Happy Thanksgiving! Government offices closed.

DECEMBER TUESDAY THE 1ST • 7:00 PM: Forum on Kindness at Zion Benton Public Library in partnership with ROTARY Community of Character Event www.zblibrary.info • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Parents Are Leaders Workshop “Resume/ Cover Letter” at East Parent Center. www.zion6.org

WEDNESDAY THE 2ND • 6:00 PM: Ugly Sweater Run, at Zion Park District www.zbrun.org • 6:30 PM: Winter Band Concert at North Prarie Junior High. http://www.whsd1.org/

THURSDAY THE 3RD • 7:00 PM: Parent Bee Network meeting at ZBTHS IMC www.zbths.org

FRIDAY THE 4TH • 7:30 - 9:00 AM: Coalition for Healthy Communities Meeting at Zion-Benton Public Library. www.zbchc.com

SATURDAY THE 5TH • Winners announced for the ZB Inked Short Story contest! www.zblibrary.info

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BUY LOCAL

BY: FREY GREYSTON

UY LOCAL – You’ve heard the term coined and tossed around on the news or across social media. It’s a campaign that has gripped consumers and often evolves into more of a lifestyle change. As shiny stickers, fliers and even posters pop up in local area store windows you can’t help but scratch your head. Just what is ‘Buy Local’ exactly and how does it concern you? At its most basic level ‘Buy Local’ means support your local stores; to stop traveling a few towns over or shopping online for the convenience and cheaper prices. For instance, you found a book online for $13 when its $17 in that bookstore down the street. Instantly that online store has more appeal. Not only does it appear to be a good deal but you also have the convenience of it arriving at your door instead of walking down the street, even if that shipping cost eats the deal in the first place. Every dollar spent buying cheaper goods online or outside of your hometown has a huge effect on your

community’s economy. The constant changing of hands in your town when it comes to money works the same as blood flowing through our veins. The more that pumps into the town’s heart, the healthy the community appears. However, when that money gushes out into neighboring cities or towns it stops that life-giving flow. If money continues to trickle out of our community, so does its ability to function and soon, what was once a suburban utopia becomes nothing more than a Ghost Town. Ghost Towns are something the average American cringes at. In a survey created by the American Planning Association, people said that they’d rather live in a community that has local flavor with the hustle and bustle of local area stores and restaurants. There’s nothing appealing about having to drive several miles out of town just to visit a drugstore or farmer’s market. In the end, ‘Buy Local’ is the ultimate means to stop the hemorrhaging if our hometowns and revive them in the most positive way. If we, as consumers, began to shift our attention back to our community instead of ignoring it, then we could truly save our way of life. Become a hero and start buying local today!

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November 2015

THE LAKESHORE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BY: LENETTE VAN HAVERBEKE At the very beginning of 2015, Zion Area Chamber of Commerce became Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and a Visitors Bureau representing the cities Beach Park, Wadsworth, Winthrop Harbor and Zion. So what is the difference between a Chamber of Commerce and a Visitors Bureau? Our Chamber of Commerce functions as a typical Chamber of Commerce does. Companies pay a membership fee to join and experience the benefits of being a chamber member. These benefits include member to member discounts on services and goods such as insurance. One area our Chamber of Commerce will really start to focus on in 2016 is expanding our programs to better support our business members to help them grow their businesses. This might include programs such as co-ops to increase buying power of small businesses at a better rate, political support, etc. Our Chamber of Commerce is also actively working with our communities

November 2015

to make relocation guides available to new residents. The purpose of this guide is to inform new residents of our area and to let them know what businesses we have. The Visitors Bureau has one purpose: to bring people to our area in the hopes that they frequent our businesses and thus bring more revenue to our area. To be a true Visitors Bureau in the real interest of our community, we must include everyone. The best aspect of the Visitors Bureau is that there is no membership fee. Every legally registered business that is geographically located in Beach Park, Wadsworth, Winthrop Harbor and Zion is automatically a member of the Visitors Bureau. Upcoming programs for our Visitors Bureau include a passport program that encourages consumers to frequent participating businesses and plans have begun to start an annual business expo. If you have any questions regarding Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, please email us at info@lclakeshore.com or call 847-872-5405.

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HISTORY

OF MAN’S BEST FRIEND BY: JENNIFER AYALON Regardless of how close you are to any other human, there will probably be no other being who will accept you unconditionally for what you are than your dog. All your dog cares about is being with you as much as possible. As long as you treat your dog with respect and love and spend time with him or her, you will have a best friend for as long as your dog lives. Anyone who has a dog knows exactly how thrilled the dog is when you arrive home. It actually doesn’t matter whether you have been gone for 10 minutes or 5 months, your dog will give you a hero’s welcome every time. As dogs are pack animals and understand the importance of keeping all pack members safe, in most cases your dog will also defend you. It is still up in the air as to exactly when mankind and dogs first teamed up, but it was evidently over 10,000 years ago. From the beginning, the relationship has benefited both species. Regardless of where and when, dogs have used their ability to bond strongly with humans to our advantage. Some dogs are strictly one person dogs while others will bond with an entire family.

kept alive by her dogs bringing her a quilt and lying next to her to keep her warm, to the 5 month old cocker spaniel puppy who brought help for her master trapped in an overturned vehicle, it seems that dogs will go out of their way to give us the help, love, and (often) guidance that we need. Just think of the thousands of therapy dogs who assist their owners every day to live more comfortable lives. It is more than likely that your particular best friend will not perform any really heroic acts for your benefit – few dogs will ever be faced with a marauding bear or a house fire. But it doesn’t matter; your dog is a hero as well as a best friend simply by being there for you every day, to see you through the bad times as well as enjoying the good. The only thing we humans can do in the face of such devotion is to be just as devoted to our dogs as they are to us. Ivan’s Puppies has been breeding and training puppies for over 30 years. Our hard work has been paying off, as now we are proud to be breeding Bulldog litters with excellent quality, with little to no health problems and good temperaments. For English Bulldog Puppies, visit our website at www.BulldogsNewYork.com Article Source: http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051622602-1-historyof-mans-best-friend/

The eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 completely destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. It was in the ruins of Pompeii that the remains of a dog named Delta were discovered. Delta was positioned next to his young master, evidently still trying to protect him. Delta had saved the child’s life 3 times previously, as commemorated on his collar. The Battle of Agincourt occurred during the Hundred’s Year War between France and England, and one of the participants was a British knight named Sir Piers Leigh. During the fight, Sir Piers was wounded badly enough to be knocked to the ground. Rather than ending up as easy prey for the French, his female mastiff stood guard over him until he could be removed from safety. This mastiff subsequently returned to England to found a famous line of mastiffs. A dog doesn’t have to be big to be valiant, as was highlighted by the pug owned by William of Orange. Pompey had been sleeping in his master’s tent during a campaign in Spain. Pompey heard Spanish soldiers stealthily approaching the camp and awakened William by barking and licking his face. From that time on, William always kept Pompey in his bedchamber, and Pompey is featured alongside his master on William’s tomb. With the advent of the internet, it’s now easy to see all the dogs that have proven that they are not only their master’s, but also all of mankind’s best friend. From the elderly woman who fell one outside winter night and was

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November 2015

FALL INTO THE SHOPPING SEASON WITH SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY BY: FREY GREYSTON There’s a movement held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. A shopping movement that has grown and spread throughout the nation with consumers. It’s not Black Friday or Cyber Monday, even if those days spill into it. Small Business Saturday is a new national holiday of its own and both consumers and store owners are loving it.

Last year a reported $14.3 billion had been raised on Small Business Saturday nationwide. That’s money spent within local communities that, when turned around, was used to support cities and towns, local police and fire departments, used to pave roads and better community run programs for the children and elderly. All of that raised on a single day. Mark that important date on your calander, November 28th, 2015 and remember to support your community this upcoming Small Business Saturday.

As a small idea, Small Business Saturday was launched for the first-time on November 27th, 2010. Both conceived and promoted by American Express it encouraged holiday shoppers to take to the main streets of their hometowns and to remember that often the most unique and treasured gifts can be found locally. Since then it’s become an embraced family tradition and a healthier alternative to the latenight deals of Black Friday. Instead of the stressed frenzy of packed stores at three in the morning, consumers can rise early and stop at local eateries for a quick breakfast before taking to the streets.

November 2015

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November 2015

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NO TIME TO PACK YOUR CHILD’S LUNCH FOR SCHOOL? NO WORRIES BY: BRANDPOINT CONTENT The school year is well underway and your best laid plans for coordinated family schedules, home-cooked dinners together and a bag lunch packed from home have evolved to an acceptable level of managed chaos. Time is short and usually double-booked. One thing you don’t need to worry about is your child’s lunch. The nutrition she gets at school will be just as good, if not better, than the bag lunch you were planning to send. “Many parents aren’t aware of the nutritional content of what’s on the menu at their child’s cafeteria,” says Mary Fell, director of School Nutrition Services at Alum Rock Union School District in San Jose, California. Fell explains, “Many of these are familiar and favorite foods for children and if you read the fine print, you’ll see they’re packed with a variety of powerhouse nutrients that they need, are lower in sodium and have 0 grams trans fat per serving.” Chef Mark Ainsworth, nutrition expert and professor at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), explains that school meals must meet the rules established by the USDA, which specify how many proteins, whole grains, sodium and fats are on the menu. Calories are set, as well. “I believe it’s actually more nutritionally balanced at school than it would be at home, unless mom or dad is a nutritionist or dietary expert,” says Ainsworth. “In San Jose, each of our meals align with USDA guidelines,” says Fell. “We know children eat with all of their senses - especially sight, smell and taste. We focus on the full experience, understanding the flavors and foods they like, to make their lunch a fun and nutritious break in their days.” Fell explains that her colleagues across the country are committed to similar goals. “We’re in this line of work because we care about kids and their nutrition.”

chips and a cup of nonfat milk. Whole grains, calcium, protein and potassium are star ingredients in both lunches. The essentials of whole grains. Whole grains are an important source of dietary fiber and also provide B-vitamins and essential minerals that help keep kids healthy. A diet rich in whole grains can help to lower the risk of many chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They also help to provide a feeling of fullness. The notable nutrients of potassium and calcium. Potassium and calcium have both been named “nutrients of concern” for children because research has shown their diets are often lacking these important nutrients. Potassium ensures normal heart and muscle function, maintains fluid balance and plays a role in promoting strong bones. Calcium is important for strong bones and also plays a role in blood clotting and muscle function. The power of protein. Protein is a cornerstone of a child’s diet, supporting growth and development. Considered a building block for muscle and collagen, protein also helps to transport other nutrients in the body. Companies like Schwan’s Food Service have worked to reduce sodium in their pizzas by incorporating sea salt in the crust and sauce, as well as adding herbs and spices, to enhance the flavor and the nutrition of this favorite food. “We’re excited to share with parents the facts about our school meals,” says Fell. “It’s a great way for us to make kids smile and hopefully minimize the stress to pack those bag lunches.”

Parents may be surprised to learn a school lunch of mandarin oranges, a green salad with reduced calorie dressing, a slice of whole-grain crust pizza, like Big Daddy’s (R) Primo Cheese Pizza from Schwan’s Food Service, and a cup of nonfat milk, has comparable nutrients and 35 percent less sodium than a bag lunch with a turkey and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, carrot sticks, a medium apple, one ounce of multigrain 10

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November 2015

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

directory or go straight to biz.zbguide.com. There you’ll find categories with the number of businesses listed next to them.

BY: FREY GREYSTON

If you’re looking for something a little more specific like milk, simply type it into the search bar and list of businesses that sell it will display in no specific order.

OF THIS AMAZING LOCAL GUIDE Business Directories are far from the latest ‘time-saver’. In print they can often be hard to read and confusing. They might be sorted alphabetically, when those businesses opened or even by how large the businesses are. It’s no easy task to go through all of those pages to find the nearest grocery store or pharmacy. Even those vague online searches might leave you feeling frustrated with broken pages and closed doors. Why isn’t there a simpler, more convenient way to find a nearby business? A directory that’s kept up-to-date with what’s opened, closed or long gone? Can you imagine just how much more simple life could be if there was? ZBGuide.com has been your trusted source for years when it comes to the local buzz around the Zion-Benton Townships. Now the team that’s kept you in the know with local headlines is proud to introduce the ZBGuide Business Directory. The ZBGuide Business Directory is your ‘one-stop-shop’ when it comes finding those locally registered businesses. Just go to ZBGuide and hover over your town to find a link to the

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Looking for that phone number for that towing service you used years ago but can’t seem to find that old business card? The ZBGuide Business Directory can help with that too! Alongside every registered business there will be a phone number, address and even map to the business’s location! Something particularly handy if you’re new to town and are interested in the local flavor. Adding your own new business to the ZBGuide Business Directory is quick and easy as well. Just click on the ‘Add New Listing’ button of the front page and follow the instructions. If you have any questions or concerns you can also click on the ‘Contact ZB Guide’ button right next to that and a team member should get back to you ASAP. In town, there’s a treasure-trove of locally owned businesses, shops and restaurants out there and now you can find them all conveniently on a single site.

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HOSTING

THANKSGIVING DINNER BY: WARREN GONZALES Thanksgiving is a time for friends and family to come together to celebrate with great food and good company. Making dinner for a large group can be a great way to demonstrate your cooking talent, but finding a menu that everyone likes can be difficult. The best solution is to find out the dietary restrictions of your guests and offer them various alternatives like a vegetarian or nutfree option. Aside from that, Thanksgiving dinner can include a variety of dishes, so here is an exhaustive list of options to chose from. Turkey: Brined, basted, roasted, fried. The options for cooking a turkey are endless, but this is the main Thanksgivingdish that should not be missed! The number of guests you will be having will determine how big of a turkey to get. You may even have to get more than one turkey because you want to make sure that you have enough. If you find that you have extra turkey, send some home with your guests, or, make turkey soup! It’s the perfect leftover meal to pack in lunches for the following week.

Potatoes: Potatoes are a great side dish because there are so many ways to make them. You can boil peeled potatoes and then mash them up with butter and cream to make silky mashed potatoes. Or, if you only have a few guests, you can make a baked potato for each person. Even throwing them into a high-powered,new microwave will have them cooked in no time. There are several other ways to make potatoes including roasting potatoes with herbs, baking potato slivers to create chips and baking potato wedges with garlic. And don’t forget the sweet potatoes! You can make sweet potato chips, sweet potato casserole or simple mashed sweet potatoes mixed with butter and brown sugar. Some delicious toppings for sweet potatoes are pecans, meringue and marshmallows. Green Beans: Every meal should include a vegetable, and even though Thanksgiving dinner isn’t always the healthiest, it’s nice to add some green color to the spread. So try a great green bean dish! You can make delicious casserole using cream of mushroom soup and fried onions or you can keep it simple and roast green beans in the oven with various different aromatics.

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November 2015

Cranberries: Instead of purchasing pre-made cranberries in a can, try making your own! Cranberry sauce is easy to make and you can add aromatics like cinnamon and orange to spruce up the dish. If you’re not into the gelatinous texture of cranberry sauce, try making a cranberry relish that you can store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Chop up fruits like oranges, green apples and pears and toss them together with chopped cranberries and a little brown sugar for a great crunchy relish. With the help of a simple refrigerator, new twists on old classic side dishes are achievable. Pie: Thanksgiving desserts do not have to be limited to pumpkin pie. Apple, peach, blueberry and pecan are great alternatives. Also, if you want to incorporate pumpkin flavor into the dessert, but don’t like the texture of pumpkin pie, try something like a pumpkin spice bar using pumpkin butter and a delicious brown sugar crumble. Don’t forget to enlist the help of your guests when it comes to cleanup. If they’re willing to help with dishes, don’t pass up on help because dozens of place settings willquickly break in a new dishwasher! With all of these dish options, your Thanksgiving is sure to be one that your guests will remember.

November 2015

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SAVE YOURSELF

FROM THE TUPPERWARE BLUES BY: FREY GREYSTON The first rule of Party Etiquette 101 is simple; when your fridge is packed to the brim with leftovers, spread it out amongst your guests. Be a kind and generous host by sending them home with extras and smiles while scrubbing that new stain out of the pans you just purchased. After all, sharing is caring and when it comes to a holiday like Thanksgiving, giving is what it’s all about. Well, that and being vocally thankful about a majority of things. One thing that’s particularly hard to be thankful for, however, is the loss of your treasured Tupperware. It’s hard to send guests away with your special stackables and expensive Pyrex containers. The very thought brings a sort of inward grimace as you later acknowledge one simple fact. You will never see that container again. Ever.

You could also save those boxes that hold rolls of foil, parchment or wax paper too! If you carefully remove the metal strip and splash some color over the labels you have a nice little container for cookies or other small odds and ends. Just line it with parchment paper before setting anything inside! In the end, you can simply request your guests bring their own containers. By far the easiest solution and something they might already be planning. But if they forget to return your own dishware what makes you think they’ll remember to bring their own? Giving away leftovers on Thanksgiving is a must but saving your Tupperware can be rough. Save yourself from the Tupperware blues and think outside of the box by keeping these solutions in mind!

Sure you could have used Ziploc bags, if you had any to begin with after all that food prep, but spooning spare gravy or digging out your mother’s traditional cranberry sauce tends to leave an undesired mess later on for your guests. No one likes to run their fingers over greasy Ziploc bag tops, no one. So stop grieving for your containers and threatening guests with messy plastic bags. There are a few easy solutions for this leftover nightmare that will definitely leave you and your guests happy this Thanksgiving and any party that follows after. Creating your own take-away containers can be a blast! Especially if you’re the crafting kind. Just grab some nice thick card stock and get to work. For those of us that get a little lost when it comes to crafting anything there are a few handy templates available online. Martha Stewart’s website, www.marthastewart.com, has a simple template to create your own by-the-slice paper pie containers. They’re cute, easy to do, intuitive and perfect for those guests eyeballing the dessert! Just do a search for ‘paper pie box’ and print out the instructions. For those not interested in crafting or looking for a cheap, no mess solution, start saving throw away containers. You might have one waiting for you in your fridge right now. Between restaurant takeaway containers or those deli containers you might have shoved in the back, if you start saving them now you should have enough for your guests. It’s easy to repurpose something that has a lid and it’ll give more life to something you’d otherwise toss out. 14

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November 2015

AVOCADOS:

our mitochondria. Free radical damage to mitochondria will cause energy production to stop and the cell will die.

BY: DGIWIRE.COM

This is the first research showing the protective effects of avocado oil against free radicals in mitochondria.

EAT ‘EM UP

A research team in Mexico promising health benefits of

has discovered avocado oil.

A number of environmental factors can turn the oxygen molecules found in mitochondria, the power plants of cells, into free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can destroy virtually all the normal molecules responsible for forming cells. They have an effect on lipids, proteins and even your DNA because they can turn them into free radicals too. Damage from free radicals is associated with aging and occurs in a variety of diseases, including hypertension and diabetes. Worldwide, researchers are searching for substances that protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. Studies of antioxidants found in vegetables and fruits have shown that their antioxidants are unable to enter

“It is the fat in avocados that is highly resistant to oxidation and avocados also contain plant pigments that inhibit oxidation. This is a good reason to eat whole avocados instead of just the oil. These researchers found that avocado oil allowed yeast cells to survive exposure to high levels of iron, which would normally produce a very large amount of free radicals. The iron levels tested were even higher than levels already associated with several human diseases. In other words, avocado oil protected the cells, maintaining normal mitochondrial function,” according to Tom Griesel, a long time healthy living and diet consultant. Avocado has also been shown to lower blood concentrations of cholesterol and certain fats that are higher in diabetic patients that may possibly be a risk factor for stroke or heart attack. In the Mediterranean diet, high olive oil consumption is associated with lower incidence of stroke, heart attack and other chronic diseases. Avocado oil has a fat composition similar to olive oil. Tom Griesel adds, “Many people avoid eating avocados because of the fat content. The low-fat craze has likely been at least partially responsible for the increase in several chronic diseases. We need raw, natural fats in our diet to protect and allow our cells to function properly. Whole natural foods like avocados are a good source and should be a part of everyone’s diet and will most likely improve your health in yet unknown ways.”

November 2015

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November 2015

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THE TRUE HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING

BY: BARBARA FELDMAN In America, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday of November. There are other Thanksgiving celebrations in other countries, but the celebration that we have is uniquely American, and it dates back to the thankfulness of the first English settlers that came to this land. There are actually two Thanksgiving days in America. One is only celebrated by a handful of people in a small county in Virginia. This “first official” Thanksgiving was declared on December 4, 1619 by a small group of colonists near the Berkeley Hundred. They said a prayer of Thanksgiving and dedicated a plaque that still stands today. If you happen to be near the old Berkeley Plantation site on the banks of the James River in Virginia you can see the plaque. If you are there on December 4, you can attend an “original” Thanksgiving service.

The Thanksgiving celebration that we enjoy today was originally a celebration that the Pilgrims and the Native Americans of Massachusetts had in late October 1621. The reason that the Pilgrims were giving thanks was because they were still alive, and they had provisions to survive their second winter in the New World. It is an understatement to say that the first winter was rough on the Pilgrims. One hundred and twenty Pilgrims left England for America in 1620. After sixtyfive days at sea, 119 were alive when they arrived. Soon after their arrival, a horrible disease that killed nearly sixty people plagued the group. Those who survived the disease were then subjected to a terrible winter with very little food. By March, when the snow started to melt, only forty-seven of the original 120 had survived. Two of the local Natives who knew English befriended the forty-seven surviving Pilgrims. The most articulate of the Indians, Squanto, taught the Pilgrims how to

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November 2015

plant corn and how to fertilize their crops. Things slowly started to improve for the Pilgrims and six babies were born during that summer. They built houses, fished, hunted, and began to ready themselves for the coming winter. However, it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until the crops were harvested that the Pilgrims felt that they were truly ready. The harvest that first year was amazing, and the more food they harvested, the more thankful they became. At the end of the harvest, they were relieved to have provisions for the winter and thankful to God for his help. They were also thankful to the natives for their help. The feelings of thanksgiving nearly boiled over, and they decided to have a great big party to express it. The kind of thankfulness that they experienced must have been similar to that of a person saved from certain death. After that first winter, watching nearly two thirds of their friends and families die, they must have been terrified. The bountiful harvest certainly turned their terror to joy, and that was the reason for the celebration.

was quite a feast indeed. They hunted and killed five deer and enough birds in one day to â&#x20AC;&#x153;serve the company for almost a weekâ&#x20AC;?. The Indian chief, Massasoit stayed and celebrated for three days. Others stayed to celebrate longer. Games were played, and songs were sung as the Pilgrims and the Indians shared their music with each other. When we celebrate Thanksgiving today, it is a celebration of the spirit of this event. The hope that comes even during tragedy, the bounty that comes from the earth and the brotherhood that is shared by all people of all colors and beliefs.

They invited Squanto, his chief Massasoit and ninety of the Wampanoag Indians to share in the festivities. From what was written in the journal of one of the Pilgrims, it

November 2015

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COALITION FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

WELNESS TASK FORCE BY: MARILYN KRIEGER

The Wellness Task Force is excited to foster initiatives in the community that will impact the health and wellness of the tri-communities under the Coalition for Healthy Communities. Some of the current projects include:

food boxes. A produce box and meat box are standard each month and a specialty box is available often. The pick-up will be at the Shiloh Center 2600 Emmaus Ave, on Wed Nov 18th, 2015 and December 16th from 12:30-2:30. 2016 dates will be available in December. Please feel free to join the Coalition for Healthy Communities Wellness Task Force by attending our monthly meeting the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm in the conference room at the Park District Leisure Center.

A) The Health is Wealth events that have been hosted mainly in the grade school settings in Beach Park, Zion and Winthrop Harbor as fun, family events that share information about the benefits of sleep, diet and exercise, blood pressure and your body make up, the effects of stress and unhealthy choices like alcohol and tobacco. These wellness fairs last about an hour and a half and give all participants the chance to move more and learn more about living and staying healthy for life. The program is adaptable to many settings and can be carried out with about 15 volunteers. The session content is on portable boards with descriptive information. Watch for an event at your school or another community organization near you. B) The Caregivers Support Group is another organization that is supported by the Wellness Task Force. This group meets at the Zion Benton Public Library. Are you helping a family member or friend who is elderly or seriously ill? Are you going to doctor visits, making meals, or picking up medications for your family member or friend? Are you helping your loved one cope with feelings of anger or sadness? Are you putting your own needs, feelings and family aside? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, YOU are a Caregiver. Join the Caregivers Support Group and learn to take care of yourself! Mondays: 10/26, 11/23*, & 12/28 â&#x20AC;˘ 6-7:30 PM â&#x20AC;˘ Adults *The event on 11/23 will be held in conjunction with Caregiving in a Time of Dementia. C) Community Garden is an initiative led by the Zion Park District with the CTCA Holistic Nurses Association, the Lake County Extension, New Tech High School and the Dunesland Garden Club. 2015 was the first year for the program; we put in a raised bed garden at Hermon Park on 29th St. many of our summer day campers were our garden helpers watering and weeding. The produce was shared with the participants at Hermon Park Center. D) Our newest initiative is the Top Box Express Food Program. The Top Box food program will provide a once a month opportunity to purchase wholesome 20

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November 2015

MAKE HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES

popularity and take the work out of looking for recipes. Pinterest.com is an excellent source of crockpot recipes.

BY: GAIL GLOUDEMANS

EXCUSE: I don’t have the time to do what it takes to be healthy.

TODAY BY COMBATING EXCUSES

This year, my close family and friends banned together to combat the excuses getting in the way of making healthy eating choices. If we had one, we brought it to the table (usually at lunch) and after whining for a bit we worked together to find a way to combat the excuse and completely “knock them out” of our minds! Here are some of the most common excuses and the solutions we came up with. EXCUSE: “By the time we get home from work and picking up the kids from daycare or school, it is too late to cook dinner and easier to go to the drive-thru.” KNOCK IT OUT: Prepare food ahead of time! That way, simply warm up the food when you get home. Then somewhere in your nighttime schedule, make the time to cook for the next day. Alternatively, take a few hours on Sunday to prep for the week by cutting and mixing ingredients ahead of time. In addition, try freezer meals or crock-pot meals. Prepare a double batch of tonight’s dinner and freeze half prior to cooking. Freezer meal workshops are also increasing in

November 2015

KNOCK IT OUT: The truth is, you don’t have the time to be unhealthy. Unhealthy choices start taking time away from us by resulting in illness and disease that we could have prevented. Instead of focusing on things that seem too hard to do and giving up altogether, focus on the small steps you can take today to clean up your food choices. EXCUSE: I don’t have the skills or patience to cook so much. KNOCK IT OUT: Keep it simple! Trust me when I say that my husband and I were beginners and didn’t have the time or money to prepare complex meals. If you are worried about the meals becoming redundant, partner up with family and friends. Start a dinner exchange group where if you are cooking a meal, you make 2 or 3 of that same meal to freeze. Not much extra work or time involved. Have family and friends do the same and then exchange meals for variety. Put the meal in the freezer to use as an easy meal another night!

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APPLE COBBLER INGREDIENTS 7 to 8 large (9 cups) tart cooking apples, peeled, cored, sliced 1/4-inch 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 cups all-purpose ﬂour 2 cups sugar 2 Land O Lakes® Eggs 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, melted

HEAT oven to 350°F. PLACE sliced apples in ungreased 13x9-inch baking dish. COMBINE 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in bowl; sprinkle over

apples.

COMBINE remaining cinnamon, ﬂour, sugar, eggs, baking powder and salt in bowl; mix until mixture resembles coarse

crumbs. Sprinkle over apples. Pour melted butter over topping. Bake 45-55 minutes or until lightly browned and apples are tender. SERVE warm with ice cream, if desired. COURTESY OF LANDOLAKES.COM

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BUFFALO CHICKEN ROLLS INGREDIENTS 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1/3 cup celery, small diced 1/3 cup carrot, small diced 3 Tbsp mild buffalo wing sauce 3 Tbsp barbecue sauce Egg roll wrappers 4 to 6 cups peanut oil

IN a medium saucepan, add 4 quarts of water and chicken. Bring to a boil over

medium-high heat and allow to boil for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove chicken and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to cool. USING 2 forks, shred the chicken and place in a medium-size bowl. Add the celery, carrot, buffalo wing sauce, and barbecue sauce. Mix well. ON each egg roll wrapper, place 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture. Roll up the egg roll per package instructions (like an egg roll). Dab the last edge with water to help to help seal. TO FRY: In a wok or deep skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat to 350 degrees. Deep fry the rolls, 3 to 4 at a time, until golden brown, turning only once. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. TO BAKE: You can also bake these in a pre-heated 425 degree oven. Spray the ﬁlled egg rolls with cooking spray and then bake for 10-15 minutes (turning half way through) until golden brown and crisp. COURTESY OF COOKEATSHARE.COM

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November 2015

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SLOW-COOKER PULLED PORK TACOS INGREDIENTS 2 cups store-bought salsa, plus more for serving 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons dried oregano 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder kosher salt 1 2 1/2-pound boneless pork butt or shoulder, trimmed of excess fat 18 corn tortillas 1/2cup fresh cilantro sprigs 3/4cup sour cream 1 lime, cut into wedges

IN a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the salsa, chili powder, oregano, cocoa, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the pork and turn to coat.

COOK, covered, until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily, on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours.

TWENTY minutes before serving, heat oven to 350째 F. STACK the tortillas, wrap them in foil, and bake until warm, about 15 minutes. MEANWHILE, using 2 forks, shred the pork and stir into the cooking liquid. Serve with the tortillas, cilantro, sour cream, lime, and extra salsa.

COURTESY OF REALSIMPLE.COM

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THREE-CHEESE BAKED PENNE WITH TOMATOES & BASIL INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil kosher salt 1 lb. penne 2 c. ricotta cheese 2 large eggs, beaten 2 c. shredded mozzarella 1/2 c. grated Parmesan 2 1/2 c. halved grape tomatoes (1 pint) 1/4 c. chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnishing Freshly ground black pepper PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a large baking dish with olive oil. BRING a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, until al dente (about 10 minutes); drain. IN a large bowl, whisk together ricotta and eggs. Add pasta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, tomatoes, and basil, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper. POUR pasta mixture into baking dish and cover with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is bubbling and top is golden, 30 minutes. GARNISH with basil and serve. COURTESY OF DELISH.COM

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November 2015

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12 THANKSGIVING QUOTES

TO CELEBRATE AN AMERICAN TRADITION BY: NOEL JAMESON Thanksgiving is right around the corner, are you ready? Let’s talk turkey, stuffing and, of course, a few great quotes. For all those who want to celebrate all there is to be thankful for, these 12 Thanksgiving quotes are sent out to you... 1. “Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.” - E.P. Powell 2. “Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.” - Edward Sandford Martin

7. “Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Halftimes take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.” - Erma Bombeck 8. “Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” - WT Purkiser 9. “Stand up, on this Thanksgiving Day, stand upon your feet. Believe in man. Soberly and with clear eyes, believe in your own time and place. There is not, and there never has been a better time, or a better place to live in.” - Phillips Brooks 10. “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” - Melody Beattie

3. “How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age. Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child’s personality. A child is resentful, negative, or thankful. Thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people.” - Sir John Templeton 4. “The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” - H.U. Westermayer 5. “There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.” - O. Henry 6. “If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice.” - Meister Eckhart

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November 2015

11. An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.” - Irv Kupcinet 12. “On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence.” - William Jennings Bryan So while it’s true that Thanksgiving only comes but once a year, we should actually celebrate thanks each and every day. It’s just a matter of learning to live with a spirit of gratitude. Let us be thankful for these 12 Thanksgiving quotes.

November 2015

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TIPS TO MAKE YOUR BLACK FRIDAY SHINE BY: FREY GREYSTON Each year bleary-eyed shoppers, their bellies stuffed with turkey and pie take to the streets in what has become a vastly growing holiday for consumers. Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year and has been since 2005. Falling on the day after Thanksgiving that’s no surprise as it’s the official start of the holiday shopping season. Businesses will do anything to get consumers through their door, offering deep discounts on popular electronics, toys and home essentials. Annually consumers nationwide will spend anywhere from $40 billion to $65 billion during Black Friday weekend. But the hustle and bustle of elbow-to-elbow shopping often puts consumers off. However, there are easy ways to take the sting out of this pre-dawn shopping day that may convince you to roll out of bed for it.

1. Research any big ticket items you might want to buy. Check those reviews and reports. Just because an item is cheap doesn’t make it a good deal. Make sure it’s worth every cent before you buy! 2. Gather the ads and start to cross reference! Most Black Friday catalogues and sales papers are prepped in advance for the big reveal and normally land on doorsteps at the start of November. Keep all of ads and circle each item that catches your eye. Then compare prices and places! Knowing where and when to go is the first step in unraveling the Black Friday puzzle. 3. Take a look at store policies ahead of time. There’s a good chance stores of interest honor pricematching on Black Friday. This’ll save you the headache and gas money of store hopping for the best deal. 4. Don’t forget to bring your ads with you! Not only will you need them to help with price-matching, they’ll help you keep track of where deals are.

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November 2015

5. Watch out for those extended warranties. Most businesses will offer them as a way to compensate for the sales price. Not to mention they tend to be rife with restrictions and exclusions. There are a few credit cards that actually extend a manufacturer’s warranty for a year for free. Be sure to call your own and find out!

mind will help you run through the paces smoothly. Come Friday morning, you’ll be able to roll out of bed and take advantage of those early bird deals!

6. If it’s a gift you better remember that gift receipt! Even if you think it’s the perfect gift or the perfect size it’s always a good idea to include a gift receipt. 7. Don’t leave friends and family out of the loop with these huge deals! Odds are they’ll want to come with you. Teaming up for Black Friday can be fun and often helps you catch the best deals. The more people shopping with you the more ground you can cover. 8. Remember to pack a snack and a drink. Being on the move in a huge crowd can tire you out and leave you feeling dehydrated. It’s a good idea to bring something along to quench your thirst and refuel you quickly. Black Friday is just around the corner so get ready and start preparing. Keeping these simple tips in

November 2015

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November 2015

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