etc... March/April 2012
TECH TIPS: E-Readers & Tablets
A publication of The Journal-Standard
EXPLORE
Discover the Cave of the Mounds
Vietnam
is all about attitude Page 6
Spring is for the Birds! Merry is the Winemaker
EXAMINE
The Center for Wound Healing at FHN helps patients recover
EVENT
Stroll-A-Thon 2012: Keeping the Wheels Turning PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID FREEPORT, IL PERMIT NO. 7
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INDEX
INSIDE
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is published six times a year by The Journal-Standard, a GateHouse Media newspaper, at 27 S. State Ave., Freeport, Ill.
Vietnam is all about attitude
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ADVERTISING manager Mike Cowan (815) 232-0177 Advertising Staff Dutch Bamberg (815) 232-0134 Leah Dixon (815) 232-0171 Colleen Groves (815) 232-0191 Jennie Cowan (815) 275-0388 Graphic DESIGNERs Andrea Schemel Sarah Hutmacher Andrea Barthel Denise Buss
Cover photo: By Ann Young
Merry is the Winemaker Page 30
Keeping the Wheels Turning Page 16
Discover the Cave of the Mounds Page 8 Also FHN Uses Hyperbaric Chambers to Improve Healing, 12 >> Spring is for the Birds, 42 Discovering New Wines, 28 Tech tips: E-Readers & Tablets, 39 Enjoy Puzzles, 15, 23, 24, 38 Puzzle Solutions, 47 March f April 2012
etc ...
EXCURSION
Vietnam
is all about
attitude Return trip shows country changing for the better
Photos provided
By Ann Young For Etc...Magazine
V
isiting Vietnam a few years ago made me feel the need to go back. At the time, we had only visited Saigon -- the bustling city in the south. I loved the people, the food, the shopping, the sites and the coffee. So I decided then and there I needed to see the entire country. This time, six years later, I started again in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) but went all the way north to Hanoi. What had changed? Not the people or the bustling motorbikes, but the attitude. The people knew that they were on the cusp of more jobs and more exposure. English was spoken everywhere, and the people were so gracious. I often wondered if we as Americans would have been as pleasant to a group of people that had come in during a war effort and tried to control our country. The Cu-Chi tunnels were marketed heavier than they had been just a few years earlier, but since I had gone through them then, I did not feel the need to prove myself once again. The weather was the same -- hot and oppressive. The four and five star hotels that we stayed in were a wonderful relief from the daytime temperatures. Markets – I love markets, and I had to walk to the markets
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March f April 2012
in all the cities. They were so alive and vibrant, and the owners knew their merchandise so well and could tell if indeed, we wanted to buy. I was traveling with 15 others, and we all had opinions of what we wanted to see, buy and do. Yet, we all jelled. Sitting in the lounge after a day of sight-seeing and having a cocktail, we would decide just what we wanted to do or where we wanted to go for the evening, individually or together. My sister and I spent one evening at the Rex Hotel at the rooftop bar. It was the meeting place for all the foreign correspondents and military personal during the war. The military offered incomplete information, and the writers used to call it the “Five o’Clock Follies” because the statistics and body counts seldom were factual. The place was packed with people dancing, drinking and just looking at the great view of the city and the décor of the rooftop – cement elephants and all.
HOI AN
As we ventured further north we had a chance to see the lushness that the humid temperature afforded the area. I fell in love with the city of Hoi An, and decided that I will need to go back to that city one more time. It was a major trading port from the 15th to the 19th century. A lazy river runs through the town and shops line the streets
EXCURSION around the river. At night, lanterns glow on both sides and it is a magical site, almost like Disneyland. It reminded me of a large, but much less expensive, Galena. I could have spent days at this place. It was easy to navigate and affordable to just sit and have coffee or tea. We watched the people and then went back again that night to eat some of the ice cream that Vietnam is known for. The next morning, we were back again to just amble through the streets and absorb the surroundings. During one of the days, we visited China Beach and realized that this was the place all the vets came for R & R, and saw why they would not want to leave. We traveled farther north and took an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay (also called Descending Dragon Bay). Local legend had it that when the Vietnamese were fighting the Chinese invaders the gods sent dragons to defend the land. The dragons spit out jewels and jade, which turned into islands, which formed a great wall against the invaders. The thousands of limestone karst formations were a sight to behold, and this spot had just been deemed a world heritage site a few years ago. I took a small boat over to Sung Sat Grotto and climbed over 400 steps to see the light show on the inside of the caves. (It was well worth the walk.) We also witnessed small children out in the water paddling the boats with their feet, just like kids here would ride a bike. I saw two small children about nine years old out in the middle of the water giggling and talking away as if they were on land. In the morning, I attended my first Tai Chi class. It was made it all the more special seeing the sunrise on these beautiful stone formations.
HANOI
Our final destination, after many flights, was Hanoi, where we were to spend about four days and three nights. Of course I wanted to see the “Hanoi Hilton” where John McCain stayed (in complete comfort according to the movie they showed). He spent five and a half years
The light show inside of the Grotto caves.
Vietnam children “rowing”with their feet.
enjoying their hospitality. (It showed the men cleanshaven, playing cards, drinking beer and sitting around a Christmas tree just as if they were at home. I have since picked up the book and am anxious to read Mr. McCain’s side to that story.) Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is on everyone’s list to see. It is modeled after Lenin’s Tomb in Moscow. The inside was closed, as he is re-embalmed every year. It takes two months to re-do the embalming. Imagine!
GETTING AROUND
We took a rick-shaw ride (100 lb. old men from the hill country use this as their only means to make money) through these busy streets, and most were afraid it was their last ride ever as the traffic was incredible and makes rush hour in Chicago look like 6 a.m. in downtown Freeport. Cars everywhere and more motorcycles than most entire states have. (Motorcycles cost the Vietnamese about $400 -- much cheaper than in the states or buying cars. The first word of advice that you are given when entering this country is when you walk across a street: don’t wait for traffic to stop you just walk slowly and the cycles will gauge where you will be and swerve around you. Whatever you do, don’t stop or you will cause an accident. It is very unnerving but it works. It is not for the light hearted. Everyone and everything are on cycles. Many women my age in suits and high heels were driving them to work. We saw a five-tier wedding cake being taken to a wedding on a motorbike. They use bikes to transport washers, dryers and even water buffalo. It is a sight to see. It has become a progressive country of 90 million people with 60 percent being under 45. It is a bustling, growing and expanding country that is looking forward, not back. They know that things “they are a changing” – maybe we should take heed. n March f April 2012
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EXPLORE
Discover the Treasure. Discover the Fun.
Discover the
Cave of the Mounds
Photos Provided
etc ...
March f April 2012
EXPLORE By Jae Hezlep For Etc...Magazine
T
he most significant cave in the upper Midwest is just a stone’s throw away. Cave of the Mounds lies just off U.S. Highway 18/151 in Blue Mounds, WI. In 1988, the United States Department of the Interior and the National Park Service designated Cave of the Mounds (Cave) a National Natural Landmark because the site possesses “exceptional value as an illustration of the nation’s natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of man’s environment.” The Natural National Landmark designation is made by the Secretary of the Interior after in-depth, scientific study of a potential site. The site must be one of the best examples of a natural region’s characteristic biotic or geologic features. The Cave is made natural limestone, which forms in karst topography, typically found in southwestern Wisconsin. What sets Cave of the Mounds apart is the quantity and variety of its speleothems, or cave formations. It is commonly referred to as the “jewel box” of America’s major caves and is recognized by the Chicago Academy of Sciences as ‘the significant cave
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of the upper Midwest.” The Cave contains a varied collection of colorful stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other formations. The limestone from which the Cave was carved began forming approximately 488 million years ago, during the Ordovician Period. During this time, much of North America was covered with warm, shallow seas where shellfish thrived. Over millions of years, the shells they left behind accumulated, forming enormous quantities of limestone. The limestone in this Cave is named galena dolomite, due to its high concentration of the lead ore galena. The Cave began forming between a million and a million and a half years ago in a manner similar to many caves. A large crack in the surface of the rock, also known as the cave’s lifeline, allowed rain water to seep into the stone. In the air, rain combines with carbon dioxide to form a weak carbonic acid. Although this acid is not particularly strong, it is strong enough to dissolve away the limestone after it seeps in through the lifeline. Over time, large cavities were dissolved in the stone and as the water table dropped, the water drained out and the cavities filled with air. Now that the cavities are filled a
EXPLORE
Cave of the Mounds is home to many varieties of speleothems. Formations found inside the Cave include: • Soda Straws, which are formations characterized by thin, hollow tubes made of minerals. They have the potential to form into stalactites if the holes at the bottom become plugged. • Flowstones, which in limestone caves are generally the most common type of formation and are created when water travels along a surface and deposits minerals. • Curtains, which are formed when water droplets run along the ceiling of the cave and gradually form sheets of minerals. • Lily pads, which are created when water droplets fall into a puddle and create a formation on the surface reminiscent of a lily pad. • Helictites, which are an unusual form of stalactite that grow with bends or angles in them that seem to defy gravity. Their strange growth style is most likely caused by capillary forces acting on the water droplets. • Oolites, which are also called cave pearls and are beautiful but rare. These are spherical formations made when a droplet falls onto some sand and calcite forms around the sand, much like the way a pearl is formed. These formations come in many brilliant colors such as reds, browns, blues, and grays. The reds and browns are caused by the presence of iron oxide. Similarly, blues and grays are caused by manganese oxide. Some speleothems are even partially luminescent and give off light for a brief period after exposure to another light.
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March f April 2012
Children enjoy the wonders inside the Cave.
with air instead of water, the water droplets coming from the lifeline, which are saturated with dissolved calcium carbonate, deposit solid calcium carbonate, which builds up over time to create speleothems. Though on-going, this is a very gradual process, usually taking 50 to 150 years to form one cubic inch of material. Cave of the Mounds is home to many varieties of speleothems, both stalactites and stalagmites. Cave of the Mounds is named after the Blue Mounds, two large hills, which have long been Wisconsin landmarks. The West Mound, at 1716 feet is the highest point in southern Wisconsin; the East Mound is 1488 feet. The Cave lies under the southern slope of the East Mound. The area was settled by Ebenezer Brigham from Massachusetts, who joined the Wisconsin lead rush in the late 1820s and became Dane County’s first permanent white settler in 1828. He established his “diggings’’, built a smelting furnace, and a house just north of the Cave. The house became a trading post, an inn, a stagecoach stop and Dane County’s first post office. Colonel Brigham helped to build and then commanded Fort Blue Mounds during the Blackhawk War in 1832. Cave of the Mounds was accidentally discovered on August 4, 1939 on the Brigham Farm. Workers, who
EXPLORE were removing limestone from a quarry, blasted into the Cave. The blast tore the face of the quarry and revealed a limestone cavern more than 20 feet high opening into other rooms and galleries, all containing numerous mineral formations. Over 59,000 people came to visit the Cave in the first eight weeks of operation before it was closed in order to preserve it. Soon lights and wooden walkways were installed, and in May 1940 it was opened to visitors. The walkways have since been replaced with concrete, a new entry was built, and theatrical lighting has been installed to dramatize the colors and shapes within the Cave.
HOURS
of
Cave of the Mounds is open all year with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours vary by season and one-hour guided tours of the underground are available daily. For example, beginning March 15 through the Friday before Memorial Day, tours are available weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last tour is at 4 p.m.) On weekends, tours are available at 30-minute intervals from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (last tour is at 5 p.m.) During summer – Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day tours are available daily in 20 to 30-minute intervals from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. (last tour is at 6 p.m.)
OPERATION For hours during fall and winter, visit www. caveofthemounds.com or call 608-437-3038. The cost of tours is $15 for adults, $7.50 for children ages 4-12, and free for children age 3 and under when accompanied by an adult. Other details, tips, activities, and special programs are explained on their website. There is also a free above ground self-guided tour at the cave, which features an easy 30-minute walk with points of interest spelled out in a booklet. n
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EXAMINE
FHN Uses Hyperbaric Chambers To Improve Healing
By Jae Hezlep For Etc...Magazine
H
yperbaric medicine, also known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen at a level higher than atmospheric pressure. The equipment required consists of a pressure chamber where the patient breathes 100 percent oxygen at 2.3 times atmospheric pressure. This procedure is prescribed by a physician and is performed on a predetermined schedule by a certified technician who monitors the patient. The use of increased atmospheric pressure for medical therapy has intrigued many physicians and scientists for hundreds of years. Here in the United States, HBOT was initially developed by the Navy during WWII as a treatment for diving disorders involving bubbles of gas in the tissues, such as decompression sickness and 12
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March f April 2012
PHOTO PROVIDED
gas embolism. By 1997, HBOT was well regarded in emergency medicine, but not a recognized modality in the treatment of non-healing wounds. Today HBOT is being used in a variety of ways. For example, athletes including Michael Phelps, the 16-time Olympic medalist, are using a hyperbaric chamber to improve their recovery from training. More importantly, Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment has shown great effectiveness in treating medical conditions including: • Non-healing diabetic wounds of the feet and legs • Non-healing, poorly healing flaps, grafts, and other problem wounds • Chronic bone infections • Crush injuries
EXAMINE Advances in technology, and the escalating and overwhelming need for treatment of chronic wounds by patients with diabetes, have resulted in the recent introduction of wound care centers throughout the country. Some of the startling statistics driving this development are: • Eight percent of the adult population in the United States has diabetes. • According to the American Diabetes Association 1 in 3 people born in the United States in 2000 will develop diabetes. • Fifteen percent of all diabetics will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Photo by joe tamborello • Medicare has determined that Dr. Castro speaks with a patient at The Center for Wound Healing at FHN. the biggest cost in nursing homes is related to patients with amputations. Subsequently, Dr. Castro has been the “point person” • Chronic wounds occur in over 2% of the general for the development of The Center for Wound Healing at U.S. population, with total costs exceeding $2 billion. FHN. Opened last April, it is located on the second floor of FHN Specialty Care – Stephenson Street at 1036 West “In the United States, diabetic foot ulcers, frequently Stephenson Street. treated by HBOT, affect over 800,000 people per year,” The multidisciplinary team at the Center uses proven says Brian Leszkiewicz, Program Director for The Center wound care practices and advanced clinical approaches for Wound Healing, Inc., a company that manages multiple including specialized products, dressings, antibiotics, comprehensive wound care centers and is a partner with and treatment plans to help heal patients who suffer The Center for Wound Healing at FHN. from chronic wounds. The Center also offers hyperbaric Here in northwest Illinois, as in many other areas, oxygen therapy (HBOT), the treatment that enhances diabetes is on the rise. the body’s natural healing process and strengthens the Roland A. Tolliver, DPM, a Board Certified Podiatric immune system. Surgeon and Certified in Wound Care, has practiced One of the things Dr. Castro likes about his added duty for 22 years in Freeport. “I saw a big need for wound of being the Medical Director of The Center of Wound care,” he says. “The population of my patients with Healing at FHN is the opportunity to have interaction diabetes has increased within the past 15 years. When I with his patients on a continuing basis. “I look at the first started, 15-20 percent of my patients were diabetic. entire patient, not just the part of the patient that’s the Today, approximately 35-40 percent of my patients have focus of my surgery,” he says. “I believe it’s important diabetes.” for a surgical specialist to not just be a surgeon, but a Rafael R. Castro, MD, FACS, WCC, became interested clinician as well.” in wound care six years ago when he was invited to join a In commenting at the opening of the Center, Dr. Castro group of surgeons in a wound center at Provena St. Joseph said, “We’re very excited to bring two hyperbaric oxygen in Joliet, Illinois, where he was in private practice for 27 chambers to northwest Illinois. Hyperbaric oxygen years. Even at his first interview at FHN, he wondered if therapy is painless and non-invasive. The patient simply the Administration would be interested in a wound care relaxes inside the chamber where he or she will be center. breathing pressurized, highly oxygenated air. This helps March f April 2012
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EXAMINE the patient’s blood carry an increased amount of oxygen to his or her organs and tissues, which can help the body fight off infection and heal the wound.” In addition to Dr. Castro and Dr. Tolliver, Eugene M. Gaertner, MD, WCC, and Carrie Wright, FNP-BC, WCC, are other providers on the team. When asked to comment on his role, Dr. Gaertner said, “Through the Center for Wound Healing at FHN, I am able to help people who have had persistent wounds that affected their quality of life. Helping people heal and regain that quality of life is a very challenging and rewarding process.” “I love working with patients,” says Wright. “in addition to medical treatment, our patients also need a
caring environment. When they get their life back, it’s rewarding to see them having a better quality of life.” George Visel, age 80, of Pearl City is an example of such a patient. A Type 2 diabetic, Visel had undergone the amputation of his right leg about five years ago. Then, last year when he was a patient of FHN surgeon, Anthony Zappia, MD, a second amputation was being discussed due to a bone infection. Dr. Zappia suggested that before removing his second leg, Visel should try treatment at the wound center. Visel was one of the first patients. “Treatment at The Center for Wound Healing at FHN was the best experience of my life,” says Visel. He spent 3 hours a day for 139 days taking treatment in the hyperbaric chamber, never experiencing claustrophobia
Photo by joe tamborello
The Center for Wound Healing at FHN takes the team approach. Shown here (left to right) are: Brian Leszkiewicz, PD; Rhonda Church, CMA; Roland A. Tolliver, DPM, WCC; Eugene M. Gaertner, MD, WCC; Rafael R. Castro, MD, FACS, WCC; Arlene Meyer, RN; Stacey Byer, RN, BSN; and Carrie Wright, FNP-BC, WCC. Not pictured are: Lori Kampmeier, RN and Lorri Scheider, HBO Tech EMT.
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EXAMINE or having any problems with his ears, which is sometimes a problem. Today, not quite a year later, his left leg is “The best part of caring for healed, he has his mobility back and hasn’t fallen, he has patients at The Center for returned to normal living, and is even running for public Wound Care at FHN is that office on the Stephenson County Board. In addition, we are able to take a team the moles that once covered his back are all gone and approach and offer multiple a surgical site near his nose healed right away. Is it any modalities. This allows wonder he calls the treatment team awesome? “The staff patients to heal faster and is so cohesive,” Visel says, “they’re all good friends to to receive full services each other and to their patients.” in one location.” Wright reminds the public that Centers like ours have achieved some of the best healing rates and fastest healing -Roland A. Tolliver, times. In addition to the chamber treatment, FHN is using negative pressure wound therapy including v.a.c. therapy, DPM, WCC a medical device system that helps draw wound edges together, removes wound fluids and infectious materials, and promotes granulation tissue formation which is the connective tissue in healing wounds. For more information or to make an Skin grafts are another means of treatment for healing at appointment at The Center For Wound Healing FHN. An Apligraf® skin graft is created from cells found at FHN, call 815-599-7410 or toll free at in healthy human skin and collagen derived from cows. It 866-686-4578. n looks like a thin piece of real skin. When combined with compression therapy, Apligraf® has been shown to heal more venous leg ulcers than standard therapy alone. Dermagraft® is another brand of skin graft used 3/12 for foot Journal-Standard Sudoku ulcers. This is a safe, advanced wound care product that contains living human skin cells. This skin substitute is To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box placed on the wound to cover it and help it heal. It also must contain the numbers 1 to 9. contains a temporary mesh fabric that eventually dissolves and goes away by itself. The most effective way to improve a person’s quality 9 4 of life is to do what’s possible to prevent a non-healing wound from starting or coming back. 4 6 9 7 Prevention tips include:
8 7
• Keeping diabetes under control
9
• Wearing shoes that fit properly • Maintaining a balanced diet • Inspecting legs and feet regularly
5 1 7
• Wearing compression hose.
A good rule of thumb, to know if you can benefit from wound care treatment, is that any adult with a wound that has not healed in 30 days should be seen at a wound care center.
5 6 9 2 8
4 7 2
5
6 5 8 ©2012 PuzzleJunction.com
March f April 2012
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EVENT
Keeping The Wheels Turning
By Jae Hezlep For Etc...Magazine
W
hen Bob Cable’s parents moved to Freeport in 1983, it never even entered Bob’s or his wife Barbara’s mind that someday they might live here, too. At that time the couple was busy raising their family and Bob was an executive in corporate real estate. During his career, he developed locations all over the country necessitating a number of family relocations. He also logged over 2,500 plane trips. It’s no wonder that today he says, “I’d rather get in the car and drive somewhere.” This is a good thing, because these days, driving is what Bob does – for the Senior Resource Center (SRC), Parkview, and First United Methodist Church. As it turned out, in 2006, Barbara and Bob not only moved to Freeport, but they bought his mother’s house. By this time Bob had retired, and his widowed mother, Ruth Cable, had taken up residence at Parkview where, at age 97, she still lives. Their daughter, Cindy; her husband, Gregg; and their two daughters, 16
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March f April 2012
PHOTO PROVIDED
Popular bus driver, Bob Cable, stands next to the Senior Transportation bus in Freeport.
Laura and Danielle, were also in Freeport. “We’ve always lived in suburban areas of large cities,” says Barbara who is passionate about women’s rights and has worked for non-profit causes in several states. When asked what she likes best about Freeport she says, “Being near our family.” Church is important to the couple, who first met at a United Methodist youth group in Chicago, despite the fact that they had both attended Fenger High School in Chicago at the same time. “Every time we moved, we found our church,” says Bob. Here they joined First United Methodist Church and have taken an active role in the congregation. Not really ready to retire yet, Bob was intrigued by a classified ad, placed by the SRC in The JournalStandard, looking for a bus driver.
He was well qualified since he’s been towing a 31-foot travel trailer for more than a decade, and before a pop-up camper. The couple and their family have traveled all over the country and visited every state. Now they also hit the highway to go to Georgia to visit their son, Todd, his wife Kris, and their grandsons, Zachary and Connor. Bob applied for the SRC job and got it. He’s been driving the SRC Senior Bus and helping with other Senior Bus transportation details every since. In 2009, Kelly Hillan, Executive Director of the Senior Resource Center, asked him to join the Stroll-A-Thon committee; which he did. In 2007, the Stroll-A-Thon, which was originally started in the early 2000s by Oakley Courts Assisted Living, was just being revived by Kay
EVENT Edler of Meadow Ridge and Prairie Ridge Apartments and Lisa Lobdell of Oakley Courts. A much larger committee was being formed to raise bus money. Now in its fifth year Stroll-A-Thon 2012 will be held indoors on Saturday, March 24 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon at Oakley Courts Assisted Living, located at 3117 Kunkle Boulevard in Freeport. As before, all proceeds will be donated to the Senior Resource Center to help fund their bus transportation service for seniors which has been operating for some 29 years. Last year the Senior Bus provided over 15,000 one-way trips to seniors. The need for funds has never been greater. Last year there were some 100 walkers and $12,000 was raised; however, the Senior Transportation Program still had a net loss of $38,000. Increased costs and funding reductions have forced The Senior Resource Center to reduce their services. Changes, effective February first, were: • The hours of bus service have been shortened to 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday • Medical appointments must be made prior to 11:30 a.m. • Priority will be given to medical appointments • Rides are available on a first-come, first serve basis Hopefully these changes will be a temporary measure and the SRC will become a part of the county-wide transportation which is presently in the planning stages, and expected to be in place by the end of the year. In the meantime, there continues to be no charge for rides; however; since the grants and other funds the SRC receives do not come close to covering expenses, the Senior Bus Transportation Program relies on riders to help offset these expenses through their donations. Currently, public transportation in Freeport costs $3 per trip. “We are asking riders to base their donation on the same rate as public transportation,” says Kelly Hillan, Executive Director of The Senior Resource Center. “Riders will be receiving monthly summaries of the transportation service they have received and we welcome their cooperation in helping by donating as much as they are able, to help offset the financial strain.” Other recent measures have included volunteers taking on more responsibility. “I am continually amazed at the generosity of those volunteers that tirelessly work on behalf of the Senior March f April 2012
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Resource Center,” Hillan continues. “On any given day, you will see volunteers working right alongside our paid staff. Volunteers are essential to the successful operation of our organization. Without them it would be extremely difficult to provide the seniors in our community with the supportive services they need to maintain their independence and a quality of life.” Bob Cable says he is one of those Stroll-A-Thon volunteers because, “Seniors need to have transportation from the community that they once served.” “What we provide is specialized transportation service for seniors that enhances the City’s public transportation and more readily meets a senior’s unique needs,” says Hillan. “We provide door-through-door assistance vs. door-to-door. Our drivers escort riders to and from the bus and up the sidewalks, and they carry packages up the stairs, setting them inside the door.” She also reminds the public that the SRC’s mission is, “To help people maintain their independence as long as possible.” The 2012 Stroll-A-Thon is a community fundraiser designed especially for senior citizen participants, but adults and children of all ages are welcome. Individuals using canes, walkers, and wheelchairs are encouraged a
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EVENT
photo provided
When they are not volunteering in Freeport, Bob and Barbara Cable enjoy traveling, particularly to Rockport, Texas and Door County, Wisconsin where they cross-country ski or bike, depending on the weather.
to attend, as are owners with their therapy dogs and other Meteorologist Candice King, George Buss portraying well-behaved pets. Participants Abraham Lincoln, Daisy Belle can come as a team or as an the Clown, and Buddy the individual walker. Squirrel. Tee-shirts with the “Seniors need to have Multiple organizations in “Keep The Wheels Turning” transportation from the area have again joined slogan, coined by Greg Gordon, together to organize the event owner of Gametime Screen the community that which will include free blood Printing, are also being sold. pressure screenings by FHN Pledge sheets are available at they once served.” Top 50, health-care exhibits, the SRC; located in the Lincoln ~Bob Cable entertainment, refreshments Mall, as well as he businesses including donuts provided of other committee members: by Donuts Delite, and goodie Able Home Health, FHN bags to the first 100 participants. Celebrity walkers Top 50, Freeport Home Medical Equipment, Freeport will include Olga Carlile, Harriett Gustason, WTVO Lincoln Mall, Liberty Village, Oakley Courts Assisted 20
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EVENT Living, Parkview, Prairie/Meadow Ridge Apartments, and Provena St. Joseph Campus. Pledge sheets are also available at Big Radio and Freeport Shopping News, who are media sponsors along with The Journal- Standard. Many of the bus riders themselves participate in the Stroll-A-Thon and gather pledges including Timmy Anmore, age 66, who uses the bus regularly. Several of the riders, who can afford to, provide regular checks for the service. With the cut backs and changes in service, many riders are concerned about losing the transportation they have come to rely on. Sponsorship is another way funds are being generated. To date, sponsors include Able Home Health, Cub Foods, Family Health Quest, Freeport Home Medical Equipment, Freeport Lincoln Mall, Freeport Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Gametime Screen Printing, Hampton Inn, Liberty Village, MetLife Auto and Home, Oakley Courts Assisted Living, Parkview, Prairie Ridge and Meadow Ridge Apartments, Provena St. Joseph Campus, Reed’s Auto Repair and State Bank. Exhibitors also provide revenue. As of press time, Oakley Courts Assisted Living, Meadow/Prairie Ridge Apartments, Able Home Health, Comfort Keepers, and Community Care System have signed on as Exhibitors.
The public is invited to lend support as a StrollA-Thon walker, donor, exhibitor, or event sponsor. For more information about Stroll-A-Thon 2012, contact Lisa Lobdell at 815-233-5129, call the Senior Resource Center at 815-235-9777, or visit their website: www.srcntr.org. You can also find them on Facebook at Senior Resource Center. Donations of any amount may be made out to: Senior Resource Center, Attention Stroll-A-Thon 2012 and sent to 1237 West Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL 61032. n
The public can also help “Keep The Wheels Turning” by buying pizza on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza. Papa Murphy’s, located at 1713 South West Avenue in Freeport, will donate 10% of their proceeds to the SRC’s bus transportation program.
2012 Comments from Riders of
Senior Resource Center’s
Bus Transportation
“I love the Senior Bus. The guys (the drivers) are terrific! I use the bus for socialization and to go to the Golden Meals Site everyday for lunch. It’s a reason to get up. The group there is fun, a nice social group,” says Timmy Anmore, age 66. In her head, she confesses that she’s 43 years old. Although Timmy is more commonly a male’s name, this Timmy is a woman. Her maiden name was Timmons and everyone called her “Timmy”, so in adulthood she changed her first name to Timmy. She is one of the regular bus riders who participated in last year’s StrollA-Thon and collected money for the Senior Resource Center from the residents of Lincoln Towers and walked the circuit during Stroll-A-Thon 2011. Timmy is on-board again for this year’s event and has already gotten pledges. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Timmy came to Freeport in 1976. She’s been riding the Senior bus for about two years. Besides taking trips to Golden Meals, she goes to Wal-mart on Thursdays and to medical appointments, including her monthly injection appointments at FHN Family Healthcare Center, Burchard Hills. “I can walk from my house to Lincoln Mall, but I can’t get back,” says Craig Ross, age 62. About eight years ago, Ross suffered a stroke and other health complications, and he has trouble with his right leg. He likes to walk, but can’t navigate the hill on Galena Street. A veteran who served in the United States Army during 1969 to 1971, Ross is a native Freeporter who lived in Texas for some 25 years. Besides using the bus to get to Freeport Lincoln Mall, he takes the transportation to the V.A. for medical appointments, to Sullivan’s for groceries, to the bank, and downtown to Twice As Nice. Ross likes to cook which he learned from his grandpa and is known to his family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren as a baker. Pound cakes, pies, and peach cobblers are his specialties. Ross also loves the Bears and the Bulls. “We really rely on that bus,” says Donna Reid. “The Senior Bus has been so wonderful for us. I deeply appreciate all the drivers, but it’s my worry that we won’t be able to keep the bus.” With the recent reduction of hours the Senior Bus runs, Reid has had to change the time of her mid-day meal. She takes the bus twice a week to The Landmark Restaurant for lunch. A native of Illinois, and a resident of Freeport for the past 46 years, Reid has been riding the bus for the past ten years. In addition to her trips downtown, she uses the Senior Resource Center’s bus transportation for beauty and doctors’ appointments, to grocery shop at Cub Foods, and to shop at Wal-mart. A sports fan, Reid follows the Cubs and loves the Bears.
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EDIBLES
Potluck’s Back- Let’s Eat! By: Carla Jordan Metro Editorial (MS)
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all it a sign of the times or just plain good luck for those of us yearning to swap fast food fare for some tasty home cooking. Potluck gatherings are back and one of this year’s hottest trends in entertaining. Although these communal “luck of the pot” meals (where everyone brings their favorite dish) hearken back to the late 19th century, they found their footing in the mid-1950’s when it seemed like every mom in the neighborhood was filling casserole dishes for church socials and family get-togethers. “There are three primary reasons driving the return of potluck -- our schedules, the economy and childhood memories,” says Chef Jeff Gillis, www.CelebratingHome.com. “We live such fastpaced lives that divvying up the cooking makes home entertaining more realistic than putting all of the burden on the hostess. Making one dish instead of several also helps stretch the budget -- something we’re all looking to do these days. And, let’s face it -- after years of dashing through the drive-thru, wouldn’t you like to sit down to some home-cooked food, even if it’s only once a week?” Got potluck fever but not a clue what to do? Here are four tips that’ll make your next gathering both tasty and stylish, plus, a family-fave recipe that’ll put your home on the map as potluck heaven. Organize Participants Divide the meal by categories so guests will have a balance of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts from which to choose. Cooks needn’t commit to a specific recipe but it’s helpful to know up-front that a well-rounded meal is in the making. 22
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Photo courtesy of www.CelebratingHome.com
A slow cooker (like Celebrating Home’s Venetian Home Spice Bean Pot shown here) is potluck perfect. It’s sized to feed a crowd and to go from kitchen to table without missing a stylish beat.
Agree on Advance Prep All dishes should be cooked prior to arrival so only a quick re-heating is required. Everything should also hit your doorstep ready for presentation to avoid last minute searches for serving bowls and platters. Choose Easy-Fix, Crowd-Pleasing Recipes To appeal to guests varying tastes, save the exotic for later and dust off mom’s (or grandma’s) cookbook. Traditional potluck dishes like casseroles, chili, soup, bread, and cakes are always popular and easy to make.
EDIBLES Dress Up the Table Remember the special tablecloth mom used for Sunday dinner? Create some memories for your own family with a pretty fabric tablecloth, cloth napkins (pretty and ecofriendly!) and some candles. A few minutes is all it takes to create a festive look that’ll make guests feel honored to have gathered around your table.
Bean Pot Beef Stew
This twist on an American favorite yields a hearty, flavorful entree that takes less prep time because it slow cooks in the oven in a bean pot. METRO IMAGE
Ingredients: 1 pound round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes 6 cups beef broth (or stock) 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme 3 bay leaves 2 cups potatoes, cubed gger-It 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup carrots, diced Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Rub steak with olive oil and coat with salt and pepper. Let steak sit at room temperature in bean pot while preparing all other vegetables. Chop and dice everything, then add to bean pot. Add beef broth (or stock), thyme, bay leaves, diced tomatoes and salt and pepper. Cover and bake in 375 F oven for 3 to 4 hours until meat is tender. PuzzleJunction.com
*Recipe courtesy of www.CelebratingHome.com
Figger-It To solve the Figger-It, simply change the FIRST letter in each of the words below to form a new word. (Example: Hat can be made into Fat.) Using the new first letter of each word, place it on one of the spaces provided to find the mystery answer. You will have to figure out on which space each letter belongs. Note: some words can be changed into more than one word!
I’m going to have it appraised!
GLASS HARSH FLEE SNACK CURT DUNCE NATION MINCE
__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________
The Irish lass was happy with her engagement ring. It was too bad she would find out that it was a ...
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ ©2012 PuzzleJunction.com
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2 W . Main St., Historic Downtown Freeport 815-233-5626 • Mon-Fri 9-5, Saturday 9-3
andard March 2012 Crossword
PuzzleJunction
ENJOY
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Prospector’s deed Monopoly token French cleric Mom-and-pop org. Men in Black actress Fiorentino Somewhat, in music Plug away Shakespeare and the like Bellefleur author Joyce Carol ___ Order request Before bow or distance Opus Robert Louis Stevenson classic Diamond substitute One of the Clantons Yorkshire river Permissive Charles Dickens classic Small drum Editorializes Sentry’s cry Place for a screwdriver Thong Split apart Joke Pine for Big bash Before, in verse Moved, like a stream Oscar winner Sorvino Glazier’s items Kind of law Moseyed along Not quite right Fish in a John Cleese film? Amigo Jeweler’s glass Sacred song Frozen dessert Ballroom dance Tough tests Actress Skye Complainer Cousin of an ostrich Lowly worker Hot rod propellant Fizzle out Diplomat’s talent Blows a horn Dept. store stuff Not barefoot Ticket costs Conceals
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Copyright ©2012 PuzzleJunction.com
95 Rafael Sabatini historical novel 97 Salome actor Stewart 100 Go ballistic 101 Belief system 102 Rodeo event 103 Doyle’s fictional hawkshaw 110 Maxim 111 Safe, on board 112 Vogue competitor 113 Poker ploy 114 Marina sight 115 Obed’s father, in the Bible 116 Neptune’s realm 117 Media attraction 118 Court divider 119 See 60 Across 120 Tofu base 121 Krone spenders Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
March f April 2012
Coagulate Tall tale teller Feed the kitty Concept Imposing in size Water carrier Super berry Gardener’s purchase “It’s about time!” American pioneer Fasten
12 The Prodigal actress Taina 13 Tom Clancy novel 14 Cease-fire 15 Extension 17 Fruit-peeling device 19 Animate things 20 Dispatched 26 Hawaiian strings 27 Robust 28 Buddhist sect 31 Richard Blackmore romance novel 32 Wagner work 33 Cruise ship 34 Political designation, briefly 35 Sign of spring 36 Hourly pay 37 Beer holder 38 Utah city 40 Get-out-of-jail money 42 Indian royal 43 Porters 44 Bridge option 46 One of Fleming’s 007 novels 48 Insignia 51 Decrees 52 PC linkup 53 Fashionable 55 Mill output 57 Shakespeare comedy 59 Tourist’s aid
62 Elephant ear and green dragon, e.g. 65 Le Monde article 66 Lion’s share 67 Creme cookie 68 Hawaiian tuber 70 Hill dwellers 72 Train 73 Host 74 Places 78 Effluvium 79 Verdi opera 83 Grouchy Muppet 85 Personal quirk 87 Seal 90 Unfortunate 91 Luxurious 92 Like some innuendos 94 B.S. or M.B.A., e.g. 95 One of the seven dwarfs 96 Band necessities 97 Overcast 98 Japanese movie monster 99 Rapidly 100 Fleece 103 School zone sign 104 Corn product 105 Kind of court 106 Hot rock 107 Demeanor 108 Feudal worker 109 Hardens 111 Camel hair fabric
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EXPLORE
The Mines of Spain
photos provided
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EXPLORE
By P.J. Clark and Mike Cowan For Etc...Magazine
A
s you walk along the scenic wooded bluffs high above the Mississippi River near Dubuque, Iowa, let your imagination carry you back over 200 years when this land was inhabited by the Mesquakie. Their bustling village was located at the mouth of Catfish Creek, near the spot where the Julian Dubuque Monument now stands. The Mesquakie had established a thriving fur trade with French-Canadian pioneers and worked the local lead mines long before the Revolutionary War. Julian Dubuque, a native of Quebec, soon recognized the commercial value of this growing enterprise on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Upon settling on what is now Iowa soil in 1788, Dubuque received a substantial land grant in 1796 from the Governor of Spain, who had resided down river in New Orleans at the time. The grant gave permission to Julian Dubuque to work the land, south of Dubuque, which was owned by Spain, in a 189 square mile area to be designated as “The Mines of Spain.” Dubuque eventually married Potosa, daughter of the Mesquakie Indian Chief, Peosta. Dubuque died March 24, 1810. He was buried on the scenic Mines of Spain site with full tribal honors by the Mesquakie. Lead mining was a major part of Midwest history in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. The mines
were first worked by the Native Americans, and in later years (late 1830s through the 1850s) by European miners and farmers. The Civil War caused renewed lead mining activity which waned after the war, but continued until 1914. Edwin B. Lyons, a Dubuque businessman and conservationist, left provisions in his will to develop an interpretive center and nature preserve for the city of Dubuque. Two years after his death, the Lyons Trust Fund purchased the farmland originally known as the Otto Junkermann farm. Today, the picturesque E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center serves as the visitor’s information center and park office for the Mines of Spain Recreational Area. Displays and exhibits provide information about the history and features of the park. The Betty Hauptli Bird and Butterfly Garden, acres of native prairies, woodland flower gardens, 21 miles of hiking trails and historic Junkermann farm site are just some of the many attractions at the Center.
The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center is open yearround. During the summer season, special programs can be scheduled with the park manager. There are no camping facilities at the park. For more information visit www.minesofspain.org, or contact Friends of The Mines of Spain, Dubuque, Iowa, 563-556-0620. n
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EDIBLES
Discovering New Wines
By Suzanne Boyer For Etc...Magazine
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n my last article I mentioned that I would talk more about unfamiliar grape varieties in the next issue. There are several that I would like to mention: Chianti, Malbec, Tempranillo, and Nero d’Avola. After Merlot wine, one of my husband’s favorites is Chianti. If you have been around for awhile, you probably remember in the 60’s those bottles with straw bases and you put a candle in them and it melts all around the bottle and base and you have a decoration for your living room or kitchen. You can still find bottles of Chianti like those, but most brands are just like regular bottles now. Bellagio Chianti comes in the old kind of bottle and you can get it at Royal Liquors in Freeport. If you want to do the candles too, don’t forget that most tapers are dripless now so be sure and get the drip kind. Back in the 60’s the tannic Chianti had a harsh flavor of which even saucy pizza couldn’t mask. I didn’t think that I liked Chianti but have since found some good ones that we both like. A couple years ago Cannova’s Restaurant and Bar had a wine tasting one night and had the winemaker or owner of a winery from Sicily there with various kinds of wine, one of which was a Chianti. We both liked it very much. It was D’Arrigo a 2008. It has a picture of a man on a donkey on the bottle. We still have one bottle and will be drinking it
EDIBLES soon. If you are looking for points from Wine Spectator (WS), there is an 89 pts. Castello D’Albola 2007 Chianti for around $15 that was recommended by a friend. And the Banfi 2008 was rated 88 pts. for $12 and is good through 2018. We also have the Banfi 2007, good through 2012 that we need to drink. I’m taking it to a spaghetti dinner party in a few weeks. When we were in St. Louis in February my husband found a 92 pt. bottle of Chianti for $20, Monsanto Chianti Classico Reserva. But we gave it to my nephew after his performance in a musical at the Stray Dog Theatre in St. Louis. I hope he lets us know how he liked it. Another unfamiliar grape is Malbec. It was ignored and forgotten less than 20 years ago even in its ancestral home of France but in 2010, Argentina exported more than 4 million cases of Malbec to the United States according to WS. California winemaker, Paul Hobbs describes Malbec’s typical character as having flavors of boysenberry and blueberry, with supple or satiny tannins. Because it’s full-bodied and generous in nature, it tends to drink well all by itself. Last night we had our last of three bottles of Las Moras 2007. The cork smelled so much of blueberries and the color of the wine was a beautiful deep bluish red. I had to laugh when I read this article in WS about Argentinian Malbec. After explaining Malbec from Argentina to so many people, they heard the comment, “Now, what part of Chile is that?” If you haven’t tasted Malbec ever or lately then you owe it to yourself to get out there and try one. Another unfamiliar grape is Tempranillo. It is one of the major grapes used in Rioja. It is a variety of black grape widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain. Tempranillo ripens several weeks earlier than most Spanish red grapes. A good brand is Marques de Caceres. Another one is Emperador that was at the wine tasting fundraiser at the Freeport Art Museum in February. Quite a few people really liked that one. Tempranillo wines can be consumed young. The wines are ruby red in color, with aromas and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather and herb. My last unfamiliar grape this issue is Nero D’Avilo and I actually thought it was the name of the winery when I saw it on the bottle. I didn’t know that it was the type of grape. It was recommended to us at Trader Joe’s once and for the price of $4.99 we thought we couldn’t go wrong. I took it to a chili supper with a group of friends and two of us tried it. I was so pleasantly surprised. For the price, it was quite good. The brand was Archeo 2008. To me March f April 2012
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it was almost like a pinot noir with a slight effervescence to it. According to Wikipedia, Nero d’Avola (“Black of Avola” in Italian) is “the most important red wine grape in Sicily and is one of Italy’s most important indigenous varieties. It is named after Avola in the far south of Sicily and its wines are compared to New World Shirazes, with sweet tannins and plum or peppery flavors. I went back to Trader Joe’s and got two more bottles but they were 2009, so I hope they are just as good. I also got another brand, Epicuro for $6 to compare. Hopefully you can try some of these unfamiliar grape wines sometime and maybe you will find a favorite among them. In the next issue I will cover some more grapes; Petite Sirah, Pinotage, Riesling, and Sangiovese. Any ideas from the readers? You all know how to reach me. Until then. n
Suzanne Boyer thinks that life’s too short to drink bad wine. She can be reached at: etcwines@yahoo.com
Spring is in the air! Stop in and taste our new red, white and fruit wines and snack on our Sweet & Savory Plate. Bring your friends for wineglass painting, wine bingo or other fun events. We’re just a short drive north of Freeport but you’ll feel like you’re miles away!
395 W. Cedarville Road, Freeport IL 61032 • 815-563-4665
For our wine list & schedule of events, visit www.famousfossilwinery.com
EDIBLES
Merry is the Winemaker By Pat Schneiderman For Etc...Magazine
A
t the end of the day when you and I are sitting down to ‘rest’ a bit after what we think was a long day, Freeport resident Rich Kornfeind, has finished his day job and has already started working on his hobby – making wine. The hobby is one Rich learned many years ago – from his parents, John and Helen Kornfeind, as they made wine in their home when Rich was growing up as well. Today Helen is 92 and still grins from ear to ear when she reflects on how many dandelions had to be picked to make dandelion wine. “We did a photos provided lot of hunting for dandelions to make Rich and Sherri Kornfeind (standing) with Rich’s mother, Helen Kornfeind. our wine, because you only use the yellow part on the top” said Helen. adds it to boiling water, lets it cool three to five months of sitting time Rich confirms that they would pick down, then puts it into crocks to sit but some varieties Rich makes take a a five-gallon bucket to make wine usually ten to fourteen days. Every full year to develop. But that doesn’t – and he says that he can pick them day Rich stirs and watches the liquid mean Rich gets to rest. Each day Rich pretty fast after a lot of practice. to insure mold does not develop and has to check the mixture, watching Coming from the depression era, everything is proceeding as planned. for crocks that have bubbled over Helen and John used any kind of From those crocks, he strains seeds and adding his reserve liquid to the glass container they could get their and sediment for the first time, crock to keep it full. Rich has the hands on to bottle and store their adding sugar and some form of crocks outfitted with a cork and a wines. Along with some creative yeast to the juice, then transfers the plastic device thru the middle that imaginations on how to ‘get the wine into another crock – usually a allows the gases to escape. Rich’s job done’, the parent’s pastime has little smaller – to start the ‘process’ wife, Sherri, remembers having become a real pleasure for Rich. “I of becoming wine. Each crock is corks blow at night during one of love doing this stuff!” says Rich. marked with the type of wine and the their first efforts making strawberry Depending on the kind of wine start date for that crock. The quicker wine. They learned lessons the hard Rich is making, he takes the fruit, varieties, like dandelion wine, take 30
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EDIBLES way from the very potent fruit. “It may have not been quite ready to be bottled,” laughed Sherri. They say “necessity is the mother of invention” and the elder Kornfeinds cleverly derived a method for getting the wine from the crocks into the bottle. Carefully placed plastic hospital tubing allows for the siphoning of the wine from the crock to the bottle without any sediment or solid inclusion. Rich continues this process today as well. According to Rich, each fruit has it’s own variation of natural chemicals that make the wine. He does not use any enzymes or other man-made chemicals in his wine. Whereas enzymes are typically used to increase shelf life by wineries, apparently Rich and his family heritage of wine making have found something unique in their recipes to ‘keep’ the wine. Recently Rich discovered white grape, dandelion and other wines in large barrels in his mother’s basement and rebottled it. The white grape wine has been
around for the better part of fifty years according to Rich and still is very good. If you can think of a fruit, Rich has probably tried to make it into wine or would certainly be willing to try. Included in his long list of wine making varieties is rhubarb, pear, blackberry, cherry, raspberry, current, gooseberry, cranberry, peach, plum, strawberry, blueberry, dandelion and a couple of specialty wines. Along with success come some failures Rich admits – like his first encounter with blueberry wine. “It has to do with the tannins in the skin of the berry, you can’t squeeze or crush that fruit. It makes the wine bad,” says Rich. “You also have to be very careful adding the yeast to the juice as yeast can be very powerful in some fruits.” Although Rich and Sherri have learned a lot about wine making over the years, there is a coveted winemaking recipe book passed down from his parents. The book was published in 1963 and shows
Rich adds reserve liquid to a crock that has bubbled over in the fermentation process of the wine.
character on the pages from use, but is certainly a treasured item to both of them. It has recipes for wine from parsnips and damson (plum) to wheat, carrot and carnation wines as well as many other unusual varieties. Rich has found that the same wine one year may turn out differently the next year depending on the amount of moisture we get in the ground to produce the fruits. Wet years don’t give the same flavor to the wine as when it’s dry, according to Rich. Much of the fruit Rich uses grows on his mother’s property. There are blackberries and raspberries and gooseberries – all with a lot of thorny bushes. Rich says his mom can pick gooseberries still pretty well without getting all the scratches from the bushes. As for himself, he admits to using gloves, sweatshirts, socks and anything else he can think of to ward off the thorny scratches, yet he certainly feels that it’s all worthwhile in the end product – his homemade wine. Several kinds of wine are in a
Rich’s wine center displaying his stock of various wines and supplies
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EDIBLES
Various crocks used for the first stage of the juicing of the fruit.
different steps of the process all the time in the Kornfeind household. Some flavors demand more attention, depending on their activity level in the fermentation process. When asked how much time he spends on his ‘hobby’, Rich just says, “Whatever is necessary to keep the wine going.” Although Rich has a nice little stockpile of wine in his wine racks (which he also made), he says he doesn’t want it to sit around long and enjoys giving it away. Their son, Jason, helped them set up labeling on their home computer and they only have to change the wine name to produce labels for their bottles. They even made a label for the
‘discovered’ wine in John and Helen’s basement, to honor their parent’s efforts as well. Of course, with the on-going efforts of processing an additional wine, there is always clean up to be done. Huge brushes with long handles clean out the crocks and the process begins again – kind of a never-ending circle of events. And if that isn’t enough to make you tired, both Sherri and Rich have a huge garden in the summer months where they raise and harvest produce that is baked into pies, breads and goodies or sold as produce with the profits donated to their church, St. Thomas, in Freeport. It’s apparent that neither of this pair is letting any moss – or should I say dandelions – grow under their feet! n A MUST SEE
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EDIBLES
From the Vine to the Glass By Christine Lawlor For Etc...Magazine
W Photo provided
Friends of Galena Cellars Nancy Willet and Linda Lyons assist with the fall harvest.
hen someone mentions Napa or Sonoma, your mind immediately wanders to vistas of beautiful vineyards and picturesque wineries nestled in the valleys north of San Francisco. Unless you are really into viticulture (the science and study of grapes and wine-growing) it may come as a surprise that we live in the largest viticultural area in the United States. The Upper Mississippi River Valley Viticultural Area spans four states -- Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota--and was approved and recognized as an official viticultural area on June 22, 2009. It is the largest such area in the United States and covers 29,914 square miles, 39 times the size of Napa Valley. Unique in its ability to grow a diverse range of grapes, also known as varietals, this area in the heart of the a
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EDIBLES Midwest possesses the rich soil and geological characteristics of the Mississippi River Valley. A viticultural region is defined as a distinct region with climate, soil, elevation and physical features that set it apart from surrounding areas, and our region certainly offers just that. Much of the Upper Mississippi River Valley (UMRV) was passed by the glaciers of the last Ice Age, allowing for steep slopes and well-drained soil which makes our region ideal for grape growing. Area grape growers appreciate the early 20th century work of Elmer Swenson, who worked on a 120-acre farm near Osceola, Wisconsin. He was responsible for introducing and further cultivating French-American hybrids. Theses varietals carry diverse taste qualities and can be depended upon for annual marketability for winter durability and disease resistance. Many are aptly named for the regions in which the UMRV covers, such as St. Croix, La Crosse, Frontenac and St. Pepin. From an economic standpoint, the states that are included in the UMRV viticulture area have reaped the rewards of recognition. In Iowa, 75 wineries now operate within the state up from just a dozen a decade ago. In Illinois, more than 90 wineries now operate -- a tenfold increase since 2001. And the wineries are no
longer just about the wine. They have become community centers, entertainment venues and tourist destinations for locals and visitors alike. Today a typical winery credits 25 to 50 percent of its business to something other than wine. And the surrounding business community benefits as well. This all translates into new economic development for rural areas where most wineries and vineyards are located. For example, in Illinois the wine industry contributes 2,000 jobs to the Illinois economy with an annual payroll of more than 70 million dollars. A 2007 survey calculated the Illinois wine industry paid over $40 million in state and local taxes and has an annual economic impact of nearly $320 million. And this is just Illinois. The Midwest wine industry has certainly grown into a serious business in recent years. Our local vineyards and wineries are proud to offer many award-winning varietals to taste, enjoy and to visit as destination points. n
For more information on nearby northwest Illinois vineyards and wineries, visit the following websites: Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery 395 West Cedarville Road, Freeport, IL 61032 815-563-4665 • www.famousfossilwinery.com Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery 515 South Main Street, Galena, IL 61036 800-397-WINE or 815-777-3330 www.galenacellars.com Massbach Ridge Winery 8837 South Massbach Road, Elizabeth, IL 61028 815-291-6700 • www.massbachridge.com Rocky Waters Vineyard/Winery, Inc. 2003 West Hanover Road, Hanover, IL 61041 815-591-9706 • www.rockywaters.net Silver Moon Winery 21305 Zier Road, Lanark, IL 61046 815-493-6888 • www.silvermoonwineryinc.com Hailey’s Winery 114 South Franklin Street, Byron, IL 61010 815-234-2220 • www.haileyswinery.com
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EDIBLES
Otto’s Place Cafe and Lounge Galena, Illinois
Photos provided
The dining area upstairs at Otto’s Place in Galena, Illinois.
By Mike Cowan For Etc...Magazine went on to state that ‘the lower floor is divided up into a sample room, buffet, ladies’ waiting room and a restaurant tto Sallman intended to open a restaurant on with a kitchen attached from which will be served lunches Bouthillier Street across the street from the Train and meals at all hours.” Depot in Galena. It may have taken nearly 112 Sallman, however, ran into financial difficulties which years for the restaurant to open, but today you can dine in prevented him from opening the restaurant. “Upon further style at Otto’s Place Café and Lounge. investigation,” John continued, “we learned that Otto lived Owners John Slimp and Dan upstairs in this building, next to Wentz had been living part-time in the train tracks for years. Sadly, “...Otto’s Place is Galena for a number of years when he was never able to open his your retreat from they learned that the original twomuch acclaimed establishment. the madness. We are story brick building in the heart Ironically, Otto was killed on happy to be the next of a quiet neighborhood was up Chicago railroad tracks in 1914.” for sale. They decided to become Over the years the historic chapter in the Book of permanent residents of Galena and building has housed a store Otto.” take the plunge as entrepreneurs in featuring handmade baskets, a ~John Slimp their newly remodeled restaurant bakery, grocery store, pizza parlor, which took four months to furniture store, antique shop and complete. even a record store. John and Dan gave much thought John enjoys relating a bit of historical research for his on how to name the new restaurant. They concluded that guests at Otto’s Place. “Otto Sallman’s intent was to have it would be appropriate to honor the man whose original a restaurant here. An article we found from the Galena vision was to open a restaurant for Galenians and visitors Daily Gazette dated October 20, 1899, headlined, ‘Otto alike. Thus was born “Otto’s Place Café and Lounge.” Sallman’s Restaurant Handsomely Equipped.’ The article Since becoming full time residents and opening Otto’s
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EDIBLES Place, John and Dan’s desire has been to become an active and contributing part of the Galena community. John tells his guests, “we both left our corporate jobs to do what we both love doing best. Dan’s passion as an experienced gourmet chef is cooking. My passion is meeting and talking with people. We figured we might as well put the two together and open Otto’s Place!” Otto’s Place is a Café and Lounge focusing primarily on breakfast and lunch, but quickly becoming the “in” place for dinner. The comfortable, stylish restaurant offers food options and an atmosphere not provided by other restaurants in Galena. Dan has developed an ever-changing menu focusing on healthy home cooking, organic and vegetarian options, featuring local products where and when possible. For example, Otto’s Place has collaborated with the awardwinning Roelli Cheese Haus in nearby Shullsburg, Wisconsin. Master cheesemaker, Chris Roelli, has produced a new “cheddarized” bleu cheese that affords
a unique buttery, earthy taste for the amazing appetizer platter. This is an establishment where you can come for an appetizer, enjoy a relaxing meal, a piece of homemade dessert, a cup of coffee, or a good glass of wine or spirits and actually enjoy the conversation of the people you are with. Imagine that -- an actual conversation in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere! “I have heard so many comments, John said, “especially from women’s groups, that there is no place in town for them to meet where they don’t feel like they are in a ‘bar atmosphere.’ Otto’s Place is your retreat from the madness. We are happy to be the next chapter in the Book of Otto.” n
For more information on Otto’s Place Café and Lounge, visit: www.ottosplace.com.
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ELECTRONICS
Technology Choices for You to Ponder… TECH TIPS: E-Readers & Tablets By Pat Schneiderman For Etc...Magazine
T
he pace of technology is moving so fast that sometimes it’s hard to keep up. If you are an avid reader, perhaps you’ve already moved to an e-reader where you can download the books of your choice onto a hand-held device and read to your heart’s content. You don’t have to buy a hard cover or a paperback or even go to a bookstore anymore to enjoy the latest best selling book. The name Kindle and Nook are two of these first option ereaders, and both brands have recent updates to the market. The original e-readers were in black and white so the obvious next step was for color to be added and the Nook Color was introduced a couple of years ago allowing you to view pictures in a book in color and to read magazines in color, as well as access to the internet. The new e-readers are now capable of much more than just reading a book, but much is expected of them as well. Portability and functionality are the big factors for people who want to access books, the internet, send emails, listen to music, play
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games and watch movies – all without having to drag a laptop around. The Amazon Kindle Fire and the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet are comparable devices so let’s take a look at them. Both the Kindle Fire and the Nook Tablet are 7-inch screens and both devices have similar displays, including the pixel resolution. Some reviews for the Nook tablet claim a “better look to the eye” possibly due to the effort to eliminate the gap between the LCD panel and the glass above it, which gives images and text a crisper look. So you may be asking, how do I know what device would be the best for me? The most important factor for you to decide on, is what do you want to do with the device? For example, if you want to just read books, then the black & white e-readers are fine
– and are about half the cost of the color ones. Ask yourself where you will be using the device as well. The black & white Kindle is also very easy to read in direct sunlight while the black & white Nook screen tends to ‘wash out’ in direct sunlight. Both color devices have backlit technology similar to a computer, which tends to ‘wash out’ in sunlight. Another question to ask yourself is how do I use technology today? Some of us are not easily converted to a new manner of doing things. The Nook is set up to ‘swipe’ the screen to turn a page or to go to another app. The Kindle has more controls to operate. What are you familiar with and will it make a difference to you - enough that you wouldn’t use the device without the same features? Whichever device you choose, March f April 2012
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ELECTRONICS
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traveling with your device has just become a lot easier. The new tablets are lightweight and easy to hold for an extended period of time. They obviously take much less space than packing books in your luggage for reading along the way. Be sure to invest in a protective cover for your device though – just for the sheer protection of the device. At the time of this writing, the Nook Tablet is $50 higher in price than the Kindle Fire but it also has double the space for storing pictures, movies, music, apps, etc. The Nook Tablet also has double the memory, which increases the speed of applications. Some users believe that the Nook Tablet feels more responsive then the Kindle Fire because of these things. Both Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble have strong e-book business and will have e-books/applications around the same price point. The 40
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‘real’ cost of paperless reading is not in the device itself, but rather when you go to download your titles to read. A general rule of thumb is that the download will cost you approximately half of what a hard cover book would have cost; i.e., a $30 hard cover will typically be around $15, and some people are surprised at that expense. The good news is that there are deals out there that can save you money. Barnes & Noble (Nook) has a free Friday download where every Friday a current title book is available at no cost for download. Amazon (Kindle) has daily deals from $3.99 and under. Most downloads are $7.95 to around $15.00. Many people do not read a book more than once, so the practice of ‘borrowing’ the download may be their answer. The Freeport Public Library has joined approximately sixty-five other libraries in northern
Illinois that allow you to select a book title and download it for free for a period of days – just like the checkout when you go to the library. When the time is up, the download disappears from your device. The only thing you need is a valid library card to that library. This service is relatively new for the Freeport library and there is a growing collection of titles available for the offering. The beauty of this service is that it’s available 24/7 by going to www.omnilibraries.org, and all you will need is your valid library card to go online and download. If you’re like most people, having the device in your hands and being able to use it for a while will certainly help to make it easier for you to choose. Again the Freeport Public Library has a number of ereaders available for checkout – just like their books – so you have the opportunity to use it and decide if it meets your needs. Call or stop in for more information. Both the Amazon Kindle Fire and the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet are promising tablets that are offered at great prices. Both products will continue to improve as new apps, software and services are updated. Ultimately your choice will depend on many of the things mentioned here but whatever you do, do not be afraid of technology and what it has to offer you. Get out there and investigate the options at your local stores, your libraries or with your friends. You will be glad you did! Thank you to Pat Vorwald, Head of Adult Services at the Freeport Public Library, for her input to the article. n
ELECTRONICS
What is a smartphone?
How it’s different from traditional cellphones Software and interface
E DUNC
All cellphones have software, but the smartphone is equipped with an operating system, much like a standard desktop or laptop computer. This makes the device faster and able to be upgraded in the future. Rather than be restricted to a limited number of functions, the smartphone is designed to be customizable to the user. In addition, many smartphones come with a touchscreen or a slide-out keyboard that allows for easy navigation.
Apps and functions
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One of the distinguishing features of the smartphone is “apps,” which is short for applications. This is another word for software programs. These compact programs provide a number of functions: games, maps, entertainment guides, news and weather reports, and money management are just a few examples. The apps are produced by a host of companies, so users have ample opportunities to find just the right program for their needs. Some apps are free to download, while others have a small fee.
By Avery Mann
American Profile
T
he smartphone has become a very popular and, in many cases, standard piece of equipment for millions of consumers. While the term “smartphone” can include a number of technological features, a few traits distinguish the smartphone from other cellphones that have been on the market for several years and only provide voice, text messaging or limited Web applications. Historical progress The smartphone essentially combines the personal data assistant (PDA), the cellphone and the portable music player. While each smartphone has different functions, the general idea is for the user to have the ability to communicate, run programs and carry various types of media such as pictures and music. Rather than have several devices, the smartphone is capable of allowing you to have everything on one compact device.
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2011
EXPLORE
Spring is for the Birds!
By Julie Bruser For Etc...Magazine Hummingbirds in flight.
E
ven with the mild winter we’ve had this year in the Upper Midwest, spring is still exciting! March brings warmer weather (hopefully), buds on the trees, flowers starting to bloom, and songbirds singing away. And this is the time of year when you see more birds than ever as those that migrated south are returning. Some will stay in our area and some are passing through to points north. More than 200 bird species found in the United States and Canada spend the winter in the lush forests of Mexico and South and Central America. As the seasons change, 42
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Photos provided
they know it’s time to travel to their summer breeding grounds, where they’ll find the right food and nesting materials to bring a new brood into the world. This annual odyssey is more amazing than most people realize. Consider that many of their trips are longer than 7,000 miles and some involve flying nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico—which is the case for the tiny rubythroated hummingbird! Then consider that they don’t have the benefit of a compass or other navigational tools. We believe that many of them find the right course by orienting their route to the positions of the stars. Others seem to be sensitive to the earth’s magnetic field.
EXPLORE People who feed birds in their yards enjoy each spring’s migration, because it brings a wide variety of species to their feeders. Throughout their journey, migrating birds are on the lookout for places to rest and refuel. Some may stay in an area for a few days while they prepare to travel farther north. Others might drop in for a quick nibble and drink before taking flight again. Those breaks help them build up the energy they need for successful migration. By providing a safe rest stop for migrating birds, you’ll benefit from the excitement of seeing birds that aren’t normally found in your area. If you provide a source of fresh water and food, and have a backyard habitat that gives the birds plenty of places where they can rest out of the reach of predators, they’ll think of your yard as a friendly resort. Keep a field guide and binoculars close at hand. That way, when you see an interesting bird, you’ll be able to identify and observe it. Many bird enthusiasts keep a list of all the species that have visited their yards and on what dates. That way they know when to look for them the following year. Interestingly, it is believed that the same birds will return to the same yards every spring, especially hummingbirds and orioles. And if you have a steady supply of food, they may even stay all spring and summer long! Here are a few of the most common spring arrivals for which you should be on the lookout: • Bluebirds – the Eastern Bluebird used to always migrate south in winter, but over the past few years, many have been staying put. It is very arduous for birds to migrate, so if they can find bugs and fruit underneath piles of brush, they will stay rather than go. The same thing has been happening with robins. Many of them no longer migrate. But even if some have been here all winter, you will still see many more arrive in spring, coming from perhaps just a few hours south. Bluebirds eat insects and fruit, so they don’t frequent birdfeeders unless you feed live mealworms. Though, they may come to suet or seed mixed with dried berries or raisins. The best way to attract them to your yard is by putting up a nesting box. Get it up (or clean out an existing box) in early March as they “scout” for nesting sites in March and begin nesting in April. Many will nest three times throughout the spring and summer.
• Hummingbirds – a favorite backyard bird, the amazing Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrates to Central America, crossing the Gulf of Mexico. Hummingbirds arrive here around May 1 and the ones you had in your yard last year will be looking for your feeders this year – so have them hung by the end of April. Making your own nectar is easy – just mix one part white sugar with four parts water, boil, stir to dissolve, sugar, cool, and fill your feeders. Keep leftover sugar water in your refrigerator. (Do not add red food coloring. Experts believe this is an unnecessary chemical that could be harmful.) • Orioles – arriving around the same time as hummingbirds are the brilliant orange Baltimore Orioles. If you put out their favorite foods – oranges, grape jelly, and sugar water – a pair or two might decide to nest and stay the summer in your yard or nearby. But many will undoubtedly partake in your offerings and keep heading north to nest in Wisconsin or Minnesota. • Rose-breasted Grosbeaks – these seed-eating birds also arrive in May and will frequent feeders filled with sunflower and/or safflower seed. The male is black and white with a red spot on his breast while the female is brown and white. They have a large beak, good for cracking open seed. They have a beautiful song and will sing quite often in the spring.
• Indigo Bunting – this gorgeous, deep blue bird, about the size of a goldfinch, doesn’t normally go to seed feeders, except in spring, when the insects they prefer are more difficult to find. Watch for them at your goldfinch feeders in May– they enjoy Niger thistle seed.
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EXPLORE As mentioned above, a good thing to do right now to get ready for spring migrating birds is to clean out and/or put up nesting boxes. It’s also a good time to do some spring cleaning of your birdfeeders. Wash them out with a solution of water with 10% vinegar or water with 10% bleach, making sure to rinse thoroughly afterward. Clean areas underneath feeders as well, with a rake or broom.
Happy spring and may you have lots of beautiful songbirds in your yard! n Photo by barbara baird
An Eastern Bluebird papa feeding his babies.
• Wrens – another spring migrant that is an insect eater is the perky House Wren. While they don’t come to bird feeders, they will most definitely nest in a manmade nesting box. Put one in a tree or nearby trees, and you’re sure to get a pair. They are also beautiful singers and it’s easy to spot their call. Clean out or put up a wren nesting box in April. They typically begin nesting in May, stuffing boxes with twigs. • Warblers – these small woodland birds can be seen migrating through our area in spring and fall. There are several different species; most of them shades of yellow or yellowish-green. While not commonly considered “backyard birds,” you may see one occasionally at a suet feeder or a birdbath in the spring. Hiking in a wooded area, like the Jane Addams trail, would be a good opportunity to spot warblers. • American White Pelicans – if you live or drive near a waterway, especially the Mississippi River, in spring, watch for a line of large white birds in the sky or a large number swimming in the water and you will see the American White Pelican. This is a magnificent bird that has only started going through this area in the last couple of decades. Previously, they were never seen in Illinois and southern Wisconsin 44
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About the author: Julie Bruser is the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in Galena, IL. For more information, visit: www.galena.wbu.com
EXPLORE
Earth Day Birdfeeder Cleaning Fundraiser
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Bring your dirty, moldy, seed-encrusted bird feeders to Wild Birds Unlimited in Galena on Earth Day – Sunday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- and benefit environmental education. Volunteers will clean your feeders for a fee – with every penny of that fee donated to the Conservation Guardians/Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving the Jo Daviess County area. Funds will be used for environmental educational programs planned throughout the year for all ages.
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ENERGY
Boost willpower By Spry Magazine
If you’ve tried to make changes in your life before but never have had success making them stick, yoga might help strengthen your resolve. “Whenever you try to make a change … one of the reasons it fails is that it doesn’t have the juice or energy behind it to make a change,” says Kelly McGonigal, author of the new book “The Willpower Instinct,” and a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University. McGonigal says it may be helpful to think of willpower not as “rigid self-control,” but instead as the ability to do what matters to you even when it’s difficult. You can improve that ability with practice, and yoga often offers that opportunity. By coming into poses that are challenging, then finding your breath and tuning into the sensations within your body, you learn how to “stay put” when you feel a bit of discomfort.
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four tips for happy aging
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Exercise and energize People who exercise frequently not only look better, they feel better, too. The short-term effects of exercise include better stress management and increased energy. Long-term benefits include easier weight control, stronger bones and muscles and a decreased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Sleep smart Sleep not only helps revive the body but also the mind. Research shows that skimping on sleep can have serious effects such as an increased risk of developing memory loss, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Getting enough rest encourages a positive mood, healthy weight and better skin elasticity. Shield your smile The health of your smile is influenced by daily dental health routines, as well as dietary factors. Enamel loss can occur when acids from everyday food and beverages, such as fruit, yogurt, salsa, orange juice and sports drinks, attack the tooth surface. If left untreated, the result can be irreversible enamel loss, which can lead to issues such as cavities, sensitivity, veneers, dentures and oral surgery. Lather up Aside from same-day dangers, like sunburn and heat exhaustion, overexposure to the sun can cause premature aging and, in some cases, skin cancer. To safely enjoy the, apply — and reapply — an oil-free, anti-aging sunblock every day for skin that is properly moisturized and protected from damaging UVA and UVB rays. — ARA
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Easy does it If you’re new to yoga, you don’t need to throw yourself wholeheartedly into the practice to reap some of the mindfulness benefits. McGonigal suggests a simple, daily practice of lying on your back with your legs straight up against a wall, while breathing through your belly for five to 15 minutes. If you would prefer a class,try a few different styles,whether it’s sweating during Bikram (or hot yoga) or slowing down for restorative yoga. Notice which class leaves you feeling best at the end — that’s the best practice for you. “We’re so burnt out dealing with everyday stress that we don’t have the energy to develop willpower for what matters,” McGonigal says. “The best way to get willpower is to rest, to stop running around all the time, and to reset yourself so you can pursue what matters most to you.” Respond with willpower Similarly, when you face a craving or a temptation you’d like to pass up, notice the discomfort in your body. Then pause to breathe into it. When you tune in to your body this way, you give yourself the space to make a decision using your “willpower response,” rather than from a “stress response,” McGonigal says. Often taking just a moment of reflection is all you need to resist falling into an old pattern. “It’s about remembering what you really want, remembering to align yourself with those things, then finding the energy and the willingness to do it,” she says. “Really, that’s what yoga is giving us tools for.”
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F
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T S U T U R B P Journal-Standard 3/12 Sudoku
B
N
L I A R
A N T E
O R E M
O P E R A
L I N E R
M O S T
O R E O
T A R O
G R A Y
R O D A N
A P A C E
I D E A
M A S S I I V N E D F T I W A E T L S F T S H I N G I N G E H T T
P A U R K E E R S G L O A L N D F I N G D E E R G A B A
H O S E
A C A I
T O P S O T W I H A L A G W E D A A P R A P O N E I T R D S S S S N S H E L E E O A Z W R Y
A T L L A U S S T T Y E M M B A L P E M O S H C A A P R L E S S
B O O N E B A I L
O D O R O L E O
FIGGER IT SOLUTION Class Marsh Alee Knack Hurt Ounce Ration Since SHAM ROCK PuzzleJunction.com
SUDUKO SOLUTION
CROSSWORD SOLUTION Solution C L O T
Puzzle Solutions
To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. B E I L N G D Z L E B O N A R R N R A E D L O U O N A N E I E D P A M O I S C K H L E A S Y
T R U C E
A D D O N
S E N T
R A N I
A L E S
P A S S
T E T A R I C U C H M O L M R A I E V E D A N
E M C E E
P U T S
E S N E
S E T S
B E I N G S P A P E R
P A T R I O T G A M E S
9 4 8
5 1 4 7 2
4 6 9 7 5 6 7 9 9 2 8 7 5 6 5 8 Š2012 PuzzleJunction.com
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When You’re For a
48
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March f April 2012