Northland Family - July 2015

Families that run together have fun together Book Buzz: Whale tales Plate prep is key to summer food safety Siblings need to prep for baby too Swapping, bartering is back in style

July 2015 LIBERTY TRIBUNE THE KEARNEY COURIER GLADSTONE DISPATCH THE SMITHVILLE HERALD

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Families that run

TOGETHER

have fun together

By Andy Meyer

Participating in road races can be a great activity to take part in as an entire family — regardless of age level or experience — and doubles as a great way to get healthy.

Smithville resident Jason Dunn is a big proponent of running races as a fun family activity and has competed in dozens of races alongside his wife, Cynthia, and two sons, Gavin and Regan.

“We’ve absolutely loved the opportunity to set goals as a family and set a race out there as a goal,” Dunn said.

“The best part of doing it as a family is the time you get to spend together running and talking. It’s a good challenge and a great activity.”

Dunn first took up running races several years ago after suffering a lifechanging heart attack and was thrilled when the rest of his family also showed interest in joining him in pursuing the activity.

His early runs would often consist of short jogs around the neighborhood, and he encourages less experienced runners to keep things simple at the

beginning.

“Really, it’s just getting out the door and starting with a walk and then a jog,” Dunn said. “The key is starting slow and having fun and communicating, and then mixing a new routine once in awhile. It’s always fun when you can be active as a family.”

There are always a variety of races and fun runs scattered throughout the Northland, including a handful of events in the coming weeks.

Dunn said racing with his family has brought them closer together and has provided them with many incredible experiences and connections during the past few years.

“I think what they found was the opportunity to go to a race is fun and a chance to meet a lot of different people,” Dunn said. “Race days have a genuine excitement, and there’s a ton of local races we put on the calendar each year.”

Upcoming Races u Julia’s Warriors Run for Hope, July 18, Smithville u Anchors Away Run/Walk 5K, July 19, Platte City u Splash and Dash 5K, July 25, Line Creek Trailhead u Run by the River, Aug. 22, Parkville

FREE Summer Fun at Mosaic Life Care Back To School Bash 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., August 1 Don’t miss a FREE day of back-to-school fun for the whole family! Enjoy pony rides, face painting, a bounce house and blow-up obstacle course, balloon games, free science shows and experiments — along with healthy snacks for the kids and the appearance of a real fire truck!

Forks ‘n’ Tunes 6 p.m., July 24 and August 28 You’re invited to enjoy FREE live music concerts under the stars in the beautiful Mosaic Life Care Courtyard. Bring a date or grab some friends, and join us for live music, great food, signature drinks for purchase and more! Doors open at 6 p.m. Bands hit the stage at 7 p.m.

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By Kellie Houx If ingenuity is the mother of invention, the offspring may very well be frugality and swaps.

Frugal moms and dads can be innovative as they look to buy, sell or trade gently used children’s clothes, shoes, toys, books and games. Sometimes consigning items is a possibility, but through the current technological age with Facebook and the Internet, children’s outgrown items may be better traded or swapped at a faster rate.

So think back to childhood, ever trade a friend for a toy? That’s swapping. Many cultures throughout the ages have practiced this method of exchange.

While some of these exchanges can involve money, they don’t have to, and that can be an advantage.

Trading can be done in swap markets or online auctions.

While money is the normal mode of payment for goods and services, during the Great Depression swapping, bartering and trading hit an all-time high. Perhaps the rise of swaps has partly come around as the economy has been in flux during the past few years. Frugal moms look to buy or sell gently used children’s gear.

For Sarah Wayne, the creator and one of the lead administrators of Northland Swap and Shop, swapping began because her children had grown out of clothing.

“They were changing sizes, and I was looking at a way to save money. That was my goal,” Wayne said.

The Northland group covers Clay and Platte counties under the mission to “bring together our wonderful members and community to swap, trade, buy, sell and donate items to pay it forward

Swapping, bartering

BACK IN STYLE

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to someone who needs or wants what you may have laying around. To meet amazing new people, making friends, helping each other to become a bigger and better group.”

Initially, Wayne also wanted to make a little extra cash for herself.

“So often folks have items laying around the house. Take a picture and post it. The site is an organized place to sell items,” she said. “I know I made money, and that became my spending cash.”

Initially, people may be reluctant with the use of technology, but the more awareness, the better.

“There really is power in numbers. The reach is pretty significant. You can declutter the closet and more,” she said. “My husband likes that I get rid of items that I no longer use or wear.”

Not every item is inexpensive, Wayne said. Some items found at a discounted price can include furniture.

“In fact, my middle son has started posting items,” she said. “Last year, he wanted a pair of Jordans, and he found a pair for $25. He was super excited, and it saved me money. The pair was gently used.

When he grew out of them, he sold them and made some money, too.”

Wayne does caution swap participants to meet in public places and that trust is built.

There is no consumer protection service or warranties involved. However, rules are clearly marked, and administrators can handle questions or concerns.

“As part of this online community, we have also helped out needy families during the holidays,” Wayne said. “That’s pretty satisfying, too.”

NORTHLAND FAMILY IS A SPECIAL SECTION PUBLISHED THE FIRST WEEK OF EACH MONTH BY LIBERTY TRIBUNE, THE KEARNEY COURIER, GLADSTONE DISPATCH AND THE SMITHVILLE HERALD, DIVISIONS OF NPG NEWSPAPERS, INC. MAILING ADDRESS: 104 N. MAIN ST., LIBERTY, MO 64068 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 816-781-4941 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: NORTHLANDFAMILY@NPGCO.COM ON THE COVER: PHOTO BY MARK JOHNSON — A PATRIOTIC PARADE MAKES ITS WAY AROUND DOWNTOWN SMITHVILLE ON THE MORNING OF JULY 4, 2014.

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How to get trendy clothes without the retail price tag

By Amanda Lubinski

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Rhea Lana’s is an upscale children’s consignment event business that holds sales in locations in the Northland twice per year.

“We do one in the spring and one in the fall,” franchisee Erin Franklin said.

Consignors enter their items into an online system, prepare and price their own items and make 70 percent on items purchased during the week of the sale. Consignors can review their sales online throughout the week and then pick up their check on the final day, along with their unsold items. All sale items are guaranteed.

“Our sales are open to the public and anyone can come to them and shop. It works out well for people because they sell items to make Located at 840 S. Missouri Highway some money and then use that to 291 in Liberty, this retail-me-not shop spend on buying items with us for offers customers the on-trend looks and brand names for a fraction of the their children. It ends up being a wash for them as far as the wallet cost. The store also buys gently used, fashionable items, paying cash on the goes. It’s great though, they get to get rid of things their children don’t spot. need anymore and get things they “We are about 70 percent off retail,” do,” Franklin said. “... We are just owner Connie Wells said.“We aren’t a moms helping consignment shop. moms.”

In those shops, you Rhea Lana’s often have to wait volunteers, until your item sells consignors along to get paid. With with mothersus, we pay you to-be, military right there.” families and Items for sale other special include those groups get to seen in major take part in preretailers within CONTRIBUTED PHOTO sale events. the past 12 to 18 Hundreds of children’s items are available “There months. Gift cards during a Rhea Lana’s consignment sale. is definite are also available. advantages to Clothing is shopping early,” Franklin said. available for girls size zero to 16, and Clothing, outerwear and shoes are in waist sizes 28 to 40 for men. Items available for infants to teenagers. available include accessories, coats, “Anything children need as far as footwear, dresses, hoodies, jeans, clothing is available,” Franklin said. sweaters, skirts and pants.

For more information, go to For more information, go to www. northland.rhealana.com. platosclosetliberty.com.

For many parents, back-to-school shopping can be stressful. Lines at malls coupled with hefty price tags can be enough to make any parent scream. In an effort to reduce the stress of school clothes shopping, the following is an overview of just two of the places where moms and dads can get their children’s backto-school clothing swag without breaking the bank.

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WANTED: Foster parents Clay County has more than 150

Demand surpasses available homes for children needing care

children in foster care. Although many children have found homes with relatives, others are in need of foster families, and the demand for foster homes is quickly exceeding the supply, according to Healthy Families Programs, an agency within Cornerstones of Care.

In order to meet the demand, Healthy Families is asking community members to consider becoming foster parents.

“Our goals are simple,” said Shelia Rancatore, director of Healthy Families. “Keep children in their home community so they can maintain connections, keep siblings together, and have a variety of homes available to meet the diverse needs of the children in care. To attain those goals, we need to increase the number of foster homes.”

Children in foster care have suffered from abuse and neglect. According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Maltreatment report from 2012, within the U.S., 78.3 percent of these children were neglected, 18.3 percent were physically abused, 9.3 percent were sexually abused, and 8.5 percent were psychologically maltreated.

“Needless to say,” Rancatore said, “children who have experienced this kind of treatment need

safe, stable, and nurturing homes.”

The ages of children in foster care range from infancy to 21. In Northwest Missouri, the age group with the highest population is 15 years and older, which comprises approximately 25 percent of the children in care. That same age group has

the fewest options of foster homes.

“Finding homes for older children is one of Healthy Families’ greatest challenges,” Rancatore said.

Healthy Families works hand in hand with the Missouri Children’s Division to train and license foster parents in Clay County as well as the 29 other counties of Northwest Missouri. The families with which they work have varied backgrounds and experiences, however, they all share a willingness to commit and a desire to make a difference in a child’s life.

Applicants to the foster parent program must be 21 years of age or older; be in good physical and mental health; have a stable source of income; pass a background check; and ensure their home meets safety requirements. They must also complete a 27-hour training course and participate in a home study. Training classes are scheduled at various times and locations throughout Northwest Missouri.

To learn more about foster parenting, visit www.healthyfamilies4kids.org/Licensing. To start the foster parenting process or speak to one of the Healthy Families staff, call 855-SRV-KIDS (855-778-5437).

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Christian Family Day coming July 25

By Mark Johnson Families from throughout the region will come together Saturday, July 25, for the ninth annual Christian Family Day, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Courtyard Park in downtown Smithville.

There will be 12 musical acts performing throughout the day and into the night, said David Lin, coordinator of the event. There will also be close to 80 vendor booths.

Parking will be available near Courtyard Park, in lots and street spaces.

Lin said there will be a wide variety of music for all ages, keeping with the theme of the family day.

Vendors, meanwhile, will offer everything from home decor and jewelry to works of wood and chocolate. Add to that booths that will provide information on ministries ranging from area church offerings to prison outreaches and one for outdoors men.

Where concessions are concerned,there will be everything from hot dogs and shaved ice to meatballs, pretzels and cotton candy.

As for the bands, Project 15:16 is scheduled to be the opening act, followed by Alex Sons & 2819 Crew.

Also in the mix will be Undergrad, Bearing Armor, Waiting Here, Jeannie Furst and Furst Light, Whosoever Will, Break the Fall, The Center State, Joe Lewis Band, 9th Hour and Lester Estelle Sr. & Friends.

In keeping with tradition, Lin said the acts performing that day will also perform at Nehemiah Fest, which is scheduled to take place Sept. 18 to 20 in Smith’s Fork Park. The park is located just west of the Smithville Lake Dam, north of Highway DD. For additional information about Christian Family Day, go to chrisitanfamilyday. org. For more information about Nehemiah Fest, go to nehemiahfest.com.

MARK JOHNSON

Bearing Armor will be among the bands at Christian Family Day in Smithville.

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Siblings need to prep for baby too With August and September holding the distinction as the months with the highest number of births, that makes summer a good time to help older siblings prepare for the new addition(s) to their homes. “The more you can prepare your child for the life change of a new sibling, the better experience it will be for everyone involved,� said Jaime Pasieniuk, perinatal community educator at Liberty Hospital. “Kids want to help, and parents want the older child to feel involved and included.�

Pasieniuk said there are several ways parents can help their child adjust to having a new baby in the house: Take time each day to do something with the older sibling. “Have a significant other watch the baby while Mom and the older sibling go on an errand together, take a walk, go to a movie or do a craft together,� she said.

Make sure the older sibling feels involved in the care of the new baby.

Let him or her know it is OK to talk to Mom or Dad about his or

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her feelings. “Expect that there may be a little regression in the older sibling’s behavior,� Pasieniuk said. “For example, if potty training was going well, the older sibling may want to start wearing a diaper again for a couple of weeks.�

To help with this family transition, Pasieniuk leads a Big Brother/Big Sister class for ages 3 to 7 at Liberty Hospital.

“The sibling class gives parents tools to make this major life event less stressful and more enjoyable,� she said.

The class includes time for the children to practice holding a baby by using a stuffed animal or doll from home. Kids also decorate a Onesie for their new baby brother or sister to wear when he/she goes home from the hospital. She said parents find it helpful for their children to have someone besides Mom or Dad to

tell them how things will be different around their house once the new baby is there. “Siblings tend to listen to the nurses’ advice about washing their hands before they touch the baby, holding the baby when sitting and keeping their small toys off the floor,� she said.

Parents attend the sibling class with their child(ren), and plenty of time is available for questions and answers.

Children receive a certificate declaring them a “Super Sibling,� and parents receive resources, including a reading list of books to read with their child and ways to prevent sibling rivalries.

The family transition can be stressful, Pasieniuk said, but she assures parents that with patience and understanding it gets easier. “They are giving their older child one of the greatest gifts — a new sibling,� she said.

Upcoming dates for the Big Brother/ Big Sister Club are July 11, Aug. 1 and Sept. 5. The monthly class — limited to eight — is free and open to the community, but registration is required at www.libertyhospital.org or by calling 792-7227.

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Before putting on a uniform Most school districts and organizations require students to receive a sports physical prior to participating school-sponsored sports to ensure that all who participate are in good health and to take care of any conditions that may require extra attention.

According to Dr. Alexander Schoofs, a sports medicine specialist with Mosaic Life Care, the top concerns in sports medicine are concussions, cardiovascular health and ACL injury prevention. In fact, many districts and organizations are mandating

Sports physicals help young athletes safely participate in sports and physical activities a “concussion action plan and protocol” that all participants are required to learn prior to playing.

With the increase of children participating in sports, the number of ACL injuries, cardiovascular conditions and concussions continue to increase as well. Doctors conducting the sports exam can give the athlete and parents tips to

avoid these injuries such as core strengthening, endurance training and general coordination/balance techniques.

The following tips will help the examining physician to give the best medical advice specific to the student-athlete.

Parents should fill out the athlete’s medical information. It is important for the medical history and family history of the athlete to be as detailed as possible about any past conditions, medications, and current symptoms. It will help the doctor catch any red flags.

Children often haven’t yet learned of

their family’s medical history.

Inform your doctor about all sports the athlete plays. The physical demands placed on a player can vary greatly between sports. For example, football players are more prone to concussions than golf players. Knowing what sports an athlete participates in allows your doctor to give sport-specific injury prevention education during the exam.

Be honest about your child’s medical history. The point of sports physicals is not to exclude students from playing, but to make sure they can play safely. Occasionally, a student may need an additional test before being cleared to play.

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Don’t forget about food safety this summer

Plate prep

By Chris Geinosky

With the summertime in full swing, it’s the heart of picnic and barbecue season.

And while this time of the year provides opportunities for outdoor fun with family and friends, these warm-weather events also present opportunities for foodborne bacteria to thrive.

Keeping foods at proper temperatures is critical to preventing the growth of foodborne bacteria. Never allow your picnic food to remain in the “Danger Zone” — between 40 and 140 degrees — for more than two hours or one hour if outdoor temperatures are above 90. This is when bacteria in food can multiply rapidly and lead to foodborne illness.

“During the fun and relaxation of the summer months, it’s easy to forget basic, but very important food safety,” said Aaron Smullin, communications specialist at the Clay County Public Health Center. “A critical component of food safety is the cooking, holding and storage of food at the proper temperature. Having a food thermometer to check internal food temperatures should be a key

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Pack and transport safely

Keep cold food cold. Place cold food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Cold food should be stored at 40 degrees or below to prevent bacterial growth. Meat, poultry, and seafood may be packed while still frozen so that they stay colder longer.

Organize cooler contents. Consider packing beverages in one cooler and perishable foods in another. That way, as picnickers open and reopen the beverage cooler to replenish their drinks, the perishable foods won’t be exposed to warm outdoor air temperatures.

Keep coolers closed. Once at the picnic site, limit the number of times the cooler is opened as much as you can. This helps to keep the contents cold longer.

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staple of your food prep. The best tip we can offer is, if you’re in doubt of any food potentially being undercooked or left out too long, throw it out.”

To protect yourself, your family, and friends from foodborne illness during warm-weather months, safe food handling when eating outdoors is critical.

Here are some simple food safety guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for transporting your food to the picnic site and preparing and serving it safely once you’ve arrived.

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Don’t cross-contaminate. Be sure to keep raw meat, poultry and seafood securely wrapped. This keeps their juices from contaminating prepared/ cooked foods or foods that will be eaten raw, such as fruits and vegetables.

Clean your produce. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water before packing them in the cooler — including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Rub firm-skinned fruits and vegetables under running tap water or scrub with a clean vegetable brush while rinsing with running tap water. Dry fruits and vegetables with a clean cloth towel or paper towel.

Marinate safely. Marinate foods in the refrigerator — never on the kitchen counter or outdoors. In addition, if you plan to use some of the marinade as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion separately before adding the raw meat, poultry or seafood. Don’t reuse marinade.

Cook food thoroughly. When it’s time to cook the food, have your food thermometer ready.

Always use it to be sure your food is cooked thoroughly: 165 degrees is a general temperature for most grilled meats.

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Safe grilling practices

Keep “ready” food hot. Grilled food can be kept hot until served by moving it to the side of the grill rack, just away from the coals to prevent overcooking.

Don’t reuse platters or utensils. Using the

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same platter or utensils that previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood allows bacteria from the raw food’s juices to spread to the cooked food.

Instead, have a clean platter and utensils ready at grill-side to serve your food.

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Backpacks can be a pain in the neck Carrying a backpack using only one strap can result in chronic lower-back pain, shoulder strain, neck pain and headaches, according to Strathman.

Strathman also said adding an additional strap, much like a hiker or military personnel use, can be effective.

“Some even go so far as having a strap around the waist. It is all about weight distribution,” he said.

Having help in the classroom can also go a long way in keeping stiffness from occurring.

“Sometimes if the kids have really heavy textbooks, they should have one of their classmates take (the backpack) off so they don’t wrench their shoulders.

Shoulders end up getting injured quite a bit putting them on and taking them off,” Strathman said.

When packing a bag, Strathman said it is ideal to have the heavier books and items closer to the body.

By Corey Edwards

Next month the halls will once again be filled with students carrying books and supplies from classroom to classroom. With so many students utilizing backpacks, knowing the proper way to distribute weight can be a factor for a child’s health.

“They say you shouldn’t go heavier than 15 or 20 percent of a child’s weight.Then, of course, you should use both shoulder straps,” Dr. Mark Strathman, Kearney Family Chiropractic Center, said.

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He said an easy way to tell if the bag is too strenuous is simply to have a adult watch to see if there is any struggle from the child.

“Watching them try and put it on in the morning or watching them try to take it off. It should be something that can be done with ease,” Strathman said.

Dr. Stephen Wiles, MD, FACS • Dr. Erin Gilliland, MD Dr. Rachel Tischinski, OD • Dr. Michael Klein, OD, MS

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Book Buzz: Mighty whale tales A bee is bitty, but a whale’s a whopper, especially if it’s a blue. Weighing in at 2,000plus pounds, the blue whale is bee-lieved to be the largest animal that’s ever lived.

Newsbee could buzz on about these mammoth mammals, and their various species, but instead he suggests you soak up some “Mighty Whale Tales.”

The Storm Whale

Whales come in all sizes, and Noi finds a small one washed up on the beach after a rough night at sea in “The Storm Whale,” by Benji Davies.

Noi lives by the beach in a shanty with his father and six cats. Lucky he has the felines, because his father is away all day fishing for a living.This means Noi has long hours alone to fill. One day, off in the distance, he sees a mound on the sand. On closer inspection, he discovers it’s a beached whale.

Noi realizes the whale will die if he can’t get it to water, so he loads it on a wagon and drags it home, hefting it into the bathtub. He keeps the door closed, believing his father will be angry if he finds a whale there.

But his father’s reaction is quite differ-

ent than expected in this poignant tale about a boy whose unusual find brings him closer to nature and to his dad.

Whales Trails, Before and Now

In early times whales were hunted; now those lucky enough to see them view whales with wonder.“Whales Trails, Before and Now,” by Lesa Cline-Ransome, cleverly presents facts about humpback whales, offering a glimpse into their past and present, accompanied by two different styles of pictures by G. Brian Karas that show how humans’ treatment of the humpback has evolved.

The book begins with a boy setting off on an expedition with his father, who owns the Cuffee, a whale-watching boat. His father tells his son that children were once taught that “whales were dangerous creatures that devoured our fish supply and were only good for their baleen and blubber.”

The current-day boat and the old-time whaler are compared, as are the piers, the passengers, the journeys, the equipment and activities on board.Today, people take great pleasure at spotting whales, but in bygone times, whalers longed for “adventure, wealth and the

open sea,” and returning home with hundreds of barrels of whale oil,” and other products a whale provided.

Ice Whale Author Jean Craighead George was writing “Ice Whale” when she passed away in 2012. Her adult children Craig and Twig finished the novel about Siku, a bowhead whale who lives in the Bering Strait bordering Alaska and Russia.

Siku was born in the mid-1800s, when American whalers began hunting bowheads, having decimated other species.

The whalers prized the bowheads for their thick blubber and elongated baleen, rows of whalebone in their mouths.

Toozak, an Eskimo boy, witnesses Siku’s birth. His father tells him this is a gift from the Great Spirit.Ten years later,Toozak leaks information to a whaler about where the Eskimos hunt.This results in a mammal’s death. Filled with remorse, Toozak confesses to the tribe’s shaman, who tells the boy he is cursed.

To lift the curse,Toozak must protect Siku for the rest of his life, as must Toozak’s firstborn child, firstborn grandchild, and so on until Siku saves the life of one of the Eskimos.

This pact of protection continues until Siku is more than 150 years old.

Diagrams, maps and drawings by St. Louis illustrator John Hendrix help track the whale and Eskimo travels.

Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company. Copyright 2015.

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Ready, set, read!

By Ryne Dittmer

Not only can reading daily promote the development of language and literacy skills in children, it can serve as a fun family activity.

“One of the best things you can do with your kids is read,” said Mid-Continent Public Library Youth Services Assistant and Children’s Coordinator Lisa Campbell.

“Just 20 minutes a day is really all it takes, and it doesn’t have to be all at once.”

Campbell said parents and guardians can make reading an entertaining part of a child’s daily schedule with a few simple ideas. The first is finding a topic that interests the young reader.

“We’re all about reading for pleasure,” Campbell said.

“We want kids to enjoy what they’re reading.”

To enhance the reading experience, Campbell recommended using different voices for characters, or asking children to look at the pictures and share what they think is happening on each page. For older children with stronger reading skills, reading books out loud can be a unifying activity.

“Reading to your child out loud is different than reading to your child,” Campbell said. “You can try acting out your favorite scenes or taking turns reading paragraphs. It’s all about making it comfortable and a fun experience.”

Mid-Continent offers several resources to promote reading and literacy. The system’s summer reading program and storytimes offer year-round reading opportunities. Digital resources, including downloadable e-books, audio books and BooxFlix, an online resource that pairs video storybooks with nonfiction e-books, are available through Mid-Continent’s website.

“We just really want to encourage those kids and those parents to enjoy reading together,” Campbell said. “We want families to read for fun and enjoy it.”

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Tips for Shared Reading Mid-Continent Public Library offers these tips for reading together. u Show your child that reading is important by letting him or her see you reading on your own. u Read together every day and talk about the books you read. u Create a special space for your children to look at books. Have a comfortable chair or pillows and make sure there’s room for you and your child to sit together. u Provide a small shelf or basket from which your child can reach the books without assistance. u Designate a special spot for library books. Keep a list of favorite titles and authors and questions your child asks. Use this list to guide what you checkout at your next library visit.

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A tropical picnic treat

Competitive barbecuer gives hints for tasty summer meats

Summer picnics are the perfect opportunity for a getaway in your own backyard, filled with a bounty of food, laughter and fun.There’s no better way to cap off one of these memorable “staycation” meals than with a fruity, island-inspired dessert.

Create this summer’s tropical picnic to remember with these tips:

Kearney resident Jerome Simoneau, who competes in numerous charity barbecue contests in the Northland, has three simple steps to make sure your summer barbecue goes according to plan.

By Corey Edwards

Step 1: Be patient

Transform your backyard into a beachside cabana. From grass table skirts to brightly colored beach balls to flaming tiki torches, the options are nearly endless for establishing an island ambiance.

Set the mood with music. Steel drums and lively rhythms are the perfect backdrop to a festive beach-style party.

Greet guests with leis and umbrellacapped beverages. These simple touches go a long way to enhance the festive spirit.

Look to the beach for inspiration.

Whether guests include kids, or simply the young at heart, add some interactive beach-inspired activities, such as a volleyball net or sandbox for building sand castles.

Serve up your own island-inspired recipes, such as a Pineapple Coconut Cake. Made with DOLE Canned Pineapple, this recipe will help you capture that tempting tropical taste for your next picnic. DOLE Canned Pineapple is naturally fat free and cholesterol free, very low in sodium and rich in Vitamin C. Plus, it comes in many forms, including slices, chunks, tidbits and crushed.

Canned fruit is also well-suited for other desserts such as fruit salads, baked muffins and breads or even as a dessert topping. It’s also a perfect ingredient for mixing into cottage cheese or blending into fruit smoothies.

For more dessert ideas featuring canned fruit, including this tropical twist on an iced layer cake, visit www.dole.com.

Pineapple Coconut Cake Prep time: 10 minutes Bake time: 35 minutes Servings: 12-16 1 1 1 1 1 1 2

can (20 ounces) DOLE Crushed Pineapple, divided box (2-layer) yellow cake mix tablespoon coconut extract package (4 serving size) instant vanilla pudding cup cold low-fat milk tub (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed cups sweetened flake coconut

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray two 9-inch cake pans with cooking spray.

Drain pineapple; reserve juice. Divide crushed pineapple in half; set aside.

Prepare cake mix according to package directions, replacing water with reserved juice and adding coconut extract; beat two minutes. Fold half of crushed pineapple into cake batter.

Pour cake batter into prepared cake pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool in pan 10 minutes. Transfer from pan to wire rack; cool completely.

Stir together instant vanilla pudding and cold milk until smooth, about two minutes; fold in whipped topping. Combine remaining pineapple with mixture.

Place one cake layer on plate; spread pineapple frosting over top. Place second cake layer over top.

Frost top and sides of cake with remaining pudding frosting. Garnish with coconut.

Refrigerate for one hour before serving.

— Family Features

“My biggest deal, and I have helped a lot of people improve their barbecue, is be patient. My philosophy is always ‘slow and low.’ I think another part (of being patient), is to find something you like and stick with it.

“I know what I want, what I like and what my clientele likes. I don’t try to differ from that. The biggest thing is understand the meat that you are cooking and be patient because it takes so long for each piece of meat and it’s a different timing.”

Step 2: Temperature cook

“I am very much a temperature cooker. At a certain point when you are barbecuing or smoking, at a certain point the outside of the meat won’t take anymore of what you’re getting. At that point you start drying it out and charcoaling the outside of the meat, which then you will lose your favor.

“I take most of my meat to 145 to 150 degrees, and then I wrap it in foil and then take it up to the desired temperature, usually around 190 to 200 degrees.

Step 3: Let it relax

“Anyone that watches food shows, they always tell you to let your meat relax. It’s trying to hold onto all of its juices when you get it really hot on the outside. When you relax, it releases those juices and lets them flow back to the outer edge of the meat.”

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