Homefront Magazine October 2016

HOMEFRONT A Fort Hood Herald publication | October 26, 2016

Army is a family P9 | Life’s changing seasons P4 | Halloween tips P13

| Homefront

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

[ Inside this issue ] Holding Down the Homefront: Seasons of life always changing

Page 4

Financial Fitness: Tips for college students

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Financial Fitness: Things to know about small-business insurance Page 7 On the Homefront: Army leaders support survivor group

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On the Homefront: Army family offers comfort, support

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On the Homefront: Beta Club members learn about leadership

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What’s Happening: Upcoming area events

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What’s Happening: Get ready for Halloween

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Dining In: Pumpkin takes walk on the savory side

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Vol. 9, Issue 10 | October 26, 2016 Homefront is a Fort Hood Herald publication.

Contact Us Editor: David A. Bryant | dbryant@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7554 Contributor: Abbey Sinclair Photographer: Eric J. Shelton | 254-501-7460 On the cover: Staff Sgt. Leah R. Kilpatrick, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division public affairs office, places a kiss on her husband’s tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on July 26. The Detroit native said the response of her brothers and sisters in arms after the death of her husband renewed her faith in the Army family. U.S. Army National Guard | Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Saslav

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Homefront |

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Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Like autumn, seasons of life are always changing

A

utumn has always been a time of change, bringing with it a feeling of fleeting beauty and transience. As I settle firmly into adulthood in my thirties, I have often found this pattern of evolving change to be true of life, as well.

Ten years ago, I fully believed that I knew the direction I was headed in life. In hindsight, this was, of course, foolish. As any true wanderer knows, after venturing through the forest for some time, you inevitably spot an alluring new trail, or see a pretty bird, and in the end, your course veers off in a different direction entirely.

Almost everyone is familiar with the Robert Frost poem, “The Road Not Taken.” The famous passage goes, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” The poem is a cliché in modern society, and by popular conception, is about choosing the right path in life (though according to scholars, Frost’s true

after venturing through the forest for some time, you inevitably spot an alluring new trail, or see a pretty bird, and in the end, your course veers off in a different direction entirely.

HOlding down the Homefront Abbey Sinclair

intent ran more along the lines of a clever joke, alluding that “the road not taken” may lead you right back to the same crossroads over and over again, forever trying to make a decision). Regardless of which version is true, I think both could be said of my journey thus far.

Five years ago — and five years after my initial feelings of security about my future — I had been struggling with my “chosen” career. I was

miserable, but too stubborn to admit it. After two long, expensive years working toward a postsecondary degree, I felt like I had no choice but to continue on.

Then, life changed, as it always does.

I fell in love with my long-time best friend, a soldier, and we moved to Fort Polk, La. In this remote spot, opportunities in my career field didn’t exist so I was forced to look elsewhere. Several painful temporary jobs later, I decided to apply for a writing position at the newspaper on post and got the job.

That position changed everything for me.

Suddenly, I felt at peace. I had always loved to write, but never considered it as a career option because I had

always been so focused on other things. More than once, I’ve thought about the fact that I may have never stumbled onto such a path if I had never married my husband or moved to Fort Polk, despite what a curse I had initially believed the move to be.

Nowadays, I’m still writing. Lately, however, my role has been that of a part-time journalist and full-time wife and mom, though I expect that will soon change — just like the turning of the leaves in fall.

I don’t know where this path will eventually take me, but for now, I’m enjoying the fresh air.

Abbey Sinclair is an Army spouse, mother and a Herald correspondent. She lives in Killeen.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Homefront |

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[ Financial Fitness ]

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Personal finance tips for students in higher education

By Chad Storlie Courtesy of USAA

Time spent in higher education is a time that is equally thrilling, draining, and above all life changing. Keeping your personal finances in order is critical when you are a higher education student whether in a full time or a part time program. Financial management is critical because completing higher education with your finances in order will help propel your career to new heights, challenges, and opportunities. Follow these tips to help keep your schoolbooks and your checkbook in order.

FIND A PART-TIME INTERNSHIP. For graduate students and undergraduate students alike, finding a paid, convenient, challenging, and enjoyable internship is a challenge. This is a challenge that is worth the time and expense because it is a way to give a higher education student three thing they desperately need: (1) an income; (2) experience in the field; and (3) a personal network.

Going back and forth to an internship day-after-day and in the summer can seem like a hassle, but part-time internships frequently lead to full time jobs or to connections that have full time jobs.

LIMIT ALL TYPES OF DEBT. The use of the GI Bill, grants, scholarships, and other types of financial aid sometimes only goes so far. The best way to think of student loans is as a last and final resort and not as a first resort. With the cost of higher education today and the ease of obtaining student loans, student loan debt can accumulate fast and then compound even with low interest rates at a startling rate. If you have to use student loans, shop the loan and find the lowest rate that you can.

When you complete your degree, pay off the student loans as fast as possible.

Finally, do not use credit cards and other high interest debt instruments to finance your education. Credit cards have high rates and often-inflexible terms to pay off education debt.

LIVE A VERY REDUCED LIFESTYLE.

You can do everything right: have an internship and use very little student loans. If you have expensive personal habits, like to entertain, and like to go out to eat, then these expenses will generate credit card and other debt that will quickly create financial jeopardy that will live on long past graduation.

Your watchwords for personal spending should be reasonable and minimal.

If you minimize personal spending and then only spend on reasonable purchases, you should be just fine.

WATCH THE ELECTRONICS. Electronics such as cellphone, cellphone plans, tablets, tablet network use, laptops, flat screen TV’s, and computer software can create a staggering load of personal financial obligations. The best bet again is reasonable and minimal for electronic items just like lifestyle expenses. Refurbished laptops, refurbished cell phones, and the use of educational discounts for computer software all offer excellent value with electronic capabilities. A higher educa-

tion student that buys the best, the newest, and the most capable electronic devices and then uses educational debt to finance the purchases is doing their future a significant disservice.

COMPLETE YOUR DEGREE. This seems like incredibly simple advice, but a great many students bring themselves to financial jeopardy when they take out large amounts of educational debt and then do not complete their degree and receive the career advancement and additional income their educational degree brings them. The best advice is to start a degree at an educational institution that will deliver a great educational outcome, and then complete the degree as quickly as possible.

Higher education is a great time to jump-start your intellect, your curiosity, and your career. The best way to get the most from your determination and self-sacrifice to improve your education and to get a degree is to finish your education in a better financial situation than when you started.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

[ Financial Fitness ]

Homefront |

Seven things to know about small-business insurance Courtesy of USAA

You don’t leave the door of your small business unlocked at night, do you? So why would leave yourself unguarded against fire, flood, lawsuits and other dangers?

Here are some things to know about how business insurance can protect you and your company.

You need business insurance.

Even the smallest business can be sued, putting you at risk of losing your income, savings and additional assets.

Other events — such fire, data breach, theft and accidents — also call for specialized coverage.

Your current coverage may not be enough.

Your home and auto policies generally won’t cover business-related claims. Business property and liability coverage helps safeguard your valu-

For most small- to medium-sized companies, a business owner’s policy will include all the coverage you need and cost less than buying a la carte. able assets. For example, insuring your company’s technology, such as computers and data, can help protect your business from data breaches and theft, and help you comply with regulatory requirements.

Don’t get bogged down by the choices.

Business insurance comes in a variety of flavors — general liability, property, commercial auto, workers’ comp and so on. For most small- to medium-sized companies, a business owner’s policy (BOP) will include all the coverage you need and cost less than buying a la carte. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) defines

“small businesses” by industry and according to the number of employees and average annual receipts.

You need to protect your employees and yourself.

As soon as you hire your first employee, you need the protection of workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees for workrelated injuries or illnesses that cover medical expenses, lost wages, disability and benefits for families in the event of a fatality. Risk management can help reduce your company’s motor vehicle liabilities, verify potential employees’ driving records and monitor their busi-

ness driving.

You need to protect your business.

You need to ensure your income stream is safe. After an accident, natural or otherwise, your business may have to close temporarily. How long can you afford to be down? Business interruption insurance will replace your lost income while repairs are made.

You can’t rely on other people’s insurance.

If someone is injured on your property, even if they have health insurance, you could be sued. General liability insurance can help protect you from claims.

Your current agent may not be best for the job.

You may have an insurance agent for your home and cars. But you need someone who specializes in business insurance.

| Homefront

[ ON the Homefront ]

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

U.S. Army | Staff Sgt. Chuck Burden

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel Dailey, far left, Army Secretary Eric Fanning, center left, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, far right, pose for a photograph with members of the Army Survivor Advisory Working Group at the Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exhibition on Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C.

Army leaders show support for group that comforts, guides survivors

By Sean Kimmons Army News Service

F

ORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. — When Amy Moore saw her husband’s commanding general and a chaplain getting out of a vehicle parked in front of her home, she expected the worst.

“At that point, I knew because my husband was flying that day,” she said of the visit in November 2004, the Monday after Thanksgiving. “I asked if there was any hope for survivors and they replied, ‘no.’”

The deaths of her husband, Col. James Moore, and six other 4th Infantry Division soldiers as a result of a helicopter crash in central Texas hit the residents of Fort Hood especially hard. Just months earlier, the division had returned from a dangerous deployment to Iraq, and the worries of deadly missions had waned.

“It was a gut punch to the Fort Hood community,” she recalled. “The division had just redeployed, and it was all very heart-wrenching.”

Surviving family members, including Moore and her two children, leaned on casualty assistance officers and friends to guide them through the paperwork and the grieving process.

“Still to this day, I have an Army fam-

ily,” she said. “That’s just what we do.

We help each other.”

Today, Moore and several others have dedicated themselves to assisting other survivors as part of the Army Survivor Advisory Working Group, known as SAWG. Established in 2007, the working group had its inaugural charter signed Oct. 5 by Army Secretary Eric Fanning, making it a more formalized organization.

“The sacrifice you’ve gone through is something that very few understand,” Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley told surviving families after he added his own signature to a tri-signed poster backing the group’s charter. “We are all in full support of you every day of our lives. We’ll never forget the fallen, and we will support you to honor them until the day we die as well.”

With the new charter, surviving family members can apply to become advisors for the working group under a new application process. Among their duties, advisors discuss matters during biannual meetings with Milley and other Army leaders.

“The intent is to get other people on board,” Moore said. “With any working group, it’s really important to have different representation.”

The group already includes a crosssection of members, among them

members who have who lost loved ones to combat, cancer, terrorism and apparent suicide. “We’re offering something different through our loss,” she said.

Under the charter, advisors will serve two-year terms, which means the group will regularly need new members to fill open slots and help lead the group’s efforts.

One of those efforts — surviving soldier stabilization — was made official Army policy in March. The policy grants a soldier who has experienced the loss of a spouse the option to remain at his or her current installation for at least a year, with a possible extension of up to two years.

The policy is intended to provide soldiers with time to handle personal affairs in the aftermath of such a loss. Since its inception, more than 40 people have taken advantage of the policy.

“It’s important to give the soldier the option,” Moore said. “When you go through loss, you’re not supposed to do anything drastic. A (permanent change of station) move would be huge.”

Group members are also working on a legislative proposal to create a new category for bereavement leave, which would allow commanders to give 14 days of non-chargeable leave to any

active-duty member who suffers the loss of a spouse or child. The proposal cleared legal review in August and continues to move forward.

“It’s a work in progress because it involves all (military) services,” Moore said, adding that the policy is needed to offer commanders specific guidance. “We’re concerned that there’s not equity across the board.”

Members of the working group also remain active at local Survivor Outreach Services offices and share their stories during training sessions for casualty assistance officers.

These officers have close contact with surviving family members, helping them navigate legal documents, sign up for services at installations, and apply for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“It’s critical that they have a good relationship with the surviving family,” Moore said.

For that reason, the working group pushed for an initiative to extend their two-day training sessions to a third day. “Hopefully they won’t be called to (help survivors), but they will be prepared for it,” she said.

The working group plans to meet again in the spring at Fort Myer, Va., to further discuss survivor issues with Milley and other Army officials.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

[ ON the HOmefront ]

Homefront |

Army family offers comfort, support

By Staff Sgt. Leah Kilpatrick

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

T

he world has become a very cynical place. It has become so prevalent in my own life and in my career field that I have become convinced that along with a score of 107 or higher in the GeneralTechnical section of the ASVAB and the ability to type 20 words per minute, cynicism is an additional requirement to enter into Army public affairs.

And it was with this same cynicism that I would speak of the “Army family.” And I don’t believe I’m the only one. I think the notion has turned into a punchline. A mention of the Army as a family at any dining facility, office space or motor pool might elicit at least one eye roll.

But in this time when people are enjoying time with their biological families, I have a renewed appreciation and faith in my Army family. Our Army family.

It all started when I was alone, driving down U.S. Highway 190 on my way to Scott & White Hospital in Temple on Oct. 23, 2014.

I’ll never forget that drive. It was then that the numbness first set in. A numbness I’ve become accustomed to, the heart’s defense mechanism when the pain is too intense to bear.

My husband of five years, best friend and soul mate of almost 10 years, was not doing well at all, and the nurses and hospital staff had called me to get there as soon as I could.

The staff met me at the elevators (never a good sign) and took me up to the intensive care ward. As we approached the room, all sorts of machines and monitors were being wheeled out of his room, and that’s when they told me.

He’s gone.

A 46-year-old man. A husband. A father. A son. A brother. A nephew. A friend. A veteran. My rock was gone, and all I wanted to do was go with him.

And it was in this moment of helpless despair when I felt I couldn’t be more alone that my family — to include my Army family — sprang to action.

All activity in my office grinded to a

Courtesy U.S. Army National Guard | Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Saslav

Staff Sgt. Leah R. Kilpatrick, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division public affairs office, wipes her eyes and collects herself after an emotional visit to her husband’s grave in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on July 26. The Detroit native said the response of her brothers and sisters in arms after the death of her husband renewed her faith in the Army family.

halt. My soldier came to watch my kids.

My noncommissioned officer in charge immediately completed the requirements to be my CARE team manager.

My officer in charge showed up at the hospital along with the chaplain and sat with me.

At no time was I alone or without support.

The 1st Cavalry Division was my immediate Army family, but battle buddies from as far away as California, New York, Alaska and even Belgium rallied around me.

It felt like a matter of hours from notification that Sam had passed away, and people were bringing cards and food and condolences to my house.

The battalion even solicited for volunteers to help me and my kids move.

I had no idea who or how many people were coming, but the day we moved, I was overwhelmed with First Team soldiers and family members all come

to help.

At a time when all I wanted to do was lie down and die, my Army family picked me up.

I don’t say all this to brag. I say all this to serve as an eye-opener that although the Army is one big, dysfunctional family — we bicker and squabble; we fuss and fight; we don’t always get along; it’s not always hugs and kisses and kumbaya — but when one of us is in need, we are there.

And here we are — more than year later. The loss of my husband is still a painful wound that aches more than words can express. I still have days when I can’t do much more than cry.

I still struggle to help my children understand and put words to what it is they are feeling. I still die inside a little every time my 2-year-old looks up at me and says, “Daddy’s not here. Daddy’s in heaven.”

People often remark about how

strong they think I am, and how they have no idea how I’m holding it all together.

Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret.

I’ve got one heck of a support system.

I’ve got brothers and sisters across the globe. We didn’t grow up in the same household, and we don’t have a single relative in common. We didn’t fight over toys as kids or squabble over whose turn it was to wash the dishes.

We share something thicker than blood. We share a commitment to each other — a loyalty — an oath — a creed.

And on those days — those unpredictable days — when the burden on my heart has become more than I can handle, I can and do turn, without hesitation, to my fellow soldiers to my left and to my right and find a welcoming shoulder there on which I can lean.

So all cynicism aside, when I say, lean on your Army family, I mean it. We got your back.

10 | Homefront

[ ON the Homefront ]

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

U.S. Army | Nathan Pfau

Students of the Fort Rucker Elementary School Junior Beta Club paint Sgt. Ted E. Bear Oct. 14. He is now painted as a Ninja Turtle just in time for Halloween.

Junior Beta Club members learn leadership, collaboration

By Nathan Pfau Army Flier Staff Writer

F

ORT RUCKER, Ala. — As dozens of Fort Rucker Elementary School students took paint to bear to give Sgt. Ted E. Bear a new costume for Halloween, the children learned more than just how good the Fort Rucker icon looks clad in his new Ninja Turtle costume.

The FRES junior Beta Club members got the unique opportunity to get the post bear ready for Halloween, but the project wasn’t just a chance for the children to get their hands dirty, but a valuable lesson in service leadership, according to Katherine Nelson, FRES reading specialist and Beta sponsor.

Nelson said that the Beta Club, which was originally started in South Carolina in the early 1900s, focuses

much of its lesson on service leadership — teaching children leadership through service.

So when the school was approached with the idea of painting the bear, they jumped at the opportunity, she said.

“These are leaders, and we’re training them to be leaders, so we give them opportunities like (painting the bear), so they have to work together,” she said. “(Beta) also focuses on scholarship, so part of the requirements to be a junior Beta, which is made up of fourth, fifth and sixth graders, is to have a good academic record, to be responsible and show good citizenship.”

Nelson said the students were excited to get the chance to paint Sgt. Ted E. Bear, and the toughest decision they had to make was which Ninja Turtle they wanted him to be for Halloween — Michelangelo.

Painting the bear isn’t the club members’ first time getting their hands dirty with work to benefit the community. In the past, the FRES Junior Beta Club has also worked on possible names for the new elementary school, which was presented to the school board, they collected books for the flood victims in Elba and this year they’re collecting socks for the Soktober Project, which will be donated to the Dale Rescue Mission for families in need.

“We have a real diverse kind of focus, and as you go through the country and look at different Beta organizations, you see different focuses because they can focus on the areas of need in their specific community,” said Nelson, adding that the focus for the students at FRES is on working together.

For Kalista Butler, sixth grade Junior Beta Club member, that focus on working together is what will help her to develop skills needed to be the leader she hopes to one day become.

“I want to be able to help people around the community and help to make a difference,” she said. “We work on leadership skills and we do community projects, like the Soktober Project, and Beta Club has taught me how to be a good leader.”

That level of dedication from each student is part of the ideals that Nelson said she hopes to be able to instill in the students as they learn.

“Working together is a 21st century skill,” said the Beta sponsor. “You have to learn to collaborate and work with people and communicate, and if you can do that these kids will going be able to have a productive future.”

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Homefront | 11

[ What’s Happening ]

12 | Homefront

Local Music Dirty Harry’s presents live music on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. For ages 21 and older, no cover. Dirty Harry’s is at 206 W. Veterans Memorial Blvd., Harker Heights (next to Kin Pin Tattoos). Call 254-680-6557.

Enjoy live music from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday at Stillhouse Wine Room. Tuesday is Game Night. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer while playing your favorite game. Thursday Night Trivia is from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. with a relaxed version of the game. Topics include music, movies, sports, geography, animals and more. Every 10 questions someone wins a bottle of wine. Stillhouse Wine Room is at 403 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Suite 308, Killeen. For information, go to StillhouseWineRoom.com.

Farmers Markets All-Year Pioneer Farmers Market will be open in front of Tractor Supply Co., on Central Texas Expressway in Killeen from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, weather permitting. Call Heike at 254-458-8223 or go to www.facebook.com/pioneerfarmersmarket.

Green Acres Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Saturday.

The market is in front of Lowe’s Home Improvement Store at W.S. Young Drive and Lowes Boulevard. Featured vendors include Lord Farm’s watermelons, Chef Floca’s Salsa, Soyupmtious, Polly Wants a Crafter, Brown Suga’s Pickles, Shut Your Pie Hole, Old McDanel’s Farm and Kettle Cornutopia. For more information, contact Hugh McDanel at 254-813-5177 or go to www.facebook.com/greenacresfs.

The Harker Heights Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, 850 W. Central Texas Expressway.

Arts & Theater The Mayborn Museum Complex offers free admission from 1 to 5 p.m. the first Sunday of each month. The museum is at 1300 S. University Parks Drive in Waco.

For information, call 254-710-1104.

Bars, Clubs Chopstick, 2600 Trimmier Road, Suite 200, Killeen, has karaoke from 8 to 11 p.m. every Thursday.

Club Easy Street, 702 W. Elms Road, Killeen, presents the Bombshell Vixens from 9 to 11 p.m. every Friday. Cover: $5.

Temple’s Railroad and Heritage Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The museum is at 315 W. Avenue B, in downtown Temple. Go to www.facebook.com/templerrhm or call 254-298-5172.

Clubs, Meetings The Copperas Cove Bass Club meetings are at the Lil Tex Restaurant in Copperas Cove on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Call 254-661-9274.

The Copperas Cove Writers Forum meets from 6 to 9 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at 502 S. Main St., Copperas Cove (across the street from the Cove library). The group is for amateur writers and authors. All genres accepted. Provide and receive feedbacks. Bring 5-10 printed (double-spaced) copies of your work.

Limit submission to 3,000 to 5,000 words. Call Mike at 254-547-2655.

The Killeen Civic Art Guild has open studio time from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and offers various workshops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays at the Killeen Arts & Activi-

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

ties Center, 802 N. Second St., Suite D 100. Contact Jutta Mack at jmack1@hot. rr.com, call 254-466-4040 or go to www. killeencivicartguild.org.

Fundraiser Gift City is partnering with vendors, businesses and nonprofits to sponsor a counting down to Christmas citywide garage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29 at Gift City, 306 E. Avenue D, Killeen. Events include raffles, aerobics, jewelry making and a car show. Proceeds will go to scholarship funds for the community’s youth.

For information or to become a vendor, call Faye Thomas at 254-290-7974.

Planetarium Several films are now showing at the Mayborn Science Theater at Central Texas College. Matinee shows are $5 per person and the Saturday evening shows are $7 for adults and $6 for children under the age of 12. Discounts are offered to activeduty military, senior citizens and members. For show descriptions, full schedule and ticket prices, go to www.starsatnight. org or call 254-526-1800.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

[ What’s Happening ]

Homefront | 13

Six ways parents can make Halloween safer for young children Courtesy of the Copperas Cove Fire Department

Children love the costumes, treats and friendly frights of Halloween parties and going door to door. These can be safe and fun activities for all of us, even younger children. But the Copperas Cove Fire Department wants parents to know that flames can quickly ruin Halloween festivities.

You can keep your child safe from fire and burn injuries by following these six tips: 1. Children are naturally drawn to glowing jack-o’-lanterns and other flickering lights. Instead of flames, use battery-powered candles or flashlights to decorate. Lit candle flames can burn children. If children come too close to the flame, their clothing can catch on fire. Battery-powered candles are the safer choice.

2. Make sure that all decorations are kept away from flames and other types of heat.

3. Keep all matches and lighters

Other safety tips

Plan Ahead. Don’t go to an area you don’t know without a map of the neighborhood.

Stay Away from the Dark Homes. If the lights are out, the residents are either not home or don’t want to participate.

Always Check the Candy Bag. Don’t ever let a child consume candy without an adult properly checking all wrappers to ensure nothing has been tampered with.

Courtesy of USAA

locked up. They should be in a high place out of your child’s reach. Teach young children that they must not

touch or play with these tools, ever.

If they find matches or lighters, they should tell an adult where they are.

4. Choose a costume with fire safety in mind. Fabric can catch fire if children walk close to flames. Avoid loose fabric and features that dangle or drag behind the child. Keep costume sleeves tight. Look for a fabric label that reads “flame-resistant” or “flame-retardant.”

Keep a close eye on your child. Even flame-resistant fabric can burn.

5. Never let children play with or carry lit candles. Give each child a flashlight to carry while trick-or-treating. Check porches for lit candles, torches and other flames before letting children approach the door.

6. The last tip is the most important: Young children need adult supervision at all times. Stay alert. Watch children closely at parties and as they go door to door. Be sure to check all candies and treats before they are consumed.

7. For those citizens interested in participating in traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, we recommend this be done on the evening of Halloween between 6 and 8 p.m.

14 | Homefront

[ Dining IN ]

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Pumpkin takes walk on the savory side

By Nick Kindelsperger and Joseph Hernandez Chicago Tribune

It’s hard to make it through fall without stumbling over a bright orange pumpkin, but that doesn’t mean many end up on your dinner plate. Besides the ubiquity of pumpkin pie, most pumpkins end up as decorative items — carved up as jack-o’-lanterns or displayed as some colorful harvest scene. This is a shame, because they are extremely versatile in the kitchen, working well in both savory and sweet dishes.

You just need to make sure to buy the right kind. Avoid the enormous basketball-size pumpkins used for carving, because they are fibrous and flavorless.

Instead, look for what are referred to as pie pumpkins (or sugar pumpkins), which are smaller — usually about 2 pounds. When cooked, the flesh becomes tender and sweet, which pairs extremely with these creative recipes.

Photos by Michael Tercha | Chicago Tribune

Roasted pumpkin is combined with chorizo sausage then stuffed into tortillas and garnished with cabbage, toasted pumpkin seeds and cilantro.

Makes: 8 servings Recipe by Joseph Hernandez. You will have extra filling. It freezes well. Use it in salads, as a side dish or in a quesadilla.

PUMPKIN TACOS WITH CHORIZO AND CHIPOTLE Prep: 30 minutes Cook: 35 minutes Makes: 12 tacos Recipe by Nick Kindelsperger.

1 pie or sugar pumpkin (about 2 pounds), peeled, cut into ¾-inch cubes 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground cumin 1 pound Mexican chorizo 1 to 2 chipotles en adobo, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced Shredded red cabbage ¼ cup pumpkin seeds, toasted Handful fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 12 corn tortillas, warmed 1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Toss pumpkin cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, cinnamon, salt and cumin. Place on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet. Transfer to the oven; cook, 10 minutes. Flip pumpkin pieces with tongs or a spatula. Cook, flipping pieces every 10 minutes, until they are tender, 30 to 40 minutes total.

2. Meanwhile, pour remaining tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet set over

Dough: 3 cups flour 1 tablespoon salt 6 ounces (about ¾ cup plus 3 tablespoons) vegetable shortening 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes ½ cup ice water 2 tablespoons white wine, optional

For pumpkin empanadas, the squash is cooked with onions, oregano, paprika and red bell pepper, before being used as a filling, paired with ricotta.

medium heat. Add chorizo; break sausage apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until chorizo is lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Add chipotles and garlic, stir well and cook until very fragrant. Add roasted pumpkin to the skillet; stir until the pieces are evenly coated with the chorizo.

3. Serve pumpkin and chorizo filling in corn tortillas topped with a sprinkle of

cabbage, pumpkin seeds and cilantro.

Nutrition per taco: 287 calories, 20 g fat, 6 g saturated fat, 33 mg cholesterol, 16 g carbohydrates, 2 g sugar, 11 g protein, 668 mg sodium, 2 g fiber

PUMPKIN EMPANADAS

Prep: 1 hour, plus resting time Cook: 45 minutes

Filling: 1 pie or sugar pumpkin (about 2 pounds), halved, peeled, cut into ¾inch cubes 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon oregano 1 tablespoon paprika 1 red bell pepper, seeded, chopped 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1/3 cup vegetable or chicken stock or broth ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1½ cups ricotta 1 large egg lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for brushing 1. Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut the shortening and butter

[ Dining in ]

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

The pumpkin dip sees the squash pureed with yogurt, tahini and plenty of roasted garlic, and brightened with lemon juice and pomegranate seeds.

into the flour with your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture yields course, pea-size lumps. Slowly add water (and wine, if using), mixing until just incorporated. Turn out the shaggy mix onto a lightly floured surface; gather it into a ball, kneading with the heel of your hand until a soft dough forms, being sure not to overwork it. Wrap in a dish towel; let rest in the refrigerator, 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile heat a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pumpkin until just tender, about 5 minutes; drain.

3. Cook onion and garlic in the oil in a large skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until onion is softened, about 3 minutes.

Add oregano, paprika and red pepper; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add pumpkin, salt and stock. Heat to a boil; lower heat to a simmer. Cook, covered, 5 to 8 minutes.

Uncover pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is evaporated, about 3 minutes. Taste mixture; add additional salt, if needed. Cool filling completely. Mix black pepper into ricotta; set aside.

4. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll the dough into a log about 12-by-2 ½ inches; slice it into 12 equal pieces. Working with one slice at a time, roll dough pieces into circles about 8 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. Put at least 2 full tablespoons of the pumpkin mixture onto each circle, followed by a tablespoon of ricotta. Leave a rim of bare pastry about ¾ inch around the edge; brush the rim with a little water.

Fold pastry over the filling; shape into half-moons. Seal the edges by pinching with your fingers or using the tines of a fork. Repeat with remaining dough.

5. Place the empanadas on a parchmentlined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash; poke three small holes into each with a toothpick so steam can escape during baking. Bake until pastry is nicely browned and the filling is piping hot, 20 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite salsa.

Nutrition per empanada: 531 calories, 26 g fat, 9 g saturated fat, 41 mg cholesterol, 62 g carbohydrates, 3 g sugar, 12 g protein, 1,582 mg sodium, 3 g fiber

PUMPKIN MUTABBAL

Prep: 35 minutes Chill: 2 hours or overnight Cook: 45 minutes Makes: 8 servings From “Palestine on a Plate” (Interlink, $35), coming in November, by Joudie Kalla, who writes that the dish is from her aunt, who lives in Amman, Jordan. We suggest starting with the juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons), then adding more to taste.

1 large pie pumpkin (about 2 pounds) 1 whole head garlic, cloves separated, skin on Sea salt 1 bunch fresh thyme Olive oil ¼ cup Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons tahini Juice of 1 to 4 lemons 1 pomegranate, seeded Fresh mint sprigs Pita bread, warmed 1. Heat the oven to 415 degrees. Cut the pumpkin into crescents, removing the seeds. Place pumpkin on a baking sheet along with the garlic. Season with salt; scatter with thyme sprigs. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Roast until golden, 45 minutes. Allow pumpkin to cool before removing the skins and draining them of any excess water.

2. Transfer pumpkin to a food processor or blender; squeeze in the garlic cloves from their skins, discarding skins. Process together; add the yogurt, tahini, lemon juice and salt to taste. Mix well. Add more salt to taste, if needed. Refrigerate in a covered container to thicken, 2 hours or overnight.

3. To serve, top with pomegranate seeds and mint; serve with pita bread.

Nutrition per serving: 135 calories, 7 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 1 mg cholesterol, 17 g carbohydrates, 8 g sugar, 4 g protein, 182 mg sodium, 2 g fiber

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