Pick up your free copy of “Seasons of Minnesota” Magazine at:
Willmar ACMC Allergy & Asthma Center Alternative Health Center **The Barn Theatre **Bluebird Pet Shop Caribou Coffee Cash Wise Foods Chamber of Commerce **Compassionate Care Country Store-Eagle Lake Cub Foods
Page 2
Deidra's Espresso Café Dunlavy’s General Store Dunn Bros. **Edina Realty **El Tapatio Family Eye Center Family Practice Medical Center **Fat Freddy’s Music Gilday's Tea Shoppe Green Mill **J&M Auto Services Jake’s Pizza
Lake Region Bank LuLu Beans NCRC Northern Grounds **Petersons Shoe Store Pizza Ranch **Potpourri Health Foods Rice Hospital **Rick’s Cycling & Sports **Reading Therapy Center **Rohner's Auto Parts Running’s US Bank **Unique Embroidery **United Minn. Bank (Walmart) **Walt's Wells Fargo **Whitney Music/Jazz n’ Java **Willmar Bus Service Willmar Community Center **Willmar Hearing Aid Center YMCA Spicer Bell Tower Plaza Bellezza Salon & Spa Deidra's Espresso Café
Seasons of Minnesota
**Glacial Ridge Winery Green Lake Mall Mel's Sport Shop Melvin’s on the Lake **Pioneer Heritage Insurance Westwood Café New London ACMC **Angels & Ivy **GlenOaks Hillcrest Truck Stop The Little Theatre **Mill Pond Mercantile McKale’s Restaurant New London Bakery **United Minnesota Bank Raymond **Buckingham Vet Clinic Cenex Heida’s Café
Also available in: Atwater, Kandiyohi, Pennock, Sunburg, and Blomkest ** current advertisers
Sept/Oct 2009
Sept/Oct 2009
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 3
6
contents
14 16 18 20 22 24 28 30
September/October 2009
Seasons of Minnesota
Photo Galleries Kandiyohi County Fair Willmar Fests Studio Hop The 4th of July in Spicer
T
Contributing Editor Laurie McCabe
Public Safety Back-to-School Safety
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Faye K Real Estate
Local Gardening Mum’s the Word for Fall Gardens Faith & Values What is Meditation?
Pet Savvy Silent Heartbreak: Feline Leukemia
Local Flavor An Apple a Day for Delicious Health Benefits Recipe: Easy Apple Crisp It Seems to Me... Let’s Be Friends
Advertising Sheila Quinn 320.444.3272
Graphic Design Leandro Rodrigues Distribution Maxine Sweeter
Contributors Dennis Benson Marilee Dorn Joanne Suchy Kari Summerlet Pastor Mari Thorkelson Sara Van Offelen
Seasons of Minnesota PO Box 1707 Willmar, MN 56201
It’s our Second Anniversary!
his is the 12th issue of Seasons of Minnesota, which means it has been two full years of publishing this magazine for you. With all of the wonderful comments I keep hearing, I know it’s something that is appreciated in our community. Thank you for your support! As always, this edition is loaded with useful information, in a wide variety of topics. Because school is starting soon, Officer Marilee Dorn has written a detailed article about back-to-school safety. It is geared toward everyone in the community, not just those with school-aged children. Please be safe and watch out for our kids! It is also the start of apple season in our area, and we are lucky to have several orchards nearby. Pick up some fresh, local apples for a delicious, healthy snack...and try the apple crisp recipe, too. It’s one of my favorite desserts. There were lots of great events this summer, so there are several pages of photos this time. I hope you enjoy them—look for yourself or someone you know! On a more serious note, we have experienced some very serious medical issues with our cat recently. We were heartbroken to learn he has the Feline Leukemia Virus, and by the time we found out, he was so sick that he nearly died. I have been researching it for myself, and I decided to write an article on it to inform others. Every cat owner needs to be aware of this and make sure to test and vaccinate for it. Have a nice autumn...and thank you again for your support of the magazine!
T
Publisher & Editor Sheila Quinn
“Seasons of Minnesota” is a proud member of:
Phone: 320.444.3272
E-mail: publisher@ seasonsminnesota.com
Sheila
www.seasonsminnesota.com ________________________ To advertise, please call: Sheila Quinn, Publisher
320.444.3272
________________________
Puzzle: Word Search Fair Foods
On the cover: Faye Kobilansky, Faye K Real Estate, LLC
Seasons of Minnesota is published bi-monthly by Quinn Graphics and Publishing, Inc. of Willmar, MN. No part of this publication may be reproduced, in any form, without prior written permission from the publisher and original author. Contributors maintain copyright ownership for all articles, photos, artwork, and other submissions. Opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Page 4
Publisher’s Note
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
Sept/Oct 2009
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 5
Photos by Sheila Quinn
It was another successful year for the Kandiyohi Fair. Popular featues included the many 4-H exhibits, demolition derby, musical entertainment, bull riding, animal shows, and more. In an informal poll, the most loved fair foods were milkshakes, pork chops, mini donuts, lemonade, and cheese curds. Page 6
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
Sept/Oct 2009
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 7
Photos by Dennis Benson
Page 8
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
Sept/Oct 2009
The Willmar Fests Celebration offers fun for the whole family. From the downtown block party and parade to TaeKwon Do and food demonstrations, it is a great place for the community to come together. See you next year at Willmar Fests!
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 9
Photos by Dennis Benson
Page 10
Studio Hop is a popular yearly event, where local artists are able to showcase their work for the public. All types of art is included, from drawing and painting to photography, jewelry making, and pottery. Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
Sept/Oct 2009
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 11
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.� - Martin Luther King, Jr. Page 12
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
Photos by Sheila Quinn
Spicer is one of the most popular destinations in Minnesota for the yearly Fourth of July celebration. There is a huge parade, fireworks, craft fair, and many other fun events. Many families gather to picnic and spend the entire day in town. Sept/Oct 2009
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 13
By Marilee Dorn Willmar Police Department
Public Safety
For The Greater Commmunity G oing back to school in the fall doesn’t just affect kids and their families. Everyone must be aware of what can be done to protect schoolchildren in our community. Children rely on adults in their lives to protect them, and you can make a difference. If there is a bus stop in your neighborhood, become familiar with how many students are there each day and at what times. Take notice if there are adults or older teens who approach them offering rides, taking pictures, or watching the stop and approaching as children return home. Notify victims’ parents,
G
Page 14
law enforcement, or school and transportation officials if you see physical confrontations, excessive teasing, and other bullying going on at the stop area. Give any children in your life a chance to talk about their back-to-school experiences. Know when to give advice, but do more listening than talking. Some conversation-starters: • Are there any dogs living on the route you walk to school? Do you know what to do if an aggressive dog comes toward you? • How serious is bullying in your class/ bus/group of friends? What can you do if someone is being teased or hurt? Who can you talk to if bullying happens to you? • Have you ever noticed that most bullying happens when there are no adults around? • How do you tell the difference between teasing (or flirting) and bullying (or sexual harassment)? • Can you explain your school’s cyberbullying policy? • Who would you tell if you heard or saw that someone brought a weapon to school?
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
• What are some good ways to show respect for your bus driver/teacher/classmates? • Does your bus driver have any special rules for you to follow? • Tell me what you would do if someone offers you a ride and your parents have not approved you riding with them that day. • How might you use later in life what you learned in math class today? What’s the most fascinating thing you have learned in science this year? I see it as your “job” right now to take school seriously and learn as much as you can. What do you think? Traffic safety at back-to-school time is obviously impacted by school transportation. Be prepared for delays due to busses and parents driving students to school, particularly if your commute takes you near a school. Allow extra time. You may want to schedule your travels to avoid peak student transportation hours. • You do not want to hit a bus or a student: of school bus-involved fatal crashes, 72 percent of the people killed were in vehicles other than the bus, 20 percent of bus-involved fatalities are students outside the bus, with two-thirds hit by the bus and one-third hit by a passing vehicle. • Never go past a bus that is displaying red flashing lights and has the “Stop” arm extended. If the bus’s amber flashing lights are lit and the bus is slowing, be prepared for it to stop. You must stop and wait until the red lights are off and the “Stop” arm is retracted. This applies whether you are meeting or are going the same direction as the bus. If students are outside the bus when you pass, you risk
Sept/Oct 2009
a $3,000 fine and up to one year in jail—and that’s if you don’t hit anyone. • Look around corners before turning. Not only do many local bus stop “arm” violations happen after a car turns the corner, so do a lot of pedestrian crashes. You need to look for pedestrians and school crossing guards before you turn. • Whether in a driveway or parking lot, check before and while you back your vehicle. All vehicles have blind spots that can hide students. • When driving students to school, follow your school’s drop-off procedures for safety. Never have your child get out of the car and cross a street mid-block. Be sure kids are properly restrained until you park. Children under 4’9” tall should be buckled in booster seats or other approved child restraints. Vehicle manufacturers and safety experts recommend that all children under 13 years old ride in the back seat. • After school dismissal time, be alert for students on bikes and on foot. They’ve been in class all day and probably aren’t thinking about traffic safety! • Many high school students are sleepdeprived—and driving! Be alert and ready to react when other drivers make mistakes. >> These back-to-school concerns coincide with autumn’s traffic hazards: ° Slippery, wet leaves on the road; ° More frequent morning fog; ° The first frosts, then the first snow; ° Changes in sunrise and sunset times and sun angles. Be sure to drive with your low-beam headlights turned on when the sun is low. ‹‹
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 15
By Sheila Quinn
Business spotlight
“Sunny Spot” 707 NW 7th Avenue - Clara City
“Honey” 1012 SE Becker Avenue - Willmar
“I
FAYE K REAL ESTATE:
Helping Others Realize the American Dream
love it — it‘s fun!” says Faye Kobilansky of her real estate career. In the service industry in some form all of her adult life, she most enjoys being able to help people. The founder of Faye K Real Estate, LLC, Faye has ten years of experience as a Realtor® and believes in providing the best service
I
possible, with the utmost integrity. As her many loyal clients will attest, she is honest, knowledgeable, keeps everyone well informed,
“Faye is realistic, works hard, and doesn’t make your decisions for you.” —Marge Hanson
“She's a Lady” 1804 SW 7 1/2 Street - Willmar
Page 16
“Big Country Styling” 8398 Oak Ridge Drive - Spicer
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
and markets her listings in a creative, professional “She sold our manner. In speaking with day it was on several of her past clients all were impressed with her service and would highly recommend her to others for either buying or a selling a home. Regularly voiced comments were: “The best Realtor out there,” “Always honest and upfront,” “Innovative,” and “Easy to talk to.” June Gifford, one of Faye’s satisfied clients, said, “We found out about her from others who told us about her exceptional service. She is honest and easy to deal with, and she always kept us well informed.” “When someone is looking for a home,” says Faye, “I’m there to help them find what they really want. I listen to their needs and desires and find homes that suit their lifestyle and budget. I explain things in a way that is easy to understand, especially for first-time buyers, and I make sure they know what’s going on every step of the process.” When it comes to someone selling a home, she believes in being honest and upfront. “I won’t inflate the value just to get a listing, and I make sure the home is up to the highest standards.” Faye expertly helps clients prepare their homes for sale so they can be presented to buyers in the best way possible. “When other agents see my sign, they know it is a quality home and want to bring their buyers to see it,” she adds. Faye’s clients often Mike Von Bank work with Mike Von Bank Sept/Oct 2009
of Team USA Mortgage in the lending process. Faye and Mike share the same philosophies of honesty, integrity, and thorough communication. Their goal is to make people happy and comfortable throughout the process of buying or selling a home.
house the first the market!” —Faye Moen
First-Time Home Buyers Receive Incentive The 2009 first-time home buyer market has been stimulated by the $8,000 tax credit, and it is not too late to take advantage of this opportunity. Individuals who have not owned a principle residence in the last three years who are purchasing a new or resale home are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify, the purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. This credit is equivalent to 10 percent of the purchase price of the home and, again, applies only to the first-time homebuyer and their principle residence. Kevin Franek of Lakeville, MN, recently benefited from this tax credit. “The $8,000 is like a lifejacket!” he says. After paying the 3.5 percent down payment required by FHA guidelines, that $8,000 not only replenished his savings and paid for his new appliances, but also paid for a new pool table for his basement. _______________________________________ For more details, contact Faye Kobilansky at Faye K Real Estate or Mike Von Bank at Team USA Mortgage, LLC. Faye can be reached by phone at 320-222-3293 or 320-214-8500 or by email at fayek@en-tel.net. Contact Mike Von Bank at 952-226-3971 or mikevonbank@teamusamtg.com.
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 17
By Kari Summerlet
Local Gardening
When it Comes to Fall Gardening
(pom-poms) to the larger cushion shape, in addition to varieties boasting large, daisy-like flowers. Mums are easy to grow. They like loose, well-drained soil and their fibrous roots do not grow very deep, only six inches or so. They do not tolerate dry soils, so be sure to keep them watered. Fertilizer can be applied at whatever rate you use for other flowers in your perennial garden. They prefer full sun, but even plants that receive four or five hours of full sun can still produce beautiful blooms. They will just bloom a bit later. Mums should be “pinched” the first half of the growing season. Pinching is quite simple and doesn’t need to be exact. In spring, after plants have reached a height of six or seven inches, pinch each stem between thumb and forefinger, about a quarter inch above a leaf set, removing the top one-fourth to one-third of the plant. New stems will develop from each leaf node. Pinching should not be done after July 1 so that the plants have ample time to develop buds. Pinching will result in stockier, bushier plants and more blooms. Mums, like any perennial, die off completely above ground after the first hard frost. Whether you cut the plant down after a frost or wait until spring, the important step to increase the chance of survival is that you mulch the area around the plant with at least eight inches of shredded leaves. One issue brought to mind is the topic of cold hardiness. Some gardening experts say people started using the word “hardy” a while back because they want to sell mums. Nothing
Page 18
Sept/Oct 2009
Mum’s the Word
A A
utumn doesn’t mean the end of the growing season. Just as tulips remind us of spring, chrysanthemums represent fall. Hardly noticed in the garden bed throughout spring and summer, they patiently wait their turn and then explode into a mass of color. Even as other fall blooming plants – asters, goldenrods, sedums, Joe-Pye Weed – are popular in the fall garden, the king of the stately autumn court remains the chrysanthemum. Few perennials offer such a complete
package. Chrysanthemums bloom profusely in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, salmon, bronze, maroon, and gold. All varieties make excellent cut flowers. Mature sizes vary widely among varieties, ranging from one foot to over three feet, allowing mums to be used at the front, middle, and rear of the garden. Two-year-old plants can produce as many as forty buds, with an average bloom period approaching four weeks. Flowers vary from rounded, small, button-type
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
has really changed. They survive just fine through some winters; other times you lose some of them. One of the hardy varieties of mums that have gained popularity is called the “Minnesota Mum.” Developed at the University of Minnesota, most gardeners have been pleased with their success through the winter as well as their larger varieties that grow three to four feet with an equal spread. As the garden and t r e e s change to t h e i r vibrant hues, and before the chill of winter comes, take time to enjoy all of autumn’s treasures and beauty. Happy Fall! ‹‹
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 19
Faith &
R
By Pastor Mari Thorkelson Bethel Lutheran Church
Values
ight now, let yourself be simply present. Notice your breathing. Pay attention to “breathing in, breathing out.” Stay focused. Notice your body moving up and down. Allow your body time to smile and relax. Notice your surroundings. Take in smells. Notice. Listen. Pay attention to the flow of “breathing in, breathing out.” Simply enjoy this wide moment. Be fully present to right here, right now. Nothing else. Let gratitude flow through your body no matter what.
R
Page 20
You have just practiced “Present Moment Meditation,” a form of mindfulness that is available to us anytime and anywhere. Whether you are reading, walking, working, driving, spending time with family, having an anxiety attack, eating, going to bed...anything. You already have everything you need to balance your life—and it’s portable. What is meditation? Meditation is opening yourself to the flow of creation and paying attention. “Where attention goes, energy flows.” Put simply, meditation is the experience of our limitless nature when it ceases to be dominated by our usual mental chatter and conditioning. Meditation is natural, simple, and healthy. And it takes courage. The hardest thing to do every day is STOP. Stop the rat-race and give your mind and body space to balance, to be quiet, and to focus.
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
The practice of meditation and prayer lies at the heart of the great spiritual traditions. There are more similarities than differences among traditions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism in the practice of developing a relationship with a spiritual source. One technique for Christiancentered meditation is to focus your mind on a single word such as love, mercy, Jesus, light, peace—breathing it in and sending it out to the world. How and where do you meditate? Find a regular spot, preferably a space that is quiet, natural and simple. Sit on a cushion, bench or favorite hair. Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Turn off all distractions such as cell phones. The best time is first thing in the morning, before bed, right after work or lunchtime. Begin with five minutes and slowly work up to twenty minutes. Make your practice a daily or momentary habit. Sit in a comfortable position, your back straight and strong like a mountain. Keep your hands relaxed, your eyes closed or half-closed.
Sept/Oct 2009
Relax your jaw, face, neck and shoulders, drop your tongue, breathe through your nose. Begin focusing on your breath, which calms the mind and gives stability. When distractions arise, as they always do, notice them, let them go, and return to the breath. Let go of judgment, attachment, analysis or expectations. Cultivate harmony, peace and gratitude for yourself, others, and the world. Practice and live what you learn. What are the benefits? Patience, relaxation, memory, concentration, energy, healing, sleep, reduced blood pressure, less reaction and stress, enhanced spiritual life, and more joy. It is healthy for all ages. Is there a meditation group? Yes! Come to Bethel Chapel on Tuesdays from 12:10 to 12:30pm; Wednesdays 7:07-7:45am beginning September 8th and 9th. It is led by Pastor Mari Thorkelson, and all are welcome. _______________________________________ Bethel Lutheran Church is located at 411 Becker Av SW in Willmar. For more information, call 320.235.5450.
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 21
Silent Heartbreak: Feline Leukemia
By Sheila Quinn
W
hen my cat recently started getting sick and losing a lot of weight, I took him to my veterinarian. He just wasn’t himself anymore, and I was expecting that she could give him some medicine and things would be fine. Little did I know that my cat had been infected with the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), and life would never be the same…for him or for us! Most people I talked to had never even heard of it, so I decided I should do an article about it to inform other pet owners. FeLV is a very serious disease in the feline world, but many people don’t know about it until it’s too late. Unfortunately, once your cat has contracted it, there is no cure. Most cats will end up needing continuous care and medication for the rest of their lives. Because it causes severe immune deficiency, secondary infections are responsible for many of the diseases associated with FeLV. Prevention is the best medicine, so test first and vaccinate when they are negative, preferably as kittens.
W
What is FeLV? FeLV is a retrovirus, in the same family as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human
Page 22
immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS). It is a cancerous disease that causes leukemia and other cancers, anemia, ulcers and lesions, lethargy, chronic digestion and respiratory problems, immunodeficiency, and a host of other sicknesses. Cats usually don’t show symptoms immediately, as it can take several months, or even a few years, to develop illness.
What are the symptoms? There is no one specific set of symptoms; however, a number of different possibilities exist. Cats that become sick because of FeLV will commonly develop fevers and weakness, have decreased energy, lose their appetites, experience weight loss, and become susceptible to various other illnesses such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
How common is FeLV infection? FeLV-infected cats are found worldwide; in the United States, approximately 2 to 3 percent of all cats are carriers of the virus. That rate rises significantly, up to 13 percent, in cats that are
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
very young, already ill, or at an otherwise high risk for infection. Cats kept completely indoors are at very low risk, unless exposed to another cat with the disease. Cats allowed to go outside, however, are at risk because they can so easily contract it from other outside cats that are carrying the virus.
How is it spread? The FeLV virus is spread most commonly through the saliva. However, it is also shed in smaller quantities in urine, feces, and milk from infected cats. Transfer can occur from a bite, during mutual grooming, touching nose-to-nose (even through a screen door), and less commonly through shared litter boxes. It can be transmitted from the mother cat to her kittens before they are born or through nursing. The virus does not survive very long outside a cat’s body, less than a few hours in most conditions. How do I know if my cat has the FeLV virus? The only way to know for sure is to have it tested by your veterinarian. If it isn’t suggested, make sure to ask to have this done at the kitten’s first checkup. Any reputable veterinarian can provide this, as it is now a very common test. If the results are negative for the virus, he or she can give it a vaccination to help prevent it. While the vaccine doesn‘t provide 100 percent protection, it is about 95 percent effective. It is a good idea to do this even with an indoor cat since it could get outside at some point. Can the virus be passed onto humans or other animals? No, there is no evidence to suggest that it Sept/Oct 2009
can be passed onto humans, dogs, or your other pets. It is exclusive to felines.
Why is it called the Feline Leukemia Virus, if it doesn’t always cause leukemia? It can cause a serious cancer of the lymph nodes, and it was named for that when first discovered.
Can it be treated? Once a cat is already infected, there is no cure and no medication that can kill the virus. Because the disease causes severe immunodeficiency, treatment is mainly aimed at treating the secondary infections with antibiotics. After infection, most cats only live up to two years. Your veterinarian may prescribe a medication to help boost the immune system, such as Interferon, which your cat will need to take for the rest of its life. Prevention: The best prevention is to keep your cat away from other infected cats. If you don’t know the status of another cat, it’s best to keep them apart. And please—test and vaccinate your cats for FeLV, when they are young if possible. I wish I had known about this very serious and contagious disease before my own cat contracted it. Now we have to deal with ongoing, potentially expensive health problems with him…and we know we’ll lose him a lot sooner. In fact, he just spent an entire week of being hospitalized and nearly died. Preventing the problem in the first place is much cheaper and easier than dealing with the consequences! ‹‹
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 23
By Sara Van Offelen, University of Minnesota Extension
Local flavor
Eat an Apple Today for Delicious Health Benefits
M
innesota apple season is here! Current research findings on the health benefits of apples give plenty of reasons to eat more apples this fall and all year round. Apples can play an important role in decreasing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease, and reducing blood pressure in people with hypertension, thanks to high concentrations of antioxidants and fiber. Recent research also points to a connection between eating apples and improving memory function. According to the USDA, apples are among the top 20 foods with the highest antioxidant
M
Page 24
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
concentration. Apples contain quercetin, a powerful flavinoid antioxidant. Apples are also an excellent source of fiber, which helps with weight management and preventing metabolic disease. They are especially high in soluble fiber, which aides the regulation of cholesterol by preventing fatty buildup in the blood vessels, thus promoting heart health. Eat apples with the skin on to get the most antioxidant, fiber and nutrient benefit. Enjoy the many varieties of Minnesota apples available this fall. Early variety apples tend to be best for baking and freezing. September apples, such as Honey Crisp, are wonderful for eating. Apples store best when refrigerated at 32 degrees. Those kept at room temperature will deteriorate ten times faster than refrigerated apples. Consider canning or freezing fall apples for year round availability. For easy directions on freezing or canning apples, see an online University of Minnesota Extension fact sheet at http://www.extension.umn.edu/ distribution/horticulture/DG1111.html. Also, learn about a newer product for canning pie filling in an Extension column on the subject a t h t t p : / / w w w. e x t e n s i o n . u m n . e d u / extensionnews/2008/canfruitpie.html. Eating an apple a day does keep the doctor away. Minnesota apple varieties that are good for eating include Honeycrisp, Cortland, McIntosh, Honeygold, Regent, Haralson and others. Visit an orchard and learn about the many great tasting apple varieties grown today. Sept/Oct 2009
_______________________________________ Sara VanOffelen is a health and nutrition educator with University of Minnesota Extension.
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 25
By Sheila Quinn
Local flavor
S
Apple Crisp
ince it’s apple season, I thought this would be the perfect time to share my favorite Apple Crisp recipe. It’s very easy and delicious—it always gets rave reviews. For best results, use a flavorful apple that has some tartness. Filling: 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (5-6 apples, depending on size) 1/2 cup sugar 1 Tablespoon flour (heaping) 1/4 tsp salt cinnamon to taste
Mix all of the above ingredients with a large spoon until well combined. Put into a greased 9x9inch baking pan, or use a glass pan of similar size.
Page 26
Topping: 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal (quick or regular) 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 cup melted butter Combine all ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over apple mixture. Bake in oven preheated to 350 degrees, 30-35 minutes, until topping is browned.
Let cool for at least 30 minutes; serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
It SEems To Me
Let’s Be Friends
interested in their delicious grilled duck with jalapeno and water chestnut appetizers that they have shared with us! Now, while they are new friends to me, my husband has known Danny since childhood, and now that we’ve moved back into the area they’ve gotten back in touch. My husband is fortunate to have many lifelong friends, and I’ll admit, sometimes it’s difficult for me because there is so much talk of old times that I don’t share. But his friends always accept me into the group, make me feel welcome, and eventually the reminiscing fades into the background and we all get on with the present—and what future plans we can make: concerts, dinners, barbeques, and more trips to the beach! It seems to me that as we get older we forget the joy in making new friends. It takes some effort; you may have to get past feeling left out because you don’t share a common background. Sometimes you have to get out of your routine in order to meet people, and also be truly interested in new experiences. You also have to make room in your life for someone new. New acquaintances won’t become friends if you don’t make the time to get to know them. I’m lucky that my husband is so good at making—and keeping—friends and that he is kind enough to share them with me. If you don’t have “built-in” new friends to meet, go
O
By Laurie McCabe
riginally, this issue’s column was going to be another cranky rant, but after the terrific morning I had, I’m just not in the mood to complain. What changed my attitude? My husband and I spent a beautifully pleasant day at the beach with our new friends, Danny and Laura, and now I’m inclined to write of happier things. The four of us had a great time playing in the water, watching people, sharing snacks, telling stories, and having a lot of laughs. We’ve gotten together at the beach a few times lately, and, speaking for myself at least, it’s made me feel energized and full of life. Needless to say, I was reluctant to leave, but a growing (or should I say glowing?) sunburn and a magazine deadline called me home. On the drive back to the house, I was struck by how good it feels to make new friends. It’s exciting and interesting to learn about someone’s life—their families, their jobs, their interests…and, let’s face it, it’s always fun to have a new audience for your personal stories, too! Sometimes you discover your new friends have relatives in the same small town as yours, or you find that you share a favorite author or a love of baking, but what’s almost better is when they have a hobby that you know nothing about but might be interested in. Danny and L aura like to hunt and d o other outdoor recreations that my husband and I have never experienced. It’s fascinating to learn about something new, and while I’m not too interested in hunting, I am very
O
Page 28
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
Sept/Oct 2009
out into the world and mingle; get to know some new people. I can almost guarantee it will give your spirits a lift!
_______________________________________ How does “it seem” to you? Need some advice? Got a question or a suggestion for a future column? Please write me at laurie.mccabe@yahoo.com. Tell me about yourself. Maybe we’ll become new friends, too!
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 29
Fair Food!
For the solution, please see our website: www.seasonsminnesota.com
August is the time for county fairs, followed by the Minnesota State Fair in September. See how many of these fabulous fair foods you can find in the puzzle below!
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.� - Robert Byrne Page 30
Seasons of Minnesota
Sept/Oct 2009
Sept/Oct 2009
Seasons of Minnesota
Page 31