BOOM Magazine October 2015 by FAMILY Magazines of Michiana

November 2015

Social Media Protection What Really Matters? Committed to Those Who Serve

Fall & Winter

Decorating Tips

www.goodwill-ni.org

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was arrested more times than I can remember. I lost my freedom, my familyâ&#x20AC;Ś I almost lost my life. But mom never gave up on me. Not many stories like mine have happy endings. My future began when Goodwill Janie #give2goodwill

boom

What really matters to us?

EVERY MONTH 4

On The Cover

Contributors & Testimonials

BOOM Timeline

boom RECIPE 21

Pumpkin Cheesecake With Gingersnap Crust

By: Katie & Theresa Slott

boom BOOK REVIEW 30

The Job: True Tales From The Life Of A New York City Cop By Steve Osborne

Reviewed By: Jennifer Ludwig

boom PETS 31

Loving Animals Are In Need Of Families

boom HEALTHY LIVING 8

What Really Matters?

Working on Wellness

Create an atmosphere that is welcoming and sophisticated.

What's inside

By: Debra Raybold

Oh My Aging Feet!

By: Robert Clemency, III, DPM

Working On Wellness With A Dietician

Tasty Red Pearls

By: Evie Kirkwood By: Margo Bell

boom HOBBIES 16

Crash & Burn

By: Margo & Jim Bell

Boom HOME 18

Fall & Winter Decorating Tips By: Jamie Lober

boom LIFE 20 #SorryNotSorry

By: Rita Miller

Committed To Those Who Serve

Grandparents On Social Media

Bringing Family Together For The Holidays

By: Pam Gunterman

By: Cindy Lynn Sawyer By: Jamie Lober

cover photographer Ann Reiff is one of Michianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premiere Real Life Photographers. Her heart and soul define her style, as she is able to capture the moments we wish to always remember. Ann shoots all varieties of sessions at her studio in Southwest Michigan and also loves doing shoots on location. Contact her at: www.studio513east.com, ann@studio513east.com 269-228-0373

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on the cover

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER: Betsy Tavernier Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

8 Know What Is Important In Your Life

Managing Editor:

Jessica Haviland Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

AD COORDINATOR & INSIDE SALES MANAGER

Amanda Oiler Amanda@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager:

24 Protect Yourself On Social Media 28 Enjoy The Holidays With The Entire Family

22 Honoring Those Who Serve On November 11th

Enjoying Fall Décor

Zuzanna Zmud Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

MEDICAL EDITOR: Dr. Jesse Hsieh

Distribution Managers: Leah Elick

BOOM Magazine is a division of Michiana Family Magazines, LLC established in 2006. All rights reserved. We would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, -event information and inquiries to: Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines P.O. BOX 577 Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaMom.com Permission from the publisher is required for any reproduction or reprint of this publication. Read BOOM Magazine online each month! Go to www.MichianaMom.com and flip the pages, cover-to-cover the organic and green way! November 2015 Volume 4: Number 11

LOOK WHO’s TALKING

follow us on Twitter, and become our fan on Facebook. @MichianaBoom www.facebook.com/pages/BOOM-Magazine/ www.pinterest.com/boommagazine/ MichianaBoom

november / contributors

Robert Clemency, III, D.P.M. Robert Clemency, III, D.P.M. is a podiatric surgeon who completed a podiatric medicine and surgery residency with an added credential in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. He graduated from Creighton University and earned his medical degree from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in North Chicago. He joined South Bend Orthopaedics in the summer of 2015 and lives here with his wife and two children.

Margo Bell Margo Bell, a first-wave Boomer, has a B.S. degree in Biology from Arkansas State University and worked in medical and marine biology research before making a mid-life career change to writing for adults and children. Margo is a former magazine editor and has published over 50 articles and features in newspapers and magazines. She and her husband Jim live in South Bend and have two grandchildren. Photo Credit: Classic Image Photography

boom / testimonials

It’s so great to finally have a magazine that relates to the Baby Boomers! And, the best part, BOOM Magazine is local.” – Mary B.

BOOM Magazine always gives me the right information when it comes to community events happening around the area.” – Doris K.

My husband loves reading the movie trivia and the craft beer articles each month!” – Eloise R.

RITa miller Rita Miller is a CPA in public practice, a mom of four, an avid reader and serves on two boards in the community. She has worked with a variety of industries, including medical professional services, real estate development and rental and retail establishments.

Evelyn Kirkwood

Evelyn Kirkwood is Director of St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana and host of Outdoor Elements, which is broadcast Sundays at 9 AM and Wednesdays at 5:30 PM on WNIT Public Television.

Want to know when BOOM Magazine is giving away some amazing prizes? Sign up to be a part of our eBlast!

NOVEMBER Events 1 3:30 P.M., The Lerner-Elkhart

4th Annual Choral Tapestry,

Tu W

U.S. General Election Day

Singing & Dancing Into The Holidays, 2015, A Merry Como Christmas, 7:30 P.M.-9:45 P.M., Century Center, Recital Hall-South Bend

7 Botanic Garden And Nature Preserve-Niles, MI

Tail Waggin Hayride, 1:00 P.M., Bendix Woods County Park-New Carlisle

Holiday Market, 10:00 A.M., Fernwood

W Th

The Gallery After Dark: Amelia Earhart, 7:00 P.M., The History Museum-South Bend

11 Veteran’s Day A Christmas Carol-Adapted By Jaqueline From The Novel By Charles 12 Goldfinger Dickens, 7:30 P.M., Everest Rohrer Auditorium, Bethel College-Mishawaka

Sa Su

F Sa Su

Th F Sa

Addams Family 13 The Musical, 7:30 P.M.,

Elkhart Civic Theatre-Bristol

Directions:

1. Cut open the top of the pumpkin and remove the “guts” large enough to put an aluminum can inside. 2. Place the aluminum can inside the pumpkin hole and fill with water. 3. Fill the can with beautiful fall flowers of your choice.

Thanksgiving Dishes

(Tip: Paint your pumpkin to match your table décor! Each pumpkin you do can be customizable to your liking!)

Broccoli & Cauliflower Parmesan Bake www.bitzngiggles.com

How Well Do You Know Your

Black Friday History? Are the statements below regarding Black Friday true or false?

Live! Free Movie: ELF-Presented By Edward 25 Lunchtime Jones Investments, 11:00 A.M., The Lerner-Elkhart 26 Happy Thanksgiving! 27 Get Your Shopping On! Happy Black Friday!

28 Nutcracker, 29 Contemporary 3:00 P.M., The Lerner-Elkhart

30 31

This pumpkin flower vase is the perfect centerpiece for Thanksgiving dinner! This simple, yet elegant, centerpiece is easy to make and lets your creativity flourish!

Miracle On South Division Street, 7:30 P.M., Beckwith Theatre Company-Dowagiac, MI

Houser-We Went Tour, 7:30 P.M., 19 Randy Morris Performing Arts Center-South Bend Festival, 20 Luminary 5:00 P.M., Downtown St. Joseph-MI 21 Holiday Bazaar, 9:00 A.M., Holiday Bazaar-Mishawaka Unleashed Fall Arts & Craft Show, 22 Artisans 10:00 A.M., M. R. Falcons

Jennifer Nettles, 8:00 P.M., The Lerner-Elkhart

Flower Vase

Shop Of Horrors, 7:30 P.M., 18 Little DeBartolo Performing Arts Center-Notre Dame

W Th

South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra, 4:00 P.M., IUSB Administration Building-South Bend

Pumpkin

NOVEMBER 2015 | boom

1. Black Friday is slowly becoming extient as sales start to happen on Thanksgiving Day.

4. $800 is the average amount someone will spend on Black Friday shopping.

2. Women spend more money on Black Friday than men.

5. Over 140 million people will be shopping on Black Friday.

3. Cosco and several other retailers refuse to be open on Black Friday.

Answers: 1. True 2. False (According to Time.com, 32% of men versus 28% of women spend more money on higher priced items.) 3. True 4. False (Time.com states that in 2013 the averages cost was $407.) 5. True

diy

Cinnamon Mini-Cheesecakes With Pumpkin Pie Frosting www.gimmesomeoven.com

Thanksgiving Hacks www.ebay.com

Magazine is honored to highlight the 2016 class of Women to Watch! SASSY

Women from all over Michiana were nominated by their peers, colleagues, friends and family for their embodiment of the sassy spirit, combining work, life, balance and sass—at home, in their communities and in the workplace. We are truly pleased to bestow the honor of being named a 2016 Woman to Watch to all of these women who are working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of others. With an entire stack of nominations received, our panel had their work cut out for them to choose this year’s class—but these women all stood out for their professionalism, work ethic and spirit of volunteerism. These are all qualities that make up a SASSY woman—and will never go out of style!

Congratulations to all of our 2016 Women to Watch! LISA BANASIEWICZ COOK

Indiana Sales Broker, Bounce Logistics South Bend

NOELLE ELLIOTT

Publicity & Concert Coordinator, Department of Music at University of Notre Dame, Blogger of BowChicaBowMom & Creator and Producer of The Mamalogues Notre Dame

SHERRY ENGLISH

ERIN HURST

MS, RDN, CD, CPT, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, Owner of Erin Hurst Nutrition & Wellness Mishawaka

NICOLE KORTE-KELLEY

Child & Family Therapist, Lincoln Counseling Center Mishawaka

KRISTINE LAIDLAW

Practice Manager, General & Vascular Surgery South Bend

Business Owner/CMT, Ray of Light Holistic Health, INC Elkhart

JULENE FRANZ

DENISE LONGLEY

Salon Owner/Salon Affiliate Coach, Fix Salon/Spa and Hello Gorgeous Elkhart

CHRISTINE CARON GEBHARDT Director of Gender Relations Center, University of Notre Dame Notre Dame

GAIL A. HICKEY

President/Owner, The Bend Executive Shuttle South Bend

REDGINA HILL

Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Bethel College Mishawaka

Events Coordinator, Hello Gorgeous! Of HOPE Inc Granger

JAMIE LEE MADISON

KELLEY PENROSE

Owner & Physical Therapist, Penrose Physical Therapy Granger

KATHY ANN REINHARDT

Sr. Vice President Relationship Manager, Key Bank South Bend

SHERY A. ROUSSAIRE

President & CEO, Allied Physicians of Michiana South Bend

VIRGIE L. SMITH

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, WIC Office Memorial Prevent Child Abuse Program Director, Prevent Child Abuse St. Joseph County Mishawaka

RN House Supervisor & Adjunct Professor of Nursing & Business, IU Health Goshen Hospital Goshen

ANGELA SNIDER

SHAUN MCALLISTER

DENA WARGO

Teacher & Coach, Elkhart Community Schools Elkhart

KRISTINE OSTERDAY

Associate Attorney & Elkhart County Magistrate, Sanders Pianowski Elkhart

Legal Assistant, Jones Obenchain South Bend Assistant Director, Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Mishawaka

boom

Healthy Living

What

Really Matters?

By: Debra Raybold

Take an Inventory of Life Today for a Better Tomorrow

y friends and I are always talking about getting older. We don’t mean to, yet we can’t seem to avoid it. Aging creeps uninvited into almost every conversation we have – how our feet are suddenly unhappy with pointy-toed shoes; how odd it feels that the face in the mirror doesn’t match how we feel inside; how embarrassing it is to not remember someone’s name right away; how our energy is changing; and the wisdom of occasionally saying no to a yummy-looking dessert. These conversations reveal a growing awareness of our mortality and are ways we engage with the question, “What really matters?” We wander more boldly into what matters exploring if we’ll retire, or how we would spend our time if we were not working. We share stories of friends making decisions about assisted living for their parents, or chemotherapy, and wonder what we might do if that were us.

NOVEMBER 2015 | boom

What questions are asking you what really matters?

Are you working on your answers? As adults with sophisticated thinking abilities, it’s ironic we are not so good at accurately predicting what we want, how we’ll feel in the future or what impact a situation will have on us. In neuroscience it’s called “affective forecasting,” a term coined by psychologists, Daniel Gilbert and Timothy Wilson. Affective forecasting is something we do without even realizing it as we consider how long someone might react to good news, or need to adjust to bad news. We are affective forecasting when we wonder how we’ll feel later if we skip exercising now. Our brain has trouble separating itself from how we feel now and can’t accurately assign an emotion to a future point in time. It’s what leads us to think that we’ll finally be happy when this or that happens, or to be surprised at how quickly someone adjusted to an unexpected hardship, or to complete a dental procedure and think, “Oh, that was much easier than I anticipated.” When it comes to thinking about the meaningful things we want our future to hold, this known glitch in our brain is important to remember. Let’s consider these two ideas together: affective forecasting and what matters to us as we get older. When combined, it leads us to overlook foundational things like our health, our independence, our mobility, even our thinking. It’s because it is difficult for us to precisely envision how we might feel and what our life might be like if these were things were not part of our life, just like they hopefully are today. If we revisit the question, “What really matters to us?” I would propose that what really matters is that we make time to assure those foundational things are in our life today, and for all of our tomorrows. Science and medicine have undisputedly determined that those little day-to-day decisions we make, like to eat or skip the broccoli, to take or skip the walk, to go to bed versus to watch that late night reality show, make a difference in our ability to stay healthy and disease free, particularly as we get older. It also tells us that while health and wellness activities can begin to make some immediate shifts in how we feel at most ages, the best circumstance for how we age, is based on a lifetime of good lifestyle habits. Those good habits are connected to physical health, brain fitness and our enjoyment of an overall life filled with meaning, diverse experiences and a good dose of happiness. •••

Ready to Get Started on More Things That Matter? 1) Time is like a pie chart. If you’re like most, you waste lots of time on things that don’t really matter like watching TV or surfing the Internet. Take at least half that time and instead do something that matters. 2) Start small and smart. Even just small doses of exercise have a cascading benefit to your body and your brain. Park a few spaces away or take the stairs. 3) Start a gratitude list. Sometimes when we see what we are grateful for, we learn more about what really matters.

boom | NOVEMEBR 2015

boom

Healthy Living

Oh My

Aging

Feet!

etâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be honest with ourselves; as we age and gain maturity, we also gain more aches and pains. And baby boomers are no exception. As a podiatrist and child of baby boomer parents, I have first-hand experience with the aging body, and especially how aging feet impact our daily lives! The human foot consists of 26 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles and 107 ligaments. All these parts work together to give it the ability to balance and stabilize our body, absorb shock, as well as move in a variety of ways on different surfaces. With so many parts in one small area, there is a higher likelihood of problems, especially as we age and our body begins wearing out. Yet these faithful, hard-working soles are often underappreciated, and therefore do not always receive proper care. In this article we will explore a few common foot problems experienced by baby boomers and some effective ways to care for our maturing feet.

Common Aches and Pains

Caring for Mature Feet By: Robert Clemency, III, DPM

NOVEMBER 2015 | boom

Like the rest of our body, our feet deteriorate as we age. Skin becomes drier and less elastic, toenails thicken, muscles weaken and bones become more brittle and more prone to breakage. Whether you run, play tennis, regularly work out or just enjoy nature walks, you are putting stress on your legs and feet. It is estimated that during a one mile run, your feet will strike the ground 1,000 times each and the force of impact is about three-to-four times your weight. All this weight bearing eventually flattens the aging human foot making it wider and longer. If you look at an adult foot from the inside, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll usually notice an upward curve in the middle. This is called an arch. Several tendons and ligaments in the foot and lower leg work together to form the arches in our feet. When the tendons all pull the proper amount, then your foot

forms a moderate, normal arch. When tendons do not pull together properly, there is little or no arch. As we age these tendons can stretch and tear, creating a fallen arch. This condition is often called adult acquired flatfoot and can be quite painful. It affects women four times as frequently as men and people who develop the condition often already have flat feet. A change occurs in one foot where the arch begins to flatten more than before, with pain and swelling developing on the inside of the ankle. Other symptoms include pain that worsens with activity or walking on uneven ground, difficulty walking or standing for long periods and, eventually, pain on the outside of the ankle due to the heel bone shifting outward. Treatment depends on the extent of the tendon problem. The goal is to reduce pain, stabilize the foot and prevent additional changes to your foot’s integrity. The RICE method works great for most minor foot problems. This includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Other treatments include protecting the area from further injury and anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. When pain is severe or interferes with activities, it's time to see a doctor for a thorough exam and treatment. Many people think we keep the same shoe size once we reach adulthood. But as we age and our arches sag, our foot becomes wider and longer. If you don’t change shoe size to accommodate that middle-aged spread, you risk pinched nerves and toes from the shoe rubbing and squeezing the foot. Tight shoes are the most common cause of our toe problems. Wearing tight shoes can cause the toe muscles to get out of balance. If a shoe forces your toe to stay in a bent position for too long, the muscles tighten and the tendons shorten or contract. This makes it harder to straighten your toe. Over time, the muscles can’t straighten the toe, even when you aren’t wearing shoes.

These toe problems form over years and are common in older adults. Women are affected more often than men because they are more likely to wear shoes with narrow toes or high heels. These types of footwear may force your toes against the front of the shoe, causing an unnatural bending and leading to hammertoe and/or bunion deformities. A hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toe. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint, so that it resembles a hammer. Initially, hammertoes are flexible and can be corrected with simple measures but if left untreated, they can become fixed and require surgery. A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. A bunion usually forms when your big toe pushes against your next toe, forcing the joint of your big toe to get bigger and stick out. The skin over the bunion might be red and sore. Other bunion symptoms can include a thickening of the skin at the base of your big toe, persistent or intermittent pain and restricted movement of your big toe.

Effective Treatment Options

So now we know why our feet ache and our shoes don’t fit like they used to. But what is a boomer to do? Don’t despair, there are some very simple at-home solutions for mature foot care.

Properly fitting shoes may seem too obvious of a solution to painful feet, but the fact remains that most baby boomers wear ill-fitting shoes. Chances are your shoe size has gone up at least half a size, if not a whole size in the past 30 years. Your feet haven’t actually grown, they’ve stretched in length as well as width. Look for shoes that give support and are cushioned at the heel as well as at the widest part of your feet, just below the toes, to make up for the padding you’ve lost.

Exercise is as vital for your feet as it is for every other part of your body. Choose the correct shoes for the activity and make sure they fit well and are comfortable. Blood circulation is very important for your feet, so don’t sit for long periods of time. When sitting, put your feet up when possible and avoid crossing your legs. An added benefit to exercise is weight loss, which reduces the stress on your lower legs and feet. Hygiene is also very important to aging feet. Toenails should be trimmed regularly, cutting straight across. Massage your feet lightly after a bath/shower using a moisturizer. Aging feet are more susceptible to athlete’s foot and nail fungus, so be sure to dry between each toe and change socks often. Orthotics can improve your foot

function. When fitted correctly they can relieve fatigue and discomfort associated with aging feet. Finally, if you are experiencing consistent foot pain, see a specialist right away. A simple condition could turn into a serious problem, requiring surgery without proper immediate care. Hopefully I have provided you with some helpful tips on maintaining healthy feet while exploring your active lifestyle. ••• boom | NOVEMEBR 2015

boom

Healthy Living

Working on Wellness

with a Dietician

By: Evie Kirkwood

Supplements, low sugar, high protein…. We are bombarded with information about “healthy eating” these days, and it seems dietary recommendations change often. Who can help you sort it out? A nutritionist? A wellness coach? A dietician? What is the difference between these “professions?” How can they help? To find out, I recently participated in a session with a dietician. I also hoped to gain some tips to improve chronic high cholesterol and low Vitamin D – conditions many of us struggle with. I met with Kristin Humes, registered dietician nutritionist (RDN) and certified dietician (CD) with Beacon Health. In a partnership with the regional Martin’s Supermarket chain, Kristin has office hours at the Martin’s store in Granger but also travels to other Martin’s locations and offers sessions for groups at various sites. Conveniently, I set up an appointment for a session within a few days of calling her. I discovered someone who calls themselves a “nutritionist” or “wellness coach” may or may not have any formal training. Since these titles are not regulated, you can literally bestow these titles upon yourself. A registered dietitian nutritionist, or RDN, like Kristin, however, is a health professional with one or more college degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics. Following their degree, students must complete more than 1,200 hours of supervised practice and pass a board exam to achieve RDN status. Continuing education credits are required to maintain the status, essential in a field where knowledge and recommendations on nutrition continuously evolve. The title of certified dietitian (C.D.) is an additional credential available to registered dietitians in specific states, such as Indiana. In Kristin’s case, personal experience led her to becoming an RDN. In high school, after back surgery she developed gastrointestinal complications and anemia. She attributes meetings with a

registered dietician with her road to recovery. The experience fueled her interest in the role nutrition plays in general health and in therapy for patients. When I made my appointment, Kristin asked what specific goals I would like to target. A wellness consultation should be tailored to meet your specific nutrition goals or doctor recommendations. Prior to my arriving, Kristin prepared several information sheets for me on low cholesterol diets. There were also handouts on recommended levels of Vitamin D and foods high in that nutrient.

Since fiber can potentially lower cholesterol, Kristin highlighted whole grains foods some folks may not think of, such as barley, quinoa and wild rice. Even popcorn, (hold the gobs of butter and salt) is a whole grain. When I mentioned I love steel cut oats, Kristin provided a hint for covering the oats with milk in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight. By morning, they’ll be soft enough to warm in the microwave and eat. (Steel cut oats can take nearly an hour to soften simmered on the stove.)

The first part of the consultation is usually devoted to talking about your current lifestyle and eating habits, so dieticians have to be good listeners. Kristin asked questions about my routine food preparation and what levels of activity I pursue. It is helpful if you come prepared to recall your typical meals.

I already eat a mostly vegetarian diet and Kristin picked up that I have a busy schedule. She adeptly focused on meals that do not require lengthy preparation, such as mini-veggie egg white quiches baked in muffin tins. (Freeze the extras individually in plastic wrap for a quick breakfast on the go later in the month!) And it never occurred to me to crush whole grain ”Triscuits” to coat salmon before baking to get a boost of fiber from the crackers and Vitamin D from the fish.

If you have recently been in an acute care setting or received nutritional recommendations from a physician, an RDN can help interpret the information and design beneficial meal plans. In Kristin’s case, with an office in a grocery store, she walks the aisles with clients, points out helpful foods and scrutinizes nutrition labels.

Certified nutritionists are trained to help, not judge. They know there are many aspects to nutritional health. “Find strong and weak points in your current diet. Focus on eating five or more cups of fruits and vegetables per day, or work on making most of your grain choices whole grains,” she suggests. Small changes can have a big impact on your health. •••

For example, Kristin recalled I often have yogurt with breakfast. We checked the labels of several brands and I learned some, but not all, yogurts are fortified with Vitamin D.

“Small changes can have a big impact on your health.”

It’s not how much you pay. It’s how warm she’ll be. Everyday bargains on lightly used fall and winter clothing.

S.R. 23 & Ironwood | 1827 N. Bendix | Vinnie’s at 4644 Western Ave. | svdpsb.org SVDP Winter Child Ad HiRes Fam Mag.indd 1

boom | 10/21/15 NOVEMEBR12:25 2015 PM 13

boom

Healthy Living

Tasty

By: Margo Bell

RED PEARLS

Interesting Facts About Cranberries

We, older Baby Boomers, may remember the year 1959. Alaska and Hawaii became states. Fidel Castro took control of Cuba. A plane crash claimed the lives of Richie Valens, Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. As an ongoing concern of Strontium-90 in the atmosphere from nuclear weapons testing, the U.S. government warned us not to make snow ice cream. And then . . .

EGAD! A misconstrued statement in early November caused the cranberry market to collapse, meaning no luscious sauce for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners! More on that later.

What They Are

Cranberries belong to the unsavory-sounding genus Vaccinium, which includes bilberries, blueberries, and huckleberries. The name of the fruit is derived from craneberries because the shape of the flower resembles the crane bird. (Isn’t it cute when little kids call them cramberries?) Other names are mossberries (Canada), fenberries (England), and bearberries where in New England bears were observed eating them.

Why They’re Associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas

Algonquian Native Americans called the cranberry sassamanash and used the fruit as a dye, medicine for wounds, and food, often put them in pemmican, a forerunner of jerky. It’s believed these natives gave the berries to starving English settlers in Massachusetts. Cranberries may have been served at their first Thanksgiving in 1621, but it’s unlikely these tart red berries were made into sauce, as sugar was a rare commodity. Cranberries get their rich red color during the fall when they are harvested and made ready for the holiday table. These days, cranberries are enjoyed year-round, often in juice drinks.

From Farm to Table

The U.S. crop of cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is grown in parts of Northeast and Midwest. Wisconsin is the leading producer, followed by Massachusetts. Cranberries are also cultivated in Canada (the Fraser River Valley accounts for 95% of the national crop), with a smaller production in Southern Argentina, Chile, and the Netherlands. Michigan ranks as the sixth major U.S. producer, figures Eric Hanson, Professor of Horticulture and Extension Specialist at Michigan State University. The state’s crop is grown in the eastern Upper Peninsula, the northern part of the southern peninsula, and in southwest Michigan along the Lake Michigan shore. “The northern Michigan sites were started because they had traditional acidic, peaty or sand soils, and have access to abundant water,” he states. “The southern sites also have acidic, sandy soils.” In the southern Michigan case reservoirs had to be dug as a water source, and their proximity to the lake moderates the climate, making it warmer than the northern sites. However, despite suitable climate, soils, and water availability, local farmers tend not to be excited about growing cranberries, as it takes five years to reach full production, and prices over the last two decades have been volatile. Water and sandy soils are important in growing cranberries, grown in bogs that describe a swamp or wetland area. A popular notion that cranberry fields are flooded year round is erroneous: they are, instead, irrigated to keep the soil moist, with flooding of 6”8” occurring during fall harvest. A harvester combing through the underwater vines releases the fruit (cranberries float in water). From there the cranberries are gathered, cleaned, sorted, and stored before being processed or packaged. Up to 10% of cranberries are dry-picked, a more expensive way of harvesting, but these berries encounter less bruising and can be sold fresh in bins or boxes with slatted bottoms to allow air circulation.

Nutritional Value

Raw cranberries contain a number of nutrients, notably Vitamin C and the essential mineral manganese, along with traces of other vitamins, minerals, and fiber. One ounce of cranberries contains 13 calories, 3.46 grams carbohydrate, and 0.11 grams protein. The astringent taste comes from the tannin content. There is no evidence that cranberry products can be used to treat urinary tract infections; however, research is being conducted on the fruit’s phytochemicals and their effect in helping to combat cancer, tooth decay and kidney stone formation, as well as their effect on the immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems.

Products

Approximately 95% of cranberries are processed for juice, whole-berry sauce, and jelly. The berries also can be dried and sweetened to go into baked goods such as muffins, scones and cereal. Cranberry juice is a prime ingredient for the popular Cosmopolitan cocktail, and recently China has introduced cranberry beer and ale.

The Historical Scare

What caused the plunging cranberry market in 1959? On November 9 of that year, Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare Arthur S. Flemming announced that some—and only some—of the cranberry crop contained traces of the herbicide aminotriazole, notorious for its carcinogenic properties and since banned for use on food crops. The resulting cranberry market collapse cost growers millions of dollars. This scare inspired the cranberry growers to be especially vigilant about its use of pesticides. Moreover, the industry was spurred on to find year-round uses for cranberries rather than rely strictly on the holiday season. So there you go. Enjoy those tasty pearls of red! •••

Here’s an easy recipe to delight your family and guests: HARVEST COUNTRY CRANBERRYORANGE RELISH • • • • • • • •

½ cup water ¼ cup orange juice ¾ cup granulated sugar ½ lb. whole fresh cranberries ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans ¹⁄8 teaspoon ground ginger ¹⁄8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 Tablespoon orange zest (slivers of rind)

Dissolve sugar and water in a heavy saucepan. Add the cranberries, bring to a boil, and cook three to five minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and liquid thickens slightly. (Watch out for spatters.) Continue to cook another minute or so until berries are tender but not mushy. Do not overcook. Remove from heat and add nuts, spices, and orange zest. Transfer sauce to a serving bowl, let cool to room temperature, then chill for at least an hour. Makes about one pint. NOTE: Fresh cranberries can be frozen and stored up to nine months.

boom

hobbies

CRASH

By: Margo and Jim Bell

& BURN What would an action film be without stunts? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not talking about visual effects from, say, a computer, but an actual human being who often puts his or her life on the line to punch up the thrill of a scene. So, this month weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re exploring the wonderful world of stunts and the folks who make them possible. Good luck!

1. Stunt performers first appeared in film sometime between 1903 and 1910. What film is credited with introducing the dedicated stuntdouble? a. The Great Train Robbery (1903) b. Ben Hur (1907) c. The Count of Monte Cristo (1908) d. Intolerance (1916) e. High and Dizzy (1920) 2. Who is considered to be the first female stunt performer? a. Bebe Daniels b. Jean Acker c. Helen Gibson d. Lillian Gish e. Alice Van-Springsteen 3. What three stunt performers won Academy Awards for their work? a. Burt Lancaster b. Yakima Canute c. Jackie Chan d. Vic Armstrong e. Arnold Schwarzenegger f. Hal Needham 4. Why isn’t there an Oscar just for stunt people? a. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences think the awards show is too long to introduce another category. b. The Academy thinks that stunt people should not take away recognition to the actors they’re doubling for. c. The Academy sees technology taking over live stunt work d. The Academy is still looking into it.

Jackie Chan 5. Why don’t more stunt performers become actors? a. They feel they lack the necessary features to become an actor, such as learning lines and expressing emotion. b. They get paid more than most actors. c. They want a more private life than what actors endure (the paparazzi thing). d. They enjoy being a stunt performer—period. e. All of the above. 6. As opposed to question #5, which of the following actors did not start out as stunt performers? a. Clu Gulager b. Doug McClure c. Robert Mitchum d. Richard Farnsworth e. Burt Reynolds 7. Which actors did at least some of their own stunts? a. Buster Keaton b. Harold Lloyd Answe c. Steve McQueen rs d. Robert Redford on pag e e. All of the above

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HOME

Fall & Winter

Decorating Tips By: Jamie Lober

Fall and winter are prime times to make changes in your home when it comes to décor. “Mid-century modern is still going on as well as transitional and all sorts of blues are strong right now,” said Kelly Willits of Luxe Home Interiors in Granger. Some people are more adventurous with their style than others. “People are mixing blues with the greys and even doing some colors like raspberry or flamingo,” said Willits. Find a dominant color that you like and then choose a few others that can mesh well. “You can use chocolate brown and some oranges, yellows and reds to complement it,” said Ron Rennar, president and founder of the American Society of Interior Designers. All walls do not have to look alike. “I like good, solid paint colors and paint choices and an accent wall, like a cream color for three walls and one wall in chocolate would be the start of a good color scheme,” said Rennar. From there you can extract the other colors through orange or red florals or pillows. 18

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Making a difference does not always have to involve something as drastic as paint. “Easy ways are great

pillows and a rug over your carpet that defines an area and gives pattern, softness and brings in the colors,” said Willits. Some people may have special rugs, throws or pillows that they put out around the holidays or may decide to add centerpieces or wreaths. “There are always garlands, candles and trays with pretty things on them,” said Willits. Colors are the most basic way to spice up a room. “You can also change up lamps or artwork which encompasses so much, is personal and has to do with the style of your home,” said Willits.

Try to make a match. “Correlated materials are always pleasant like matching a bedspread with draperies because it gives a sense of peace to a room and while more subtle colors make a lot of sense it is okay to mix the geometry of the materials,” said Rennar. This means you could have a floral print with something checkered as long as there are two to three colors in each of the selections that match. “The colors will be the binding between two different kinds of fabrics,” said Rennar. If you are planning to a host a holiday party, carts can be great accessory pieces. “Coffee carts are actually becoming popular among all ages as well as wallmounted high definition televisions and things that are easy on the eyes and make a room fun,” said Rennar.

More is not always better. “Less carpet is being used today than any time in history, so there are more hardwood floors and even laminated wood is fine but you need something acoustically soft like an area rug and have a seating area too,” said Rennar. Create an atmosphere that is welcoming and sophisticated. “Candles are always added to any ambiance of an interior and it is a peaceful thing to have as well as fountains that can be nice in certain rooms or fish tanks and things of that nature because they are soothing,” said Rennar. A lot of people like to look at flower arrangements in nice vases. “You can get a clear vase or something with shape and style to it from one of the silk flower stores and grab bunches of varieties of florals and cut them various heights with a pair of cutters and stick them in a jar,” said Rennar.

It does not take an interior designer coming out to your home or even shopping at all designer stores in order to get the job well done.

“At places like home goods stores you can walk in and pick things off the shelves to get yourself a whole new refreshing look and avoid knickknacks and keep things clean,” said Rennar. Clearing clutter can be helpful. “Older people sometimes gather too many possessions but it is okay to put them in a nice, enclosed, lighted bookcase but not have them sitting all over the place because you need to keep it simple,” said Rennar. Above all, have fun with it. Involve your family and even ask your grandchildren for suggestions on what they would like to do or see in your home around the holidays when it comes to decorating. This way you will have a beautiful, uplifting fall and winter season and rejuvenating start to the New Year. •••

A Rockin’ Holiday Auction ESC Fundraiser Auction Music by Vyagra Falls Price $40 per person hors d’oeuvres stations, cash bar Saturday, December 5th, 2015, 5:30 p.m. Our Lady of the Lake social hall 24832 U. S. 12 East, Edwardsburg, MI For tickets and information visit our website: edwardsburgsportscomplex.org or contact Patty Patzer 574-903-5228 Proceeds from this event will build the first nature inspired playground at ESC

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Life

#SorryNotSorry By: Rita Miller

I’m always confused when I read a Twitter post with the hashtag #sorrynotsorry. The Urban Dictionary tells me it means an unapologetic apology. It looks and sounds more like a flat out excuse for bad behavior. What if there were some good reasons to use this hashtag?

I’ve listed four good reasons why a boomer would say #sorrynotsorry:

You accept your body in its current shape. You may have a poufy stomach, a bit of cellulite on the legs, maybe even that creepy underarm skin, but you are ready, willing and able to wear a swimsuit of your choice at the beach. Plenty of people wear dubious clothes to work, to the gym and to the beach. There is no shame in being #sorrynotsorry if someone notices your flaws!

You are taking a nap instead of mowing the lawn, cleaning the garage or installing new carpeting. I defy anyone to interrupt my nap. I was at the neighborhood pool with two of my daughters. I fell asleep (with sunscreen on so that my face doesn’t wrinkle), when they rudely woke me up. I was not happy and demanded a reason. They said the guards saw lightning, closed the pool and everyone had to evacuate. Ok, good reason, but I’m still #sorrynotsorry I was sleeping!

“Was it worth it?”

You had the first PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) of the season and ordered it with whipped cream. There goes the lipid panel. Your doctor is going to yell at you. Was it worth it? Yes, the delicious taste of a PSL is well worth a little yell. I’m not sorry at all!

You bought a pair of red shoes; heels at that! Nothing caused more trouble at my house than a pair of red shoes I bought to match a dress. Yes, they were a high heel. Yes, they were patent leather. Yes, I wore them to work. I’m 57-years-old and I’m going to wear whatever shoe I want. Oddly enough, the HR department at work issued a rule that no flip flops were to be worn at the office. Red heels were never mentioned. #sorrynotsorry! At my age, I’ve earned the right to be politely defiant. I’m not entitled to be rude, ignorant or disrespectful, but I can be #sorrynotsorry! ••• 20

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RECIPE

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust By: Katie & Theresa Slott

Time: 30 minutes prep + 75 minutes baking. Requires several hours cooling time. Makes: 20 servings Ingredients:

Steps:

Crust: • 1 ½ c. gingersnap cookie crumbs (from about 2 c. cookies) • 4 T. melted butter

For the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325F. Wrap the bottom of a 9” spring form pan with aluminum foil. Pulse the gingersnap cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Add the melted butter and pulse briefly to evenly distribute. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the spring form pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Cool.

Filling: • 3 - 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, softened • ½ c. granulated sugar • ½ c. light brown sugar, packed • 2 T. cornstarch • ¼ t. salt • 4 large eggs • 1 c. heavy whipping cream • 1 T. pure vanilla extract • 1 - 6 oz. pumpkin puree • 1 t. cinnamon • ½ t. ginger • ¼ t. allspice • ¼ t. nutmeg • ¼ t. cloves

For the Filling: Preheat the oven to 325F. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugars, cornstarch and salt; blend. One at a time, add the eggs and beat until each has been completely incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the whipping cream and vanilla and beat until combined. Add the pumpkin and spices; blend. To Bake: Pour the filling into the crust and place in the oven. Bake for 60-75 minutes, until the filling is mostly set, but the middle jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for one hour with the door ajar. Run a blade around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake. Cool completely. Chill overnight (6 hours minimum) before serving.

Tips:

The cheesecake is fantastic when drizzled with caramel sauce and sprinkled with extra gingersnap crumbs.

Katie and Theresa Slott are sisters-in-laws who write the food blog, Cooking for the Fam, where they share lots of tips, family-favorite recipes and meal plans. For more recipes like this one, or to see step-by-step photos of this recipe, check out their website, www.cookingforthefam.com. boom | NOVEMEBR 2015

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Life

Committed to Those Who

Serve By: Pam Gunterman

ovember 11th is the day chosen to honor all of the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. I thought it might be fun to trace the history of this day. In the course of my search I found some great historical information on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website about the origins of Veterans Day which I found interesting and wanted to share. WWI is often referred to as “The Great War”; it officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in June 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, November 11, 1918. President Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The original idea for the celebration was for a day with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. On May 13, 1938, Congress voted to make the 11th of November each year a legal holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace and celebrated known as "Armistice Day." This day was primarily set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II, Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. In the late 1960s Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Bill celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. This would allow federal employees long weekends in an effort to stimulate travel. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed on October 25, 1971. It was apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to many, so on September 20, 1975 President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned Veterans Day to its original date of November 11th, beginning in 1978.

fashion, that their services begins the moment they choose to wear that uniform not when they are deployed to a distant land. They become a target simply by deciding to serve. As we celebrate and remember this November 11th, may we all take a moment to think about the fact that those who choose to wear the uniform of any branch of the service do so with full knowledge of what they agree to be and what they represent and defend. Those of us who enjoy the liberties, won and protected for us, by the past, present and future generations of those who serve should not take lightly that those who serve place themselves in harms’ way to defend our very way of life and should take the opportunity to say thank-you.

I close with these lyrics from a song by Billy Ray and Cindy Cyrus: All Gave Some, Some Gave All Some stood through for the red, white and blue And some had to fall And if you ever think of me Think of all your liberties and recall Some Gave All •••

MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAKE A LIVING

Today Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11th, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. Veterans Day is meant to be a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Those choosing to enter the military do not take that step, or all that it implies, lightly. Nothing brought the level of their commitment into focus move vividly than the July 17th shootings in Chattanooga Tennessee at the recruiting centers. This incident brought home to me, in shocking boom | NOVEMEBR 2015

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Life

By: Cindy Lynn Sawyer

How to Protect Yourselves and Your Loved Ones

The older generation is the fastest growing age group to hit the social media scene. According to the 2014 Facebook Demographic Report, “The biggest growth came among adults over the age of 55. Facebook added 12.4 million new users from this age range, a massive 80.4 percent growth.” Joining an online community can be a huge step if you were raised without the ever-changing Internet. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media provide opportunities to connect with family and cultivate a sense of belonging. While socializing, you will run across coupons, travel opportunities, product updates, tips and entertainment. But, there is also the fear of falling prey to scammers. How strong are your cybercrime self-defense skills? South Bend Police Department’s Legal Advisor, Eric Tamashasky, works with the Cybercrimes against Children Unit and gives presentations on Internet safety. He noted that seniors possess certain traits that can make them vulnerable targets for cybercrimes. “If I get a call from a salesperson, I hang up on them,” Tamashasky said. Seniors tend to be friendlier toward strangers and offer a greater level of courtesy than the younger generation. But in reality, clicking delete can be your best defense. Before a burglar breaks into a home, he cases his target. Online predators use the same strategy, except these criminals hide in cyberspace. Cybercrimes pose a huge challenge for law enforcement because sources are often too difficult to track.

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Predators work continuously to collect personal data. More often than not, the scammer appears as someone you know, or as a reputable business. Common businesses that they impersonate include Chase, Capital One and Western Union. Do not believe everything you see or read online. Always contact the source to verify its legitimacy from the contact information in your personal files, not from contact information included in the questionable correspondence. However, just like you can take precautions to protect your home, you also can take steps to protect yourself online:

Secure Your Property

Learn about the privacy and security features of the social media you have chosen. They all have varying types and levels. Make sure you are comfortable with what they offer. Also make sure you know who owns your personal information and public posts. Ask who has your information, where is it kept, who has access and how visible is it to online audiences. The easiest way to answer these questions, according to Tamashasky, is to Google them. (Example: “Who has access to my personal information on Facebook?”) Also be wary of sign-up prompts that ask for your friends list or access to your e-mail address book. Some of your social media sites request access to your e-mail address book, but offer the option to deny the request. If you grant the network access, you grant them permission to send e-mails to everyone in your address book.

Do Not Click That Link!

Be extremely cautious about links, regardless of their source. “Sometimes you will get a message in Twitter that says ‘Check out this link’ or ‘picture,’” said Technology Trainer Adam Russell from the Mishawka-Penn-Harris Public Library. “Do not click it.” According to Russell, scammers often use links to download hostile software onto your computer. They may send this to you directly through a message on social media, or they might just “put it out there” to draw people from that network.

Think Before You Post

Realize that everything you post is online for eternity. Even if you deactivate your account, what you post online can usually be found somewhere in the wonderful world of cyberspace. In addition, if anyone shares your photos or comments, your exposure increases.

Common Scams

While these scams don’t always happen online, but many originate there due to information they obtain from social media and other online sources. Here are some common scams reported by CBS News. The Grandparent Scam You receive a frantic phone call that your grandchild is in trouble. The caller—posing as a detective, friend of your grandchild, or other reputable source—has details about your grandchild. Then the caller requests a large sum of money to help bail your loved one out of a scary situation, possibly jail. Some scammers use a kidnapping story. And, to take it one step further, scam artists have even contacted the grandchild prior to the act, posing as the phone company and requesting they turn off their phone for maintenance. By making the grandchild inaccessible, it makes it difficult, if not impossible, for you to verify the whereabouts of your grandchild. Red Flags: • Sense of urgency • Money needs to be sent via cashier’s check, money order or pre-paid debit card • They request you keep it a secret • They will have an excuse as to why you can’t call them back Invitation to a Funeral A message or e-mail is sent to you with news regarding the death of someone you know. The messages invites you to click on a link for further information on funeral arrangements. Don’t click it! Call the funeral home or your loved one for verification. Government Officials If the IRS calls you because of outstanding taxes you need to pay. Or the court system e-mails because you failed to report for jury duty and must pay a fine or risk imprisonment. Your red flag? Neither the IRS nor the courts will contact you via phone or e-mail. If you want to make sure, call them before acting. For more information on these and other scams, visit www.cbsnews.com and search “5 Dangerous Scams Targeting Seniors.” boom | NOVEMEBR 2015

Scam Artist Wish List

The following information, if accessible on your social media, can give cybercriminals the data they need to open accounts in your name, apply for financial aid, file false tax returns, buy a car, drain your financial accounts and rob your home and more. • Your social security number • Your birthdate • The town you were born in • Your mother’s maiden name • Your home address • “Check-in” posts that let them know you aren’t home

Consider these guidelines when posting online:

• Child names in photo tags or captions

 What you post online, stays online. Forever.

• Your primary e-mail address

 If you are uncomfortable with something someone else posted about you, gently ask them to remove it, and give others the same courtesy.

• The date you are leaving for vacation • The date you are returning from vacation • Photos that reveal the layout of your home • Photos that include your passport, driver’s license, bills or credit cards • Full resumes • Graduation dates

 Do not post something about someone that you wouldn’t want posted about yourself.  Do not post from or about work. People have been fired for clicking “like” on pages that the employer feels are inappropriate (for example, discriminatory). Disclosing private company information also can result in termination. (Ask your employer for their list of social media rules for employees.)  Know that most job recruiters check social media posts and profiles of potential employees.  Be aware of who can see your posts. If you do not know for sure, then assume everyone can see them.  Be careful how much personal information you put online. (For example, never share that you’ve left town.)  Know that everything you share, including pictures, become vulnerable to being used elsewhere by anyone for any number of purposes without your permission.

Report the Crime

People of all ages and experience levels fall prey to scam artists. If you become a victim, don’t hesitate to talk to someone about it. You can report the crime to the police and to your local Adult Protective Services (APS). South Bend’s APS is Real Services and can be reached at 574-233-8205. To obtain information on other Adult Protective Services in other communities, contact Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit their website at www.eldercare.gove. 26

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The National Council on Aging states that “financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered ‘the crime of the 21st century.’” Take action to protect yourself and your loved ones. For free, personal assistance or with questions you may have about your computer and/or social media accounts, you can contact Russell at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library at 259-5277, ext. 1700 to set up an appointment. The library also offers free Internet safety classes. Check the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library website for information on dates, times and registration. •••

Put Them to the Test

Not sure if someone is a scam artist? Consider them a cybercriminal until they prove otherwise. If your source is legitimate, they will respect you and your decision to be cautious. Here are some clues that you are being conned: 1. Ask how they got your name. Pausing or being unclear should be considered a red flag. 2. Ask for their request in writing. 3. Ask them to talk to your attorney or financial advisor; if they refuse, then chances are, it’s because they know you doubt their legitimacy. 4. Request references. 5. Ignore pressure to act immediately; if it can’t wait, then it’s probably a scam. 6. Google the phone number or company online; in most cases, you aren’t the first they’ve tried to scam 7. If the conversation turns into intimidation, it is a scam; do not allow yourself to be intimidated. No one has the right to force you for information that you are uncomfortable giving. 8. Broken English or bad grammar/ spelling is another indication of a potential scam. Particularly if they claim to be a business. Remember, just because they know names of your friends or family, seem familiar with your background or hobbies, or know that the details of when your spouse passed or have other information, that doesn’t give them credibility. They can gather that information from your social media accounts. Test them.

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Life

Bringing Family

Together

for the Holidays

Everyone has their own personal take on the holidays. “There are probably more people who love the holidays than not but there are certain things about the holidays that everybody hates and it is exacerbated in individuals that get depressed from the holidays or suffer from seasonal affective disorder,” said David Berman, director of development for Mental Health America of Indiana. It is perfectly okay if you dread getting together with family or are not looking forward to the shopping experience. There are always ways to get around both dilemmas. “Online shopping is a wonderful way to avoid crowds and chaos,” said Berman. Take care of yourself. “It is good to stick to a routine like maintaining your normal sleeping and eating schedules,” said Berman. There may be holiday parties going on where you are eating more or different items than usual so be conscious of that. “There may be some sense of loss that you have sustained, but it is better to acknowledge it than to ignore it and to talk about the good times and remember people rather than embrace the sadness of not being with that individual,” said Berman.

By: Jamie Lober

If you have lost someone and did not experience sadness or minor depression, you would not be normal. Give yourself downtime. “Thanksgiving through New Year’s is very hectic and there is lost productivity at every workplace because everybody is focused on spending time with their families and the holidays, so you need to make sure that you make time for yourself to decompress,” said Berman.

Keep a sense of humor and try not to let stressful events affect you because the holidays will pass. “Do things that make you laugh because laughing is probably the best cure for depression,” said Berman. Other stress management tools include getting exercise, plenty of sleep and knowing what you put in your body. “Avoid high sugary stuff or if you are indulging, make sure you supplement with the good stuff in your body and find something that makes you happy away from the friends and craziness of the holidays,” said Berman. Try to keep traditions and continue them even if you are dealing with loss. “The holidays mean something different to every family but whatever makes you and your family happy is what you should do whether it means watching Christmas movies or decorating Christmas trees or watching football at Thanksgiving,” said Berman.

If spending time with family is stressful and particularly if you are aware there will be conflict, set boundaries. “Have a conversation ahead of time and if you are traveling and staying with family out of town for several days, take me time to get away from everyone and decompress as often as you need to,” said Berman. 28

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It is alright to say no. Some people choose to make alternative plans with friends. “I think it is important to be with people and if being with family is going to be stressful, do not feel that sense of obligation because ultimately at the end of the day your own mental health is absolutely more important than dealing with the dysfunction,” said Berman. Accept family members for who they are. “There are so many Christmas movies and stories that come out of Hollywood or in books that focus on the dysfunctional family and people can relate in some way, shape or form to some situation that totally applies to their family,” said Berman. Alter your reaction. “When we see a dysfunctional family on television or in the movie theater we laugh about it yet when we see it in our own family we get stressed, so I think we should have the same attitude,” said Berman.

Know that the holidays are not permanent. “You can laugh things off, it is temporary and then you can go home and do whatever you want,” said Berman. If you are visiting family out of town, staying at a hotel is an option where you can limit the amount of time you spend together. “When you set those definitive boundaries where you have family time and then when you cannot do any more family time you have alone time, there is nothing wrong with that,” said Berman. Recognize that the weather is cold, there is a lack of sunlight, it is easier to feel down and only you know what your body needs, whether that is bringing your family together or not. “Know what makes you happy and focus on that,” said Berman. •••

CRASH & BURN ANSWERS:

1-a: This 10-minute film cost an estimated

$150 to make. Although it’s considered one of the first Westerns, The Great Train Robbery was shot in Milltown, New Jersey. In The Count of Monte Cristo, the director paid an acrobat $5 to jump upside down from a cliff into the sea.

2-c: Helen Gibson was a rodeo rider hired by director Frank Boggs to be in his 1910 silent film Pride of the Range. She went on to perform stunt doubling for Helen Holmes in The Hazards of Helen adventure film series (1915). For example, in A Girl’s Grit episode, Gibson leaps from the roof of a station onto the top of a moving train, a highly dangerous fete.

3-b, d, f: In 1967 Yakima Canute was awarded an Oscar for his stunt career (he coordinated the exciting chariot race in the 1959 version of Ben Hur). Vic Armstrong became the first stuntman to win both an Academy Award (for his invention of a descender rig) and a BAFTA award for lifetime achievement in film. The late Hal Needham probably deserved to be the highest-paid stunt performer in the

By: Margo and Jim Bell

world, having broken 56 bones, punctured a lung, and knocked out a few teeth. He went on to become an inventor, NASCAR driver, and a director, and won an honorary Oscar for his stunt and invention work.

4-a, d: The Academy Awards organizers want to keep the yearly extravaganza within a “reasonable” (our quotes) time frame. But at the same time they’re aware that today’s moviegoers are sophisticated enough to know about stunt performers, so the jury may still be out on including a stunt category. The stunt industry has its own awards show that began in 2001. 5-e: All of the hints ring true, but “b” is, to us, the most intriguing. All stunt performers have to belong to the Screen Actors Guild (union), so on the set they get paid the same as non-star actors plus extra for a stunt, ranging from $1,000 to spin out a car to $20,000 to fall off a building. Thus, a stunt performer can earn as much in one day as an actor can in three months.

6-c: Probably not known to younger Boomers, McClure and Gulager appeared in many Westerns (McClure also appeared in the Civil War drama Shenandoah), Farnsworth in several notable films including The Grey Fox and The Straight Story. Burt Reynolds did stunts between acting jobs.

7-e: Buster Keaton did virtually all his stunts in his comedies of the 1920s. Harold Lloyd is seen hanging from the hands of a building clock far above a city street in Safety Last (1923). Robert Redford did some stunt work in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), as well as in the 2013 movie All Is Lost. But in the 1963 WWII flick The Great Escape, the director wouldn’t let Steve McQueen do the dangerous 60-ft. leap over a barbedwire fence, leaving that to stuntman Bud Ekins. However, McQueen did follow Ekins in pursuit as a German soldier on a motorcycle! Also, only 10% of the tremendous car chase in Bullitt (1968) was done by McQueen, the rest left to stunt driver and friend Bud Ekins. SOURCES: Wiki, Answers, IMDb, Hollywood: The Years of Innocence by John Kobal, more.

NEXT MONTH: Film Flubs boom | NOVEMEBR 2015

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book review

The Job:

True Tales from the Life of a New York City Cop By: Steve Osborne Reviewed By: Jennifer Ludwig, Reference Services Supervisor Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library

Photo Courtesy: Amazon.com