BOOM Magazine Dec16 & Jan17

December 2016 & January 2017

Day Trip: Shrine of Christ’s Passion

Exercise Classes

Keeping Harmony in Your Guest-Filled Home

to Improve Your Quality of Life

Making

spirits Bright

C E L E B R AT E T H E M O M E N T BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET

Meet Santa and his elves in the festive Morris Inn. You’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and entertainment for the whole family. Don’t forget your camera!

Celebrate the season at Morris Inn. Enjoy food and merriment as we roll out an expansive buffet of appetizers, entrees, side dishes and sweet treats.

December 3rd, 10th and 17th in the Morris Inn Private Dining Space 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Sunday, December 25th in the Morris Inn Private Dining Space 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

$24.95 Adults // $10.95 Children 3-12 years // 2 and under free

(Prices do not include tax and administrative fee.)

(Prices do not include tax and administrative fee.)

Make your reservation by calling: 800.280.7256

$39.95 Adults // $10.95 Children 5-12 years // 4 and under free

Register online at MorrisInnEvents.com

AFTERNOON TEA IN SORIN’S Featuring Rishi Tea

Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 26th through April 15th // Three Seatings Daily – 2:30, 2:45, 3:00 pm Reservations strongly recommended by calling 574.631.2020

MORRIS INN GIFT CARDS Morris Inn gift cards can be used for dining at Sorin’s, Rohr’s, Wind Family Fireside Terrace and for lodging. Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a complimentary $25 bonus card.

HOLIDAY CHOIRS Select weekdays in December. Enjoy your favorite carols as local choirs perform in the lobby.

130 MORRIS INN

//

NOTRE DAME, IN 46556

//

574.631.2000

//

MORRISINNHOLIDAYS.COM

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What's inside

EVERY MONTH 4

Letter From The Publisher

5

Contributors & Testimonials

6

BOOM Timeline

boom PETS 7

Loving Animals Are In Need Of Families

boom BOOK Review 15

Retire Inspired By Chris Hogan Reviewed By: Susie Cleaver

boom RECIPE 31

Eggnog Cheesecake

boom HEALTHY LIVING 8

Best Medicine: Exercise Classes To Improve Your Quality Of Life By: Tracy Brelowski

boom HOBBIES 10

Holiday Seasonal Beers

12

Some Things Streep

By: Chuck Bergman

By: Margo & Jim Bell

boom TRAVELER 16

Christmas Markets On The Elbe River

20

Day Trip: Shrine Of Christ’s Passion St. John, Indiana

By: Phyllis Rose

By: Phyllis Rose

boom LIFE 14

BOOM Christmas Wish List

24

The ABCs Of Keeping Harmony In Your Guest-Filled Home During The Holidays

26

Making Spirits Bright

28

Unwrapping The Gifts

By: Sue Lebreton

By: Pam Gunterman By: Rita Miller

Wreath provided by Dussel’s Farm Market http://www.dusselsfarmmarket.com

cover photographer Ann Reiff is one of Michiana’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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FROM THE PUBLISHER

C

an you believe it’s December already? It’s true what they say that the older one gets, the faster time flies. But I am blaming it on the weather. The fall has been so mild that it just doesn’t feel like it could be this close to winter. And yet, Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas isn’t far away.

I always enjoyed this time of year. The leaves are finally down and raked. I don’t mind the usual snow and cold weather at the beginning of winter. It’s refreshing, cleansing in a way as it gets rid of the pollen in the air and covers the barren landscape with a lovely white blanket. Of course, we haven’t seen that yet, but it will come; it always does. I have been seeing cars on the road with trees tied to the tops. Christmas carols have replaced political campaigns on the radio and the shopping madness has officially begun. Holiday light displays are popping up on houses everywhere. Of course, the decorations have been in stores since before Halloween, but that’s another story. The holidays have arrived!

The other thing that is hard for me to believe is that it has been almost a year since I bought the magazines. This is the final issue of the year and it has certainly been a memorable one. The learning curve has been steep at times and I have learned some difficult lessons but we have had successes as well. The Glitz & Sass Holiday Fashion Show last month was a lot of fun and went very well. Many thanks are due to everyone who attended and helped out. I have a great team and we are looking forward to bigger and better things in 2017.

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER: Sue Heinrich Sue@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Managing Editor:

Jessica Haviland Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

AD COORDINATOR & INSIDE SALES MANAGER

Amanda Oiler Amanda@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

EVENT COORDINATOR Denise M. Longley denise@michianafamilymagazine.com

Distribution Manager: Chad Haviland

BOOM Magazine is a division of Michiana Family Publishing, LLC established in 2016. 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: 269.228.8295 • 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, December 2016 & January 2017 Volume 5: Number 10

In this issue of BOOM, we have several stories about the holidays including how to keep harmony in your home with all the guests during the holidays, another about making spirits bright and a third about holiday seasonal beers. And to help you with your New Year’s resolutions, there is a story on how exercise classes can improve your quality of life. There are also a couple of interesting travel articles.

I hope you enjoy the magazine!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very happy holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanza, I hope you have an enjoyable holiday with family and friends. Since this is a combined December/ January issue, let me also wish you a happy and healthy New Year.

LOOK WHO’s TALKING

follow us on Twitter, and become our fan on Facebook. @MichianaBoom @michianaboom www.pinterest.com/boommagazine/ MichianaBoom

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DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017 | boom

boom / contributors

boom / testimonials

Phyllis Rose With a love for the English language and travel, Phyllis Rose became an English teacher, freelance writer and traveler. She taught high school English for 29 years while also working as a freelance writer and editor. Retiring from teaching, she turned her part-time writing career into a full-time one, writing for newspapers and magazines. Her favorite freelance project has been writing a day trip column, giving readers ideas for places to go, things to do, and restaurants to try in the Michiana area. She also loves international travel, especially to Europe. When not writing or traveling, she loves to read, do counted cross-stitch projects and plan her next travel adventure.

Chuck Bergman Chuck Bergman is a local michiana marketing professional and an avid home brewer. He fell in love with craft beer a few years ago and has never looked at beer the same way. He encourages everyone to support local breweries and be willing to “experience new tastes.”

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

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.

I love BOOM Magazine!

I can’t wait to pick up the newest issue each month!”

– Kay M.

I recommend trying the recipes in BOOM Magazine.

I have tried three of them so far and each one has turned out spectacular.”

– Shelly B.

The content and quality of BOOM Magazine is fantastic.

I share this magazine with all my friends and family.”

– Ruby S.

Don't forget!

Keep up with us on Facebook by liking our page just for Boomers! boom | DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

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DECEMBER & JANUARY Events

DIY Ornament Wreath Materials:

December 7th:

Pearl Harbor Day

-

Foam Wreath

-

70-100 Plastic Ornaments Of Different Sizes & Textures

-

Low Temperature Glue Gun & Glue Sticks

-

Plain White Ribbon

-

Decorative Ribbon To Hang Wreath

-

Pliers

December 16th:

Mishawaka Winterfest, 5:00 P.M., Merrifield Park December 17th:

Sounds Of The Season, 7:30 P.M., The Lerner-Elkhart December 21st:

Winter Solstice December 22nd:

A Christmas Story, 2:00 P.M., The Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres-Nappanee December 23rd:

It’s A Wonderful Life, 8:00 P.M., Goshen Theater December 25:

Christmas Day!

Directions:

1. Wrap the plain white ribbon around your Styrofoam wreath.

2. Use tape or regular glue to affix the end of the ribbon onto the wreath.

3. Remove ornament clips/hooks from the ornament and glue them on the inner rim of the circle form.

4. Repeat this process on the outer edge of the wreath.

5. Start layering the balls on the top of the form.

6. Fill in any remaining gaps with ornaments.

7. Cut a piece of ribbon and weave it from the back of the wreath, underneath the balls and then back to the front.

8. Hang your wreath on a hook or display it around your home!

December 30th:

Holiday Treats

In With The New-Broadway Cabaret Concert, 7:30 P.M., South Bend Civic Theatre December 31st:

New Year’s Eve January 1st:

Happy New Year!

January 6th:

Skiing Under The Stars, 6:00 P.M., St. Patrick’s County Park – South Bend January 16th:

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

Sugar Cookie Truffles

Christmas Wreath Cookies

(www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com)

(www.thefirstyearblog.com)

Chocolate Dipped Oreo Snowflakes (www.iheartnaptime.com)

January 19th:

Swan Lake, 7:30 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center – South Bend Dec 3rd: A Dream of Christmas 8p/7c

January 27th: 5th Annual Chili Tour, 5:00 P.M., Downtown St. Joseph, MI January 28th:

2nd Annual St. Joe Winter Beer Fest, Noon, Downtown St. Joseph, MI

January 29th:

Golden Dragon Acrobats, 7:00 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center – South Bend 6

DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017 | boom

Dec 4th: Looks Like Christmas 8p/7c

Hallmark Channel’s World Premiere

Christmas Movie List

Dec 5th: National Christmas Tree Lighting 7p/6c Dec 10th: A Nutcracker Christmas 8p/7c Dec 11th: Love You Like Christmas 8p/7c Dec 17th: My Christmas Love 8p/7c Dec 18th: Sleigh Bells Ring 8p/7c

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PETS

The Elkhart Humane Society Needs Your Help Loving animals are in need of families!

SATURN: I am an active small mountain lion with big golden

eyes. I am very active and need to be busy all the time. I also love people and want attention. Pet me, scratch my tummy and talk to me, I am a people cat. I am 4-years-old and have been neutered. I live with other cats, so I don’t need to be an only cat. I am looking for a place where I will get a lot of attention and play. Come visit me.

KING:

I'm looking for a family that's fit for a king! Just kidding, but I am looking for a family that will shower me with love. I am a male, red and white, Terrier/Pitbull mix. I'm about a year-and-a-half old and I am working on housetraining. I'm a big, quiet fellow who loves going for walks and runs. I enjoy playing with plush and squeaky toys and I give lots of doggy kisses.

ROSIE THE RIVERTER:

My memorable name is a perfect match to my outgoing personality. I'm a one-yearold, female, Rat Terrier. I love going for walks and runs and I really enjoy playing in the crunchy piles of leaves. I'm very high energy since I'm still a bit of a pup, but I'm ready to learn some commands. I hope you'll visit me soon!

Volunteers Needed: The Elkhart County Humane Society is always looking for new volunteers to join their team. There are so many ways to make a difference.

Give Janet a call at 574-848-4225 to learn more.

54687 County Road 19 Bristol, IN 46507

(574) 848-4225

www.elkharthumanesociety.org boom | DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

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Healthy Living

Best Medicine Exercise Classes to Improve Your Quality of Life By: Tracy Brelowski, Beacon Health & Fitness

D

id you know that exercise can provide significant health benefits for people with very specific diseases and chronic conditions? Regular exercise that is safe and effective can reduce the severity of disease symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

If you or a loved one is dealing with cancer, heart disease, arthritis or a neurological condition, the Best Medicine Program at Beacon Health & Fitness might be able to help. This program includes exercise classes uniquely designed to help people better manage their medical condition and improve their level of physical activity.

Each Best Medicine Program class follows nationally recognized guidelines and is led by a professional fitness staff. In addition to medical oversight, the classes give participants a sense of camaraderie and accountability and this adds up to creating a positive and productive exercise experience.

Who is eligible for Best Medicine classes?

Any person, with a physical referral.

What is the cost?

Membership with Beacon Health & Fitness is required, but there is no additional fee. New members joining the program are eligible for a reduced enrollment fee.

Where is Beacon Health & Fitness located?

Members have access to two great locations: • 111 W Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601 • 3221 Beacon Parkway, Granger, IN 46530 What is unique about Beacon Health & Fitness?

As the only medically based fitness center in the region, all programs are approved by a medical advisory board to ensure safety and effectiveness. The staff includes a sports medicine physician, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, fitness specialists, massage therapists and certified personal trainers.

New Beacon Health & Fitness Facility Opens

Best Medicine Classes: Arthritis Fitness - Joint Venture:

This is for anyone who has rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and joint replacement or joint pain. The exercises will help relieve your pain and improve your body movement, along with enhancing your balance and overall strength through activities in a warm-water therapy pool.

Parkinson’s Fitness - Climb:

This program will help improve your quality of life through better breathing, movement, balance and posture. It also builds a sense of solidarity and friendship among participants and caregivers.

Neurological Aquatic Fitness - NeuroH20:

For those with a diagnosed neurological condition such as neuropathy, stroke, spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, this program will help improve your quality of life through activities in the water-warm therapy pool. It will also enhance your balance, flexibility, endurance, strength and thinking.

Post Physical Therapy Fitness - Guided Path:

This program is perfect for those who have finished physical therapy and want to continue the journey to greater strength and endurance. Exercise physiologists will work closely with you to improve your overall health and prevent injury.

If you are looking for a convenient, safe and supportive place to exercise, then check out the new Beacon Health & Fitness. With physician-approved exercise programs and a qualified, medical staff, you will get as much support as you want while you exercise. As the only medically based fitness center in the region, Beacon Health & Fitness is perfect for people of all ages who want to live the healthiest, fullest life possible.

3221 Beacon Parkway Granger, IN 46530 • A 67,000-square-foot world-class fitness facility • Physician-approved programs • On-site physician • ‘Quick Look’ health assessment every quarter that includes height, weight, body fat percentage, body mass index, blood pressure and resting heart rate • Qualified staff that includes exercise physiologists, fitness specialists with college degrees in exercise science or related fields and personal trainers/group exercise instructors • More than 40 group classes • State-of-the-art exercise equipment • Lap pool, therapy pool and whirlpool

Cancer Fitness - Restorative Fitness at Memorial Regional Cancer Center:

• Indoor track

Exercise, during and after cancer treatment is proven to enhance recovery.

Less pain, more energy, strength and endurance are just some of the health benefits you can experience with the Restorative Fitness.

• 24-hour access

Cancer Yoga - Yoga Remedy:

• Access to our new facility and our downtown South Bend facility

Whether you are new to yoga or more advanced, this is a great way to improve your balance, posture, flexibility, breathing and overall strength. The relaxing environment also helps reduce stress and increase energy.

Heart Attack/Heart Disease Fitness - Heart Healthy:

This is for those who have completed initial cardiac rehab. They continue cardiac fitness, with the addition of strength, endurance and yoga exercises.

Your progress is monitored and shared with your physicians. •••

• Conveniently located off Indiana Toll Road and near State Road 23

For more information about the Best Medicine Program, call 574.647.2654 or for more information about the new facility, call 574.647.2597 or visit beaconhealthandfitness.org. boom | DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

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HOBBIES

By: Chuck Bergman

Holiday Seasonal Beers

Craft Beers to Enjoy This Holiday Season

Winter in Michiana is a wonderful time of year. The trees are mostly bare, the air is crisp with a touch of winter and hopefully there are only a few inches of snow on the ground. Our palettes turn to beverages that are dark and inviting, warm and comforting, full of flavor with a touch of holiday cheer.

There really is not a traditional style for this time of year, but all winter seasonal beers are all about taste. Colors tend to be darker, ranging from ruby red to earthy brown, but there are some unique lighter colored beers that also make an appearance around the holidays. Whether you are planning some great craft beers to enjoy by a nice roaring fire or shopping for great brews to give as Christmas gifts, now is a perfect time to experience a taste of the holiday season.

Winter Warmers

Winter warmers have been brewed for as long as there has been beer and winter-time. As the name suggests, they tend to be big beers with higher alcohol content, keeping you warm on a crisp winter evening. The color of a winter warmer will be darker, ranging from dark red to deep black.

These beers typically have a large malty backbone with very little hop bitterness. What little hop flavor is present should be balanced, to not take away from the grainy sweetness this style is known for. You will also notice that the flavor is full and bold with a medium to heavy body. Spices that are associated with Christmas cookies and mulled cider are common, including cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, clove, orange peel and others. These beers are designed to sip, sitting by the fire on a cool evening.

The English winter warmers tend to be very malty with a full body and sweet finish. Flavors typical of English Christmas puddings are common, with hints of figs, molasses, toffee, raisins and dried fruit. They do not come across as roasted, but feature dark caramel and dark fruit flavors.

American winter warmers are often called Christmas beers, or holiday ales. These seasonals are often deep amber or brown in color with a strong malt finish. Like their English cousin, they impart flavors associated with the holiday season. Many examples have a flavor similar to gingerbread cookies. Spices should be noticeable but not overpowering.

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DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017 | boom

Barrel-aged Treats

Barrel-aged dark beers are also popular during the holiday season. These are usually porters or stouts that after fermentation, have been stored for six to 12 months in a bourbon or whiskey barrel. This aging adds a wonderful combination of bourbon notes combined with vanilla, oak and dark fruits such as cherry or plum.

In the past few years, barrel aging has gone beyond the traditional bourbon barrels.

Many winter beers are being aged in barrels that formerly housed rum, tequila, gin and even wine. Each of these spirits imparts a unique flavor profile to the beer, as well as a pleasant alcohol warmth to the finish.

The complex flavors of these beers come from not only the spirit originally aged in the barrel, but also the type of oak used to make the barrel. Most wine and whiskey barrels are made from American, French or Spanish oak; with each imparting its own unique flavor. The amount of char on the wood can also impact the flavor of the beer.

Barrel-aged beers are often sold in larger sizes, including 22oz bombers and 750mL bottles. These make great holiday gifts or to share at a holiday gathering, as the larger size gives everyone a chance to sample the unique flavors present in these beers. This topic is really worthy of its own article and will be featured in next month’s magazine.

Belgian Surprise

No Christmas beer list would be complete without Belgian winter beers.

These seasonal ales boast a generous selection of spices, ranging from licorice root, star anise and orange peel to coriander and cumin. Many Belgian holiday ales will develop caramel, fig and currant notes as they age.

“Many winter beers are being aged in barrels that formerly housed rum, tequila, gin and even wine.”

A Belgian strong dark ale is a great choice for the Christmas season. The color of strong dark ale ranges from deep amber to dark brown with a dense foamy head. The aroma is often described as rich, sweet, toasted or bready with dark fruit notes like prunes, raisins, plums or figs. The flavor is similar to the aroma and is moderately sweet and malty with a low amount of bitterness.

Holiday beers are really less of a style and more of a tradition. Each year as the season grows colder and the nights longer, the beers grow stronger and spicier. So as the leaves have finished falling and Thanksgiving is a distant memory, take some time to enjoy some beers that represent the season. Put away your standard favorite beers (at least temporarily) and experience a taste of the holiday season. CHEERS! ••• boom | DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

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boom

hobbies

Some

Things

STREEP By: Margo and Jim Bell

Handprints of Meryl Streep in Hollywood Boulevard outside of Chinese Theatre's forecourt.

One of the most renowned Boomers today is Meryl Streep, considered by many to be the greatest living actress in the world. She has been featured in a number of television films and movies and is still going strong. Test your knowledge of this famous, talented actress:

1. Meryl Streep has a Masters degree in Fine Arts from: a. Vassar b. Yale c. Mount Holyoke d. Northwestern e. UCLA

6. How many Academy Award nominations did Streep get? a. 3 b. 7 c. 12 d. 19 e. 21

2. Streep almost chose this as a career prior to acting: a. Sculptress b. Pharmacist c. Lawyer d. Model e. Musician

7. How many actual people did Streep portray? a. 5 b. 10 c. 13 d. 17 e. 20

3. Streep’s film debut was: a. The Deadliest Season b. Julia c. Sophie’s Choice d. Holocaust e. The Deer Hunter

4. How many films has Streep made as of 2016? a. 38 b. 50 c. 60 d. 64

ANSW ERS ON PAG E 30!

5. After auditioning, Streep was turned down for the following roles: a. Michelle Stratton in American Gigolo b. Miss Kenton in The Remains of the Day c. Patsy Cline in Sweet Dreams d. Title role in Elizabeth e. All of the above boom | DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

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boom

life

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Christmas Wish List

Ninja Coffee Bar® Glass Carafe System-CF091 $169.99 www.target.com

Taupe & White Faux Fur Rabbit Throw $55.96 www.pier1.com

Pamela Jumbo Mug $5.96 www.pier1.com

Heritage Plaid Square Scarf $25 www.nordstrom.com

UGG Kendyl Slippers (Chestnut) $84.95 www.zappos.com

Kate Spade New York Cobble Hill Medium Adrien Leather Satchel $264.60 www.nordstrom.com 14

DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017 | boom

boom

book review

Retire Inspired

By Chris Hogan Reviewed By: Susie Cleaver, Reference Librarian Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library - Harris Branch

: amazon.com

Photo Courtesy

editor Picks

C

hris Hogan knows a thing or two about retirement. Not that he has reached this stage of life personally, but as a co-teacher of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace

University and a member of the Ramsey Solutions team, he has counselled hundreds of individuals and families on planning for their retirement. Hogan’s new book, Retire

Inspired, lays out all he has learned on how one should prepare for retirement and he is happy to share his plan with us.

“Plan” is the key word in Hogan’s message. No matter our age, we must develop a plan for retirement. According to Hogan, “Retirement is not an old person thing; it’s a smart person thing.” And smart people plan!

Victoria

By Daisy Goodwin

Hogan offers a number of tools to assist in planning your retirement, starting with his R:IQ (Retire Inspired Quotient) quiz found on his website. From there he leads readers through the pitfalls of debt, how to incorporate Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps into your retirement planning, and easy-to-understand sections outlining specific types of investments and insurance products, including their risks. He is encouraging and nonjudgmental, even when describing clients in their 60s who still did not have a retirement plan or retirement savings. For everyone he has the same simple advice – Get Started Now!

I Loved Her In The Movies

By Robert Wagner & Scott Eyman www.amazon.com

Retire Inspired should be required reading for all ages. But, if you are a Baby Boomer the message is particularly relevant. Hogan reminds us to dream, to plan and then to work towards our retirement. Because, ultimately, how we retire is up to us! boom | DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

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traveler

Christmas

markets on the

Elbe River By: Phyllis Rose

A traditional Germany pyramid in one of Berlin's many Christmas markets.

Photos Provided By: Phyllis Rosea

C

ruising the gently flowing Elbe River in December, you’ll sail through centuries of holiday traditions and European history.

From Dresden to Berlin, Germany, traditional Christmas markets fill the old town squares surrounded by vestiges of not only ancient history but also more recent history such as World War II. Don’t expect dramatic scenery like on the Danube or Rhine Rivers. The Elbe flows quietly through flat farmland stretching as far as the eye can see. But what it lacks in scenery, it makes up for in history.

Boarding our ship, the M.S. River Allegro, in Dresden, my friend, Claudia, and I settled in to our small, but comfortable stateroom, ready to discover the towns, their history, and traditions. Our Elbe exploration led to the following discoveries.

Dresden, Germany Our Dresden tour introduced us to the city’s beautiful Baroque buildings, most rebuilt since the Allied bombing in 1945, which turned the city into a rubble pile.

A good example of the rebuilding is the Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady. After the bombing, the church’s 12,000 ton dome collapsed. But the church was rebuilt using as much of the old materials as possible and as close as possible to the plans of the architect, George Bahr, who started building the church in 1726.

Dresden's Frauenkirche was completely rebuilt after its destruction during World War II.

Nearby in the city center is the Streizelmarkt, Dresden’s Christmas market which is nearly 600 years old. This is the place to shop for traditional German candle arches and other wooden items, many having been crafted in the nearby Ore Mountains. Be sure to try the traditional holiday treat, Dresden Christollen, a fruit bread dusted with powdered sugar.

Seiffen, Germany After a drive through the Ore Mountains, we arrived in Seiffen, a woodcarving town known as the Christmas Toy Capital of Germany. In the Toy Museum, we learned how the toys are made and enjoyed the museum’s collection of toys, pyramids, nutcrackers and other items.

Later, we visited a workshop where craftsmen were carving and painting the toys and decorations by hand. Throughout the town are delightful shops where you can buy the traditional schwibbogens (candle arches), pyramids, and nutcrackers. Christmas market stalls also line the streets.

As we drove home through the dark Ore Mountains, we saw candle arches in the windows of many homes, recalling the days when the arches lighted the miners’ way home.

In a Seiffen workshop, craftspeople work on traditional holiday ornaments and decorations.

boom | DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

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TRAVELER

An elegant and beautiful Meissen porcelain soup tureen.

Dresden's Christmas market is magical at night.

Meissen, Germany

Wittenberg

The highlight of Meissen was touring the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, Europe’s first porcelain factory where high end porcelain has been produced for over 300 years. The tour comprises several stations where craftsmen demonstrate the five stages of the porcelain making process.

Wittenberg is filled with Martin Luther history. The Reformation began here in 1517 when Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church. Our tour started at the Lutherhaus Museum in the building where Luther lived with his family until his death in 1546. Here you can see a pulpit from which Luther preached, his desk, and many artifacts from the German Reformation.

Sticker shock hit us in the gift shop. The beautiful porcelain items from small Christmas ornaments to huge serving platters and other items are very expensive. Think a cup and saucer priced at $1200 or a soup tureen at $43,000!

While browsing the shops and the Christmas market in the old town square, we tried a traditional bread - crispy and hollow inside. The story goes that the ruler was unhappy with the porcelain breaking during shipment so he had this bread produced to be packed with the porcelain as protection. As might be expected, the bread is pretty tasteless.

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DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017 | boom

Nearby is Castle Church where Luther is buried. The doors where he nailed his theses have been replaced with bronze ones bearing the text of his statements. On the spire are the words, Eine feste Burg ist unser Gott, the German title of his famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” Between the Lutherhaus and the Castle Church is the festive Christmas Market. Surrounded by the historic buildings from Luther’s time and earlier, the market setting is perfect for immersing yourself in history while shopping for handcrafted items, sampling traditional treats, and trying some mulled wine.

Quedlinburg, Germany With at least 1300 half-timbered houses, Quedlinburg is the quintessential medieval town, a perfect setting for a Christmas market. But first, we did a walking tour to see the beautiful old buildings. The oldest building, dating to 1300, is now the Fachwerk Museum where we learned about the construction techniques. It’s worth a visit just to go inside a 700-year-old building.

For more info:

This trip was taken through Grand Circle Travel, but other river cruise providers have a similar cruise.

Grand Circle Travel 1-800-221-2610 • www.gct.com

We enjoyed the Christmas market in this ancient setting, strolling the cobblestone streets and alleys, browsing among the craft and food stands while a school choir sang songs of the season.

Berlin, Germany After the cruise, we were transported to Berlin to explore the city and its Christmas markets. Sights included the Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial, 2700 gray slabs of various sizes covering nearly five acres.

We also visited the home of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an anti-Nazi pastor killed by the Nazis near the end of the war. This was his parents’ home where he lived when he was in Berlin and where he was arrested in 1943. The home is located on a beautiful, tree-lined street making it hard to imagine the horror that came to him in such a peaceful setting.

A half-timbered building, one of over 1300 in Quedlinburg, Germany, flanks the Christmas market in the old town square.

After the history tour, we enjoyed two of Berlin’s 60 Christmas markets - the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market, featuring Europe’s largest Christmas pyramid, and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church Christmas Market, where what is left of the old church is surrounded by hundreds of market booths. Be sure to go into the old church and then the new one next door built in the 1960s, which is very modern with blue walls made of stained glass inlays.

From festive Christmas markets to historical highlights, an Elbe River cruise is the perfect way to sail into German holiday traditions and through centuries of German history. •••

Interior of the Frauenkirche

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Day Trip

Shrine of Christ’s Passion St. John, Indiana By: Phyllis Rose

Photos Provided By: Phyllis Rose

“To contemplate the last moments of Jesus’ life on Earth is a welcome break from the usual hustle and bustle.”

Meditative moments in the midst of our daily lives are hard to come by, especially at holiday time. So a day trip that focuses on quiet meditation as you contemplate the last moments of Jesus’ life on Earth is a welcome break from the usual hustle and bustle.

This is easy to do at The Shrine of Christ’s Passion, 10630 Wicker Ave., St. John, Indiana, where you can walk the Stations of the Cross and hear the story of Christ’s Passion being read from the Bible, all while listening to calming music between the stations.

My friend Dave and I visited during Lent but the shrine is open year-round. We arrived a little early, having forgotten that this section of Indiana is on Central Time, but shortly we entered the Visitors Center/Gift Shoppe where a greeter directed us to the doorway leading outside to the Prayer Trail which winds through the Stations of the Cross. The trail is a mile long - a half mile up to the Crucifixion scene and then back to the Visitors Center, the greeter told us.

He also told us that by pushing a button on a speaker stand at each station, we would hear Chicago broadcaster, Bill Kurtis, reading Scripture related to the events portrayed at that station. Along the trail there are 40 life-size bronze statues depicting the various scenes. Besides Jesus, you’ll find Mary, Pilate, Roman soldiers, the two thieves on the cross, St. Veronica, and many more. boom | DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

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So, we headed out on the wide concrete pathway, stopping first at the scene of the Last Supper. Here Jesus is seated alone at a large table as if waiting for the disciples to arrive. The large stone seats surrounding the table are empty, waiting for visitors to take a seat to re-enact the Last Supper.

From there, we turned to the right and entered the Garden of Gethsemane where the disciples, Peter, James, and John, were fast asleep. Wandering farther back into the garden, we found Jesus praying, the drops of blood evident on his forehead. The statues are very detailed and expressive, helping visitors to experience all the emotions of Jesus, his disciples, and others as Jesus made his way to the cross.

A thin, shackled Jesus stands before Pilate who is washing his hands. Pilate is seated on the steps of a huge Roman style building where over the pillars are the Latin words Innocens ego sum a sanguine iusti huius, which is what Pilate Entrance to the Shrine with the statue, Our Lady of the New Millennium in the background.

said after examining Jesus - I am innocent of the blood of this just man. From there, we slowly made our way from station to station, watching as Jesus falls under the weight of the cross, as Simon of Cyrene is recruited to help Jesus, as Jesus’ hands are nailed to the cross, and then as he is on the cross on Mount Calvary flanked by the two thieves.

The commentary at each station provides thoughts to meditate on regarding Christ’s sacrifice for the world’s sins. At the Crucifixion site, there are benches to sit and contemplate what Jesus did as you observe him on the cross. Winding down the slight hill from Calvary, we came to the garden tomb scene. We saw the angel kneeling inside the empty tomb where Jesus’ clothes lay neatly on the burial slab. One more station turned the sadness into joy with the ascension of Jesus into heaven.

As we made our way back to the Visitors Center, we stopped and rested, greeting other pilgrims who passed by. Everyone was quiet and respectful.

In the Visitors Center, we spent time shopping in the 6000 square foot Gift Shoppe which supports the Shrine since there is no entrance fee to the site. Here you can find home decor items, jewelry, books, CDs, rosaries, Christmas ornaments, cards telling the stories of various saints, and a cafe for a cup of coffee or a snack.

Even if you’re not a Catholic, you can find something here for yourself or family and friends. I bought a beautiful holiday vase and a small soap plate featuring various Parisian chocolates, while Dave bought a DVD about the Shrine and some cards about some saints we’ve learned about in our travels - St. Roch, whose church we visited in Paris, France, and St. Theresa, whose chapel we visited in Avila, Spain, and which smells of roses all the time even though there are no roses present. Outside the Gift Shoppe is a 34-foot-tall statue, Our Lady of the New Millennium, which we stopped to photograph. It gleams all silvery in the sun as Mary’s meditative face peers

Drops of blood form on Jesus' forehead as he prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.

down at visitors.

“The statues are very detailed and expressive, helping visitors to experience all the emotions of Jesus, his disciples, and others...”

The Shrine of Christ’s Passion is well worth a visit any time of the year.

Another reason to visit the Shrine is the recent completion of another exhibit - Moses at Mount Sinai depicting the time when Moses received the Ten Commandments. It features a 60-foot high mountain, a statue of Moses, a burning bush, and the reading of the Ten Commandments by a retired Franciscan priest. It was hard to leave this place of quiet meditation, but we headed down the road to find a quick place for lunch before driving home.

We found Schoop’s Hamburgers, 9401 Wicker Ave., a bright and cheery, 50’s style hamburger joint. Dave enjoyed his hamburger since it was prepared the way hamburgers used to be, “old-fashioned like,” he said, and fries - hot and fresh out of the fry basket, a serving large enough that he could share them with me. I started with a cup of chili, perfect for this cold

For more info:

The Shrine of Christ’s Passion 219-365-6010 www.shrineofchristspassion.org Note: If you are unable to walk, call the Shrine to arrange for a cart and guide to take you around.

Schoop’s Hamburgers 219-365-0112 www.schoophamburgers.com

spring day, followed by a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. We both then splurged on chocolate sundaes. We left St. John, fed not only physically but mostly spiritually by our visit to The Shrine of Christ’s Passion. ••• boom | DECEMBER 2016 & JANUARY 2017

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The ABCs

of Keeping Harmony in Your

Guest-Filled Home During the Holidays By: Sue LeBreton

Whether you are the host or the visitor, sharing special occasions with extended family and friends magnifies the joy. However, it can be challenging to squeeze additional people into a shared space for extended periods of time.

Follow these steps to make the experience enjoyable for everyone:

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•

Ask about special dietary requirements before the visit. Do not be shy about detailing your needs because your host wants to make you comfortable and it is easier for them to accommodate your requests if they know beforehand.

•

Be respectful of your visitors' space and do not enter their room or area without permission. This will help guests feel valued.

•

Child visitors can present challenges, especially if the host house is no longer baby proof. Consider renting or borrowing baby gear for visitors to lighten their load during travel.

•

Dogs and other pets may be beloved but always check to see if they are included in the invitation. Hosts, please be honest if you would prefer that Fido find other accommodations.

•

If you have rules around the use of Electronic devices, discuss these expectations before the visit so that no awkward situations arise.

•

Food preparation can be arduous for large groups so pitch in and help with the cooking. But be sure your host is one who welcomes others in their kitchen. If you are hosting, make some meals ahead and freeze them.

•

Choose a hostess Gift that is thoughtful and reflects the personality of your host. Keep the value of the gift in line with how long you have enjoyed their hospitality.

•

Humor is a key ingredient to surviving a crowded house. Try to laugh at the less than perfect moments and find ways to laugh together.

•

Integrate into the hosting family as much as possible. Try to stay in synch with how they do things by being watchful. If they are early risers adjust your schedule to match so that the day flows smoothly.

•

'Tis the season to be Jolly. Be conscious of what keeps you and your family balanced and make sure those habits are incorporated into the visit.

•

Keep parenting advice to yourself. Remember every family has their own rules and expectations for behavior. This is not the time or place to share your expertise.

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Limit libations to healthy amounts, especially if any guests tend to have issues with alcohol. Everyone will feel better the next day and let's face it, some inhibitions do not need to be lowered.

•

Music provides a happy opportunity for connection. Singing and making music together releases feel good and bonding hormones, so put aside any self-consciousness about your singing ability and join in the fun.

Volunteer together so you can share your bounty and joy.

It can be as simple as gathering your group to shovel an elderly neighbor's drive.

•

Don't overstay your Welcome. If you have a scheduled departure date stick with it unless something major like delayed flights or bad weather impacts your plans.

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Neatness is a virtue if you are a guest. Keep your area tidy and clean bathrooms and other areas regularly.

•

•

Try to plan some Outdoor activities. The fresh air is a nice antidote to the feasting of the holidays.

Expect the unexpected. Stay flexible and keep your sense of humor about unplanned disruptions. Sometimes these unexpected events make the best family stories.

•

Yahtzee and other board games are a fun way for many different ages to interact. Think loud, laugh-inducing games like Guesstures, which has been called charades on speed.

•

Everyone needs their Zzzs, so arrange as much private space for guests as your home allows. • • •

•

•

Assign a family Photographer so that precious memories are captured. This is a great job to keep tweens and teens engaged and it allows them to use their technology.

•

Quiet time is an important ingredient, so plan that into the daily schedule. Think naps, reading time, group puzzles or crafts.

•

Respite from each other is key to successful, lengthier visits.

Make plans for visitors to have some solo adventures. You can have too much of a good thing.

•

If traditions like Santa are shared, discuss the details with visiting parents. Children will find it odd if Santa wraps parcels for one family and not the other.

•

Along with respecting individual family Traditions, see if you can create some new ones with your guests. Everyone loves to have "we always" activities to remember.

•

Unplug for some time every day. Cell phones and electronic devices can rest in a family basket while you make memories and face-to-face connections with loved ones.

“Fresh air is a nice antidote to the feasting of the holidays.”

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Making Spirits

By: Pam Gunterman

“It is the holiday music that transports me to that warm and fuzzy holiday place.�

W

e all have a trigger that launches us into the holiday mood. For some it is the rush of holiday shopping and finding just the right gift for those on our list. For others, the cutting down and decorating of the tree or putting up the outdoor décor gets them into the swing of the season. It is the holiday music that transports me to that warm and fuzzy holiday place.

Bells." The song's inspiration has conflicting reports. Livingston stated in an interview that the song was inspired by the bells used by Santa Claus and Salvation Army people on New York City street corners. But, during an interview with the co-writer, Evans indicated that the song was inspired by a bell that sat on the desk shared by the writers.

“The Little Drummer Boy” was originally titled "Carol of the Drum." Written by Katherine Kennicott Davis, it was based upon a traditional Czech carol. The song tells the story of a poor young boy summoned by the Magi to the nativity. Arriving without a gift for the infant, he played his drum, remembering "I played my best for Him" and "He smiled at me."

There is a song written by Hugh Prestwood titled “The Song Remembers When” which describes how music captures moments in our lives and upon hearing that music, we are transported back. The lyrics remind us “After I'd forgotten all about us, the song remembers when”. For me, that is never truer than the memories conjured by the music of the holiday season.

I took an informal survey asking friends and co-workers to share their favorite holiday song and tell me why it was their favorite. I must admit that overall the answers surprised me, but the reasons were no surprise at all. The top four responses were: “O Holy Night,” “Mary, Did You Know?,” “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Silver Bells.” The reasons why ranged from memories rooted in family traditions and longtime friendships to moments that define or reinforce lifelong convictions. I thought that it might be fun to explore the origin of each of these top choices to see what originally inspired them.

“O Holy Night” was written by Adolphe Adam to a French poem by Placide Cappeau titled “Minuit, chretiens” (Midnight Christians). The poem was written at the request of the parish priest in the town of Roquemaure in 1843 and Adam composed the music in 1847.

The words, whether in French or English, reflect on the birth of Christ and the redemption of humanity.

Making these

memories real

again

“Mary, Did You Know?” With lyrics written by Mark Lowry and music by Buddy Green, was first recorded by Michael English. It ponders what Mary may have thought about as she carried and raised her son. The song is a modern Christmas classic and has been recorded by many artists over the years across multiple genres.

"Silver Bells" written by Ray Evans and Jay Livngston started out with the title "Tinkle

It struck me, that in most cases, the original inspiration for the songs was similar to the reasons shared with me as to why the song was a favorite of my friends and co-workers.

These songs “remember” the holidays for many of us much like the ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet to come in Dickens “A Christmas Carol” did for Scrooge. Making these memories real again, allowing us to share them with our families today and instilling the desire for them to be carried on in the future with the music of the holiday season providing the sound track.

No matter what sparks your holiday spirit, enjoy your traditions by practicing them today and inspiring those who will carry them on tomorrow. •••

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Christmas Day is almost here.

Unwrapping

The Gifts

What will be under the tree for each of us? Will there be brightly colored packages, wrapped with care? Will there be a beautiful stocking filled to the brim with small gifts and treats?

The thought of all that care and compassion, stuffed into packages wrapped in red and gold, brings tears to my eyes. I’m reminded of a poem, originally from Phyllis Wells but adapted later: How lucky I am How blessed I’ve been You’re not only my mother You’re my best friend

By: Rita Miller

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We could insert many names and roles from our personal lives into this sentiment but the bottom line of friendship is what gives me personal satisfaction. That very nature of friendship gives me pause to think about unwrapping gifts.

“Having a shoulder to lean on makes the good days, extra special, and the bad days, tolerable.”

I’ve been blessed to have several friendships lasting 20 plus years, and one that has lasted since fifth grade! In each of those relationships, there were phases. In the beginning, things are new and secrets are shared tentatively. Time passes and memories begin to form. There are good days and bad, but having a shoulder to lean on makes the good, extra special, and the bad, tolerable. You may not see these friends on a daily basis but the smallest situation can bring a flood of feelings back in an instant.

For example, I was coming back from the dog park, along a two lane, blacktop road. Trees lined the road, thunder was rumbling and the sky was getting dark. I rolled down the window and could smell rain in the air. That very smell took me back to my teen years. I could vividly remember country roads and fresh air shared with my best friend, Bridget. Thirty-five years have passed and I can still picture that memory in my mind. I rushed home and sent Bridget a message, as we have remained besties for all those years.

What made those friendships so durable? I have to believe there was an element of “unwrapping” involved. As each year passed, each experience allowed us all to unwrap more and more of our real selves. We peeled away college days, job experiences, births and deaths, all to get us to a place of joy in friendship.

Yes, I’m looking forward to Christmas Day and unwrapping a Fitbit (kids, take that hint please), but I’m also looking forward to many more days of unwrapping old and new friendships. I hope you have a wonderful holiday, filled with love! •••

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Some Things

STREEP

By: Margo and Jim Bell

ANSWERS 1-b: Although Streep received her BA degree from

6-d: She was nominated an amazing 19 times and

Vassar, she earned her MFA at Yale. She also has an honorary degree from Princeton.

won three: Kramer vs. Kramer (Best Supporting Actress, 1979); Sophie’s Choice (Best Actress, 1982); and Best Actress (The Iron Lady, 2011. In addition, Streep has been nominated for hundreds of other acting awards.

2-c: Streep’s original plan was to go to law school.

But she woke up too late, missed her interview and subsequently saw this as a sign to pursue a different profession. In (b), her father was a pharmaceutical executive, and (a) her husband Don Gummer is a sculptor.

In (e) she studied violin and opera singing.

3-a: Streep’s screen debut was The Deadliest Season (1977), a made-for-TV movie about a hockey player. Her movie debut was (b) Julia, released later in 1977.

4-d: Streep’s latest movie, released this year, is Florence Foster Jenkins, about a tone-deaf singer who strives to give a public concert. She’s now looking into a new movie, Mary Poppins Returns, where she plays Mary’s cousin Topsy.

7-c: On film she has portrayed labor union activist Karen Silkwood, Danish author Karen Bixen, wrongly convicted murderer Lindy Chamberlain, music educator Roberta Guaspari, American journalist Susan Orlean, TV chef/author Julia Child, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, British Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst, American socialite Florence Foster Jenkins, U.S. First Lady Abigail Adams, Salem witch trial victim Mary Easley, labor organizer Mary Harris “Mother” Jones and U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith.

SOURCES: Wiki, IMDb, Vulture, Thoughtcatalog, more.

5-e: Despite her lengthy list of film work, Streep lost out to (a) Lauren Hutton, (b) Emma Thompson, (c) Jessica Lang and (d) Cate Blanchette. She was one of a number of actresses considered for the role of Thelma in the movie Thelma and Louise (1991).

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Coming In February 2017: Tom Hanks

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recipe

Eggnog Cheesecake Ingredients:

Directions:

- 1 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs

1. Preheat oven to 325.

- 2 Tablespoons White Sugar

2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, two tablespoons sugar and butter. Press into the bottom of a nine inch spring form pan.

- 3 Tablespoons Melted Butter - 3 (8 Ounce) Packages Softened Cream Cheese - 1 Cup White Sugar - 3 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour

3. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes and place on a wire rack to cool.

4. Preheat oven to 425.

- 2 Eggs

5. In a food processor, combine cream cheese, one cup sugar, flour and eggnog; process until smooth. Blend in eggs, rum and nutmeg. Pour mixture into cooled crust.

- 2 Tablespoons Rum

6. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.

- 1 Pinch Ground Nutmeg

7. Reduce heat to 250 and bake for 45 minutes or until center of cake is barely firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and immediately loosen cake from rim. Let cake cool completely before removing the rim.

- ž Cup Eggnog

Recipe found at www.allrecipes.com.

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We want all people to experience more of life's precious moments with healthy hearts and minds.

So until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.

her love is why.

Everyone has a reason to live a heathier, longer life. What is yours?

©2016, American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund. MWA

To celebrate and share your “why” • Visit lifeiswhy.org • Use #LifeisWhy on Twitter and tag @AHAIndiana