BOOM Magazine March 2016

MARCH 2016

Definitely More Than

Green Beer Playing the

Dating Game

Friends Version

the wonders of Coconut Oil SilverSneakers速 Programs

NEW DATE COMING SOON! COMING SOON: the SASSIEST Glitz & Sass Fashion Show Michiana has EVER Seen!

Subscribe to our eblast and be the first to know the details and keep up with the Sassy gossip!

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What's inside EVERY MONTH

boom HEALTHY LIVING

4

Letter From The Publisher

8

The Magical Oil

5

Contributors & Testimonials

6

BOOM Timeline

10

Easy Breathing: Keeping Your Lungs Healthy

7

Things We Love

12

Understanding The HIPAA Privacy Rule

By: Margo Bell

By: Jamie Lober

boom RECIPE

23

boom HOBBIES

Potato-Leek Soup

By: Katie & Theresa Slott

boom BOOK REVIEW 30

Year Of Yes By Shonda Rhimes Reviewed By: Rita Miller

boom PETS 31

Loving Animals Are In Need Of Families

14

Some Things Disney

16

SilverSneakers® A Golden Opportunity

18

Definitely More Than Green Beer

24

Time Marches On

26

Finding Your Favorite Scent

28

Come On Sun!

Location:

WoodFire ItalianTrattoria Dowagiac, Michigan

By: Chuck Bergman

Playing The Dating Game-Friends Version

Ann Reiff

By: Blanche Russell

20

Photography By:

By: Margo & Jim Bell

boom LIFE

On the Cover

By: Carla Wagner

By: Lisa A. Beach

By: Pam Gunterman By: Rita Miller

By: Christina Katz

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

M

arch is not my favorite month. My first winter after I came back to Michiana to live with my mom, I thought March would never end. The weather was gray and drizzly and the “perma-cloud” lasted forever.

March seemed to be two or three months long.

Photography: Ann Reiff

According to tradition, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.

Along those same lines, March, to me, is a series of ups and downs, of sadness and hope. The beginning of March is a downer. My mother passed away two years ago at the end of February and her funeral was on March 8th. It was only two years ago so the 8th is still a sad day for me. By contrast, March 17th is St. Patrick’s day, a very happy party day. A few days later spring officially arrives, though local residents know it doesn’t really come until April or May. Fortunately though, the days will once again be longer than the nights. And this year, Easter is the earliest it can possibly be. And what could have more pain and suffering contrasted with such hope and promise than the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ? So this year, March comes in with a tear and goes out full of hope.

Maybe I will change my mind about March. Since the groundhog did not see his shadow this year, maybe spring really will come in March. If it doesn’t, there are some great articles to read in this issue as well as some fun things to do.

Lots of people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with green beer.

However, in this issue you will find that there are some excellent Irish alternatives to green beer. You will also discover a great recipe for potato-leek soup, health benefits to coconut oil and an informational article on understanding the HIPAA privacy rules. Of course, there is lots more to read in this issue.

I hope you enjoy this March issue of Boom!

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

MEDICAL EDITOR: Dr. Jesse Hsieh

Distribution Managers: Leah Elick Taylor Horein

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: 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, March 2016 Volume 5: Number 2

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

boom / contributors

boom / testimonials

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

– Doris K.

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.”

Pam Gunterman Pam Gunterman resides in Bremen with her husband of 35 years, Tony. She is the mother of two, step-mother of two and grandmother of seven. Pam is an active member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Bremen. She is a member and vice-president of the Indiana State Association of Theta Delta Chapter of Psi Iota Xi, a national philanthropic sorority, and was named the 2010 National Psi Ote of the Year. Also in 2010 Pam and several fellow chapter members authored a children’s book about the sorority.

In her spare time Pam is involved in theater.

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.

BOOM Magazine is such a great local publication that is FREE!” – Debra M.

BOOM is eye catching.

I just moved to Michiana a couple of months ago and when I saw this magazine I was surprised it was free!”

– Linda B.

Don't forget!

Keep up with us on Facebook by liking our page just for Boomers!

MARCH Events Tu

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2 Tea, 2:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M., Morris Inn3 Afternoon University Of Notre Dame Fridays, 5:00 P.M., Downtown 4 First South Bend & Goshen On Ice, 7:30 P.M., 4-5 Guys Elkhart Civic Theatre-Bristol

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6 Flyod-Space And Time Continuum-World Tour 2016, 7 Brit 7:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center-South Bend 8 International Women’s Day

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St. Patrick’s Day Bark

Elkhart For The Love Of Art Fair, 10:00 A.M., Northern Indiana Event Center At RV/MH Hall of Fame-Elkhart

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That Shirt, 9:00 A.M. – 11:30 P.M., 12 St.Save Patrick’s County Park 13 Daylight Saving Begins-Move Forward An Hour!

Wine Academy: Clos du Val, 14 Sorin’s 6:00 P.M., Sorins-Notre Dame

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Sa

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Palm Sunday First Day Of Spring!

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The Great Logan Nose-On, 12:00 P.M., Century Center-South Bend

& View, 23 Brew 7:00 P.M., Smokestack Brew-Mishawaka

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2. Pour melted white chocolate onto a piece of parchment paper and spread to desired thickness.

Pour melted green chocolate over the top of the white chocolate.

3. Use a dull knife to create a nice swirl effect and add your sprinkles.

4. Enjoy! (Image and Recipe Found At: www.sparklestosprinkles.com)

17 Happy St. Patty’s Day!

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Directions: 1. In microwave-safe bowl, microwave candy melts on the defrost setting for one minute.

Remove, stir and microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Do this until candy melts become smooth and creamy.

Easter Décor

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Ingredients: - White Chocolate Chips - Green Candy Melts - St. Patrick’s Day Inspired Sprinkles

Good Friday

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Easter

In The Park, 1:00 P.M., Everest Rohrer Auditorium, 28 Barefoot Bethel College-Mishawaka

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Easter Dinner Table Setting

Easter Tree

Outdoor Easter Décor

(www.akadesign.ca)

(www.hometalk.com)

(www.grandinroad.com)

Dog Approved Human Food Ever wonder if your furry child can have a bite of your food?

Below is a small list of some human food that dogs can enjoy!  Peanut Butter  Cooked/Baked Chicken  Cheese  Carrots  Greek Yogurt  Green Beans  Oatmeal  Apple Slices  Bananas

 Scrambled Eggs  Salmon  Pumpkin  Sweet Potatoes  Watermelon  Blue Berries  Strawberries  Shelled Sunflower Seeds

Is an item you feed your dog not on the list?

Ask your local veterinarian or search online to make sure it is safe for your pet to enjoy your yummy foods!

Things We Love March is a great time for...

1. Irish Beer 2. Easter Sunday 3. Group Activities 4. Melting Snow 5. Cleaning Out Medicine Cabinets 6. Bringing Out The Spring DÊcor 7. Starting Indoor Veggie Plants 8. Tax Return Equals Mini Vacation 9. Time Change – Longer Days 10. Turner Classic Movies Marathon 11. Candy Run With The Grandkids 12. Creating Easter Baskets For Grandbabies 13. Floral Scent Candles 14. Completing Winter Knitting Projects 15. Book Clubs!

Enjoying the best years of your life!

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Healthy Living

THE

Magical

OIL

Exploring the Wonders of Coconut Oil

By: Margo Bell

Cooking With Coconut Oil Do you remember the Taco Lites from Taco Bell that were introduced in the 1980’s? Oh were they good, but, unfortunately, taken off the menu. The reason was possibly that the “Lite” was a misnomer. Larger than the regular taco with twice the meat, it didn’t mean light in calories, but rather a description of the shell: a large white flour tortilla that I heard was fried in coconut oil. Someone told me that coconut oil was the “secret ingredient” to making this treat with its light flaky shell really tasty.

Coconut oil, also known as copra oil, has the highest smoke point of cooking oils, and some tout that because of this property it doesn’t go rancid as quickly as other oils. Thus, for years coconut oil became the darling of the baking industry until a movement toward hydrogenated polyunsaturated oils, such as corn and soy, encouraged food manufacturers to switch to these oils.

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Health Benefits Yes, coconut oil has saturated fat, but it is in a naturally occurring form that has health perks. The oil is a rich source of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), easier to break down in the body rather than the long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) found in other oils that are primarily stored as fat.

Coconut oil is returning in some weight-reduction diet programs, such as BeyondDiet, but it isn’t a fad. In fact, coconut oil has been used for centuries in coconut-producing areas of the South Pacific, Asia and other tropical areas. In the 1930s, American dentist and researcher, Dr. Weston Price, noted that Pacific Islanders with their coconut-rich diet had trim bodies and virtually no heart disease. The MCFAs in this tropical treasure converts to energy, improving endurance and thyroid function. And, when combined with a carbohydrate-reduced diet, coconut oil aids in weight reduction.

Coconut oil doesn’t sit on the skin surface but instead penetrates into the layers to remove dead cells and promote growth of new healthy tissue.

Nearly half of coconut oil’s fat is a seemingly magic ingredient called lauric acid that in the body converts to monolaurin, a monoglyceride that can combat viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Researchers at Tufts University found that in mice coconut oil controlled excessive growth of Candida albicans, a fungal pathogen that’s part of the normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract (and regulated by the immune system) but causes candidiasis, the fourth most common blood infection of hospitalized patients.

Coconut oil is used to treat a variety of other ailments as well, such as Type 2 diabetes, certain intestinal diseases and even Alzheimer’s disease. Many skin ailments, such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, are reduced or healed with coconut oil. Used as a topical ointment the oil can treat blisters and sunburn. A repellant containing coconut oil can prevent disease-carrying sand fleas from burrowing into the skin.

Moreover, head lice can be eliminated with a combination of apple cider vinegar and coconut oil. The vinegar, applied to the scalp and allowed to dry, dissolves the nit sheath (glue) that holds the eggs to the hair follicles. Coconut oil slathered on the hair kills the lice, which then can be combed out.

Cosmetic Uses Coconut oil is a natural vegetable source rich in antioxidants without pesticides, contaminants and harmful chemicals. These properties made it ideal for use in beauty and skin-cleansing products.

Coconut oil doesn’t sit on the skin surface but instead penetrates into the layers to remove dead cells and promote growth of new healthy tissue. Soap containing coconut oil is more soluble in hard and salt waters, allowing it to lather more easily. The oil also is an important ingredient in many shampoos and hair conditioners.

So, it’s no wonder that coconut oil can be called “magical!” • • • boom | MARCH 2016

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Healthy Living

Easy Breathing: Keeping Your Lungs Healthy

By: Jamie Lober

T

here is a lot folks can do to keep their lungs healthy. “The number one thing is not to smoke because smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” said Rose Gibbs, manager of tobacco control and lung health at the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest.

According to the Surgeon General, quitting smoking is actually the single most important step a smoker can take to improve the length and quality of his life. Everyone has their own personal reason for quitting but they may be motivated by wanting to achieve better health, save money and to be sure they are not harming family and friends through secondhand exposure. There are Freedom from Smoking facilitators and classes in the community where long-term support is available to help you quit.

“Some people go cold turkey, some use behavior modification and some use nicotine replacement therapy,” said Gibbs.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended annual lung cancer screenings with low-dose computed tomography for people who have a history of heavy smoking and smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years and are between 55 and 80 years-old. Since there is a risk for false positives and treatment that is not needed, the lung cancer screening is only recommended for those who have no symptoms and are at high risk because of their smoking history and age.

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“Smoking is the major cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.”

Control your environment to the best of your ability.

“We recommend avoiding exposure to pollutants especially aerosol,” said Gibbs. It is a good idea to get a radon testing kit for your home and if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, bring out a professional. “Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer aside from smoking and it is nationally occurring and people do not know about it,” said Gibbs. If there is a problem, you can get your home mitigated. It is also wise to seal cracks in floors and walls and make sure that any repairs are done by a state-certified contractor.

“You cannot smell radon but you will find it in basements and underground,” said Gibbs. The Environmental Protection Agency recommended taking action to reduce radon levels indoors if concentrations exceed four picocuries per liter of air, though no safe level of exposure to radon has been found.

In the winter and spring season, more germs tend to go around.

“There are respiratory infections and colds so you should wash your hands, avoid crowds, have good oral hygiene, get your vaccination for influenza, exercise regularly especially aerobics and regularly see a doctor,” said Gibbs.

If you are sick, stay home from work or school and maintain distance between yourself and other people. Breathing exercises can help you relax and put you in a better mood. Laughing is also a great exercise to increase lung capacity and work the abdominal muscles.

“The concept of a non-allergenic dog or cat does not exist.”

Pets can be a concern for folks and they should stay out of your bedrooms. You may be surprised to learn that short-haired or hairless animals come with as much dander and allergens to indoor air pollution as long-haired animals. The concept of a non-allergenic dog or cat does not exist.

“General cleanliness goes a long way for helping prevent cockroach problems and dander issues,” said Gibbs.

Other measures you can take include vacuuming frequently and using pillow and mattress protectors.

Lung health is a hot topic in the public health arena. “We do advocacy and are fighting for stricter regulations to make sure that we have clean air and that people are aware of the air they are dealing with in the city,” said Gibbs. An air purifier can make a difference. It is important to do all we can to reduce lung issues. “Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of all men and women with women on the rise but as we raise awareness and more people know about it, the better our chances are for getting a handle on this,” said Gibbs. •••

Yar, ADEC Case Coordinator, runs with Kyle during the 2015 Chicago Marathon.

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Healthy Living

Keeping You in Control of Your Health:

Understanding the

HIPAA Privacy Rule By: Carla Wagner,

A

Privacy Officer, Information Systems at Beacon Health System

s strange an environment as a hospital can be, what can make it feel even more foreign are the rules and policies. If you are battling an illness or recovering from surgery, the last thing you want to worry about is something that doesn’t directly affect your health.

One rule in particular, though, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, can impact you in more ways than you think.

If you’ve been to a hospital over the last 20 years, you’ve had some experience with HIPAA. As a refresher, HIPAA, enacted in 1996, is a privacy rule that health care providers must follow to ensure your privacy and the protection of your health information. The HIPAA Privacy Rule was created with every patient’s best interests in mind, ensuring health information is shared with only those who have a need to know or who you designate.

So, to help you better understand some aspects of HIPAA that can affect you now and down the road, I’ve addressed some concerns below that I hope shed some needed light on a tricky topic.

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Who’s in control?

Who knows what?

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to give someone power over your health care decisions. This is why you reach out to someone you can trust – your personal representative (a person who can participate in decisions about your health, or if you are unable, can make important health care decisions on your behalf using a health care power of attorney). Your personal representative will work with you and those who are directly involved in your care, such as your doctor.

In the event you are being treated at a hospital, you may not want every family member and friend to know your health status – that’s up to you.

You’re in control.

Of all the rights tied to the privacy rule, the ones that are the most important to you are likely the following:

• Making sure that your health information is only shared with those individuals who have a need to know – health care providers and those you have verbally or in writing designated.

• Designating individual(s) to act on your behalf as your personal representative by either completing a medical power of attorney or including a designated individual in your living will eliminates any possibility of misinterpreting your wishes.

It pays to be prepared: Often times if documents

or instructions are not available, family members cannot be provided with the necessary information to assist with making informed decisions should you be unable to do so. It can take additional time to get the legalities worked out which can come at a price – not being able to honor your privacy wishes by providing health information to those whom you would not want to have the information or having multiple people involved in the decision making with different opinions as to your correct course of treatment. So it’s key to determine long before you get to the hospital, who your personal representative(s) will be as well as preparing a list of people whom you want to have access to your health information.

Additionally, HIPAA allows for health information to be shared with others when that person is involved in the patient’s health care, even if he or she is not your personal representative. For example, a doctor may give information about a patient’s mobility limitations to a friend driving the patient home from the hospital. Or, a doctor may discuss a patient’s treatment in the presence of a friend when the patient brings the friend to a medical appointment and asks if the friend can come into the treatment room.

As a hospital patient, you can choose to be in the hospital directory, which means the very basic information can be shared (a person’s name, location within the facility and general information about a person’s condition) about you with individuals who inquire about you and your health. This is typically part of the admission process.

A directory allows family members, friends, members of the clergy and anyone who asks for the individual by name to find a patient. If your desire is not to be listed in the directory, the facility will not be able to tell visitors anything about you, or route calls, deliver flowers and so on. It would be as if you were not a patient at all.

In this case, the patient would need to share their hospitalization information (location within the facility and general information about a person’s condition) with those they choose to.

If, at any time in the future, you change your mind, you can verbally or in writing notify your health care providers of your wishes.

It should give you peace of mind to know that you decide with whom and what health information is shared. Be proactive – talk to your doctor and express your desires, so you stay in control. •••

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HOBBIES

SOME THINGS

DISNEY By: Margo and Jim Bell

We, Boomers and later generations, grew up with and adored Disney attractions as surely as we enjoyed Popsicles and rides on a Merry-Go-Round. Walt Disney’s humble beginning with an animated mouse in 1928 has grown and evolved into a major studio, distribution company and entertainment venues to reach a high point with an incredible film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, that opened in theaters in December 2015 and so far has garnered a recordbreaking +$1.733 billion worldwide. Let’s test your knowledge with the following:

First, match up the minor character with its movie:

Photo Courtesy: disney.wikia.com

Photo Courtesy: fanpop.com Photo Courtesy: moviepilot.com

1. Jiminy Cricket

a. Cool Runnings (1993)

2. Miss Inch

b. Finding Nemo (2003)

3. Burn Sanderson

c. Freaky Friday (1976)

4. Mr. Pendergast

d. McFarland USA (2015)

5. Boris Harris

e. The Love Bug (1968)

6. Tennessee Steinmetz

f. Secretariat (2010)

7. Ralph

g. The Parent Trap (1961)

8. Sanka Coffie

h. Old Yeller (1957)

9. Gill

i. Pollyanna (1960)

10. Cheryl White

j. Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

11. Admiral Boom

k. Mary Poppins (1964)

12. Ron Turcotte

l. Pinocchio (1940)

BONUS QUESTIONS: 1. What one of the following statements about Walt Disney is not true? a. He was a high school dropout. b. He was the voice of Mickey Mouse. c. He made propaganda films for the U.S. government during WWII. d. After his death his body was cryogenically frozen. e. He won the most Academy Awards.

2. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures was once called Buena Vista Distribution Company. Where did it get its name? a. Walt Disney Studios is located on Buena Vista Boulevard, Burbank. b. It was the name of brother Roy Disney’s beachfront home in Orange County, California. c. Meaning “good view,” it was an unintended joke because the animators’ offices overlooked an auto junkyard, but somehow the name slipped through and became official. d. It was the name of a fictitious ranch in a Western novel by Zane Grey.

Photo Courtesy: www.layoverguide.com/

NON-MOVIE BONUS QUESTION: 3. Why was the area southwest of Orlando, Florida chosen for Walt Disney World, the company’s second amusement park? a. To conveniently attract visitors east of the Mississippi where 75% of the U.S. population lived. b. The climate is warm and the plot of land is inland enough to protect it from direct onslaught of hurricanes.

S WER S AN ON PAGE 22!

c. There was enough empty land available to acquire and thus avoid the crowding in of businesses such as those that surrounded Disneyland in Anaheim. d. The area had a good network of roads. e. All of the above.

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HOBBIES

SilverSneakers

®

A Golden Opportunity By: Blanche Russell

N

one of us needs to be reminded how important maintaining a good sense of balance, flexibility and strong bones and muscles are to keeping our bodies healthy, avoiding injury and providing an optimal quality of life.

The Healthways SilverSneakers Program® can help you to do those things and more, in a group setting or in the privacy of your home. Even if you’re not a “jock” and have no plans to become one, you can have fun at SilverSneakers®. Think of a YMCA room full of “65 plus-somethings” moving, grooving and (some of them) singing, “THAT’S THE WAY, uh-huh, uh-huh, I LIKE IT, uh-huh, uh-huh!” and you get a sense of the fun which can be had in a SilverSneakers® class.

SilverSneakers® is a comprehensive program especially designed to improve seniors’ overall well-being, strength and social aspects of life.

It is an insurance benefit included in more than 65 Medicare health plans which provides a gym membership, generally at no additional cost.

SilverSneakers® gives you access to:

• Fitness equipment.

• Specially-designed, signature exercise classes for all fitness levels led by certified instructors.

• Pools, tennis courts and walking tracks.

• 13,000+ fitness and community locations nationwide (you can enroll at multiple locations).

• Social events in your community.

• Online resources with nutrition and fitness tips.

• Guidance and assistance from a Program Advisor, should you desire it.

SilverSneakers Signature Classes® Include: SilverSneakers Classic, SilverSneakers Circuit, SilverSneakers CardioFit, and

SilverSneakers Yoga and SilverSneakers Splash. Complete descriptions of each and more info about the program can be found at silversneakers.com/about/FAQ. All members new to exercising should consult a physician to determine fitness for a given class.

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SilverSneakers®

Group Exercise Class Descriptions SilverSneakers Classic® Have fun and move to the music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activities for daily living. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers® ball are offered for resistance. A chair is available if needed for seated or standing support.

SilverSneakers Circuit® Some SilverSneakers® Participating Health Plans in Michiana Include: AARP Medicare Supplemental

Health Plans, Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Humana and United Health Care. To learn whether your plan participates, go to: silversneakers. com/tools/participating-health-plans.

Some SilverSneakers® Participating Facilities in Michiana Include: YMCA of Michiana, ICE Athletic

Center, Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Fit Stop and Curves. To find a facility near you, go to silversneakers. com/tools/fitness-locations. It should be noted that not all locations of a participating facility may opt into SilverSneakers®. It should also be noted that not all locations of a participating facility have the same amenities.

Steps Program

If you can’t get to a SilverSneakers® location or aren’t a “joiner,” you can get fit your way in the privacy of your home or even while on vacation with the SilverSneakers Steps® program. To choose from one of four SilverSneakers Steps Kits® below (you can order a different one each year), call 1-888-423-4632. All kits come with a SilverSneakers Steps Program Handbook®.

• SilverSneakers® Steps Stress Relief Kit. Includes

stretch band and meditation DVD. • SilverSneakers® Steps Walking Kit. Includes

walking pedometer with three modes: steps, miles and calories.

• SilverSneakers® Steps Strength Kit. Includes red

resistance band and over-the-door attachment.

• SilverSneakers® Steps Yoga Kit. Includes yoga

mat, carrying bag and workout DVD. For additional information regarding SilverSneakers®, contact silversneakerswebcontact@healthways.com or call customer service at 866-584-7389, Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. •••

Combine fun with fitness to increase your cardiovascular and muscular endurance power with a standing circuit workout.

Upper-body strength work with hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers® ball is alternated with lowimpact aerobic choreography. A chair is used for standing support, stretching and relaxation exercises.

SilverSneakers CardioFit® Get up and go with an aerobics class that’s safe, heart-healthy and gentle on the joints. The workout includes easy-to-follow low-impact movement and upper-body strength, abdominal conditioning, stretching and relaxation exercises designed to energize your active lifestyle.

SilverSneakers Yoga® SilverSneakers Yoga® will move your whole body through a complete series of seated and standing yoga poses. Chair support is offered to safely perform a variety of seated and standing postures designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement.

Restorative breathing exercises and final relaxation will promote stress reduction and mental clarity.

SilverSneakers Splash® Activate your urge for variety! Splash offers fun, shallow-water movement to improve agility and flexibility while addressing cardiovascular, strength and endurance conditioning. No swimming ability is required, and a SilverSneakers® kickboard or other aquatic equipment is used to improve strength, balance and coordination.

boom

HOBBIES

Definitely More Than

Green Beer

Enjoy True Irish Ales This St. Patrick’s Day

A

By: Chuck Bergman

s we approach the time honored tradition of enjoying a few beers to celebrate the snakes being driven out of Ireland, also known as St. Patrick’s Day, many local bars will be breaking out the green beer for the parties and celebrations. Ironically, you are not being served any type of Irish beer, but instead the lightest American-style pilsner they can find with green food coloring.

How about this year, you enjoy a beer that is more authentic to the holiday? While there is no actual official beer of St. Patrick’s Day, there are many flavorful styles that are attributed to the Irish Isles. So this March 17th, let’s put down the green beer and learn more about the many styles that are worthy of being called Irish.

Here’s to a Long Life and a Merry One It is no great surprise that Guiness Draught tops the list for the most well known Irish ale. This beer is part of the stout family, specifically a Dry Irish Stout. The style name says it all; roasted coffee on the nose with a pronounced dry bitterness on the palate.

Guiness Brewing was founded by Alex Guiness in 1759. He originally brewed what he called a Dublin ale, but quickly switched to the porter style when darker malts became available. Porters and stouts have a common ancestry, with the stout style originating from a strong porter.

Photo By: Ann Reiff

Location:

WoodFire ItalianTrattoria Dowagiac, Michigan

Pictured:

Left Hand Milk Stout Longmont, Colorado

Like all stouts, the color is distinctly dark with a rich, creamy head. The aroma is dark-roasted, sometimes toasty or bready and often coffee-like. Unlike most other styles of stout, dry stout has little to no chocolate or cocoa notes.

Despite the seemingly harsh flavors, dry stout is surprisingly smooth and drinkable.

Dry stouts are usually a lower carbonation brew and many are served on a nitro system for that creamy, masking effect. Guiness is famous for being served on nitro with the cascading effect that is a mesmerizing waterfall of tiny bubbles slowly yielding to a dark brew with a fluffy, thick cream head.

Murphy’s Irish Stout is light and sweet in flavor compared to many in this style and has become increasingly more popular especially in the states. Another selection from Murphy’s is their Irish Red. Originally dating back to 1856, this naturally red, hoppy Irish beer is crisp and dry with flavorful notes of fruit and caramel.

Have you ever wondered why Guiness chose nitro and why many American breweries and bars are adapting this system to other styles of beer? The simple answer is that nitrogen, unlike CO2, is largely insoluble in liquid. This means the nitrogen is not fully absorbed by the beer and provides a thicker mouthfeel and more texture.

Smithwick’s Irish Ale, often referred to as “Smitticks,” captures a unique flavor that combines its hops with sweet aromatic fruits and deep malt, coffee and roasted barley notes. This makes a great quaffable beverage for St. Patrick’s Day.

The best of examples of the dry stout style are a perfect balance of bitter and sweet with malt and roast characters. They tend to have a moderately light body and lower alcohol content to keep them on the highly drinkable side. Which makes them a great choice for a holiday that celebrates drinking!

Here’s to a Pretty Girl and an Honest One The Irish red ale is a variation of more traditional English and Irish ales, but with a distinctive reddish hue. It is actually more popular in America than Ireland, where brewers love playing with the specialty malts to achieve the perfect ruby color.

According to brewing guidelines, it is actually a sub-category of the Scottish ale family, but don’t tell your Irish friends!

Irish red ales have a medium to light body, with low to moderate malt aroma. Obviously its color is characterized by its eponymous red hue. The flavor often has a toffee-like caramel malt profile that is less sweet than you expect. It often has a pleasingly dry finish that makes it all too easy to drink this style in quantity.

For something a little different, try the Oyster Stout from Porterhouse Brewing. This truly unique Dublin favorite is a dark and aromatic beer with interesting blends of flavorful grains, hops and fresh oysters.

Maybe you’re looking for something on the lighter side?

Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale has a base flavor similar to Smithwick’s, but the distinct smooth and creamy finish of this Irish cream ale gives it its own unique and delicious blend. Another light option is Harp Lager. Light in color and refreshing in flavor, this highly-favored European-style lager is unlike the rest as it boasts a smooth and sharp finish.

Now you have some better options than a green foodcolored draft beer this St. Patrick’s Day. Embrace your inner Irish and try some truly authentic beers inspired by the Emerald Isles. SLÁINTE! •••

Hops are generally understated, with just enough of a bittering addition to balance the malt. Unlike its English siblings, the bitters, Irish red ales feature very little in the way of yeast character, letting the malt flavor take center stage. This is another great choice as you venture out to enjoy St. Patty’s Day. And Here’s to a Cold Beer and Another One! Finally, no discussion of Irish beer styles would be complete without some examples of Irish beers that are easy to find in the U.S. When many people think of Irish beer, they generally go directly to Guiness. But there are also a variety of breweries in Ireland that have a wide array of offerings and have thrived in the shadow of Ireland's biggest brewer.

O’Hara’s Irish Stout, from Carlow Brewery, is creamy and rich in espresso flavor, but not nearly as bitter as many the dry stouts Ireland produces. The brewery also produces an Irish red, a pale ale and a wheat beer among its regular offerings.

Recently they have introduced a Double IPA, Helles lager and barrel-aged seasonals.

“Dry stout has little to no chocolate or cocoa notes.

Despite the seemingly harsh flavors, dry stout is surprisingly smooth and drinkable.”

boom | MARCH 2016

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boom

LIFE

Playing the Dating Game –

Friends Version By: Lisa A. Beach

At the age of 50, and after 27 years of marriage, I’m dating again. Well, not exactly dating. But, it feels just like dating.

I’m ISO a BFF (in search of a best friend forever).

My life-long BFFs – the ones I’ve known since my high school days – live in the Northeast, scattered from Maryland to Pennsylvania to Rhode Island. These girls have nursed me through everything, from braces to bad decisions to heartbreaks. They’ve journeyed with me through parties, road trips, concerts, late night Dairy Queen runs and 2:00 A.M. phone calls. My irreplaceable vintage friends hold the context of my life – the good, the bad and the ugly. If I didn’t live a thousand miles away, I’m sure we’d still be meeting every few weeks for drinks.

But, as a stay-at-home mom and former homeschooler, my circle of local gal pals has ebbed and flowed over the past 18 years. Recently, it’s ebbing more than flowing.

With playdates and mommy-and-me groups just a faded memory, many of my “mommy friends” drifted away over the years. And since I recently put my younger son in public school, I’m no longer in homeschool groups anymore. The final nail in my social coffin? As I’m transitioning back to a freelance writing career, I can’t tap into the built-in communal network that a brick-and-mortar job brings. So what’s a socially-starved middle-aged woman to do?

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Enter, The Dating Game – Friends Version. No game show host needed this time around, but the same rules still apply: meet new people; ask questions; find a match.

Phase I: Get in the Game

For starters, I joined a few local groups to dip my toe in the “searching-for-new-friends” waters. I’m an introvert at heart, so this does not come easy to me at all. I need a life preserver or at least a very large pool noodle to keep me afloat in these sink-or-swim social situations lest I drown in my own anxiety. But, I’m putting myself out there anyway. I got this!

Phase 2: Build Anticipation

With two active teens, our color-coded family calendar keeps us all in-the-know of who needs a ride, who won’t be home for dinner, etc.

Ironically, my calendar color is blue (perhaps indicating the sad state of my social life?).

The calendar, filled with lots of the boys’ green and red entries, shows just one, lonely blue entry – my upcoming dentist appointment. Seriously?

That’s the extent of my social engagements this month? So, I right this wrong by adding “Mom’s Night Out” in big, bold, blue letters – on a weeknight! I’m giddy with excitement.

Phase 4: Show Up

I arrived at Bunco and did a quick scan to assess the ladies. OK, good. No one looks like a serial killer. I’m off to a good start. (Of course, two wines later, everybody looks friendly.)

As the night progressed, I got to meet about a dozen or so women, who – just like me – wanted to get out of the house and have some fun. We exchanged war stories (i.e., strayed career paths, divorces, health issues) with a bit of a filter, since we didn’t want to get too intimate on a first date. We shared appetizers and sipped drinks while we rolled for ones, twos and threes. And we laughed. A lot.

By the end of the night, a few Dating Game contestants didn’t make the cut, like the lady who didn’t laugh even once all night (c’mon, at least one of my jokes was funny) and the woman wearing a sling who had a black cloud hanging over her head with all her tales of woe.

But the best part? I scored two phone numbers.

It looks like I’m going on a second date. •••

Phase 3: Prepare

The night of my “first date” arrived – Bunco night, a few hours of drinks and dice guaranteed to yield more fun than my typical night doing a last-minute load of laundry (“I need my practice uniform clean for tomorrow, remember?”) or playing Ruzzle on my phone.

As I anticipated my Big Night Out, I faced a firstdate dilemma. What should I wear? I wanted to evoke just the right image to my potential new friends, trying to strike a balance between ageappropriate and “Desperately Seeking Susan (or whatever my new friend’s name might be).”

So I looked into my closet, wondering what doesn’t scream “I-haven’t-been-out-since-theFriends-finale.” I realized that my clothes can be separated into three categories: Church Service/ PTA Meeting, Former Career (dating back to the early 90s and even a few 80s relics complete with shoulder pads) and Comfortably Casual. Did I own nothing fun and trendy? Apparently not. I opted for a few “timeless” pieces (think striped T-shirt and forgettable pants) from my no couture comfortably casual collection.

“I got to meet about a dozen or so women, who – just like me – wanted to get out of the house and have some fun.” boom | MARCH 2016

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boom

HOBBIES

SOME THINGS

DISNEY By: Margo and Jim Bell

ANSWERS: 1-l:

Not really a minor character at all! Jiminy Cricket (voice of Cliff Edwards), noted for singing “When You Wish Upon a Star,” actually was a grasshopper because of his green color.

He became the conscience of Pinocchio.

2-g:

Miss Inch (Ruth McDevitt), in her sing-song voice, ran Camp Inch in New England.

3-h: Chuck Conners portrays Old Yeller’s owner searching for his dog. He finds Old Yeller staying with the Coates and decides to let him remain with the family.

4-i: Mr. Pendergast (Adolphe Menjou) is a sour old recluse living

in a small sour town, Harrington. He is one of the residents charmed by newcomer Pollyanna (Hayley Mills) and winds up adopting an orphan, Jimmy Bean (Kevin Corcoran).

5-c:

10-d:

Maria Bello portrays Cheryl, wife of McFarland (Calif.)

High School cross-country coach Jim White (Kevin Costner). When he’s offered a similar job in more-affluent Palo Alto, Cheryl convinces him to stay in mostly Hispanic McFarland so as not to make the team he formed feel abandoned.

11-k:

Admiral Boom (Reginald Owen), along with his first mate Mr. Binnacle, announces the arrival of 8 A.M. and 6 P.M. with a loud cannon, rattling the Banks house next door.

12-f:

Ron Turcotte (Otto Thorwarth) was the jockey who rode Secretariat to a Triple Crown win in 1973.

BONUS ANSWERS: 1-d. This is a well-known tabloid-propagated urban legend with

Marc McClure plays the neighbor of Annabel (Jodie Foster) and tries to help her get through the day’s challenges when she accidentally changes personalities with her mom.

the idea that Walt Disney could be revived from his frozen state. In fact, Disney’s body was cremated and is interred in a mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, California.

6-e:

2-a: Regarding Question 1: Walt Disney died at the age of

Spiritually enlightened Tennessee Steinmetz (Buddy Hackett) bestows on his friend’s new magical Volkswagen Bug the name “Herbie.”

7-j:

Ralph—no last name—is author P.L. Travers’ intrusively friendly chauffeur hired by Walt Disney (Tom Hanks). Played by Paul Giamatti, Ralph is supposedly a composite of several characters or acquaintances, so there’s no evidence he actually existed.

8-a: Sanka Coffie (Doug E. Doug) was one of the creators of the

65 on Dec. 15, 1966, at St. Joseph Hospital, also on Buena Vista Boulevard and across the street from the studio.

3-e:

To avoid land speculation, the purchase (The Florida Project) was done secretly using dummy corporations.

SOURCES: Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas; Wiki; history.com; more. •••

Jamaican bobsled team that bewildered Olympians and attendees at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada.

9-b: Voiced by Willem Dafoe, Gill is a Moorish idol (a type of

ocean fish) planning an escape with Nemo and fellow dwellers trapped in a dentist’s aquarium.

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MARCH 2016 | boom

NEXT MONTH: April Foolery!

boom

recipe

Potato-Leek

Soup BY: Katie & Theresa Slott

Time: 30 Minutes Serves: 4-6 Adults Ingredients:

Steps:

•

3 Leeks

1.

•

2 T. Olive Oil

Cut the leeks lengthwise and fan them out under water to clean them out.

•

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

2.

Dice the white and light green sections.

•

1 qt. Chicken Stock

3.

Heat oil in a large stock pot.

•

2 lb. Yukon Gold Potatoes, Peeled And Cubed

4.

Add the leeks, stirring to cover in the oil.

Lower the heat to low, cover and cook for 10 minutes.

•

½ t. Oregano

5.

Add the garlic and cook for one minute.

•

½ t. Dried Thyme

6.

Add stock, potatoes, oregano, thyme and salt. Bring to a boil.

•

½ T. Kosher Salt

7.

Lower the heat, and continue to simmer for 20 minutes.

•

1 T. Dried Parsley

8.

Add parsley and corn.

•

16 oz. Frozen Corn

9.

Continue to cook until all is heated through.

•

1-2 Shakes Of Tabasco Sauce (Optional)

•

Salt And Pepper To Taste

10. Add a few dashes of Tabasco, if using, and salt and pepper to taste.

Tips: Be very thorough when rinsing the leeks.

It is easy for dirt to stick between the layers.

Katie and Theresa Slott are sisters-in-law 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

LIFE

Time Marches On By: Pam Gunterman

“Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it is marchin' across your face.�

This is a quote from Steel Magnolias, one of my favorite movies/plays. Time marching is on my mind these days as I begin my 59th year and seeing 60 looming on the horizon.

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I

n a recent organizing spree, I came across something I wrote as I approached 30 which still resonates all these years later. I share those musings of my 29th year below:

“I always said that getting older would not bother me. Why should it? I’m semi-good looking, keep in shape, have a great husband, beautiful children and a good job. I always said that until my 29th birthday! My God, in less than a year I would be 30 and have to officially grow up and stop acting like someone’s sister and begin to act like someone’s mother! I was not a particularly cute child. I wore glasses, was smart and very shy. I suppose the more recent term to describe it is that I was a nerd. When I was about 14, I came to the conclusion that everyone has a time in their lives when they are at their best and I decided that mine was yet to come. As I got older, I became less shy and more confident and I thought WOW, I am really on my way now! Any day I expected to look in the mirror and find that glamorous, intelligent, super wife, mother and career woman, the one I always knew was dying to get out, looking back at me. Instead I continued to find this not unattractive, always somewhat flustered, too busy, always behind wife and mother catching a quick glimpse as she flies off to work kids in tow.

Now, you may say to yourself that doesn’t sound too bad, but I never said that it was bad, just not quite where I expected to be at the ripe old age of 30! I will even need to change the way I think of myself – I have always pictured me as cute and perky. So as I approach this milestone those words can no longer apply, they will be replaced with words like sensible, dependable and settled – BORING! Hold it! Before I hit the panic button maybe I should give this some more thought. My mother is still fun and my grandma (who is at least 50 years older than me) is super. In fact, now that I think about it there are many women whom I admire who have made it past 30 without a scratch. It could be that I have been a bit hasty in my overreaction to this turning 30 business! It appears that maybe I can gracefully become classic instead of cute, and energetic can seamlessly replace perky. It doesn’t really sound all that bad when you look at it that way.

Now I am kind of excited, the possibilities are endless. A whole new world may even open up for me. I am certainly glad that I sat myself down and had this little talk. The future already looks brighter; I always was an optimist! It seems that there really is life after 30 and I, for one, can hardly wait!”

As I re-read the above, I realized that my feelings and view of myself had changed very little in the last 30 years. I still see me as this ball of endless energy ready to take on the next big thing that life throws my way and with the change of just a few words; mother to grandmother, kids to grandkids, the references to age etc. I could have written something very similar as this next milestone approaches.

While time is definitely leaving its mark as it marches across my face, it seems as though it has left my spirit untouched and left me ready to face whatever comes my way! •••

boom

LIFE

Finding Your

Favorite Scent By: Rita Miller

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M

arch 21st is National Fragrance Day! Perhaps my husband is going to surprise me with that expensive Dolce & Gabbana fragrance that I love? Maybe my kids are going to order that Victoria’s Secret scent that I crave? I don’t have high hopes now that Valentine’s Day is over and Christmas is still months away!

I grew up with the Coty Sweet Earth fragrance trio: Honeysuckle, Hyacinth and Ylang Ylang. I can still remember that compact of solid perfume that smelled so good! Another favorite was the Coty trio of Francinsense, Myrrh and Mistletoe. Those were all fragrances that you could purchase at the drugstore, for a reasonable price and they lasted forever.

Fragrance today is different. It is more expensive and more expansive.

That Dolce & Gabbana perfume that I love starts at $65 a bottle!

A thoughtful gift would include the spray, body crème and shower gel.

Include the deodorant and the price of the gift is going to be well over $100. I like to smell good but that price makes me think twice about using more than one small spray every morning.

“I’m positive there is a self-help group somewhere for people like me.”

My daughters love the fragrances at Victoria’s Secret. I dutifully went there during the holidays, intending to find the perfect perfume set for them. There are approximately 50 different fragrances to consider and each has about five permutations of fragrance type. You can get a solid perfume, a light spray, shower gel, intense crème, something just for the feet or even a travel roll on. I quickly calculated that over 1,000 possibilities existed and ran out of the store! I’m positive there is a selfhelp group somewhere for people like me.

We get into the store and immediately become overwhelmed by all these choices. Worst part for me is the one fragrance I liked at Victoria Secret was the White Tea and Sage. Sadly, it was discontinued and can only be purchased by searching the web for resellers. My daughter has one bottle left and I sneak into her room after she leaves for school, steal a spray and run out before anyone finds out!

My favorite fragrance right now is Moonlight Path from Bath and Body. It is a light fragrance that can be worn to work without becoming offensive to sensitive noses. You can use more than one spray because the price is under $20. Best yet, you can instruct your children to pick up a bottle while they are at the mall!

No matter what fragrance you desire, I hope that someone special remembers you this month. Or, just treat yourself to an old favorite or a new fragrance! •••

boom | MARCH 2016

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boom

LIFE

Come On Sun! 23 Ways To Get Some Spring In Your Step By: Christina Katz

Ah, the first truly spring-like day of the year. The sky turns blue, the sun comes out, the sound of singing birds is all around. Time for the sunglasses to come out of hiding! You get a little bounce in your step and you find yourself humming everywhere you go.

But, the next day is often revenge of the gray days. And, several gray days later, the rain just won't seem to let up. Mud is everywhere, including entering into your home on everyone's feet.

When Mother Nature is really testing you, that rain, it turns to sleet.

Spring seemed just around the corner-what happened? You were planning your garden, rallying your walking group and remembering how much you like Sun Tea.

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Take a deep breath, pull out a piece of paper and make a list of spring pick-me-ups to try based on this list that will help you get through the ferocious weather, so can enjoy the gentler days to come soon enough: 1. Change out your purse to something colorful, yet sturdy enough to endure spring showers.

2. Splash up your tired old jackets with floral-print scarves.

3. Stick a tube of lemon-scented hand lotion in your purse.

4. Try a new sheer color on your lips like blush or raspberry.

5. Buy some potted hydrangeas to enjoy indoors until the threat of frost is over.

6. Feel like a culinary genius: make quiche for dinner with whatever you happened to have in the fridge.

7. Brighten up your rooms with pretty pillows, lightweight throws and floral linens.

8. A twig wreath with pussy willows or blossoms would look great by the door.

9. Take out the calendar and write down all the flea markets and farmer's markets you plan to attend this year.

10. Pick up a box of sugar cookies with pastel icing as a surprise after-school snack.

11. Get some lavender air freshener for the bathrooms.

12. Plant a flat container of grass and place it by a window.

13. Host a wear-a-spring-hat potluck tea party for girls you know of all ages.

14. Scrub off and polish up your strappy sandals.

15. Download a few tunes of whatever "road trip music" means to you.

16. Start dragging items into the garage for your future garage sale.

17. Lighten up your perfumes, bath oils and lotions with lilac, rose and grapefruit scents.

18. Arrange daffodils and yellow tulips and in small colorful vases throughout the house.

19. Buy yourself a vibrantly colored umbrella and put it by the door to jinx the rain.

20. Pick up a fresh pack of Sharpies and decorate things around the house, like placemats and tennis shoes.

21. Let the grandkids craft some wind chimes and then hang them by the front and back doors.

Maybe even by the garage, too.

22. Make a giant carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Share some with the neighbors.

23. Grab your grandchild's hand and skip, whether it's raining or not.

••• boom | MARCH 2016

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book review

Year Of Yes

By Shonda Rhimes

Reviewed By: Rita Miller Photo Courtesy: Vogue.com

Shondaland is my new favorite place!

How many of you are familiar with the television shows Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder and, the ever popular, Grey’s Anatomy? These shows are all the creation of Shonda Rhimes. I love each and every show because Shonda has a way of making twisty, turning plots that keep you begging for more. The shows are full of rich characters, detailed plots and fabulous dialogue. Just the clothes alone make me want to run to the mall and snap up the “Olivia Pope” line sold at the Limited.

What kind of person can run an entire land by herself?

A land of hit shows, constant spotlight and multiple responsiblities? When Shonda published a book recently, I snapped it up, hoping to gain some insight into her very talented mind. What I discovered after reading the book was that she is a great writer and storyteller, but even better, she is a nice, normal human being.

The title of the book is “Year of Yes.” You would suspect a famous writer would be an outgoing, fun loving person.

Possibly a person who jumps from airplanes or travels the world meeting fabulous people. Shonda was none of that.

She was a nerd and a bookworm who rarely socialized or gave interviews, seemingly due to social anxiety and low self-esteem. This book details her 12 month journey to put joy back into her life and accept herself for the person she was.

One Thanksgiving, Shonda’s sister said to her, “You never say yes.” Shonda was stunned. In that one moment, she realized that her sister was completely correct. Her life had slipped to an existence without joy. From that moment, she dedicated herself to a year of saying “yes.”

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The next year was spent playing with her three children, losing some weight that had plagued her and learning to enjoy exercise. She also faced her fears of speaking in public and being interviewed by famous people such as Jimmy Kimmel. At one point, she was getting ready to make a speech and her toddler says to her “your eye is busted” because she had a noticeable twitch from nerves! She wanted to run away but she faced her fears and surprisingly even enjoyed herself during an Oprah interview!

She had numerous people to help her along her journey. Her family, friends and even her TV characters all lent support and encouragement. One of her most famous characters is Christina Yang, played by Sandra Oh on Grey’s Anatomy.

Christina is very true to herself, she doesn’t want children and she is a hard working heart surgeon. Shonda realized that she created Christina to be the person she wished she could be. She desired to be true to herself, she didn’t want to get married and she wanted to be a strong confident woman. She could not find the words to speak or the strength to be that type of person, so she channeled her thoughts into the character of Christina.

After her journey of saying “yes” she didn’t need to use her characters to find her voice; she was able to speak loud and clear (as well as guilt free) herself. According to Shonda, “no” is a “complete sentence.” She realized that she can say NO to self -doubt, say NO to guilt and say NO to feeling different from everyone else. Everything she thinks and feels has validity and merit. What a powerful realization for all women!

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their life and outlook. It gave me numerous things to think about and possibly make some changes in my own thoughts and feelings. I think you will enjoy it too! •••

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PETS

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

CAT MIDDLETON: I am the Duchess of Bristol.

You may call me “My Lady.” I love to play. I like to bat at things that dangle on the end of a stick. I pounce, jump and can even sit up on my hind legs and paw at toys. I am a year old. Come meet me and take me to your palace.

CLEVELAND: I am an #82 Labrador and Hound mix that is four-years-old and neutered. I am a very sweet easy going kind of guy.

My shelter friends describe me as being outdoorsy, handsome and a bit on the plump side. Not sure what exercise is, but it does sound like fun, want to join me?

Miss Peter: I am a lovely grey bunny lady looking for a forever home.

I was surrendered to the shelter due to financial reasons. I’m a very sweet girl that loves my hay and treats. Us bunnies are very smart and can learn lots of tricks, let’s learn together! Come visit me!

54687 County Road 19 Bristol, IN 46507 (574) 848-4225

www.elkharthumanesociety.org boom | MARCH 2016

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Varicose Veins?

Really?

The good news is that you can do something about your varicose veins. Talk to us about your treatment options.

Call 574.647.3990 for a consultation or visit us at BeaconVeins.com.

233 Florence Ave. | Granger, IN 46530