BOOM Magazine November 2016

November 2016

Being

cozy Up winter

thankful Granny Nanny Mission Possible:

Fighting the Flu

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What's inside

EVERY MONTH

boom HOBBIES

4

Letter From The Publisher

14 Rocke-e-e-e-e-e!

5

Contributors & Testimonials

6

BOOM Timeline

boom PETS 7

Loving Animals Are In Need Of Families

Brioche Loaf Bread

By: Katie & Theresa Slott

boom HEALTHY LIVING 8

10 Ways To Be A Healthy Care-Giver By: Blanche Russell

10

Mission Possible: Fighting The Flu

12

Diabetes: Do Not Let Symptoms Go Unchecked

By: Lindsey Lira, MD, Family Medicine, Beacon Medical Group Edwardsburg

By: Margo & Jim Bell

16

Pairing Your Thanksgiving Feast With The Proper Beer

By: Chuck Bergman

boom TRAVELER 18

Touring Gettysburg

22

Day Trip: Jackson, MI

boom RECIPE 25

By: Phyllis Rose

By: Phyllis Rose

boom LIFE 26

Cozy Up To Winter

28

Being Thankful

30

The Granny Nanny

By: Cindy Lynn Sawyer By: Pam Gunterman By: Cindy Lynn Sawyer

By: Sue Lebreton

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

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER:

T

his year’s November is quite a month. The month begins with the final week of political campaigning. Daylight Saving Time ends on the 6th. The election finally takes place on the 8th. No matter whether your candidate wins or loses, I think we will all be happy to see the end of the political advertisements on television and the constant barrage of campaign information on every media outlet. The next day, the 9th, we will celebrate with SASSY Magazine’s Glitz and Sass Holiday Fashion Show at the Morris Inn. I am really looking forward to this event as it is my first big event with the magazines!

A few days later is Veterans Day, our opportunity to salute the men and women who have kept our country free through war and peace. Then the month ends with Thanksgiving and Black Friday and the beginning of the Christmas Season.

Thanksgiving was always a special holiday for me. My mother was a wonderful cook and our Thanksgiving dinner was always amazing. My mom made this special version of Waldorf Salad in addition to the usual turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. But, the pièce de résistance was the pie for dessert, whether pumpkin or mincemeat, it was delicious. She made the best piecrust ever. No matter where I lived as an adult, I always came home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The food wasn’t the reason, but I certainly enjoyed it!

With the incredibly warm weather we have had this fall, the leaves were really late changing color and most were still clinging to the trees late into October. And we haven’t seen a frost nor even a mention of snow. It’s hard to tell what our winter will be, but this fall has been terrific. It has been the first time I have ever heard people complain that the fall weather was too warm and they couldn’t wait for colder temperatures.

I hope you couldn’t wait for our next issue of BOOM and we have some great reading for you. To get you in the mood for Thanksgiving, there is a story about being thankful. If you are trying to decide what to drink with Thanksgiving dinner, read about pairing the proper beer with your feast. With flu season approaching, we have an article called Mission Possible: Fighting the Flu. There are also more health articles, two travel articles and a great recipe for brioche loaf and more.

Enjoy the magazine and have a great Thanksgiving!

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 Managers: 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, November 2016 Volume 5: Number 9

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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NOVEMBER 2016 | boom

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

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.

The beer articles are very interesting and they give me an idea of what to try next at a local brewery.”

– Donna S.

What I love about BOOM Magazine is how much it caters to the baby boomers and our interests.”

– Mary-Ann R.

I keep the latest issue of BOOM Magazine on my coffee table each month. The cover always looks fantastic!”

– Leeann G.

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.”

Katie & 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 the one in this issue, or to see step-bystep photos of this recipe, check out their website, www.cookingforthefam.com.

Don't forget!

Keep up with us on Facebook by liking our page just for Boomers! boom | NOVEMBER 2016

5

NOVEMBER Events Bus Trip From South Bend Firefighters, 1 Blackhawks 5:00 P.M., South Bend Firefighters’ Association – South Bend Moody Blues, 7:30 PM, 2 The Morris Performing Arts Center-South Bend Vincent de Paul Adopt-A-Family, All Day, 3 St. St. Vincent de Paul Center-South Bend Rockin’ Arrival, 4 Santa’s 4:30 P.M., University Park Mall-Mishawaka & Holiday Bazaar, 8:00 A.M., Elkhart 5 Harvest Calvary United Methodist Church-Elkhart Annual International Food Fair, 1:00 6 8th P.M., South Bend Junior Academy – South Bend Ramsey’s Smart Money Tour, 7 Dave 6:30 P.M., The Lerner-Elkhart 8 Election Day! & Sass Holiday Fashion Show, 9 Glitz 5:00 P.M., Morris Inn-Notre Dame

Tu W Th F Sa Su Mo Tu W Th

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Holiday Open House 5:30 P.M., Studebaker National Museum-South Bend ArtWalk Wednesday, All Day, Downtown Elkhart Dressing Downton Teas, 2:00 P.M., The History Museum – South Bend

18 22nd Annual Luminary Festival,

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5:00 P.M., Downtown St. Joseph, MI Artisans Unleashed Fall Arts 7 Crafts Show, 10:00 A.M., M.R. Falcons-South Bend

20 A Christmas Story, 2:00 P.M., The Round Barn

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Theatre At Amish Acres – Nappanee

24 Thanksgiving 25 Black Friday! Happy Shopping!

Contemporary Nutcracker, 26 7:00 P.M., The Lerner – Elkhart

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Small Business Saturday

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28 Knitting, 29 Arm 4:00 P.M., Elkhart Public Library

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Thanksgiving is the reason for TV dinners. In 1953, Swanson made too much extra turkey. A salesman told them to package it onto aluminum trays with other sides like sweet potatoes! The first TV dinner was officially born!

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924. Only 400 employees marched from Convent Ave to 145th Street in New York City.

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Americans eat 46 million turkeys each Thanksgiving whereas Californians consume the most turkey on Thanksgiving Day!

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Campbell’s soup sells over $20 million worth of cream of mushroom soup for their green bean casserole!

Thanksgiving Table Décor

Meditation Yoga, 5:30 P.M., Elkhart 14 Environmental City-Elkhart

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The Price Is Right Live, 7:30 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center-South Bend

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The first Thanksgiving was held in the autumn of 1621.

11 Veteran’s Day Fall Frolic, 8:00 P.M., Century Center – 12 South Bend

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Fun Thanksgiving Facts

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Natural Theme

Classic Theme

(www.prettydesigns.com)

(www.potterybarn.com)

Hot Apple Cider Ingredients: - 6 Cups Apple Cider - ¼ Cup Real Maple Syrup - 2 Cinnamon Sticks - 6 Whole Cloves

NOVEMBER 2016 | boom

- 6 Whole Allspice Berries - 1 Orange Peel, Cut Into Strips - 1 Lemon Peel, Cut Into Strips

Directions: 1. Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan.

2. Place cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange and lemon peel in the center of a washed square cheesecloth. Fold up the sides and tie with kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.

3. Place saucepan over medium heat for five to 10 minutes.

4. Remove cider from heat. Discard the spice bundle and pour into mugs!

5. Enjoy!

(Recipe found at www.allrecipes.com)

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Rustic Theme (www.bystephanielynn.com)

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PETS

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

MONTAUK: I'm Montauk, a black and brown Shepherd mix. I am about seven-years-old and I have been neutered. I seem a bit quiet and shy when I am in my kennel, but I enjoy having visitors spend one-on-one time with me. I love to take naps on my doggie cot, so I hope to have a soft, fluffy bed of my own soon!

JOJO: I am a 7-year-old calico girl. I am a bit round. That just makes more of me to love. It may take me a bit to warm up, but I do like people. “Us� calicos just need to let you know that we are in charge. I like chin rubs and ear scratches. I am spayed. I do prefer adult companionship, those little ones can be a bit much.

JAZ: I'm Jaz, a female, Basenji/Pitbull mix.

I'm still a puppy, at nine-months-old, but I am partially housetrained. I prefer to live indoors and I know a few commands. I love to run, walk, play fetch and play with toys. I can be curious and active, but I will crawl onto your lap for a belly rub and a good nap. I would also be more comfortable in a home with older children.

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 | NOVEMBER 2016

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Healthy Living

10 Ways

By: Blanche Russell

To Be A Healthy Care-Giver

E-services •••

B

ecause this month is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we are giving consideration to the impact

alz.org/communityresourcefinder locates community programs, services, and resources

Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias often have

alzconnected.org gives those unable to attend a support group the opportunity to connect and communicate with one another

managing the life of an increasingly-debilitated loved one

alz.org/trialmatch free service which helps locate clinical trials

considerable sacrifice. The thought comes to mind of what

alz.org/safereturn 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with dementia who wander or have a medical emergency alz.org/comfortzone GPS location management services helping families monitor a person with Alzheimer’s, creating an alert if the person wanders from a preset safety perimeter alzheimersnavigator.org innovative tool guiding individuals with Alzheimer’s, their families, and caregivers in creating a customized plan of action

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NOVEMBER 2016 | boom

on care-givers. Often the care-giver is in the position of while trying to meet their own (and often the rest of their family’s) needs. It can be an overwhelming job requiring we’re told by the flight attendant before takeoff: “In the unlikely event of a loss in cabin pressure, please secure your own oxygen mask before securing that of your child.” This philosophy can be applied to any situation in which one is responsible for helping another. But it’s especially sage advice for someone dealing with the multi-ways in which Alzheimer’s can impact his (or her) ability to assist a loved one. You can’t be of much help to anyone else if you’re not well yourself! The following are ten things the care-giver can do to maximize his ability to meet the inevitable challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.

10 Ways to Be A Healthy Care-Giver 1. Get a diagnosis as early as possible. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s may appear gradually. It can be easy to explain away unusual behavior when your loved one seems physically healthy. Instead, consult a physician when you first see signs of the disease. Don’t delay; some symptoms are treatable.

2. Know the available resources.

Get in touch with the Alzheimer’s care resources in your community.

Call the 24-hour Helpline at 800-2723900 to get a Resource Guide for this area.

3. Become an educated caregiver. As the disease progresses, new care-giving skills are needed.

The Alzheimer’s Association can help you better understand and cope with the behaviors and personality changes that often accompany Alzheimer’s progression.

4. Get help. Doing everything by yourself will leave you exhausted.

Seek the support of family, friends and community resources. If you’re afraid to ask for help, have someone advocate for you. The Helpline and support group meetings are good sources of ideas and reassurance. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.

7. Accept changes as they occur. People with Alzheimer’s do change, and so do their needs.

They often require care beyond what you can offer on your own. A thorough investigation of options (from home- and community-based services to residential care) should make transitions easier. The support and assistance of those around you will also help you accept change. Use the 24-hour Helpline at 800-272-3900 to help determine the best course of action at each stage of the disease.

8. Do legal and financial planning. Plan ahead. Consult with an elder-care attorney to discuss legal and financial issues such as durable powers of attorney, living wills and trusts, future medical care, housing and longterm care insurance. If possible and appropriate, involve the person with Alzheimer’s and other family members in these discussions.

9. Be realistic. Know that the care you provide does make a difference.

Also know that, until a cure is found, Alzheimer’s will progress. Many of the behaviors that occur are beyond your control and the control of the person with Alzheimer’s. Give yourself permission to grieve your losses, but also focus on the positive moments as they arise. Enjoy your good memories.

10. Give yourself credit, not guilt.

At times, you may lose patience with your inability to provide all the care you’d like to provide in the way you’d like to provide it.

Remember you’re doing the best you can. Don’t feel guilty because you can’t do more. Your loved one needs you, and you’re there for him. Allow yourself to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in this. •••

5. Take care of yourself. Watch your diet, exercise and get plenty of rest. Make time for shopping, a movie, or an uninterrupted visit with a friend by taking advantage of community services like adult day care or in-home services. A respite from care-giving is meant to help prevent burnout, not treat it. Don’t wait until you are in crisis-mode to seek and accept help.

6. Manage your level of stress.

Stress can cause physical problems (blurred vision, stomach irritation, high blood pressure) and changes in behavior (irritability, lack of concentration, loss of appetite).

Note your symptoms. Use relaxation techniques that work for you.

Consult a physician when appropriate. boom | NOVEMBER 2016

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Healthy Living

Mission Possible:

Fighting the Flu By: Lindsey Lira, MD, Family Medicine, Beacon Medical Group Edwardsburg

Steps to take if you get the flu 1. If you get very sick, are pregnant, or are 65 years or older, or are otherwise at high risk of flu-related complications, call your doctor. You might need antiviral drugs to treat flu.

2. Stay at home and rest.

3. Avoid close contact with well people in your house so you won’t make them sick.

4. Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent fluid loss (dehydration).

When caring for people who have the flu: •

Avoid being face-to-face with the sick person.

If possible, it is best to spend the least amount of time in close contact with a sick person.

•

When holding sick children, place their chin on your shoulder so they will not cough in your face.

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Wash your hands often and right way.

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If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

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Make sure to wash your hands after touching the sick person. Wash after handling their tissues or laundry.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 10

NOVEMBER 2016 | boom

W

ith flu season upon us, I am passionate about helping you understand why the flu shot is so important to keeping you healthy! Everyone needs to know that the flu is unpredictable and can strike people of all ages. For seniors, the flu can lead to even more harmful consequences, so it’s key that we all understand what we’re dealing with when it comes to this pesky illness.

Flu can cause illness that ranges from rather mild symptoms to more severe –– and even death. The number of Americans that die from influenza infection ranges greatly year-to-year and is estimated between 3,000 and 49,000.

The reality is that anyone is at risk, no matter their age, of becoming infected with influenza no matter how healthy they are.

The best way to prevent complications from the influenza virus is to get your flu vaccine each year as early as available.

The vaccine is recommended for everyone six months old and older. However, certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications and that includes those over 65, children, pregnant women and individuals with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, among others. Getting your flu vaccine is an important way of not only protecting yourself, but your highrisk family and friends.

The symptoms most commonly experienced by people who have the flu are: • Fever • Runny nose • Cough • Headache • Sore throat • Body aches

Although children may vomit on occasion while ill with the flu, vomiting and diarrhea are not common symptoms of influenza.

Every year, I hear concerns about the flu vaccine from my patients. Here are the most common questions I receive: Q: Is it covered by my insurance?

A: All insurance plans now cover the vaccine 100 percent with no outof-pocket costs Q: Will I get sick after I get the vaccine, because I have a trip coming up?

A: It is not possible to become infected from the inactivated vaccine; however, some individuals may experience a knot at the site of vaccine for a few days or a slight tired feeling for a few hours.

What’s new this flu season?

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Only injectable flu shots are recommended for use this season.

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Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.

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There will be some new vaccines on the market this season.

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The recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergies have changed.

Q: I have never had one before. Do I need it now?

A: Now is a good time to start protecting yourself and others!

Q: Is it too early, and how long will the vaccine last?

A: The effects of each year’s vaccine should last for many years.

However, the virus mutates and changes constantly, requiring new vaccines to be developed and administered each year.

What flu vaccines are recommended this season?

This season, only injectable flu vaccines should be used. Some flu shots protect against three flu viruses and some protect against four flu viruses.

Options this season include:

Is there more than just the flu vaccine that you can do to protect yourself and others? Absolutely! Avoid unnecessary contact with sick people throughout flu season (generally October through March). Wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible. Cover your own coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of illness.

•

Standard dose flu shots. Most are given into the muscle (usually with a needle, but one can be given to some people with a jet injector). One is given into the skin.

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A high-dose shot for older people.

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A shot made with an adjuvant for older people, which boosts the body’s immune response.

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A shot made with a virus grown in cell culture.

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A shot made using a vaccine production technology (recombinant vaccine) that does not require the use of flu virus.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Keep yourself healthy this winter. Make sure to get your flu shot. ••• boom | NOVEMBER 2016

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Healthy Living

diabetes:

Do Not Let Symptoms Go Unchecked By: Sue LeBreton

Diabetes is a disease of numbers. People with diabetes weigh and measure food, count carbohydrates before eating and prick their fingers many times a day to check blood sugar levels.

They measure insulin dosages, calculate the impact of exercise and they repeat these tasks 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Estimates suggest diabetes affects between 285 and 366 million people around the world. Sadly, every year seven million people develop diabetes.

Our bodies convert food into glucose (sugar) that fuels our cells to do their jobs. For our cells to access this fuel they need a hormone called insulin that is produced in the pancreas. If the insulin producing cells in the pancreas stop functioning (Type I or Juvenile Diabetes), sugar levels in the blood rise and the body begins to waste because it cannot access this critical fuel. Symptoms such as weight loss, drowsiness or lethargy, increased thirst and frequent urination appear as the body tries desperately to flush itself of this excess sugar. These symptoms can often be misread as the flu. If not diagnosed and treated with insulin, the disease progresses and symptoms worsen, sometimes quickly, leading to unconsciousness and possibly death.

Type I Diabetes can strike people of any age, even babies, so if your child has any of the symptoms listed above seek medical attention. There have been reports of babies crying and reaching over their mother's shoulder for the tap desperately seeking water. Overloaded diapers accompanied by weight loss should set off an alarm that you need to have your child tested.

Bedwetting for children who have been nighttime trained for a while is also a red flag. The increased drinking can be harder to catch if your child is very active or the weather is warm and

you can justify the increased water consumption. If anyone who spends time with your child comments that they have been using the bathroom frequently, investigate medically.

Type I Diabetes is an autoimmune disease whose cause is unclear. Scientists theorize that it is a combination of genetic and environmental triggers. You are more likely to be diagnosed with Type1 Diabetes if you have a sibling or relative with the disease, but do not be complacent with symptoms just because there is no family history. In my son's case the endocrinologist pointed to the other autoimmune diseases in our family such as arthritis and hypothyroidism as indicators he had diabetes before the blood work confirmed his diagnosis.

The majority of people with diabetes are affected by Type II diabetes, a metabolic disorder where the body still produces insulin but can no longer use it effectively. Typically, but not always, this form of diabetes is diagnosed in people over the age of forty and is caused by lack of exercise and a poor diet.

Type II is increasingly being diagnosed in children due to our rising obesity epidemic. Some people with this form can manage the disease with diet and lifestyle changes and some require insulin.

If you or your child exhibit any of the listed symptoms see a medical professional who can test your urine and then send you for blood work if sugar is detected in your urine. Do not delay because every hour your body is exposed to abnormally high blood sugar, organs such as your heart, kidneys and eyes are being impacted.

Sue LeBreton is a parenting health and fitness journalist. Her son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes five years ago. He is a happy, thriving young boy thanks to his insulin pump therapy. •••

Symptoms of Diabetes: •

Increased thirst

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Frequent urination

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Drowsiness or lethargy

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Increased appetite

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Weight loss

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Sudden vision changes

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Sugar in the urine

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Fruity odor on the breath

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Heavy or labored breathing

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Stupor or unconsciousness

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Nausea and vomiting (especially in children)

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Abdominal pain

Insulin

Before the discovery of insulin, diabetes was a death sentence. In January 1922 in Toronto, Canada, Dr. Frederick Banting injected a 14-year-old-boy, Leonard Thompson with insulin. He was chosen as the first person with diabetes to receive insulin. Before the insulin shots he was near death and rapidly regained his strength and appetite once treated with insulin.

Today, there are many forms of insulin that vary depending upon how quickly they work, when they peak and how long they last. People with diabetes inject insulin using needle or pen devices or using an insulin pump.

Books

Photos Courtesy: Amazon.com

Breakthrough by Thea Cooper and Arthur Ainsberg (adult) The Baby-sitters Club by Ann M Martin features a diabetic character (elementary school readers) Sweetblood by Pete Hautman (teen) Elixir by Eric Walters (Grade 5 and up) boom | NOVEMBER 2016

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Hobbies

ROCK-E-E-E-E-E! By: Margo and Jim Bell

This month marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Rocky, an award-winning film so popular that it spawned a collection of sequels and is still drawing fans into theaters. It’s a classic of the underdog-makesgood theme. Test your knowledge of this movie and its “sons.” Yo, Adrian!

Image Courtesy: huffingtonpost.com

1. How many Rocky movies were made?

6. What are some flubs in the original Rocky?

a. five

a. Rocky’s fight shorts are inside out.

b. six

b. An on-duty Los Angeles police officer is spotted in Philadelphia’s Spectrum Stadium.

c. seven d. eight

c. Despite it being late November in Philadelphia, a rose bush is blooming outside Rocky’s residence.

2. How many of these Rocky movies were written

d. An elevated train zooms past in South Philly.

by Sylvester Stallone? a. three b. six c. seven d. none

3. The name “Rocky” was in honor of iconic

heavyweight boxer Rocky Marciano. Where did Stallone get the surname “Balboa?” a. From a town in Northwest Spain. b. From Balboa Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County where Stallone once lived. c. From a little-known thoroughbred that beat terrific odds to win the Philadelphia Derby. d. In honor of Vasco N. de Balboa, the 16th century Spanish explorer.

4.

Which of the following are true about the Rocky series?

e. All of the above.

7. Rocky was the Italian Stallion, but opponent Apollo Creed also had nicknames. Which of the following was not one of them? a. Knockout King b. Master of Disaster c. King of Sting d. Count of Monte Fisto

8.

The fanfare “Gonna Fly Now” is one of the most recognizable movie theme songs in the world.

Which of the following is not true about the song? a. It was composed by Bill Conti, who also did the music track for The Right Stuff. b. It won an Oscar for Best Original Song. c. It was performed by DeEtta Little, sister of the late actor Clevon Little (Blazing Saddles). d. The lyrics contain only 30 words.

a. The character Rocky Balboa is loosely based on the life of Chuck Wepner, a boxer who once fought Mohammad Ali. b. Rocky boxes left-handed. c. The series received 12 Oscar nods, winning three. d. Sylvester Stallone was paid $23,00 for the first Rocky film and $15 million for Rocky V. e. Rocky Balboa was inducted into the Fictitious Athlete Hall of Fame. f. All of the above.

5.

One of the most famous scenes in film history is Rocky finally being able to run up the steps leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. How many steps are there? a. 50 b. 65 c. 72 d. 89 e. 120

Answe rs on Pag e 31! boom | NOVEMBER 2016

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HOBBIES

Pairing Your

Thanksgiving Feast With the

Proper Beer By: Chuck Bergman

T

he table is set, the turkey is in the oven and the grandkids have just arrived. You have everything you need for a great family Thanksgiving holiday, but what is missing? Instead of picking which white or red wine would go best with dinner, how about giving thanks this year with some great craft beer.

But what beer goes best with Thanksgiving? Just like with wine, there is an art and science to pairing craft beer with food. Your beer must work in harmony with the food. Combinations often work best when they share common flavor or aroma elements.

The beer should complement and enhance the flavor of the food.

As with any occasion, you can always start with the beers that you enjoy the best. There is no harm in playing it safe with a pale ale or American lager. But if you are up for a little adventure this holiday season, or would like to impress your guests with some exciting craft beers, then here are some ideas to get you started.

Traditional Thanksgiving Feast

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NOVEMBER 2016 | boom

Most of the Midwest enjoys a traditional Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, noodles, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans … you get the idea.

Each family has a variation of this meal, but the basics are usually there.

Oktoberfest, or Märzen, is another great option for Thanksgiving. This dark copper or deep amber German style is very drinkable with a light toasty flavor. It also has a slightly sweet maltiness, but not as intense as many English brown ales.

Many of these dishes are prepared in the oven, which involves browning and caramelization. These ovencooked meals go very well with beers that offer the same flavor profile. For a traditional Thanksgiving meal, you can’t go wrong with a selection of fall beers. Brown, red or amber ales are always a great addition to the holiday. These styles often have light hop profiles, allowing the malty, nutty flavors to really shine. They offer a nice balance to your turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy.

On the lighter side, pilsners and lagers make a nice addition to your family dinner. Their clean finish and light body complement the turkey and act as a palette cleanser between dishes. You may also want to try a farmhouse ale or Belgian saison. These effervescent beer styles have a light, carbonated body combined with a spicy, clove finish. This combination pairs very well with stuffing and potatoes.

Make Room for Dessert The great thing about Thanksgiving is there is always more to eat. And desserts are often the best part of the meal! Pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, apple cobbler, fudge, and an assortment of cookies are just some of the great dessert options during this holiday.

This is the one time during the fall that a pumpkin ale is probably best left in the fridge. With all the nutmeg and cinnamon being used in the desserts, you really don’t need any more added from a spicy beer.

Thanksgiving desserts pair well with darker, sweeter beers. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a smoky porter or chocolate stout. And don’t be afraid to go imperial! The higher alcohol content of an imperial stout, English barleywine, or Belgian dubbel provide a nice warmth as you sip the beer after each bite of dessert.

Time for Some Football!

And don’t forget the American tradition of sitting back in the recliner and enjoying some college football for the rest of the day. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without football!

At this point of the holiday you’ve enjoyed some great craft beer with your meal and dessert. Now is the time to pick something thirst-quenching, drinkable, and with lower alcohol content. It is less about pairing food with beer, and more about spending quality time with family while enjoying a great craft beer.

Now is the time to break out the pale ales and IPAs. The extra hoppy finish of these beers may conflict with your Thanksgiving feast, but are perfect for enjoying the game while munching on chips and pretzels. Another great option is the classic American pilsner. It is light and refreshing with a crisp, clean finish.

Normally I suggest drinking what you like. And while that is true for most occasions, a holiday like Thanksgiving deserves some extra thought in selecting the right beer to pair with your meal. Take the time to select some craft beers that truly complement the meal that you worked so hard to prepare for family and friends. CHEERS! ••• boom | NOVEMBER 2016

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traveler

Touring

Gettysburg By: Phyllis Rose

Photos Provided By: Phyllis Rosea

T

ouring the Gettysburg National Military Park can be overwhelming as you try to take it all in - the battle, the generals, and the local impact. So, even if you’re a diehard Civil War buff, you’ll need a battlefield break. So here are four things to do for some R & R, and then, you’ll be ready for one more Civil War battlefield.

Eisenhower National Historic Site

If you grew up in the Eisenhower era, you’ll remember hearing about the Eisenhower Farm. Don’t miss it. It will be a highlight of your visit.

Purchase your tickets at the Military Park Visitors Center and board the shuttle bus to the farm.

The visit starts in the living room with an orientation talk by a National Park Service guide. Then, you’ll tour the unpretentious and cozy farmhouse on your own. You’ll love seeing the furnishings owned and used by the Eisenhowers.

You may not know that Eisenhower was a painter but on the sun porch, you’ll see a canvas he painted. You’ll visit his den and the office where he recuperated from his heart attack while also running the country. World leaders, such a India’s Prime Minister Nehru, visited the Eisenhowers, staying in the guest rooms.

Leaving the house, wander the grounds to enjoy the gardens, and just the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of the rolling hills of the Pennsylvania countryside.

Spend as long as you like at the Eisenhower Farm before catching a shuttle bus back to the Visitors Center.

For more information: www.nps.gov/eise/

The Eisenhower Farmhouse (This view is from the back yard.)

Downtown Gettysburg Check out the shops on Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg. At the Codori House of Gifts, 2 York St., you’ll find the perfect Gettysburg Christmas tree ornaments or other gifts gifts from around the world.

Shopping in Lark, 17 Lincoln Square, housed in an early 1900s building with hardwood floors and the original brick walls, is delightful. The shop is filled with handmade and fair trade goods from around the world.

If shopping’s not your thing, stop by two historic buildings which are nearby. First, the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station, 35 Carlisle St., is where Lincoln arrived before giving his Gettysburg Address. In the beautifully restored station, exhibits showcase its history. There’s also a miniature display of the station and Gettysburg at the time of Lincoln’s visit.

In the David Wills House, 8 Lincoln Square, you can see the bed where Lincoln slept the night before giving his Gettysburg Address. Wills, a prominent attorney, was responsible for burying the dead from the battle of Gettysburg. He managed the construction of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery and invited Lincoln to speak at the cemetery’s dedication in November, 1863.

For more information: www.destinationgettysburg.com boom | NOVEMBER 2016

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TRaveler

York, Pennsylvania A short drive to York will transport you to the Colonial and Revolutionary eras as you explore the Colonial Complex, 157 W. Market St. A guided tour will take you through four buildings. First, there’s the Golden Plough Tavern, the oldest building in York, having been built in 1741. The General Gates House, built in 1754, was rented by Gates during the winter of 1777-1778 when the Second Continental Congress met in York. General Lafayette attended a banquet there.

The Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station is where Lincoln arrived the night before giving his Gettysburg Address.

Of particular interest is the reconstructed Colonial Courthouse. In the original courthouse, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation when they met in York, making the city the temporary capital of the country.

Finally, there’s the Barnett Bobb log cabin, built about 1810

by Bobb, a local weaver.

These four buildings present a fascinating overview of daily and political life in colonial America at the time of the Revolutionary War.

For more information: www.yorkhistorycenter.org

Scenic Valley Tour When you’re in the Visitors Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park, ask at the information desk for the Scenic Valley Tour brochure. (It can also be downloaded from www. destinationgettysburg.com). The brochure gives specific driving directions and the route is signposted.

The Sachs Covered Bridge is one of the sights on the Scenic Valley Tour.

Starting at Lincoln Square, the route covers 36 miles through the rolling hills and valleys of Adams County. You’ll travel two-lane roads passing by orchards, farms and historic churches. Be sure to see the Sachs Covered Bridge, a 100foot bridge over Marsh Creek, used by both the Union and Confederate soldiers during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Stop at the Lower Marsh Creek Church, built in 1790, and used as a hospital during the Civil War. It is still an active church.

Another historic church is St. Ignatius, overlooking the beautiful Buchanan Valley. You’ll also drive by a stone building, the Russell Tavern, where George Washington slept one night in 1794.

This tour is a beautiful and peaceful respite from your battlefield explorations.

The Lower Marsh Creek Church is one of the historic churches on the Scenic Valley Tour.

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Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg is lined with delightful boutiques and cafes.

Antietam, Maryland

Refreshed after your battlefield break, drive into Maryland to the Antietam National Battlefield, 302 E. Main St., Sharpsburg, about an hour from Gettysburg. This site commemorates the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862, often called the bloodiest battle of the Civil War because 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing that day.

After a stop at the Visitors Center to view an audiovisual film or to listen to an orientation talk by Park Service staff, you’ll start on a self-driving tour. The first sight is the Dunker Church used as a medical station by the Confederate Army.

Another scenic stop is Burnside’s Bridge, built over Antietam Creek in 1836. It was the site of a key battle during the Battle of Antietam. The Confederates held off two attempts to take the bridge but finally it was seized by the Union.

As at Gettysburg, the peaceful and quiet farmland surrounding the battlefield belies this tragic and bloody battle of the Civil War.

For more information: www.nps.gov/anti/

At Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Maryland, you'll learn about the importance of Burnside's Bridge.

The Gettysburg National Military Park should be on your bucket list of things to do in the United States. But when the battle becomes too much, a battlefield break provides much needed rest and recuperation, preparing you for your next attack on Gettysburg military history. ••• boom | NOVEMBER 2016

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Day Trip

Jackson, MI By: Phyllis Rose

Photos Provided By: Phyllis Rose a

This desk inside the Hillside House was made from an old piano.

JACKSON, MI - Ella Sharp has made it easy to sharpen your history and art skills. Ella, a Jackson resident who lived from 1857 to 1912, donated her home and estate to the city of Jackson, Michigan, for a park and museum.

Now in its 51st year, the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 4th St., has a wide variety of permanent and special exhibits and several historic buildings including Ella’s 19th century farmhouse, Hillside House.

Dave and I started our visit by wandering through the exhibits in the main museum building. We especially enjoyed the temporary exhibit of “Modern American Prints,” showcasing prints from the Albion College Collection. We picked our favorites from among prints

by Thomas Hart Benton, Grant Wood, Martin Lewis, and Childe Hassam.

We spent a lot of time discussing Lewis’s “Grandpa Takes a Walk.” It evoked memories of a simpler time as grandpa walks down the lane past a big barn while the shadows of nearby trees crisscross his path.

Nearby, we found the Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art. I must admit that wildlife art doesn’t generally interest me, but here I found lots of things to get excited about.

Hillside House, one of the historic buildings at the Ella Sharp Museum, is where Ella and her family lived between 1857 and 1912.

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A painting, “Winter Moonrise, Bison” by Larry Fanning, was especially captivating. Three woolly bison in their full winter fur coat stand in a snowy landscape with the moon rising in the background lighting up the blue-gray evening clouds.

Inside this old print shop you can see old printing presses and other printing equipment.

Other art work in this gallery includes carved birds and other animals as well as stuffed specimens. The carved animals are so realistic, they seem ready to head out into the wilderness at any moment.

The “Never Enough Time” exhibit showcases clocks and souvenir glassware from the collection of James A. Keersmaekers. I love chiming clocks, proven by the fact that I have three cuckoo clocks, a Regulator clock and a grandfather clock.

So, I enjoyed this collection of clocks including porcelain, cuckoo, and grandfather clocks. Looking through the top half of a dutch door into a replica of Al’s Clock and Watch Shop, we were transported to a simpler time when clocks and watches weren’t battery operated.

Before we could get too engrossed in the clocks, it was time for our tour of the historic buildings. Traie Shelhart, museum education coordinator, greeted us and led us outside to the historic village area that includes the Hillside Farmhouse, a one-room school, and a print shop.

Stepping into the farmhouse where Ella and her family lived between 1857 and 1912 is traveling back in time for insights into what life was like for this well-to-do family a century ago. We started in the rustic kitchen with its wood stove and some mysterious kitchen implements. Thankfully, Traie explained what they were.

Entrance to the Ella Sharp Museum

As a European traveler myself, I enjoyed the art work and other items the Sharps had brought back from their trips abroad. There were fascinating items, too, such as a huge old piano which had been made into a desk. boom | NOVEMBER 2016

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Eli Stilson log house is a small one-room rustic cabin such as early settlers in the Jackson area would have built.

After leaving the house, Traie took us to the old print shop where Dave enjoyed reminiscing about his time as a journalist, as he recognized some of the old pieces of equipment that were in use back in the day.

A contrast to the elegant Hillside Farmhouse is the Eli Stilson log house, a small one-room rustic cabin such as early settlers in the area would have built. It was hard to imagine living there with bedroom, kitchen, and living area all in one. This definitely was not a place for privacy.

Having thanked Traie for the tour, we headed back to the museum to explore Jackson history in the Lynne A. Loftis Jackson History Gallery. Dave was fascinated with the two Tiffany stained glass windows, Salve (Hail) and Vale (Farewell) from the home of William Withington, a Civil War general and Jackson businessman. The windows stood on each side of the doorway of Withington’s home, greeting people (Hail) and saying goodbye (farewell).

In other exhibits, we learned that Jackson has quite a manufacturing history, using as its slogan "The World Takes What Jackson Makes." That was in the day when 22 companies made cars in Jackson and when nine railroads intersected the city. Among other items manufactured in the city were outboard motors, radios, crackers, and small garden tools.

In this election year, it was also interesting to see the table where on July 6, 1854, the resolution was signed creating the Republican Party.

I always enjoy the little people stories in these museums. For example, on display was the wedding dress of Mary Ann Norcross, a colorful woolen dress featuring vines and flowers. Sadly, she was jilted on her wedding day.

For more info: Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History 517-787-2320 www.ellasharp.org Bella Notte Ristorante 517-782-5727 www.bellanotteristorante.com

There’s so much to see and do in this museum that we’ll have to schedule another visit for some of the special events such as the “Sugaring and Shearing Festival” the last weekend in March, “Fall Harvest,” and “Victorian Holiday at Hillside.”

But for this day, we needed to head to downtown Jackson for lunch at Bella Notte Ristorante, 137 W. Michigan Ave., a quiet place for a delicious Italian meal. We started with hot and hearty vegetable minestrone soup and then steamy tomatoey lasagna - just what we needed to warm up a winter’s afternoon.

Of course, we had to have dessert - warm chocolate lava cake for me and cannoli for Dave - a perfect end to a perfect day.

So, for a sharply intriguing day, jump on the highway to Jackson and enjoy history, art, and good food. •••

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recipe

Brioche Loaf

Bread Article and photos By: Katie & Theresa Slott

Time: 90 minutes in the bread machine +

overnight rise + 2-3 hours resting + 45 minutes baking

Makes: 2 loaves

Steps: Before you start, be sure that all your ingredients are actually at room temperature. It may be best to leave the ingredients out overnight (or at the least for several hours). If the eggs and butter are still cold, the recipe will not work.

Ingredients: 3 T. sugar 2 t. salt 7 large eggs, room temperature 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

In the dough bucket of a bread machine, add the ingredients (excepting the egg wash) according to the order specified by the machine’s manufacturer. Set the dough cycle and press start.

When the cycle is complete, scrape the dough into a greased container and cover. Refrigerate overnight.

The following day, remove the container of dough from the refrigerator for 1 hour before proceeding. Grease two 8”x4” loaf pans.

½ c. warm water 4 ½ c. all-purpose flour 1 ½ t. instant yeast

Divide the dough in two and pat each into a 6”x8” rectangle. From one of the long sides, gently roll each dough half into a cylindrical loaf and place in the prepared pans. Cover and allow to rise until doubled, 1-2 hours.

Egg wash: 1 egg, whisked with 1 T. milk Preheat the oven to 375F. Brush the risen loaves with the egg wash and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Tips: Brioche is a very rich bread, made with lots of butter and eggs. It makes fantastic French toast, and the best grilled cheese you’ll ever have.

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 | NOVEMBER 2016

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life

Cozy Up to Winter:

Six Steps to Prep Your Home for the Season By: Cindy Lynn Sawyer

M

y Michiana winter survival kit includes a floor-length fleece robe, knee-high Dearfoam slippers, an overstuffed chair in front of the fireplace, and a continuous IV drip of hot cocoa. Add a book and a warm chocolate chip cookie dispenser, and I could spend the entire season isolated from the frozen tundra that looms just outside my front door.

I discovered early on, however, that before I slip into my warm and fuzzy, sugar-induced hibernation, I need to take active steps to prepare and protect my home. Especially since the United States Department of Energy reports that a draft in the home could add 5 to 30 percent to heating costs.

The following tips will help keep the cold from sneaking in, as well as guard a home from potential winter-related issues.

Step 1: Windows and Doors • Inspect windows and doors for weather stripping and replace where necessary.

• Install storm windows and storm doors.

• Inspect for drafts around window and door frames, particularly wooden frames that might be decaying. Caulk or replace as necessary.

• For additional insulation for the windows, upgrade to heavier curtains or use a plastic insulation kit.

• Install a door sweep — a small strip of plastic or rubber that attaches to the bottom of your door.

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• Replace missing or damaged shingles.

• Use roofing cement and caulking gun to seal joints where flashing has deteriorated.

• Clean gutters of debris.

• Re-secure any loose or sagging gutters or downspouts.

• Clean gutters of debris.

• Position downspouts at least five feet away from house to prevent water damage due to melting snow.

Step 4: Fireplace • Inspect the firebox for cracked bricks or missing mortar. Hire a professional for any necessary repairs.

Step 3: Attic

• Make sure the damper opens and closes easily.

If not, clean it with a stiff brush, particularly around the edges.

• Seal around drywall cutouts located beneath insulation used for fixtures, pipes, electrical wiring, outlets and other gaps. Use caulking for small openings and expandable foam for larger holes.

• Inspect the flue to ensure that smoke passes freely through the chimney.

• Make sure your attic is well-insulated. If not, consider having new or additional insulation installed. The recommended thickness is at least 12” and could extend up to 20”.

Valuable heat will escape with anything less than 12”.

• Inspect the chimney from the outside, including the flashing, bricks and mortar.

• Hire a professional to sweep the chimney annually.

Step 5: Plumbing • Drain the water from outdoor faucets and garden hoses, and have any in-ground sprinkler pipes blown out.

• Pipes exposed to the cold temperatures in the attic (outside walls, crawl space, etc.) should be covered with inexpensive foam pipe insulation.

• Also purchase foam covers for outdoor spigots.

• Be sure you and everyone else in the family knows the location of the water shut-off, in case of a burst.

• For gas fireplaces, have it cleaned and inspected annually for gas leaks or clogs.

• Purchase a chimney cap to keep critters and rain out of your chimney.

• If you do not use your fireplace, consider a chimney balloon to tightly seal the opening.

Step 6: Furnace • Have furnace and vents inspected.

• Change filter, if necessary. Also check your furnace’s manual to find out how often you should change your filter throughout the heating season.

• To conserve energy, set the thermostat to cooler temperatures at night and when the home is empty.

• Test the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, and replace batteries if necessary.

Whether you hibernate, hold weekly dinner parties or cross-country ski, it helps to know your home is safe, secure and warm.

Battening down the homestead before icy temperatures set in makes winter much more bearable, even cozy. ••• boom | NOVEMBER 2016

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life

Being

By: Pam Gunterman

November is the month when it suddenly dawns on us that the year is moving toward the end. On Thanksgiving Day many of us pause to share a meal, as a family, to celebrate Thanksgiving and to take a breath before we are swept off into the mad rush of the holiday season.

According to Wikipedia (is there anything you can’t find there!), the event that Americans call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in 1621. The celebration lasted three days and was attended by both Native Americans and Pilgrims. The colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating "thanksgivings"—days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought. Setting aside time to give thanks for one's blessings, along with holding feasts to celebrate a harvest, are both practices that long predate the European settlement of North America.

Several years ago, I was taking an English class for which we read an essay

“Let us knit

about American Life and the American Dream. Within the pages of the essay

together the

Want” which depicts a family gathered around the table at Thanksgiving as the

intentions

it. I admit that I was by far the oldest student in the class, but I was shocked to

of our

Many of my fellow classmates had never celebrated Thanksgiving in what I

forefathers and their grateful praise with

was a photo of the well known Norman Rockwell painting “Freedom From mother is setting down the turkey in front of the father who is waiting to carve learn that I was the only person in the class for whom that photo was a reality. always thought of as the traditional manner. This moment was eye-opening for me as it made me realize how much of what I had seen as tradition has been lost for the current generations and it also made me grateful that I was lucky enough to have had those moments with family in that way. While my picturesque Thanksgiving is not what others think of when reminiscing about Thanksgivings past we still, as a nation, take a moment to celebrate each year and give thanks in, if not the “traditional way”, at least in the same spirit as those who celebrated that “first thanksgiving” in the new world.

This Thanksgiving as we gather to celebrate, let us knit together the intentions

the reality

of our forefathers and their grateful praise with the reality of our lives today,

of our lives

among your blessings not only what you have, but who you are and the friends

today.”

you have accomplished, but also the failures of your life which have taught the

by taking stock and reflecting on how truly blest we are. Don’t forget to count and family with whom you have been blessed. Be grateful for not only what lessons that have allowed you to succeed. Every experience, every person you have encountered and every situation that you have lived through has shaped who you are. Take a moment to soak it all in before Black Friday calls and the New Year's ball drops, closing another chapter in our life. ••• boom | NOVEMBER 2016

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life

The Granny Nanny

By: Cindy Lynn Sawyer

Is Babysitting the Grand kids Full-Time Right for You?

Are you the best babysitting option for your grand kids? While becoming a Granny Nanny provides many rewards, it also offers a few challenges.

Determine Your Motive According to USA Today, a September 2012 study conducted by the University of Chicago revealed that the majority of grandparents provided weekly care for their grand kids. They discovered that most retirees long to impact their grandchildren and caring for them full-time gives them ample opportunity.

Babysitting the grand kids also gives seniors a way to help their adult children offset the cost of child care.

Ann Sylvester from Indianapolis, is a new grandmother who is looking forward to watching her new grandson once mom returns to work. She recently retired and has started preparing for her new role. “I told (my boys) before they married I would babysit when they had kids,” Ann recalled. She researched activity options and childcare trends, created a child-friendly environment in her home, and talked in depth with her son and daughter-in-law about expectations.

While Ann prepares for her new adventure, BJo Allen of Lucasville, Ohio, has settled into the Granny Nanny role quite nicely. BJo retired after 35 years of teaching to care for her grand kids 30

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(ages two and five). She considers it a privilege and has initiated the help of her husband. Her decision to be their full-time caregiver is based on the idea that it is what is best for them. “It’s a huge job … and the boys won’t find anyone who loves them any more than (their parents and grandparents),” said BJo. For Debbie Fletcher of Niles, the transition to babysitting just seemed natural. “I was already out of the workforce for three years because I chose to stay home and take care of my (mother-in-law) who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” said Debbie. She began babysitting part time, which easily transitioned into full-time since her home was already kid-friendly.

Be Aware of Trends Keep in mind, too, that with each new generation, there are changes in childcare. The best way to find out about these, of course, is by talking to the parents. “Some things are quite different now,” said Ann. For example, while cribs stuffed with bulky bumper pads and plush animals were normal 25 years ago, they are now considered

a hazard. In addition, parents are now informed that babies should sleep on their backs instead of their stomach.

Car seats also carry expiration dates, so do your research before buying one at a garage sale or consignment shop.

The growing popularity in breastfeeding can create challenges as well.

BJo recalled her concern when her grandson would not take a bottle. “I actually called my daughter-in-law’s sister who came over,” said BJo. She taught BJo to warm the milk a bit more and hold the baby tighter while feeding him, which worked perfectly.

Know the Expectations In most cases, the largest challenge grandparents and parents will face when babysitting is expectations. You need to know your expectations and boundaries. Do you expect to receive compensation for your services? Do you prefer to watch the children at their home or yours? Will you include housekeeping or homework help as part of your babysitting duties?

Also, know what the parents expect.

They may have certain nutritional restrictions, television guidelines or a

chores list for kids. Communication is key.

“When it comes to a difference in opinion, you have to remember you are the grandparent,” said Ann. To make sure the doors of communication are always open, Ann plans to spend a little time once a week with her son and daughter-in-law to make sure everyone is on the same page.

“As far as I know, there have never been any problems,” said BJo, “but I have always told them to let me know if I ever turn into Marie Barone from Everybody Loves Raymond.”

“I had to tell them that I was not their housekeeper,” said Debbie. She found herself vacuuming, doing dishes, helping

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with laundry. Drawing the housekeeping line helped her to concentrate more on the task at hand: nurturing the grand kids.

“Talk things over thoroughly with your grandchildren’s parents,” said Debbie.

“Respect each other’s expectations and boundaries. Never take advantage of each other. Always remember why you are doing what you are doing. As a grandparent, you are given a priceless gift of watching and being able to participate in the lives of these precious little ones. Just remember, you are the grandparents. Keep things grand. If you really don’t feel you are able to do that, I would suggest you explore other options.” •••

“Just remember, you are the grandparents.

Keep things grand.”

HObbies

ROCK-E-E-E-E-E! By: Margo and Jim Bell

1-c: So far seven movies have been

4-f: All of these are true. The three

6-e: All are correct. In (a), Rocky’s shorts

made: Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), and Rocky V (1990), as well as Rocky Balboa (2006) and Creed (2015). The eighth film, Creed II, is scheduled to be released in 2017.

Academy Awards, all for the original Rocky, were for Best Picture, Best Director (John G. Avildsen), and Film Editing. Stallone’s salary jump from the original film to Rocky V was 65,117%. (We couldn’t find what he earned for Creed.) Stallone witnessing the Ali-Wepner fight inspired him to write the Rocky story.

are right-side-in on the next shot. Also, (d) there are no elevated trains in South Philly (a street sign designates the location).

2-b: Only the most recent release, Creed, was written by Ryan Coogler and Aaron Covington rather than Stallone.

3-a: Although Rocky is ItalianAmerican—remember his moniker, The Italian Stallion—Rocky’s surname Balboa/ Valboa (meaning “beautiful valley”) suggests some Spanish ancestry.

5-c:

The 72 steps lead to the east entrance of the museum and is a popular recreation of many visitors to Philadelphia.

(We’ve done it ourselves—whew!) Just northeast of the “Rocky Steps” is a bronze statue of Rocky, arms raised in triumph like he did when he reached the top.

7-a. Creed was Master of Disaster in I and II, King of Sting in III, and Dancing Destroyer and Count of Monte Fisto in IV.

8-b: In the 49th Academy Awards, Gonna Fly Now was nominated for Best Song but lost out to Evergreen, the love song in A Star Is Born. Also nominated later was Eye of the Tiger, performed by the band Survivor in Rocky III.

SOURCES: Wiki, IMDb, more.

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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