Mom to Mom, NWI -- February 2016

February 2016 | Volume 5 | Issue 2

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PUBLISHER/Managing Editor Stephanie Vega Edwards Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com

letter from the editor

5

Sales Team Eva Williams Nichole Odijk DeMario

8 12 16 20 22 24

Contributing Writers Dr. Sandee Clark Nichole Odijk DeMario Mindy Gear Judy Miller Amber Neace Trina Bobrowski Debra Krieg-Lewis Christina Matoski

mom to mom feature mom you should know: bethany spence teen dating violence awareness month vacation getaway: aruba kids eat free date night: popolano’s remembering elizabeth scott

mtm: family health

women & heart disease

ask the doctor

10

heart healthy kids

6

community calendar

18

mom to mom eats

mindy’s menu - love and food

trina’s picks

bently and egg me before you

fun & games

coloring page

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ON THE COVER Mom on the Cover: Bethany Spence Photography By: Amanda Rose Photography

Mom to Mom NWI is a monthly publication by Mom to Mom NWI LLC. All rights reserved. Production without permission is strictly prohibited. All photographs & articles submitted become the sole property of Mom to Mom NWI Magazine. ©2016 Mom to Mom NWI LLC

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Advertising & Submissions Mom to Mom NWI LLC 103 E. Indiana Ave | Suite B Valparaiso IN 46383 Layout Design Mark Halliar designs.by.mark@gmail.com Cover & Table of Contents Photography Amanda Rose Photography Printing Home Mountain Printing 3602 Enterprise Ave. Valparaiso, IN 46383

letter from the editor stephanie vega edwards

2016-one for the books

E

Even though we are just into the New Year, 2016 has proven to be a year for the books. For our family, January started off with a funfilled trip to Disney World! All of us were so excited to escape the cold for a few days and soak in some Florida sun. To our surprise, Florida was having a bit of cooler temps, but I’ll take 63 over below 3 any day!! As our trip was coming to an end, my middle daughter Alex started showing symptoms that most kids on vacation have – she was tired, cranky, and exhausted from all the walking. What I thought were sheer “”vacation tired” symptoms proved different when we arrived to the airport to head home. All she wanted to do was sit – she slept for the two hours while we waited to board. And then I felt her head – she was burning up! I immediately thought, “Mother of the Year!” Here I thought she was just tired from all the fun but she actually had some sort of bug. And then come to think of it, I didn’t feel so well myself.

The next day, Alex, started to feel a bit better but my youngest, Dani, and myself were not. We had high fevers, coughs, and I went back and forth between having the chills and sweating. As the day progressed, I realized that I wasn’t immune to getting sick and this mom was going to need a sick day – or two or three. Since it was a Sunday, I was able to go to bed while my husband held down the fort. I slept off and on the entire day and thought for sure I’d feel better in the morning. That wasn’t the case. Every single bone in my body was sore, I had a high fever, and I felt like I sprained a rib from all the non-stop coughing. I immediately knew this wasn’t a cold – it was the flu – like Influenza A, the thing I had no time to protect myself against! Now I was paying the ultimate price by literally not being able to move. I was disoriented, dizzy, and completely worthless. And the worst part – so was my baby Dani, and for her things just got work. She got so dehydrated we had to take her to the ER so she could get IV fluids. Fortunately the IV fluids, medicine and sleep did the trick and that night my baby girl was on the way to recovery.

Now everyone is happy and healthy and my hope is that it stays this way for the remainder of 2016 for my family and yours.

Take Care,

Stephanie

mtm: ask the doc dr. sandee clark

A

heart healthy kids

Are your kids starting on the path to heart disease? Research is sug-

Best Nutritional Supplements for Children

gesting so. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at

If children eat a healthy, balanced diet, they should not generally

9,000 overweight or obese children (ages 3-19) for heart disease risk

require nutritional supplements. However, very few children actually

factors which included high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.

eat a wide enough variety of foods to get the all the nutrients their

Although heart disease is relatively uncommon among children, an

growing bodies need. Here is a list of important supplements for your

increase in child obesity has caused levels to be higher than ever be-

children.

fore. Children who are considered obese had higher blood pressure, worse cholesterol profiles and higher blood sugar levels than their

Multivitamins

normal weight counterparts which suggests the more overweight a

The top nutritional supplement to give your child is a quality multivita-

child is, the higher the risk of developing heart disease later in life.

min. Multivitamins for kids are specially formulated to contain just the

The American Heart Association has identified seven key factors that

vitamins and minerals your child needs, and in the right amounts. A

are important in maintaining a healthy heart.

good multivitamin should contain at minimum the following:

These Factors Include:

Calcium

• Following a healthy diet

A low intake of calcium early in life can lead to osteoporosis when

• Practicing physical activity on a regular basis

your child gets older. Calcium is crucial for a child’s proper bone

• Maintaining a healthy weight

development.

• Not smoking • Keeping levels of glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol normal.

Vitamin D Many children (and adults) are deficient in vitamin D. The fact that we

Remember, habits can change but they get harder the older we get.

spend a lot more time indoors than we used to and that we use sun-

Instilling good habits now can make a huge difference. It is important

screens more frequently when we do go outside means that we don’t

to teach children the importance of a balanced nutritious diet with

get enough exposure to sunlight for our bodies to create vitamin D nat-

regular physical activity. The best way to have children understand is

urally. In some parts of the world far from the equator, this is actually a

to lead by example. If you think your habits could use some improve-

seasonal problem—no matter how much time people spend outdoors,

ment, doing it for your children is a pretty good motivator.

there simply aren’t enough hours of sunlight during short winter days for anyone to produce enough vitamin D on their own. Vitamin D is important not only for strong teeth and bones (it aids in the absorption of calcium), but it’s crucial to the health of the immune system as well.

Iron In order to help children develop healthy red blood cells and prevent anemia, healthcare professionals often suggest that they take an iron supplement. Iron is also important for muscle building and is particularly necessary during stages of rapid growth.

mom to mom nwi | january 2016 | page 6

Vitamin C

Always consult with your child’s physician before giving your child

This vitamin supports a healthy immune system, strengthens muscles

any type of supplements. While they are generally safe, some vitamins

and connective tissue and speeds the healing of wounds. It also aids

and minerals can be toxic when taken in large amounts (particularly

iron absorption.

the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K). When it comes to safety, it’s best to think about supplements in the same way that you think about

B-vitamins

medicines:

Necessary for the development of healthy blood cells, B-vitamins are also important to maintaining a healthy metabolism.

• Make sure you buy them from a knowledgeable, reputable source.

Omega-3 fish oil

• Know exactly what’s in them.

Studies have shown that children who take fish oil supplements are calmer, concentrate better, and are more productive in school. Ome-

• Keep them out of the reach of children.

ga-3 fatty acids support and protect the brain and nervous system and help keep emotions stable.

• You might also want to consider buying chewable tablets, since some children have difficulty swallowing pills. - mtm

Probiotics Studies are increasingly showing the importance of healthy gut flora to overall health and emotional wellbeing. The common use of antibiotics has reduced the population of healthy microbes, which leads to digestive problems and reduced immunity to disease.

nwi

mtm: feature stephanie edwards

mom you should know:

T

bethany spence

Thirty-nine year-old Bethany Spence of Valparaiso is a wife, mother

to fix my own valve,” she says excitedly. “There was no need for

of two, and a school nurse. On the outside, you see a vibrant,

replacement. This means my own valve is working better than it has

beautiful woman full of life – but on the inside you wouldn’t know

ever worked. A promise well kept.”

this is a woman recovering from open heart surgery.

Five days post-operative, Spence had an echocardiogram and it

It all started when she was 7 years old. Her pediatrician heard a

revealed NO leak on her aortic valve – this was amazing to hear!

heart murmur, and sent her to a cardiologist. That’s when she was

With such good news, Spence could focus on her recovery – some-

diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve. “I never have let this valve

thing that wasn’t going to be easy. Luckily for her, she had an

hold me back,” Spence says. “I have had check-ups annually. I

amazing support system. She had friends and co-workers who

have also had multiple echocardiograms, stress tests and MRIs. I

prepared and delivered meals to her family for weeks after surgery.

have lived a very normal life.”

She had her mom stay with her to help care for the kids and to help

Spence, who was born and raised in Erie, PA, attended and grad-

care for her. And then she had her husband Tim who was there for

uated from the University of Pittsburgh Nursing School. She was

her at every turn. “He was always there for me and still is,” she

drawn toward the cardiology specialty and worked with heart pa-

recalls. “He was concerned when my heart rate was low and I felt

tients at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for 10 years.

lightheaded. He sat next to me in the middle of the night when I

“I felt a common bond with my patients but never saw myself as a

was sick from the side effects of the medication. He walked with me

heart patient,” she says.

daily as part of my rehabilitation. I am blessed.”

Up until January 2015 she was very healthy – perhaps the best

It has now been about three months since the surgery and Spence

shape of her life. She was following a vigorous exercise program

says she feels amazing and didn’t realize how badly she was feel-

and eating very healthy. But then something happened. She started

ing until now. “That chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath

to feel mild symptoms like chest pain at rest. She would also feel

had become such a part of my daily life I forgot what life was like

short of breath when doing simple tasks. She would even feel dizzy with the simplest of things. It wasn’t until the day she “blacked out” during exercise that she realized these symptoms might be a result of something serious. “I made an appointment with my cardiologist. He did a stress test, which I passed without any difficulty. But when the results of my latest echocardiogram showed ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the chambers of your heart) I knew it was very serious,” she explains. “My doctor recommended I see a surgeon. I remembering crying. The surgeon said it was time for surgery. I needed a valve replacement. At age 39 I was no longer just the nurse. I was the heart patient.”

The day prior to surgery, Spence recalls family and friends calling to offer their prayers and support. She remembers kissing her kids good night as always but snuggled a little longer that night. “I knew I did not want my children there at the hospital during my time there. This was the first time I would be away from them for this long, but I had no doubt my surgery would be a success and I would see them soon,” Spence says. “My mother had told me that when I was 7 and diagnosed with this heart condition God made her a promise. He promised he would take care of me. I knew I was in good hands.”

And she was in good hands. When Spence awoke from surgery, her mother, father and husband were sitting by her side – and they had the best news she had ever received. “The doctor was able

mtm: family health christina matoski

women & heart disease Heart disease is the number one killer of women - it kills more women than all forms of cancer combined, and it kills more women than men. A woman dies of a heart attack every 8 minutes.

These are alarming statistics. So what do we need to know? For starters, our lifestyle plays a huge role in developing heart disease - smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity and stress puts us at a further risk for having a heart attack. Other risk factors include: family history, being post-menopausal, varicose veins, diabetes and having a low functioning thyroid.

How can we prevent heart disease?

We need to stay on top of our health! Routine checkups to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are just a few ways to do this. We also need to get out and exercise. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), exercising 30 minutes a day, five days a week will improve your heart health and help reduce your risk of heart disease. You can even break it up into quick and manageable 10-minute sessions, three times a day. without it,” she says. “Now that my heart is fully functioning I have energy. I don’t need to stop what I am doing because my bra feels too tight causing me shortness of breath. Now I know it was not my bra at all, it was a result of a leaking valve.”

Spence says the energy she has makes the day to day a lot easier. In fact, she often has to remind herself that she had surgery three months ago because she honestly forgets that it happened.

“It seems so surreal but then one look at my scars and I am reminded,” she says. “But honestly, I am proud of those scars. I believe I approached surgery with a positive attitude and desire to move on with my life. God only gives you what you can handle.”

Spence is determined to get back to normal, better than normal in fact. She says this heart “thing” will not hold her back. “I am a heart patient but it’s not a crutch, it’s a blessing.”

Spence will continue to follow up with her cardiologist every 6 months. She will always need to have echocardiogram to assess the functioning of her heart valves. She may someday need to have it fixed again or possibly replaced. But until that day, she will live life to the fullest, loving her family and enjoying time with friends. “I enjoy being a nurse. I know now what it is like to be on that other side. And I know what it is like to have great nurses and doctors caring for you,” she says. “I hope people feel compassion from me when I am their nurse.”

And what advice does Spence have for women who question their health? It’s simple - listen to your body and listen to your doctors. “You only get one chance on this earth, make it great.

Life is a blessing.” - mtm

A healthy diet can also prevent heart disease. Pay attention to portion size. Incorporate vegetables and fruits in your diet. Vegetables and fruits are also low in calories and rich in dietary fiber.

Vegetables and fruits contain substances found in plants that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Whole grains are good sources of fiber and can help regulate blood pressure and heart health. Another diet change is to limit unhealthy fats, trans-fat and saturated fat. My recommendation is to eat organic grassfed meat, increase the amount of salmon in our diet and AVOID fast foods, fried foods, artificial and processed food.

Learn to manage your stress, yoga, exercise, cognitive behavioral exercises (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation) and perhaps counseling. A decline in the natural hormone estrogen may be a factor in heart disease increase among post-menopausal women. Estrogen may have a positive effect on the vascular system. Lastly, if indicated by your health care provider, adding a daily baby aspirin after age 60 can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Let’s work together, support each other and live happy healthy lives. - mtm

mtm: feature nichole odijk demario

I

teen dating violence awareness month

In September 2011, 19-year-old Amanda Bach of Portage was shot to death by her on again, off again boyfriend Dustin McCowan (then 18). On the night of September 15, Bach drove her car to McCowan’s Union Township home.

What led to an altercation between the two is fuzzy; ultimately Bach was forced to railroad tracks near McCowan’s home where she was shot in the throat, the scene was staged to look like she had been assaulted and her car was abandoned at a nearby gas station. When she didn’t come home by her 1 a.m. curfew her parents called the police.

As the horrific details unfolded, what became clear to officials and her family was that Bach and McCowan’s relationship had been tumultuous and abusive for some time.

Nevertheless, given the facts, no one could have predicted that September evening. Two years later McCowan was sentenced to 60 years in prison.

In the wake of her death, several Porter County community organizations gathered together to shed light on the issue of dating violence and seek hope in the midst of tragedy. The Amanda Forum, composed of both an adult task force and a youth task force, formed in 2013 and is hosted by The Caring Place in Valparaiso. Their mission: to raise awareness of youth dating violence through discussion, education and mentoring with a focus on developing the protective factors of pro-social relationship skills and resilience for both male and female teens.

that break ups are a normal part of healthy

The Caring Place Youth Outreach Co-

social-emotional development. It’s how we

ordinator and Amanda Forum Director

learn what a happy relationship should

Denise Koebcke says she has dedicat-

be.”

ed her life to educating and empower-

According to Break the Cycle statistics, a

ing youth.

leading national nonprofit organization

“My heart broke for the Bach Family.

Being a part of the Amanda Forum has been very rewarding and inspiring for me,” Koebcke says. “So much of what society promotes is unhealthy. We need to empower our children to choose relationships more wisely. They feel like they’re not important if they’re not with someone so they tend to cling to unhealthy relationships. They need to learn

providing comprehensive dating abuse programs to young people and adult allies, nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. One in three girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that exceeds rates of

mom to mom nwi | february 2016 | page 12

other types of youth violence. Less than 35 percent of teens

can do to prevent

who were in abusive relationships told anyone about the

this from happening

abuse.

again,”

Since the Amanda Forum’s inception, they have been trying

says.

to separate fact from fiction through various workshops and

Break the Cycle in-

events, discussion forums, “Art with a Message” campaigns

dicates

teens

and

and public service announcements. Earlier this year, they

young

adults

can

began working on their latest PSA with the national theme,

experience the same

“No More…” featuring local law enforcement officers.

types of abuse in re-

Koebcke says, “The PSA’s goal is two-fold. It takes a village.

lationships as adults

We want to build a bridge between youth in this community,

including:

adults and law enforcement and create awareness. These

abuse described as

things can happen anywhere.”

any intentional use of physical force with the intent to cause

Porter County Chief Deputy Jeff Biggs was a lead investiga-

fear or injury, like hitting, shoving, biting, strangling, kicking

tor and direct liaison to the Bach Family during the case. He

or using a weapon; verbal or emotional abuse described as

now serves on the youth dating violence prevention adult

non-physical behaviors such as threats, insults, constant mon-

Reynolds

physical

task force.

“These are nice, common people. It hit home because if something bad could happen to them, it made you realize it could happen to anyone. Had Amanda known the red flags*, maybe it

itoring,

“...They need to learn that break ups are a normal part of healthy social-emotional development. It’s how we learn what a happy relationship should be.”

could have turned out differently

humiliation,

intimida-

tion, isolation or stalking; sexual abuse described as any action that impacts a person’s ability to control their sexual activity or the circumstances in which sexual activity occurs, including rape, coercion or restricting ac-

for her.”

cess to birth control and/or digital abuse described as use

Biggs, along with at least a dozen other officers, volun-

of technologies and/or social media networking to intimi-

teered to be a part of the newest PSA.

date, harass or threaten a current or ex-dating partner. This

Porter County Sheriff David Reynolds’ message in the PSA –

could include demanding passwords, checking cell phones,

no means no. He says all too often in his years in law enforce-

cyber bullying, sexting, excessive or threatening texts or

ment he has heard stereotypical excuses from the victim and

stalking on Facebook or other social media.

victimizer that still haunt him to this day. He says he didn’t give

Koebcke recommends parents who suspect their child may

a second

be a victim or victimizer to understand that today’s climate

thought to

for teen relationships are complicated and parents must pay

agreeing

attention to red flags. She further suggests keeping a close

to

being

family bond in a non-judgmental environment. She says if

a part of

you feel the situation is getting increasingly dangerous to

the Aman-

seek professional help.

da Forum

“Get them to a counselor and continue to keep them in-

PSA proj-

volved with you and those they love. Get them involved in

ect.

a higher purpose. We need to address how our kids are

“This one

is

treating other people and how to have pro social skills. Talk

of

about what healthy relationships look like. Connectedness,

most

a higher purpose, an authoritative school and family – those

powerful

protective factors can keep them from becoming aggressive

things we

or victimized,” Koebcke says.

the

Break the Cycle lists explanations and corrections to many common misunderstandings about abuse: the abuse is never the victim’s fault, telling someone to “just leave” the relationship is not the answer, take relationships among youth seriously, dating violence happens in every type of relationship in every community, dating violence isn’t just physical, do not advise teens to fight back and there’s never a point where you should “cut off” a friend who is being abused.

Bach’s mother Sandra has been a part of the Amanda Forum since day one.

“It’s unbelievable the support the community has put behind this. It makes me proud to know we’ve come so far in such a short time.”

She says she loves talking about her daughter in an effort to keep her memory alive.

“She was beautiful inside and out, very caring. Not many people would get that impression of her right away. She was your typical teenage girl with the clothes, hair and makeup.

She was a very caring soul. People told me Amanda was a friend to them when no one else would be, sometimes even counseling them through hard times,” Sandra Bach details through tears and a smile.

The Amanda Forum is actively seeking young adults ages 14 to 21 for its task force. To learn more visit facebook. com/theamandaforum or contact dkoebcke@outlook.com or sjackovichAF@outlook.com. Follow them on Twitter @ DaretoDateSafe.

If you or someone you know is need of assistance the Amanda Forum recommends youth dial 911 for all emergencies or reach out to: 24-Hour Crisis Line (18 and older) 219.464.2128 - mtm

Non-emergency resources: loveisrespect.org | Call 1.866.331.9474 | Text LOVEIS to 22522

Relationship Red Flags from the Amanda Forum He or she… Talks badly about your family and/or friends Lies to you or about you Brings out the worst in you Loves you one minute/hates you the next Disrespects your personal space Tries to control you Is not liked by those who love you

Show your support “Wear Orange” for love on February 10 in honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and promote respect and healthy relationships. Break the Cycle suggests wearing orange shirts, nail polish, hats, scarves, face paint, ribbons, hair ties/bows, jewelry, shoes, rubber bands in their braces or anything else you can think of to show support.

mtm: feature nichole odijk demario

Vacation Getaway:

Aruba nwi

T

The world is your oyster and with a passport in hand it’s awaiting

short walk from the entrance of our resort was a vast array of shops

your exploration. Whether you’re seeking a unique family vacation

and restaurants sure to fulfill our touristy checklist including being pho-

destination or a romantic getaway the Caribbean island of Aruba

tographed with the coveted I “love” Aruba sign.

delivers in every way.

Our resort included non-motorized water sports at no additional cost.

Nestled in the southern Caribbean Sea, and approximately 15 miles

Chatting with guests who had been there a few days, we were edu-

from the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is exempt from rainy seasons. Its

cated on the best snorkeling spots. On one particular day we made

average temperature sits above 80 degrees daily. Aruba lives up to its

our way about a hundred yards down the shoreline and waded into

catchphrase, “One Happy Island.”

the waist deep water about thirty yards toward a reef. There we were

After traveling to Jamaica, Barbados and Mexico, I was actively re-

constantly surrounded by a variety of fish in a rainbow of colors.

searching where I might go next. My husband and I have had such

Each day taking in the sites, soaking up the endless sunshine and

wonderful experiences staying within the following criteria: adults-only

genuinely relaxing was worthwhile. One of the most standout expe-

or couples-only, all-inclusive and a boutique approach with no more

riences of the trip was a paid excursion that offered a tour of all the

than 450 rooms eliminating the overwhelming feelings of a mega

island sites I had hoped to see via a UTV (utility task vehicle) also

resort.

known as a side by side, four-wheel drive off-road vehicle. We were

We love to explore nearly every inch of where we stay. We like to get

given a guided, nearly private tour with one other couple in our own

to know resort staff and we like them to get to know us. This is made

UTV that made stops at the island’s oldest church Alto Vista Chapel,

possible at smaller resorts. The newly opened Riu Palace Antillas was

Natural Bridge, Gold Mill Ruins and the Natural Pool in the Arikok

no exception. The Antillas location and family-friendly, sister resort Riu

National Park.

Palace Aruba is situated on Palm Beach which boasts velvety white

This type of tour would be incredible for older children and adults

sand beaches and turquoise waters. We were welcome to utilize the

alike. This is just one of many, many options of activities and tours

amenities of both resorts. The family-oriented resort, which was refur-

available on the island. For those looking to stay near their resort, both

bished in the spring of 2015, allows its adult guests to venture over to

Rius have a full itinerary of poolside games and nightly themed shows

Antillas to enjoy some of its restaurants, bars and pool spaces.

that are top notch.

I’m frugal by nature so the idea of paying for my vacation in full has

What makes Aruba unique is its various rock and desert-like landscape

mass appeal to me. I love knowing unless I opt to tip (many all-inclusive

smattered among the traditional Caribbean landscape of palms and

resorts do not allow tipping), want souvenirs or schedule excursions

sand. For those with a desire to see breathtaking, natural landscape

I’m set. We had a multitude of meal options, unlimited drinks, fabulous

Aruba has plenty to offer. The island is small so off-resort entertainment

accommodations, entertainment, multiple pools and more 24/7.

is limited. The right resort can remedy that need.

What made Aruba our final choice wasn’t only the allure of trying a

We left Aruba with what you hope for at the end of every vacation – a

new resort, but also having the ability to leave the resort if desired

bittersweet feeling of not wanting to leave, but ready to be home in

unaccompanied by a tour. While safety precautions are necessary

our own bed. We have had the privilege of seeing more of the world

whenever traveling anywhere in the world, venturing off of the resort

than most, but not as much as some. As we continue to hopefully travel

in Aruba is much safer than most. On a daily basis we walked miles

the world, Aruba is a place we would without a doubt revisit again;

down the beach in one direction or another taking in the differing

another sign we made the right destination choice. - mtm

resorts, rentals, foliage, wildlife, rock formations and the life. Just a

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1 Taking Care of Baby Community Medical Professional Center Munster, IN | 6pm

Football Super Raffle Party @ St. Patrick Hall St. Michael Parish 3:00pm

National Clean Out Your Computer Day

14

Valentine’s Day

2 Hoosiers Game Watch Party w/ John Laskowski and Ted Kitchel Bridges Scoreboard 5:00pm-11:00pm

8

7

21

National Pizza Day

Give Kids a Smile NorthShore Dental Locations | 8:00am

16

17

23

National D Wine D

24

National Tortilla Day

28

South Count Your Neigh Valentine Dinne 6:00pm

Master Gardeners Brown Bag Series Michigan City Library 12:00pm-1:00pm

Bride Blu Bridal Show Blue Chip Casino 12:00pm-3:00pm

National T a Mailman

10 National Umbrella

National Do a Grouch a Favor Day 22

3

9

15

President’s Day

Thursda

Daniel Tig Neighborhoo Star Plaza Th 7:00pm

29

Leap Day

February Commu

mom to mom nwi | february 2016 | page 18

ay

Friday 4

Thank n Day

11

Saturday 5

Opening Reception: Abstruse Daydreaming & Placebo @ Lubeznik Center for the Arts 5:00pm-8:00pm

The Wizard of Oz Character Breakfast Memorial Opera House 10:00am-12:00pm

12

13 The TOMFOOLERY Show; Love is in the Air Langel’s Pizza Highland | 8pm

ty Love hbor er Theater m

18

6

19

20

219 Day Party Hammond Civic Center 5:00pm-10:00pm

2016 NWI Comic-Con Halls of St George 11:00am-7:00pm

Drink Day 25

ger’s od Live Theatre m

26

27 The Price is Right Live Star Plaza Theatre 8:00pm

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day

S

Smile! February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA) to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. What is the secret to a healthy smile? Taking good care of your teeth, and as parents and grandparents, it’s our job to educate our children and help them develop good health habits at an early. Below are ways kids can keep their teeth healthy.

Kids can take charge of their teeth by taking these steps:

1. Brush at least twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime.

2. Brush all of your teeth, not just the front ones.

3. Spend at least 2 or 3 minutes each time you brush. (Let the kids pick their favorite song to listen to so it will help pass the time.)

4. Use only toothbrushes with soft bristles.

5. Ask your dentist if an antibacterial mouth rinse is right for you.

6. Learn how to floss your teeth.

7. Brush your tongue to help keep your breath fresh.

nwi

unity Calendar

8. Visit the dentist twice a year.

9. Besides brushing and flossing, you need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Avoid sugar and eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink water instead of soda.

10. And don’t forget to smile.

Keep smiling and keep warm! - mtm

Kids Eat Free!

The following restaurants have a Kid’s Night – where the kids eat free or at a discounted rate!

Joe’s Crab Shack

Steak ‘n Shake

Kids eat FREE - Mondays

Kids eat FREE - Saturday & Sunday

Three kids per adult entrée

for every $9 purchased at the

Amarillo Roadhouse

Portage and Valparaiso locations

Kids eat FREE - Tuesdays

Buffalo Wild Wings

with every adult entrée purchased

Half-Price Kids Meals - Sundays & Wednesdays

Texas Corral

Crown Point, Hobart and Valparaiso location. Dine-in only.

Kids eat for 99¢ - Tuesday

Denny’s

with each paid adult meal

Kids eat FREE - Tuesdays & Saturdays

Bob Evans Kids eat FREE - Tuesdays

4pm to 10pm with an adult entrée purchased ($4 minimum purchase). Two kids per adult entrée.

4pm to 7pm with every adult meal purchased

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Valparaiso & Chesterton locations

Kids 12 and under eat FREE - Sunday

Chili’s

Portage & Valparaiso locations One free kids’ meal for very adult meal purchased.

Kids eat FREE on Tuesdays Merrillville & Valparaiso Two kids per adult entrée

Pizza Hut Kids eat FREE - Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée 4pm to 8pm - Chesterton location only

Fazoli’s Get 2 kids’ meals for 99¢ each - Tuesdays with the purchase of one adult entrée kids 12 and under from 5pm to 8pm

Old Country Buffet Kids 11 and under eat for $1.99 - Thursdays with the purchase of an adult buffet.

Do you know of any other restaurants that offer FREE or nearly FREE meals? Email us at Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com and we will add them to our list!!

nwi

mtm: feature debra krieg-lewis

nwi

T

date night: popolano’s

This month’s dining venture took me and my husband to an ador-

Well, you get to pick three of the following: chicken crespelle (Ital-

able Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Chesterton. Popo-

ian version of crepe), chicken parmesan, lasagna, eggplant strata

lano’s, located at 225 S. Calumet Rd, is set in a cute Victorian

or fettuccine alfredo. He chose the first three along with a salad.

style house. The outdoor atmosphere is charming and the inside

I truthfully would have been happy with just the amazing chicken

is decorated with Italian villa flair. The room we were seated in

and dumpling soup and fresh, warm bread that arrived while we

made me feel like we were sitting outside in Italy at a quaint little

awaited our entrees - it was SO good! But of course, when our

café - I loved it! We did make reservations this time for 6:00 pm,

main dishes arrived we were ready to dig into those too! The

but for a Saturday evening I’m not sure they were needed!

amount of seafood that came with mine was impressive - it even

With some romantic music in the background we looked over the

had three little squids complete with tentacles I couldn’t bring

Specials Menu which consisted of two specialty cocktails, 1 appe-

myself to try! And then there was my husband’s dish – that thing

tizer, 3 entrees and 2 desserts! We picked out the zucchini chips

was basically three meals in one! After enjoying those, ordering

as our appetizer from the Specials Menu and I went out of my

dessert was out of the question this time because we were both

“Moscato comfort zone” and ordered the Popolano’s punch (bour-

stuffed!

bon, peach schnapps, melon liqueur and cranberry juice) - fun!

I would definitely put Popolano’s on your date night list for both

The hubby chose his usual, Tito’s vodka and tonic. The drink menu

the ambiance and the yummy food! We were well taken care of,

was surprisingly vast with many choices including wine, sangria,

quite full and overall pleased with our experience! The menu had

beer & lots of martinis. If I was a martini lover I would have been

a wide selection of soups, starters, salads, pasta, entrees, sand-

in heaven!

wiches and pizza! I want to return again when the weather is a

Our appetizer arrived quickly and it was delicious (because any-

bit nicer to enjoy the outside eating area and possibly try the pizza

thing fried is…right?). We devoured the zucchini chips and de-

out with our kids! Cheers! - mtm

cided on our entrees. I love seafood so I ordered the Zuppa di Pesce; angel hair pasta w/baby clams, shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari and Atlantic cod all in a light seafood tomato broth. I got to choose a soup or salad with mine so I chose the chicken and dumpling soup. My husband was pretty hungry so he chose the Italian Bus Tour. You’re probably wondering what the heck that is?

225 South Calumet Rd Chesterton, IN 46304 219.926.5552

Debra is originally from the Chicago area and has been in Valparaiso for a little over two years. She is a mom and step-mom, and loves to plan activities with her family and friends. A former elementary school teacher, Debra now enjoys decorating and crafting. mom to mom nwi | february 2016 | page 22

mtm: feature stephanie edwards

B

remembering elizabeth scott

By now, most of our readers have heard about the tragic passing of Elizabeth Scott of Porter, Ind. Scott was struck by an out of control vehicle while she was running on County Road 1200 North in Jackson Township, a road she’s ran on many times before. Scott was an avid runner – participating in everything from 5 and 10K’s to half marathons. Friends say she was in training for a marathon and was hoping to qualify for Boston. Scott loved running so much - she was even the coach of Discovery Charter School’s Cross Country team.

Stacy Witt, 2nd grade teacher at Henry S Evans Elementary in Lake Station, Ind. met Scott about five years ago when Scott was an aide at her school. “Liz was one of the most kind and helpful people I’ve ever met. She was always there for not only our students, but our staff as well,” Witt said. “We could always count on her to help put a smile on our faces. She will be greatly missed.”

and families with their first school experience. She was a dear and

In October 2012, Scott started teaching at the Field Station Coop-

trusted friend to her co-workers and bonded with nearly everyone

erative Preschool in Chesterton, Ind. She taught two days a week

who knew her. She has left a huge hole in many, many lives and

for 3- and 4-year-olds and currently had 36 students in her class.

will be terribly missed.”

Laurie Metz, Field Station Director remembers Scott fondly. “Liz

And her co-workers repeated those sentiments. “Liz was a fun, en-

Scott was a wonderful teacher and friend to all. Always smiling

ergetic person who always wanted the best for the preschoolers,”

and happy, she had a drive and energy that affected everyone

Field Station colleagues released in a statement. “She loved the

around her,” Metz said. “Liz was devoted to her husband Randy

children and formed strong bonds with many of the families. She

and 10-year old twins Paul and Phil. They were a tight-knit, active

would do anything to help others and will truly be missed. We

family that enjoyed doing everything together. Liz was a preschool

feel fortunate to have been a part of her life.” Many Field Station

teacher for the youngest students at the Field Station Cooperative

families took to social media to share their feelings on Scott and

where she touched many young hearts and helped the students

give their condolences: “Her sunny disposition and wonderful talent will be greatly missed.”

“Our hearts are broken. She was an amazing person, mom, friend and teacher. I feel so lucky three of my boys got to know and love her.... She was an amazing influence in the eyes of so many children.”

The Extra Mile is facilitating a free fun run/walk in memory of Scott. The run will be a three-mile route through Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve – a place Scott liked to run and where she co-directed the Field Station 5K Frenzy in 2015. - mtm

Liz Scott Memorial Run/Walk

Saturday, February 6th | 9am Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve 2401 Village Point | Chesterton IN 46304

mom to mom subscriptions!

Hey Readers, We are SO excited to announce in 2016 we will begin selling subscriptions of our magazine! For just $1 an issue, you can get Mom to Mom, NWI delivered to your home. The first 200 subscribers will be featured in a special “thank you” we will run in 2016. To subscribe, send an email or fill out the form below saying SIGN ME UP with the subject SUBSCRIBE 2016 to Stephanie@momtomomnwi. com. We look forward to hearing from you!!

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ask about our advertising specials Do you “like” us on Facebook? Join the over 3,000 who already have and tell us what you think!

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“Love this magazine and page!!! Love looking forward it every month. Great articles about what’s new around the area, tips for moms and others!!”—Elyse K.

nwi

“This magazine had been phenomenal about spreading awareness of disabilities and providing it’s readers with advice and information. Hats off to the wonderful staff!!” – Joy A.

mindy’s menu mindy gear

nwi

love & food

E

Ever find yourself with extra time on your hands? Although it is very

cious chocolate dessert to go with your ravioli? You will be very happy

rare, I recently found myself with a free afternoon. It was a freezing

with this basic chocolate cake. I used heart shaped cookie cutters to

cold, but sunny day and I spent it in the kitchen. Making homemade

cut out cake shapes then filled them with a whipped cream and dipped

pasta has always been one of my favorite things. Since this month we

them in ganache. They were amazing and according to my family,

will celebrate Valentine’s Day, I did heart-shaped ravioli. When I first

“better than those store bought snack cakes.” High praise consider-

made ravioli, I was anticipating a challenge. It is truly much easier

ing they love their boxed snack cakes. Finally, check out this month’s

than you think. I did purchase a small table-top, hand-crank pasta

crockpot recipe. It is a crockpot pork shoulder that will make delicious

machine (Bed, Bath and Beyond, Amazon, sometimes even Marshalls/

Cubano sandwiches or pork tacos. Happy Cooking! - mtm

TJ Maxx). It was very inexpensive and I use it often. How about a deli-

Heart Shaped Ravioli Pasta Ingredients

PASTA Directions

3 cups all-purpose flour

Place flour and salt in food processor and pulse a few times to mix. (You can also use a mixer with dough

1 tsp salt

hook or mound flour on counter with a well in center and add eggs). Add eggs, one at a time and pulse in

4 eggs

between each addition. Once eggs are added and mixed, slowly drizzle olive oil while food processor is running. Dough should form ball. Sprinkle counter with flour and knead dough a few times. Divide dough

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

into two and wrap tightly in plastic. Let rest for 30 minutes.

Filling Ingredients

Cooking Directions

1 cup ricotta cheese

Once pasta has rested, roll out into thin sheet (think no thicker than a nickel). If using a pasta machine. Roll

1 egg

2-3 times at widest setting. Reduce the setting and roll another 2-3 times. Continue until you are at the thinnest

¼ cup cream cheese or mascarpone

setting. Lay flat and cut with circle, or shaped cookie cutter. Whisk one egg and brush pasta. Place 1-2 tsp

¼ cup parmesan

gently press, starting at center to remove bubbles. Make sure filling stays in center. The brushed on egg will

½ cup mozzarella

help seal the pasta. Cook pasta in boiling water 10-15 minutes. Cover with favorite sauce and enjoy. If you

filling (depending on size of pasta shape) in the center of dough. Place second piece of pasta on top and

aren’t using the pasta right away, sprinkle with cornmeal to avoid sticking. Lay a single layer on pan and

Seasoning to taste

freeze. Once frozen, place in freezer-safe bag or container and keep frozen until ready to use.

(garlic, oregano, salt, pepper)

Filling Directions

Mix ingredients together.

Set aside.

Crockpot Pork Ingredients

Directions

3lb. Pork Shoulder

3 tsp cumin

Place chicken stock, lime juice and vinegar

½ cup chicken stock

2 tsp salt

in crockpot. In small bowl, combine olive oil,

Juice of 1 lime

1 tsp oregano

garlic, cumin, salt, both peppers and mus-

2 Tbsp apple cider

½ tsp cayenne pepper

tard. Mix together and rub on pork. Place

vinegar

½ tsp pepper

in crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

2 Tbsp olive oil

½ tsp ground mustard

Turning once, if you are home. Remove from

4 cloves minced garlic

crockpot and shred. To make Cubano style sandwich: Using crusty roll…spread Dijon mustard on bottom, shredded pork, thick slice swiss cheese, slice of ham and slices of dill pickle. Place lid on sandwich and grill. If you don’t have a panini press, place in pan and then use a heavy pan on top to press.

Chocolate Snack cakes This cake is delicious. If you do not want to cut into shapes, you can

into cupcakes. The filling is an amazing whipped cream. It will go

bake in two smaller cake pans (8” or 9”) to make layer cake or bake

great in between the layers of a cake or filling in the cupcakes.

Cake Ingredients 2 ounces chocolate, chopped (I used semi-sweet)

1 cup hot, brewed coffee 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 cups sugar 1 ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 2 eggs, room temperature ½ cup vegetable oil 1 cup buttermilk 1 tsp vanilla

Cake DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 325°. Grease 2- 9” round

FILLING Ingredients 5 Tbsp all-purpose flour

or 1- 9”x13” pan (or line with parchment pa-

1 cup milk (I used 2%)

per). Place chopped chocolate in small bowl

1 tsp vanilla

Ganache Ingredients: 8 ounces chocolate, chopped

and pour brewed coffee over the chocolate.

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup whipping cream

Whisk until smooth. Set aside to cool. In a

1 cup granulated sugar

2 Tbsp light corn syrup

large bowl, sift dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder

amount of filling into each cupcake. Replace small piece of cake core to seal.

2 tsp vanilla

and salt. Set aside.

FILLING DIRECTIONS Place flour and milk in small saucepan.

In yet another large bowl, beat eggs with

Whisk until flour is dissolved. Turn heat on

Ganache DIRECTIONS Place chopped chocolate in bowl. Place

mixer until pale. Pour in oil, buttermilk, va-

medium low. Continue to whisk constantly

whipping cream and corn syrup in micro-

nilla and chocolate-coffee mixture. Continue

until mixture thickens. Turn off heat and add

wave safe bowl. Microwave until warm (1-2

beating until well-combined. Add in dry in-

1 tsp vanilla. Set aside to cool completely,

minutes, then check). Add vanilla and pour

gredients and mix until evenly combined…

whisking occasionally. In a separate bowl,

over chocolate. Whisk until chocolate melt-

being careful not to over mix batter. Divide

beat butter to loosen and add 1 cup sugar.

ed and smooth. Dip the cored side of cake

batter between pans (or spread evenly if us-

Beat until light and fluffy about 8 minutes.

into ganache and set on wire rack to hard-

ing one larger pan). Bake about 30 minutes

Once the milk mixture is cool, beat into

en. Store leftovers in refrigerator.Use white

or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake

butter/sugar mixture. Beat several minutes

chocolate or leftover filling to pipe words or

5-10 minutes in the pan, move to a wire rack

until it looks like whipped cream. Chill until

designs onto cake.

and cool completely. Once cake is complete-

ready to use. Using a cupcake corer or sharp

ly cool, use cookie cutter to cut out shapes.

knife, cut a cone out of each cake. Pipe small

mom to mom nwi | february 2016 | page 26

mtm: trina’s picks trina bobrowski

Book Review of William Joyce’s

V

“BENTLY & EGG”

Valentine’s Day is all about love and romance for us adults but

egg, and make it beauti-

for our children it’s about love and friendship. That is why this

ful- a little too beautiful.

month I’d like to recommend a lovely and sweet story about the

A menacing boy sees the

love of a friend. Having a good friend at your side, a friend

egg and takes it from the

that would do anything for you can be one of life’s most cher-

nest. Now Bently has to

ished commodities. And in William Joyce’s BENTLY & egg, this

go on a tedious adven-

cherished friendship is evident, and shows just how far a little

ture to retrieve his best

frog will go to help his friend the duck.

friend’s egg, before any

Bently Hopperton is a very talented frog who loves to sing and

harm falls upon it.

draw. His best friend Kack Kack is a recently widowed duck

Joyce has written such an endearing story of the power of

who lives next door. Kack Kack has one little egg she needs

friendship and what is means to go to great lengths to help a

tending too while she visits her sister who has just had ducklings

friend in need. Not only has William Joyce written this won-

of her own. Of course she wouldn’t entrust just anyone with this

derful tale, he is the illustrator as well. Joyce has a soft coloring

important job, she asks Bently. He agrees to watch the egg -

style that reminds me of the famous Beatrix Potter, who wrote

this plain little egg in Bently’s eyes. Many of his other friends

Peter Rabbit and many other tales. I think this sweet little tale

pass by asking him to join in fun and games but Bently has to

will warm you and your family’s hearts on this special Valen-

stay and watch this plain little egg. He decides to paint the

tines Day. - mtm

nwi

mtm: trina’s picks trina bobrowski

F

Book Reviews of Jojo Moyes’

“Me Before You”

February, the time to express how much you love your significant other, to celebrate feelings of: warmth, remembrance and joy. After reading “Me Before You”, by Jojo Moyes, I definitely held on a little tighter to my husband, because the emotions it brought out of me were immense. Moyes has written such a beautiful love story between a man and a woman, I flew threw the pages of this amazing story within a few days. The writing skills of Moyes gives you a full picture of each individual character and the surroundings they live in - I felt totally engrossed in the story and was emotionally invested until the end.

Louisa Clark is a young woman who lives a simple life, never traveling far from home; she is still living with her parents, and has had the same job for the past six years. Unexpectedly, Louisa finds herself without a job and her family depends on her salary to survive. A job then becomes available to her - caregiver for a young man from a distinguished social background, Will Traynor. Louisa doesn’t know what to expect when she enters the annex she will be working at, and Will definitely doesn’t make it easy for her. Will has lived a huge life, filled with adventures, travel and a prosperous job. After an unfortunate accident, Will is now confined to a wheel chair and needs

twenty-four hour care. As soon as Louisa meets Will, he is acting up, making her job extremely difficult. He is grumpy, opinionated and nasty to Louisa, but she needs the job and gives it right back to Will, not letting him get away with anything. Eventually a common respect forms and matures into more. Louisa later finds out Will has some drastic plans that involve his future and she makes it her mission to change his mind.

“Me Before You”, is a heart wrenchingly beautiful story, between two people who would have never met under normal circumstances. I do have to warn you it is a tear jerker but the story is so captivating it’s worth the tissue consumption. - mtm