Newburgh Magazine December 2019

Newburgh REALLY! TAKE ME!

FREE MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2019

ARTS

‘Frozen Jr.’ takes the stage with the Foundry

DIY

Learn how to make paper ornaments

TRADITIONS

Newburgh Magazine staff shares favorite traditions

NB

from the

EDITOR

MAGAZINE

EDITOR Megan Purazrang newburghmagazine@gmail.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Maegan Saalwaechter

CONTRIBUTORS

Winter is coming…

While the first day of winter is technically Dec. 21, I consider the recent cold winds and temperature drops as a sign that the season is in transition.

Speaking of change… this edition of Newburgh Magazine is particularly special to me because it means that I have completed my first year as editor of the publication. Over the last several of months we have re-designed our image, formed a brand and introduced themed issues to our readers. To me, this is only the beginning of our vision.

Try me!

Snowball cookies PAGE 19

Our featured business, Sugar Fix, is a new candy store in Newburgh, take a look inside to see photos of the store’s delicious treats!

We hope that this month our readers will find inspiration to get into the holiday spirit with local library book recommendations, cookie recipes – (the snowball is a must try!) profiles on residents like the Beard family, who are hardcore Thunderbolts hockey fans and DIY activities for the whole family. Not to mention, a story about our favorite characters in the kingdom of Arendelle taking the stage in a production of “Frozen Jr.” We look forward to providing our readers with more stories, profiles, tips and recommendations in 2020. Until then, we wish everyone happy holidays and a positive start to the New Year!

Have a story idea, news tip or feedback for Newburgh Magazine? Please connect with us! Send us an email at newburghmagazine@gmail.com

Amber Kelly Marisa Patwa Julie Rosenbaum Wyatt Squires Bell Road Library Downtown Newburgh Library Elberfeld Branch Library Lynnville Branch Library Newburgh Chandler Public Library

PHOTOS Wyatt Squires Marisa Patwa Lisa Polk Photography & Design

TO ADVERTISE Bob Rigg brigg@warricknews.com Phone: 812-641-2001

CONTACT US www.warricknews.com 131 South Second Street P.O. Box 266 Boonville, IN 47601 Phone: 812-897-2330 Email: newsroom@warricknews.com

ON THE COVER

Newburgh REALLY! TAKE ME!

DECEMBER 2019

ARTS

the ‘Frozen Jr.’ takes stage with the Foundry

Megan Purazrang Editor

E FREE MAGAZIN

DIY

Learn how to make s paper ornament

TRADITIONS

staff Newburgh Magazine shares favorite traditions

table of

CONTENTS

December 2019

PHOTO BY: LISA POLK PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

6 TAKE IT TO THE ICE Local family discusses love of ice hockey and the Thunderbolts

17 A NEWBURGH CHRISTMAS Historic downtown to hold annual festivities

8 WRITING TALENT Mystery series author talks children books

19 WYATT’S RECIPE How to make snowballs (cookies, that is!)

10 HOLIDAY BOOK PICKS Local libraries share favorite holiday books

20 SUGAR FIX New business brings candy treats to Newburgh

13 BE A VOLUNTEER Ways to give back this season

26 JULIE’S RESOLUTIONS New Year, New You

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 1

DO YOU

WANT TO

BUILD A

SNOW

MAN

THE FOUNDRY PRESENTS ‘FROZEN JR.’ WRITER: MARISA PATWA Newburgh was transformed into the fictional kingdom of Arendelle in November by The Foundry Center for the Arts’ production of “Frozen Jr.” The shows ran during the first and second weekends of the month, just a few weeks before Disney’s release of “Frozen 2,” and were made up of a middle and elementary school cast, featuring two dif ferent sets of 35 per formers each. That totals to six Elsas and Annas throughout the run.

“I love that this production has given so many actresses the chance to play these roles,” stage director Dale Vanover said. “You know, everybody wants to be Elsa and Anna and this production allowed us to have a little Elsa and Anna, a middle Elsa and Anna and a big Elsa and Anna.”

Adelyn Memering, 11, and a 5th grader at Castle Elementary, played the oldest version of Elsa during the first weekend.

“I have been performing since I was 9,” she said. “I love singing and getting to express myself through dif ferent characters and meeting new friends doing shows.”

As for what she loves most about the iconic ice queen? Her fierce freedom.

“She’s kept it all in and then she lets it all go,” Memering said. “It’s amazing getting to play her.”

The young thespian has a love for some of the other famous “Frozen” (2013) characters as well.

“Hans is creepy and suspicious, Olaf is goofy and Anna is happy,” she said.

*** Speaking of Anna, 11-year-old Emory Anderson played her during the first weekend of shows.

The 6th grader is homeschooled and said she also feels a connection to her character.

“I feel like we have a lot in common, like we can both be a little crazy,” she said.

While 12-year-old Micah Traweek, who is a homeschooled 7th grader, played Kristoff.

“He fits me because I love animals and I love the winter,” he said. “He’s my favorite.”

The performers also both love different aspects of theatre.

For Traweek, it’s the acting.

“I like being able to change my personality to play someone else,” he said. “And this show just puts you in great spirits.”

For Anderson, it’s the music.

“I love singing, even random songs,” she said.

As for their favorite “Frozen Jr.” songs?

“I love ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’” Traweek said.

“For me, it’s ‘Love Is An Open Door,” Anderson said.

During the second weekend of shows, Berkeley Sagez played the oldest Elsa, Hartley Halsey played the oldest Anna and Quinn Franklin played the oldest Kristoff.

*** “Frozen Jr.” is Vanover’s fourth show for The Foundry, also having directed “Elf Jr.”, “Annie Jr.”, and “High School Musical Jr.” He’ll also be directing “Shrek Jr.” the latter of which is premiering on Dec. 6 and 7, and will be showcasing the talents of middle and high school students.

Vanover said it’s incredibly important to give these students a theatrical learning experience.

“We get a lot of kids who haven’t done theatre, so we are building that foundation for them,” he said.

“I like being able to change my personality to play someone else. And this show just puts you in great spirits.” — Micah Traweek

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 3

The stage director said although there are some amazing school productions throughout the region, The Foundry Center for the Arts truly gives kids something special to participate in.

“We try to bring in all types of talents to really encourage them,” he said. “So, they can feel brave enough to go out for those different productions.”

At The Foundry, theatre is treated just as seriously as any other extra curricular.

“Would you go to a soccer game without your cleats?” Vanover said.

“If you don’t have your jazz shoes to dance, you’re not dancing.”

What’s fun about “Frozen Jr.” is that it also varied from the hit movie it’s based upon.

“It’s not a mirror of the movie,” Vanover said. “We’ve got a lot of differ-

4 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

ent and new songs.”

He said some of the scenes from the film were also re-imaged for the stage.

“Kristoff in the movie goes to the outpost and that’s where he meets Anna,” Vanover said. “That doesn’t happen here. They actually meet on the side of the mountain.”

“Frozen Jr.” also brought the laughs.

“In the movie, Olaf kind of carried all of the laughs,” Vanover said.

“But this show actually has laughs throughout for everybody.”

It takes a small village to get a production like “Frozen Jr.” up and running.

“Once we bring in sets, costume and makeup, it’s just amazing,” Vanover said. “We had one mom who did these killer costumes. And it’s

Thanks for voting me best Optometrist in Warrick County

I have loved helping people see to their

Maximum potential for over 20 years now. My newest “adventure” is helping the Colorblind

to see in much more vibrant

colors. If you can’t see all

these numbers, Call for an

appointment TODAY!!

Buy Two Dinners Get One FREE Up to $6.99 good to see parents spend so much quality time with their children.”

Vanover said he was thankful he got to direct a show like “Frozen Jr.”, which gave so many children a chance to shine.

“This show has an opportunity for everyone to have a line or a solo,” he said. “So, Disney has finally got their act together and everyone participates and has a presence.”

The director is also proud to have watched so many kids truly grow from being in The Foundry’s productions.

“I have seen kids go from standing mute on stage, scared and running off, during an audition, to actually coming back and hugging me and saying, ‘I’m so glad I’m in it now,’” Vanover said. “I have one girl in this cast who has literally found her voice. I’ve never heard her speak until she was actually on this stage performing ‘Frozen Jr.’ ”

Alcohol Excluded

El Maguey Grill El Maguey Grill Los Panchos 3250 Warrick Dr 3570 Newton St 715 North 5th St Boonville, IN Jasper, IN Rockport, IN 47601 47546 47635 812-897-6666 812-481-1799 812-649-4137 December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 5

Take it to

the ice NEWBURGH FAMILY BONDS OVER THUNDERBOLTS TEAM WRITER: MARISA PATWA

6 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

The Beards have been Thunderbolts “superfans” for the past few years, eagerly anticipating the start of the ice hockey season each fall.

“I always look forward to the first game and I want to see the guys do good,” said 45-year-old Joe Beard, on the minor-league ice hockey team, who play at the Ford Center in Evansville from October to April every year.

The Newburgh based family first started getting into the game when the team was still called the IceMen. Joe Beard said when his now 8-year-old daughter Jossalyn was 3, his family attended an IceMen game after scoring some free tickets.

“We went a couple of times, and for some reason, our little girl asked if, ‘Santa Claus would bring her IceMen tickets,’” he said. “So, both me and my wife looked at each other and we’re like, ‘ice hockey, really?’”

Their daughter’s love for hockey even spun into her taking figure skating lessons at Swonders Ice Arena in Evansville.

“There was a meet-and-greet with the players and we took Jossalyn down on the ice with her cousin and she loved it,” Joe Beard said.

“So much so, she asked for a set of skates and she’s actually picked up on skating, real quick. She’s very good.”

Joe Beard said he loves that the Thunderbolts’ games are a chance to get out of the house and have family time during the winter with his daughter and wife, Amanda.

“I like the energy of the crowd and the game,” he said. “I am also a big dirt racing fan so I like adrenaline, high horsepower. And hockey fits that winter itch more or less and we can do it as a family.”

He also likes that hockey is a more controlled environment for fun.

“I’ve even brought my father, my sister and her family, friends, business partners and employers as well,” Joe Beard said. “We try to get everyone involved, drink a few beers and talk about hockey.”

Frank Schumacher takes the cake as the family’s favorite player.

“He is ver y outgoing and personable and he doesn’t act stand-offish if you go up to him,” Joe Beard said. “And I get it, these guys are there to play hockey. Filling the fan experience on top of that is going above and beyond.”

As a former athlete, Joe Beard said he appreciates how hard the Thunderbolts work to have great games.

“From transferring from high school to college level to professional level, it’s a struggle,” he said. “So, to have a path for these guys, who are not 6’4” and 250 pounds, to extend their careers and get paid for it, that is just great.”

While at the games, Jossalyn Beard is a firecracker.

“My daughter is a ball to watch,” Joe Beard said. “She’s jumping around and cheering.”

She also isn’t afraid to boo the other team either when the Thunderbolts score, all in good fun, of course.

“We’re a pretty conservative family, so the first time we’re in the arena and we score a goal and the crowd starts doing the chant, ‘you suck,’ my wife and I look at each other like, ‘Oh my God.’ And we quickly had a talk with her and said, ‘That’s only something you do at the hockey game,’” Joe Beard said.

“But, whenever we score a goal, that little girl will start jumping and doing the dance and point at the goalie and staying ‘you suck’ and it’s hilarious.”

Although the family doesn’t have any superstitions to help their favorite team win a game, they do have a family tradition before it starts.

“We always go to Shing-Lee’s as a family to eat dinner and get their hot and sour soup,” Joe Beard said.

For more information on the Thunderbolts players, season scores and ticket information, visit: http://evansvillethunderbolts.com/home/.

As for the Beards, who are season pass holders themselves, the Thunderbolts games are all about having a wholesome family experience.

“It’s a lot better than going to the movies sitting in the dark, being quiet,” Joe Beard said. “To know that we’re going to be able to put this daily grind behind us and have two hours of solid good fun, win or lose, is all I could ask for.”

Shop Our New Website!! KIMS-FURNITURE.COM 1,000 Items Arriving Weekly | Over 14,000 SF Located in the Apple Center | 7844 Hwy. 66, Newburgh, IN 812-490-6595 | Pickup & Delivery — Financing Available December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 7

WRITER: JULIE ROSENBAUM

r o h t u a l Loca k o o b s e t crea s d i k r o f s serie

A Newburgh woman has created a series of children’s books called Culverton Kids Mystery Stories, in which kids use their brains and legs to solve mysteries and learn valuable lessons during the process.

Deb Kreilein, who used to work in finance, is concentrating on her writing and painting in retirement. Her first book in the Culverton Kids Mystery Stories is “The Tombstone Treasure Mystery.” Jeffer Elliott, his younger sister Snoops, and their pal Dinkus Malone have stumbled onto a long-forgotten clue on an old tombstone. The second, “Mystery at Wolf Rocks” was the second-place winner in the children’s division of the Christian Writers Awards. The Sneakers Detective Agency are back at it, solving some sneaky swiping that’s been going on in Culverton.

The third installment, “The Secret of Copperhead Creek,” won first place in the children’s division of the Christian Writers Awards. Jeffer, Snoops and Dinkus are determined to uncover the source of some mysterious goings-on along the banks of

CULVERTON KIDS MYSTERY STORIES These titles can be ordered directly from Xulon Press, Ingram or through Spring Arbor

There’s a mystery to solve in the old Culverton Cemetery!

Jeffer Elliott, his younger sister Snoops, and their pal Dinkus Malone, have stumbled onto a long-forgotten clue on an old tombstone. Does it lead to hidden treasure? Will the mysterious stranger beat them to it? Through it all, they depend on the Lord for wisdom and courage. But will their longing for earthly treasure land them in more trouble than they bargained for?

8 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

What are these three kids doing on a back road in the woods?

Well, the Sneakers Detective Agency is back at it in the second Culverton Kids Mystery, solve some sneaky swiping that’s been going on in the town of Culverton. Who could be stealing all the dogs in the neighborhood? They young sleuths get involved to help a friend, but before they can figure anything out, their dogs get stolen, too! Will Snoops, Jeffer and Dinkus ever see their furry friends again?

D.A. Kreilein adds a new book to the Culverton Kids Mystery Stories series. The author tells an exciting story about three young detectives that attempt to discover the identities of a pair of thieves burglarizing homes in their town. In order to solve the mystery, the children must use their legs and brains, while learning an important spiritual lesson as they go. Young readers will be exposed to the relevance of the verse, 1 Samuel 16:7, and will be encouraged not to judge a book by its cover.

Copperhead Creek.

Kreilein realized writing could actually be fun in her high school English class. Her inspiration to write children’s mystery adventures occurred when she was taking creative writing classes at Indiana University.

“Jeffer, Snoops and Dinkus were characters who were originally created for a shor t stor y class assignment,” Kreilein said. “My professor’s encouraging comments planted the seed and the dream of being a published author of children’s mysteries. I’ve always loved a good mystery and I still want to be Nancy Drew when I grow up!”

She graduated from IU with a degree in marketing/advertising but a “quiet, yet obnoxious” voice in the back of her head kept telling her to write. Kreilein’s favorite authors are from when she was 9 to 11 years old. They inspired her to create the world of Culverton, a small town full of quirky and interesting characters. Kreilein regularly re-reads the adventures of “The Mad Scientists’ Club,” by Bertrand Brinley, “The Marvelous Inventions of Alvin Fernald,” by Clifford B. Hicks and “Homer Price” and “Centerburg Tales” by

Robert McCloskey, plus the original 56 Nancy Drew Mysteries.

“There are children in my life who both inspire me to write and to create characters in my books,” Kreilein said. “My main characters, Jeffer, Snoops and Dinkus are reflections of my 8-year-old self and my two cousins, Jeff and Jay. Many of my childhood adventures are woven into the pages of my books.”

Kreilein said the most rewarding part of what she does is meeting and talking to her young fans.

“There’s nothing better than having a child run up to you and say, ‘I loved your book,’” she said.

Her three publishing works, who are synopsized on her website, dakreilein.com, are intended for those ages 8 to 11 to read aloud to ages 5 and up.

“I also have adult friends who read my books for themselves, just for fun,” Kreilein said.

Newburgh seems to turn out many inspirational figures and Kreilein is a member of that creative society.

Deb Kreilein

Presented By:

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden’s

Breakfast with Santa December 7, 8 , & 14 2019

Scan the QR code to get your tickets today! Spots are limited! www.meskerparkzoo.com 812-435-6143 1545 Mesker Park Drive Evansville, IN 47720 December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 9

Library staff holiday book picks Newburgh Magazine asked the local libraries to submit their favorite holiday staff pick book.

Here is what they chose:

10 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

Bell Road Library “Little Robin’s Christmas” by Jan Fearnley “It’s the week before Christmas, and Little Robin finds someone who needs one of his vests each day, until he has none left to give. Just in time for Christmas, a certain magical man dressed in red gives Little Robin a red vest that will keep him warm forever. We love this story for it’s gentle message to share with others and highlights the rewards of giving.”

Chandler Library “Just Right for Christmas” by Birdie Black and Rosalind Beardshaw “We like this one because of the message that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Also, because the presents weren’t all fancy. Some were, but others were far simpler. Yet all were something special the giver made special for a loved one. And everything was just right for Christmas.”

Downtown Newburgh Library “Why Evergreens Keep Their Leaves”

by Annemarie Riley Guertin “Little Redbird hurt her wing and can’t fly south for the winter. She seeks shelter in trees, but most of the trees refuse to help her. Only the evergreens give her the shelter she needs to survive. From that day to this, evergreens keep their leaves all year round, because of their kindness. A beautiful story and beautiful illustrations remind us that being kind is always the right choice.”

Elberfeld Library “Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas”

by Kimberly and James Dean “This Book is done like the song: ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas.’ This is of course a great book because it’s PETE THE CAT! It is like the song the 12 days of Christmas but done with items like onion rings, cupcakes and concert tickets!! So it’s a great book for kids! Very cute and wonderful pictures.”

Lynnville Library “Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn Buehner “This book is about what snowmen might do at night. I like it because the story rhymes and kids love those kinds of books. The pictures are great and the story is just too cute about what snowmen may do at nighttime while you’re sleeping, such as snowball fights and going sledding!”

Information courtesy of Linda Spillman Bruns, Children’s Librarian for the Newburgh Chandler Public Library, and Holly Pillow with the Elberfeld and Lynnville libraries.

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 11

h Newbur Newburg gh

GA E MA A FRE

ZINE

FOR

WARR

OUN ICK C

SID TY RE

ENTS

JUNE

CAMPS FOR KIDS ALL BASEB Y LEGACINUES CONT

WN TRAIL RIVERTO CE

REAL LY! TA KE ME !

FREE MAGA ZINE

2019

AU A UGU ST 2019

PLUS

G BUILDIN TIPS FOR GARDEN A RAIN PAT O PATI LOCAL FOR SEATING AND FOOD DRINKS

A PLA OFFERS REATION FOR REC AGES FOR ALL

INSIDE

TO GUIDES E SHOP, DIN

& MORE!

MAIL FORM & PAYMENT TO:

THE WARRICK STANDARD PO BOX 266 BOONVILLE, IN 47601 12 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

Don’t Miss An Issue!

Subscribe me to NEWBURGH MAGAZINE every month for a half year!

NAME: MAILING ADDRESS:

PHONE #: RECEIVE 6 ISSUES OF NEWBURGH MAGAZINE FOR ONLY $9.99!

Be a volunteer this season For many, the holiday season is a time to find opportunities to give back and volunteer. Here are some opportunities to give back locally this holiday season.

Wreaths Across America Rose Hill Cemetery, Newburgh Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon Wreaths Across America is taking place at Rose Hill Cemetery to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud.

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission is to remember, honor and teach by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

Volunteers will have the chance to participate in laying wreaths after the presentation. For information visit the website at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/14821/overview/?relatedIds=0 or call Rose Hill Cemetery at 812-858-8003.

Newburgh Area Food Pantry and Mother Teresa’s Treasures Saint John the Baptist Church, Frame Road, Newburgh The Newburgh Area Food Pantry is located on St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish property, sharing the building with Mother Teresa’s Treasures. This outreach ministry started in the 1970’s at Epworth United Methodist Church. The pantry is staffed with volunteers from several area churches, and is supported financially by many others. This is a community problem and we would like for the entire community to take a stand and help out with donations and volunteering.

Items such as laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, miscellaneous paper products, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and bar soap are distributed. These are necessary items that cannot be purchased with food stamps.

In addition, the pantry also offers a whole section dedicated to children called the “kids corner.” that is stocked diapers, wipes, baby and kid’s shampoo, body wash, kid’s toothpaste and toothbrushes, bandages, lip balm and more.

The organization provides basic school supplies before school begins, we offer extra Thanksgiving meal items, and at Christmas each family member receives a coupon to be redeemed at Mother Teresa treasures.

For information on how to help, either monetarily, by collecting food, or by volunteering, call Carol Schmitt at 812-4904040 or visit the website at https://www.sjbnewburgh.org/Newburgh-Area-Food-Pantry.

Bread of Life Ministries 13188 Spurgeon Rd. Lynnville Bread of Life Ministry, Inc provides food and clothing to those in need. This includes individuals, families, and agencies with their food pantries and clothing needs. In addition, the organization provides necessities to those in need from natural disasters such as tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes, etc.

Bread of Life’s Christmas program will log in and serve over 250 needy children. They will then receive new toys that they would not be getting otherwise. The organization believes in bringing the joy of Christmas all year long, but through the celebrated season, families have the opportunity to help with their children’s wishes that they cannot provide without the Bread of Life.

For information visit their website at https://www.breadoflifeministryinc.org/ or call 812-922-5424.

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 13

CUT AND PASTE A HOW TO GUIDE FOR CREATING PAPER ORNAMENTS WRITER: WYATT SQUIRES

For me, the holidays are about spending time with friends and family. I will always remember the handmade ornaments my grandmother gave to close friends and family. Once I was older, I turned that tradition into a way to spend even more time with those closest to me. Here are some homemade ornament ideas to do with the whole family.

14 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

Paper flower ball - Kusudama This may look complicated, but it’s a great project to involve the whole family and is easier than it looks. They were traditionally given as gifts or used in decoration in ancient Japanese culture.

The best part of this is that there are enough parts that each member of your family can contribute and your family will be able to see their contribution on display each holiday season.

The ball consists of 12 flowers, which are made up by 60 petals. You can use whatever paper you choose. However, the thicker the paper, the harder it is to fold.

MATERIALS DIRECTIONS 60 even 2-inch paper squares Glue Ribbon/string

1. Fold one square in half diagonally. Turn with points facing out and up.

6. Fold in sides along previous foldÂ

2. Fold corner ends up to top point.

7. Bring both sides together to make petal and glue together.

3. Fold corners out to line inside fold with bottom folds.

8. Glue together five petals along the inside edge to make a flower.

4. Open and flatten to make dog ears.

9. Build the flowers into a ball, gluing along outside petals.

5. Fold dog ears down to make flush with outer edge.

Glue ribbon/string to desired location. *Skip this step if you would prefer the ball to sit rather than hang.

PHOTO BY: LISA POLK PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

Hours 11-7 Tues-Thurs 11-9 Friday 9-9 Saturday 11-4 Sunday Closed Monday

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 15

Most of my best holiday memories are in the kitchen. Going to my grandma’s house in December was like going to a wonderland of baked goods and candies. For me, the best holiday tradition is spending time

Holiday Traditions My favorite holiday tradition is when my family gets together by the Christmas tree to pass out gifts. I always wait until last to open mine so I can watch everyone else and see the excitement on their faces. I would rather give gifts than receive them. I love seeing my family laughing,

together in the kitchen

excited for the season, and just being together.

and around the table.

LISA POLK, PHOTOGRAPHER

Wyatt Squires, Staff Writer Christmas Eve and New Years Day were the best two holidays in my family.

We had a large family, squeezing 50+ people in my grandparents’ two bedroom home. But we played secret Santa among the children which was by far my favorite. For that

My holiday tradition is very simple, especially since most of the time it’s just me and my dad. We usually spend way too much time planning what we want to cook, and while food simmers, we enjoy taking turns picking through my dad’s old vinyl records collection, playing music louder than most people can tolerate. Once food is done, we spend the rest of the day snacking – regrettably so, while watching movies from various decades.

Megan Purazrang, Editor

small timeframe you felt so connected because you picked out a gift for the cousin whose name you had drawn. Once we were older, we played games on New Years Day like Dirty Santa and other miscellaneous board and card games. It’s so refreshing to think back on how we were able to interact without phones.

MaegaN S., Creative director

16 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

Growing up, Christmas was more of a celebration of our family, rather than faith. But just as many families have traditions of going to a Christmas Eve service at their local church, my family’s tradition was to open up one present the night before Christmas.

And it is something I plan to carry on with my own daughter, who just turned three. I’ll never forget one night, when I chose to open up the biggest present under the tree with my name on it. Funnily enough, when I opened it up, there was another box craftily wrapped inside, and then another, and another, until finally, I opened up a basketball. For someone whose gym teacher gave them a pity A in middle school, this was goofy prank by my mom. At the time, I didn’t appreciate the sentiment as much, but now, I can’t wait to do something similar with my own little one. I can already picture it now: she’ll start by opening up some icy blue wrapping paper, probably thinking it’s the $370 “Frozen 2” playhouse Costco is selling, only to find a foam snowball. I hope I make my mom proud.

Marisa Patwa, Staff Writer

Newburgh celebrates Christmas WRITER: AMBER KELLY EVENT COORDINATOR, HISTORIC NEWBURGH, INC. Step back to the 1880s in old Newburgh by the Ohio River this month. On Dec. 7 the streets of Historic Downtown Newburgh will come alive with carolers, musicians, chestnuts roasting and citizens dressed in garb of days gone by. The festivities are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Newburgh.

Ever ything gets star ted on Saturday morning.

Street musicians, carolers and performers will be roaming the streets. You may even eat lunch and shop next to our historic figures going about their days downtown. Climb into the giant snow globe next to House of White 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a unique photo opportunity. Kids can even visit Santa in Newburgh’s Town Hall 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Food trucks will be located in the State Street public parking lot behind Flutter from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for you to grab a quick bite to eat while shopping.

Stop by Preservation Hall and browse the Deck the Halls pop up shops upstairs while you shop and sip.

The pop up shops will include home décor and gifts from local shops and artisans.

At 5 p.m., join us at Town Hall for the of ficial lighting of the down Tree of Lights. The tree lighting will include a Christmas concert by the Castle Knight Sensations and a performance by Studio D. You won’t want to miss Santa showing up in a red Cadillac as he arrives to light the tree.

After the tree lighting stay around town to attend the Christmas Home Tours. A $15 donation to Historic Newburgh for downtown beautification projects get you into four beautifully decorated homes in our downtown area. Homes are open for tours 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

And finally, don’t forget about Santa’s mailbox!

This year we’re bringing back our Santa mailbox at the corner of State Street and Jennings Street. Children of all ages can drop off their letters to Santa through Dec. 15. All letters received by Dec. 15 will receive a personalized handwritten reply from one of Santa’s elves in Newburgh. When dropping off a letter please include a return address on the envelope so our elves know where to send a reply.

For more information on ever ything Christmas visit the Historic Newburgh Facebook page or visit historicnewburgh.org

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 17

Wyatt’s Holiday Cookies

18 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

WRITER: WYATT SQUIRES For me, December is a season for snacking on sweet treats and spending time with family in the kitchen. There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than by baking cookies in the kitchen.

These two recipes are my favorite cookie recipes and are crowd favorites with my friends and family.

Both recipes include nuts, but both can be done without in the case of an allergy.

Now, these cookies may seem familiar to some, but there is a trick for perfectly moist cookies that don’t feel dry in your mouth. The secret is in the nuts themselves. A lot of people will buy walnuts and pecans that are already chopped or will chop them at home to the size they expect to see in the cookies alone.

My secret is to process or chop a small portion (about an eighth) of the nuts ver y fine to the point that the nuts become a powder. The powder contributes to the batter itself and allows the oils from the nuts to further saturate the batter, which keeps it from drying out.

However, make sure that you do have the regular chunks of nuts that will be seen when you bite into each cookie and you don’t have too much oil. To be honest, the first time I made the snowballs that way, I thought it was a mistake. I was short on time and threw it all in anyways. It was a happy accident and I have sworn by it since.

Cranberry Walnut Shortbread Cookies INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups flour 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup fresh cranberries chopped 1 cup walnuts toasted and chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Using a mixer, beat butter, brown sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Add flour and salt and mix until a soft dough forms.

4. Stir in cranberries and walnuts.

5. Separate into two equal parts. Roll each half into an inch and a half log, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in freezer for 30 minutes.

6. Remove from freezer and slice quarter inch thick cookies from the ends. Place the cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

These cookies will not grow, but make sure no cookies are touching.

7. Bake for 10-13 minutes and allow to cool.

The cookies will be soft when immediately taken from the oven, but will become hard after cooling.

PHOTO BY: LISA POLK PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

Snowballs INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups flour 1 cup chopped pecans 1/4 tsp salt

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Beat 1/2 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in flour pecans and salt until dough forms.

4. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Place balls one inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

5. Bake 13-17 minutes until set, but not brown.

Immediately move from cookie sheet onto cooling racks and cool slightly for 10 minutes.

6. Place 3/4 cup powdered sugar in a bowl.

Roll cookies in powdered sugar before cooling completely for another 5 minutes. Roll in powdered sugar again before serving as the sugar will absorb into the cookie over time.

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 19

20 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

PHOTOS BY: LISA POLK PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

Sugar fix WRITER: MARISA PATWA

From her great-grandmother always having Andes Mints, to her grandmother’s standard orange gummies and her mother carrying around peach rings, Newburgh’s Katie Gentry is following in her female family members’ sweet-tooth loving foot-steps: opening up new candy store, Sugar Fix, just this October.

“My family and I would go to Lake Tippecanoe in the summers, and our favorite thing to do was to earn quarters by doing various tasks around the house and then going and getting Smarties Pops,” Gentry said. “So, this has been a long time dream of mine.”

The sugar shack is located at 300 W. Jennings St. in downtown Newburgh, sharing a space with Three Oaks Home and Bloom Flower Studio, which just so happens to be owned by Gentry’s best friend, Courtney Martin.

“She would truly give you the shirt off her back if she thought you needed it,” Gentry said. “She has been so incredibly helpful throughout this entire process

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 21

with her support.”

Gentry, who has worked for three years as a volunteer coordinator for Warrick County CASA, said she is proud she was able to open up a store that can help brighten those children’s days, who are dealing with the tough court system.

“Candy just makes people happy,” she said. “I have yet to see someone come in without a big smile on their face.”

As for her favorite candy? Gentry, 40, said it depends on her mood.

“But I do tend to go a little more for the gummies,” she said. “The crispy crunch bears are fairly new and that’s a favorite of mine. But the filled raspberries are definitely my favorite.”

And if a customer is not familiar with any of the newer candies Gentry has in stock, she welcomes them to sample the product.

“I have nostalgic candy in addition to some of the newest candies that hit the market,” Gentry said.

She also has some “diet candies” for those with restrictions.

“We have sugar free gummy bears and sugar free chocolate covered raisins,” she said. “We also have a

Candy Trivia • Sugar rationing in Britain started in January 1940 just after the start of World War II. By September 1953, the rationing officially ended and children lined up to the closest candy store to purchase sweets.

The biggest sellers? Licorice strips, toffee apples and sticks of nougat. Clapham Common even sold 150 pounds of lollipops to 800 children during a school break.

• The chocolate river in “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” (1971) was made from 150,000 gallons of real chocolate, cream and water. By the end of filming, the river started to reek from the cream spoiling.

22 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

vegan and gluten free Rice Krispie Treat.”

Sugar Fix is like stepping into a Willy Wonka-themed wonderland — sans the exploding blueberr y children and dancing Oompa Loompas — with taffy in flavors like cran-raspberry and cinnamon roll, banana split, raspberry lemonade, vanilla and neopolitan and other candy childhood classics like Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape, rainbow lollipops and Astro Pops lined up in glossy containers and baskets for any wide-eyed child to ponder over.

Though, Gentry sells more than sweet treats at her store — she also provides candy services to businesses and organizations.

“We offer candy bouquets if someone has a birthday party or needs corporate gifts, candy buffets,” she said.

“I can design them or people can handpick if there is a certain theme.”

A candy buffet Gentry helped organize in November was 80s themed.

“We had Nerds, Sour Patch Kids, Airheads and SweeTARTS,” she said.

Particularly during the holiday season, Gentry is stepping up her game Fao Schwarz style.

“We will be having toys, games and stuffed animals,” she said. “We will also have candy baskets made up of

• Eleanor Abbott, a victim of polio, wanted to invent a fun game for children in the 1940s also recovering from the disease. Her biggest invention: Candy Land.

• Former President Ronald Reagan grew an obsession for Jelly Beans as governor, which he used to help supplement quitting smoking. And during his inauguration in 1981, more than three tons of Jelly Beans were served.

• Tootsie Rolls were rationed to American Soldiers in World War II because of their ability to not spoil in different weather conditions.

• Queen Victoria made CADBURY the official chocolate for the Royal Family in 1854 when she granted them a Royal Warrant. Although the first cream-filled eggs most people love to eat around Easter time weren’t made until 1923 and weren’t even sold in stores until 1971.

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 23

Candy Wall

Price: $8.99 per pound

• Crispy Crunch Bears • Mike and Ike • Triple Layer Bears • Sour Cherry Bears • Finnish Strawberry Licorice • Hot Tamales • Finnish Black Licorice • Cinnamon Bears • Fruit Sours • Gummy Worms • Butterscotch Buttons • Sour Gummy Worms • Lemonheads • Gummy Dizzy Bears • Gummy Bears • Candy Necklaces • Filled Raspberries • Fireballs • Mini Gumballs • Wax Bottles

Chocolate Wall

Price: $14.99 per pound

• Milk Chocolate Marshmallow S’mores • Chocolate Toffee Almonds • Chocolate Gummy Bears • Dark Chocolate Chipotle Almonds • Milk Chocolate Cashews • White Chocolate Gummy Bears • Andes Mints • Chocolate Peanuts • Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Poppers • Dark Chocolate Espresso Beans • Holland Mints • Jordan Almonds • Lemon Blueberry Shortbread • Sugar Free Chocolate Raisins • Dark Orange Chocolate Peel Bites • Mint Cookie Malt Balls • Milk Chocolate Brownie Batter • Dark Chocolate Almonds • Maple Nut Goodies • Sea Salt Caramels • Sixlets

Hours of Operation Tuesday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday through Sat: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday and Monday: Closed

FLOORING 8088 Robin Hill Road NEWBURGH PLAZA SOUTH Newburgh, Indiana (812)853-7361

havethe theperfect perfect WeWehave floorfor foryou... you... floor • Carpet • Ceramic • Laminates • Wood • Vinyl • Cork

Professional Installation 24 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

www.meuthcarpets.com Like us on Facebook!

“Visit the Tri-State’s Most Outstanding Collection!”

Serving the area for over 49 years!

15%-40% OFF ENTIRE STOCK

Santa’s cookies, spice chai caramels and peppermint drops.”

Although her current space doesn’t allow her to make the treats herself, instead, purchasing them from various vendors, Gentr y said she would love to expand and be more hands on in the crafting of the candies in the future.

“We make holiday treats every year at our house,” she said. “Everything from rock candy to divinity to cookies, the whole range.”

Gentr y said she is grateful for all of the community support she has received so far from friends, family and even new business owners about her opening.

“It was a true labor of love. They were constantly reaching out asking if I need help,” she said. “I had people volunteer to help with painting and tagging items — it doesn’t get any better.”

The new candy-store owner said downtown Newburgh has been booming with new businesses the past few months and she is thrilled to be apart of the growth.

“The businesses owners are a tight knit group and everyone seems to work together to achieve the ultimate goal of building downtown Newburgh,” she said. “There is so much momentum going on down here.”

Not to mention, a new candy store adds a little history back to the town.

“There used to be candy in The Refinery, in the Old Countr y Store,” Gentr y said. “In fact, my girls, who are 9 and 11 now, and I used to go take walks down the river and half way through, we would go there and get some candy and then finish our route. So, sweets for our family brings back the meaning of home.””

For Gentry, the ultimate goal of her candy confectionery is to foster a positive experience and create happy memories for families.

“For the adults, I want them to come in and reminisce about all of the memories they had going to the local candy shop with the nostalgia candies I have,” she said. “And for the kids, I want them to walk in, have their faces light up, and eventually bring their kids back and tell them about the memories they made here.”

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 25

RESOLUTIONS STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH FRESH IDEOLOGY WRITER: JULIE ROSENBAUM

This is the last month of the year. Question: what do you want to do to make a difference in the New Year? I don’t mean making a list of resolutions, what have we done or did not do that we want to change in the coming year. I was thinking of what I could change personally.

First of all, I want to stop making negative comments about people I know. I don’t mean those in politics. I mean people I am in contact with and even friendly with every day.

We are all only human and are going to say or do the wrong thing on occasion. This year I am going to try to let the little things go because I am sure I do and say things that bother people. This is not necessarily a resolution. This is a life-changing attitude and I want to use the New Year to help me become a new person. I also want to do more to help those less fortunate. We all can find time to do things to cheer up the elderly who may feel alone and depressed or are homebound.

We complain about the people leading our town, state and country. This year, besides voting, we can join groups that feel the same way or write letters and make phone calls to help our agenda. This new year means a

26 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

new chance to be a better person and I for one need to improve.

I have tried to find something to compliment a person who looks sad, that might make their day. It is so easy to give smiles to people and it means so much to them. I have even decided that I am going to be nice to the people who have been mean to me or hurt me. It seems that every December, we all decide that we will be different in January beginning a new year with a new us.

So let’s see, will I clean out all my closets and drawers? Will I get rid of ever ything I really don’t need anymore? Will I get rid of all grudges and make this new year a new me? We tell ourselves that we can accomplish all the changes that we want to make genuinely. I know we all want to be better and do better, however, it often becomes a pipe dream.

It might just may be this end-of-the-year month we can give ourselves more incentive and make it work. I for one, am going to try to do better in all these areas and even if only one big change takes place it will make me a better version of the previous year. We all can try our best.

One, two, three and begin…Happy New Year.

STORY IDEAS? SEND THEM TO

NEWBURGH

MAGAZINE @GMAIL.COM

NB

We Deliver...

Lunch and Dinner!!

One coupon coupon per per visit visit coupon per visit One

$16.99 17.99

TWO STROMS FOR $ Deluxe and Chicken extra

Deluxe and Chicken Chicken extra extra 1021 PIZZA PIZZA KING KING Expires Expires 01/31/2020 3/31/19 Code 1022

One coupon pervisit. validwith One couponper visit.Must Mustmention mentioncoupon couponwhen whenordering. ordering.NotNotvalid withanyanyother otherdiscount discountororcoupon. coupon.

MAGAZINE

December 2019 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE 27

SAFETY FIRST BE CAUTIOUS WHEN YOU’RE DECORATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS Decorations help make the holiday season a magical time of year. Stores are awash in color and twinkling lights, and similar imagery is on display in private homes.

Designing holiday displays can be a great way for families to spend time together and kick off the celebration. In fact, according to Electrical Safety Foundation International, around 90 percent of Americans decorate their homes for the holidays.

When trimming the tree and decorating this holiday season, families must keep safety in mind. A little planning and some precautionary measures can ensure displays are enjoyed all season long. Travelers Insurance offers the following holiday decorating safety tips.

• Do not overload outlets. Plan

• Check for freshness in live trees. A

• Use decorations that are non-

displays according to the number and

fresh tree will last longer and is less of

combustible or made from flame-

location of available outlets.

a fire hazard than an old tree.

resistant materials.

• Never exceed the maximum number

• Place Christmas trees at least three

• Exercise caution when hanging

of light strands that can be attached

feet away from all heat sources,

decorations at high heights. Make

together.

including fireplaces and heaters.

sure the ladder is secured and have a

• Use lights and products that have

• Avoid putting small, “mouth-sized”

been tested for safety. Certification

decorations near the ground or on

marks like UL, ETL and CSA are from

lower limbs of trees, where young

• Exercise caution when decorating

nationally recognized laboratories.

children can easily reach them.

near power lines that extend to the

spotter who can hold the ladder and pass items up safely.

house.

• LED lights should be used whenever

• Outdoor electric lights and

possible. Such lights consume less

decorations should be plugged into

• Keep hung stockings far away from

energy and run cooler than other

circuits protected by ground fault

open flames so they do not catch any

bulbs.

circuit interrupters, or GFCIs.

errant embers.

• The ESFI says candles start almost

• Pay attention to the age

50 percent of all decoration fires.

recommendations of decorations to

Minimize the risk by using candles

see if they can be used in homes with

only when they can be monitored.

young children. Some items, however

Artificial candles can be used in place

common, are choking or strangulation

of real candles.

hazards.

28 NEWBURGH MAGAZINE December 2019

remembering the meaning of

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WRITER: JULIE ROSENBAUM

Now that Christmas is upon us, children are seeing all the new video games, toys and ridiculously expensive items in ads on TV and elsewhere. Many families who live from paycheck to paycheck make the mistake of going into deep debt at this time of year.

Spending too much money isn’t the only mistake that’s made during the Yuletide season. Steve Luzader, a family therapist from Newburgh, said the stress of going into deep debt is one of the worst kinds of marital stress there is. Dr. Jordan Baker, a popular and trusted Warrick County veterinarian, said we should never buy a pet as a Christmas gift.

Little puppies and little kittens and other small animals are awfully cute. However, you never know how your child is going to react to and interact with a furr y member of the family. Aside from being adorable, pets take a lot of work and a lot of patience. Many of the local shelters are overloaded with unwanted dogs after the holidays.

Getting an animal should be a family decision. It’s important to make sure a child understands the responsibilities of how animals should be treated. What’s sad is that because Christmas has become more about who received bigger and better gifts, the true meaning of the holiday gets lost.

Even if you’re a family of means it doesn’t mean that you have to buy ever ything the kids see and hear about.

Now it’s such a big topic about underprivileged children not being able to afford school lunches, it is perhaps a time to give to charity, the mission, the church, or donate to St. Jude’s or Riley hospitals or the Ronald McDonald House. That seems to be more in line with the spirit of Christmas.

As a little girl, I remember thinking I heard bells in the sky, which meant Santa Claus was on his way. All the kids in my town were middle class, but it didn’t seem that people spent so much money on gifts that once the bills started coming in, payments started going up and credit ratings started going down.

Maybe we should teach our children and maybe even re-learn ourselves that this is the season for family, joy and of course, Christmas presents. But that doesn’t mean your teenager has to walk out in the driveway to the big bow on his brand new car. And it doesn’t mean that your little 9-year-old has to own ever y video game and Mar vel comic book or toy on the market.

As we drive through the poorer parts of town, it seems that so much money is put into decoration and lights and blow-up Santa Clauses, it makes you wonder why and how these people who seem to have so little spend so much on showy things.

The holiday season is meant to share joy and fellowship, and how little or how much one gets for Christmas should not be part of America’s Christmas stor y.

Alto Plank Plus, 188 Mandorla

Waterproof. Pet-proof. Worry-proof.

Luxury vinyl plank that has it all.

Carpet | Resilient | Hardwood | Tile & Stone | Laminate | shawfloors.com

RETAILER RETAILER 7510 Peachwood Dr.

1035 S. Green River Rd.

Newburgh, IN 47630

Evansville, IN 47715

812-858-7024

(Across from Washington Square Mall)

812-479-3300

Carpet | Area Rugs | Tile & Stone | Hardwood | Laminate | Resilient | bennyflooringin.com