Josephine August 2012

Josephine August 2012

St. Joseph’s women’s magazine

The woman behind the festival We talk to Karen Graves, the original organizer of Trails West!

MORE INSIDE: How to prevent injury and pain in your knees

Going back to school requires sacrifices and determination

DATE NIGHT MADE NEW Throw some spark back into that special night of the week

GROCERY SAVINGS How to pocket big money on food

from the

editorial: (816) 271-8594 toll-free: (800) 779-6397 advertising: (816) 271-8527 fax: (816) 271-8686 josephine@ newspressnow.com

Our staff Editor Jess DeHaven jess.dehaven@newspressnow.com Presentation editor Paul Branson paul.branson@newspressnow.com Photo editor Todd Weddle todd.weddle@newspressnow.com Designer George Stanton george.stanton@newspressnow.com

online extras Follow us on Twitter: @JosephineMag Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/ josephinemagazine

J

Josephine website: newspressnow. com/josephine

|08/12

Josephine

St. Joseph News-Press P.O. BOX 29 St. Joseph, MO 64502

the regulars editor’s note

4

events calendar

6

the 5

8

average joe

28

getting real

29

meal time

30

inside

Cover photography by Matt Reid/Josephine magazine

cover girl Karen Graves once threw a Kansas lieutenant governor off the grounds of a festival she’d founded. He’d broken rules by passing out political tracts, and when it comes to her festivals, she means business.

Perhaps this is why Trails West! — which she began 20 years ago — has had such longrunning success in St. Joseph. Although Ms. Graves is no longer in charge of the annual event, she remains involved with it as well as several other community efforts and, in the process, has developed quite an extensive resume she didn’t exactly dream of as a child.

“I didn’t grow up thinking I was going to be a community leader,” she says, “but you take on a project and evolve from there.”

Read more about Ms. Graves and her work on page 16.

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| Josephine magazine |

August 2012

Worth your while Get the best bang for your buck at the spa

10

Dinner and a movie, re-imagined Try something different for date night

12

Significant savings How to spend less on food

14

The face behind the festival As Trails West! marks its 20th year, here’s a look at the woman who started it all

16

Sparkle without the splurge Check out these alternative jewels to get all of the bling for less buck

20

To tell or not to tell Knowing someone is cheating can put you in a tough spot

22

Bring on the books Going back to school requires determination and sacrifices

24

Beautiful knees How to prevent injuries and pain

26

3

editor’s note

Making decisions can be difficult, especially in a crisis. One decision is all you need - Living Community of St. Joseph. Living Community offers a full continuum of care, with independent living, assisted living, long term care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation therapies. As your needs change the appropriate care is right down the hall.

Stop by or call today to find out how easy it is to make one decision.

(816) 671-8500.

A FULL CONTINUUM OF CARE

By JESS DEHAVEN Everyone likes to get value for their money, and this month we have several stories to help you do just that.

Food is something we have to have, but buying groceries and going out to eat can drain your budget pretty quickly. The average family of four spends at least $550 a month on groceries, according to the USDA. But Kevin Krauskopf found you can stretch your dollars both at home and eating out. Check his story on page 14 for tips.

Another thing that doesn’t have to break the bank is dinner and a movie. Kristen Hare found some twists on the date night staple that will allow you to have a special evening on a budget. Check page 12 for that article.

Getting a facial, massage or your nails done is more of an indulgence, but even when you’re treating yourself you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Crystal Wiebe talked to the experts about how to get the most value out of spa services. That feature appears on page 10.

And who doesn’t love a little bling?

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but if money’s tight you still can get bling on a budget. Kathleen Barbosa has the scoop on that on page 20.

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For more information about these programs, including graduation and employment rates, tuition and fees, and median debt of students who have completed the program, please visit www.vatterott.edu/programs.asp.

• Keep a favorite glass or water bottle with you at all times.

• Enjoy beverages like water, sparkling water, mineral water, non-caffeinated herbal sun teas and coconut water. (Coffee and other caffeine-containing beverages, alcohol and sugary drinks tend to have a dehydrating effect on the body.)

• Dilute 100% fruit juice with water, starting with a little and increasing the ratio of water to juice.

• Flavor water with fresh lemon, lime, orange or cucumber slices • Use frozen berries, grapes, peaches or mango chunks as ice cubes.

• Consume more juicy vegetables and fruits like cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, peaches, grapes and berries.

This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Visit all of our wonderful Hy-Vee departments:

FLORAL • KITCHEN • ITALIAN • CHINESE • DELICATESSEN • SUSHI • PRODUCE • BAKERY • SALAD BAR DAIRY • FROZEN • MEAT & SEAFOOD MARKET • PHARMACY • HEALTHMARKET • WINE & SPIRITS

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2012 august area events

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

EVERY MONDAY 9:45 a.m. (weigh-in at 8:30), TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) a non-profit, weight-loss support and education group, East Hills Church of Christ, 3912 Penn St., 238-7245.

5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., Cardio Fit Boxing, Monroe’s ATA, 106 S. Belt Highway, 6711133, $3 a class.

EVERY TUESDAY 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., knitting classes, Keeping Good Company, $20 for four weeks, call 364-4799.

7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Cardio Fit Boxing, Monroe’s ATA, 106 S. Belt Highway, 671-1133, $3 a class.

AUG. 6 7 to 9 p.m., St. Joseph Camera Club, Rolling Hills Consolidated Library.

AUG. 7 6:30 p.m., Pony Express Chapter of Cowboys for Christ, Pony Express Saddle and Bridle Club, north of K Highway on County Road 371. Call 238-7503.

AUG. 13 5:15 p.m. , Show Me Women Who Care, East Hills Public Library theater room. For more information, call 262-2461 or e-mail showmewomenwhocare@gmail.com.

AUG. 20 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Young Living Essential Oils presents free natural health seminar, 1570 Calhoun St., Chillicothe, Mo. Call (660) 707-0097 or e-mail millergloria@att.net.

EVERY WEDNESDAY 7 a.m., Farmer’s market, 3821 Eastridge Village.

7:30 a.m., St. Joseph BNI weekly meeting, Pony Express Museum. Call 262-9684.

AUG. 21 6:30 p.m., Pony Express Chapter of ABWA meeting. To find out more and to make reservations, please call Vickie at (816) 244-5648 the Friday before the meeting.

AUG. 28 10 a.m., Welcome Wagon Social Club of St. Joseph, monthly meeting, Rolling Hills Library, 1904 N. Belt Highway. Call 279-1947.

3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Young Living Essential Oils presents free natural health seminar, 1570 Calhoun St., Chillicothe, Mo. Call (660) 707-0097 or e-mail millergloria@att.net.

7 p.m., Introductory session to Creighton Model Fertility Awareness and Appreciation, Heartland Medical Plaza. Course is designed to help couples cooperate with their fertility in family planning. Call 232-2258.

10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., crochet classes, Keeping Good Company, $20 for four weeks, call 364-4799.

5:15 to 6 p.m., Cardio Fit Boxing, Monroe’s ATA, 106 S. Belt Highway, 671-1133, $3 a class.

THUR

FRI

EVERY THURSDAY 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., knitting classes, Keeping Good Company, $20 for four weeks, call 364-4799.

6:45 to 7:30 p.m., Cardio Fit Boxing, Monroe’s ATA, 106 S. Belt Highway, 6711133, $3 a class.

EVERY FRIDAY 5 to 8 p.m., Friday Night Wine Tastings, Smooth Endings Fine Wines, Spirits and Cigars, corner of Belt and Beck, (816) 749-4WINE, $5 per person.

SAT

EVERY SATURDAY 7 a.m., Farmer’s market, 3821 Eastridge Village.

10:30 a.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., crochet classes, Keeping Good Company, $20 for four weeks, call 364-4799.

9 to 9:45 p.m., Cardio Fit Boxing, Monroe’s ATA, 106 S. Belt Highway, 6711133, $3 a class.

AUG. 9 9:30 a.m., St. Joseph Garden Club meeting, Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Citizens Center, program on “Birds and Blooms”

by Jack Hilsabeck, guests welcome. Call 232-9151.

AUG. 16 5:30 p.m., Third Thursday Wine Tasting, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. Cost is $10 per person. Call 232-9750.

6 to 8 p.m., registration drive for “Mom to Mom” Bible study/mentorship program (sessions 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 4), First Church of the Nazarene, 2102 S. 22nd St. Program is $35 for the semester/$70 for the school year, child care provided. Registration deadline is Aug. 21.

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The

5

tips for life

Pay it forward

Money. Here’s an interesting piece of advice we came across online from financial adviser Brent Mekosh of Arizona-based Mekosh Financial Services.

He says NOT to pay down your mortgage, even if you have the extra funds to do so. Instead, invest the extra amount, and when there’s enough in your account, then pay your mortgage in full. This way, if an emergency arises — like an illness or lost job — you’ll have a tidy sum of money built up to continue paying your expenses.

A reliable source

Health. Searching the Internet for answers to health issues is easy to do, but make sure you are getting reliable information. One good source to check is “The Healthy Woman: A Complete Guide for All Ages” by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. It deals with everything from pregnancy and delivery to what to do for chronic pain. The book includes the latest recommendations for screenings, exams and immunizations as well as full-color charts and diagrams to help understand your health. Buy the book for $24.95 or read it online at http://www.womenshealth.gov.

8

August 2012

| Josephine magazine |

newspressnow.com/josephine

Feel-good card Relate. Ever at a loss for what to say in a friend or loved one’s birthday card?

Real Simple offers some suggestions.

For starters, send the card early and make mention of the actual day the birthday falls to make sure the recipient knows you know his or her real birthday.

Make sure to include a compliment and a line or two about what the person means to you. Some people are iffy about their age, so don’t make mention of it. Focus instead on well-wishes for the future.

Clutter-clearing cube Organize. Even your undergarments deserve their own personal resting spots. Real Simple’s Extra-Large Honeycomb Drawer Organizer provides a set of eight cubes that conforms to just about any drawer. The cubes also could be used for cosmetics, nail polish and just about any other small items that need organizing. They sell for $15 at bedbathandbeyond.com.

Cut the cute stuff What is he thinking? On the mind of our Shea Conner: Abraham Lincoln once said, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” For obvious reasons, many think this Lincoln gem was referring to a man doing good deeds for his hometown. Not me. I think Honest Abe was aiming at home decor. Ladies, please keep this quote in mind the next time you feel the urge to buy a kitty cat knick-knack to place on the living room mantel. A man’s self-worth diminishes just a little bit every time a Precious Moments figurine infiltrates his home.

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Worth your while Get the best bang for your buck at the spa

By CRYSTAL K. WIEBE | JOSEPHINE MAGAZINE

I

n the mood for a spa day but unsure which services to splurge on? To get the most out of your money, take a look in the mirror, research your spa destination and then speak frankly with the staff.

Whether you’re getting a pedicure, facial, massage or even a new hairstyle, all spa services are inherently personal. You want to choose treatments that truly fit your needs — whether that’s a relaxing experience, aesthetic enhancement or a combination of the two.

Health and beauty writer Jill Muir, a 26-year-old St. Joseph native who now lives in Kansas City, has worked in spa and salon environments for five years.

She says the value of any individual service depends entirely on the client’s needs.

She recommends choosing treatments that address your personal problem areas.

“If you have acne,” Muir says, “a facial is really worth the money.”

Most spas offer a wide variety of facials that are tailored to skin type, age and issues.

“You’re not going to use the same product on a 17-year-old with acne as you would with a 42-year-old woman who’s worried about aging,” Muir says.

Anti-aging steps at the spa may involve Botox or microderm abrasion to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

For anyone, getting a facial once a month is ideal, says Ashley Bransfield, 33, an aesthetician and make-up artist at Rosie Cheeked in St. Joseph. Realistically, one can save a little money and still reap the benefits by going to the spa when the seasons change and practicing good skin care at home in the interim.

Be sure to get tips on how to do that during your spa service, Bransfield recommends.

In any case, when an aesthetician works on your face, count on experiencing more than a mud mask and cucumber slices on your eyelids.

“They actually do extractions as far as unclogging pores,” Muir says. “They use

a sterilized metal tool. They dig and get stuff out of your pores. It’s not pleasant.”

But the after-effects can be.

Due to how much regular facials can help balance out the skin, Bransfield says she’s seen a spike in teenage clients, including boys and girls.

“Until you get a facial, you don’t know what you’re missing,” she says.

Muir, 26, says acne has never really been a problem for her. Nail treatments tend to be her go-to spa service.

In her experience, gel manicures, also known as shellac manicures, are a better value because they last longer.

“With the lighter colors, a pink or a French manicure,” Muir says, “I can get them to last three weeks.”

She doesn’t mind paying $10 to $15 more for color that stands up to her keyboard.

“As someone who uses their hands a lot with typing,” she says, “it’s worth it to me to have nail polish that doesn’t chip for two weeks.”

For sun worshipers or brides-to-be, body scrubs can be a worthwhile way to exfoliate the skin all over and get rid of what Muir calls “ashy knees and elbows.”

For those who hate to shave or who have hair in problem areas, there’s also waxing. Bransfield says, “You definitely save money coming once a month to get rid of hair as opposed to razors and shave cream, which can add up to a fortune.”

Kaci Russell, 33, is a hairstylist, massage therapist and hula hoop and aerial yoga instructor at A New Day Spa in St. Joseph. She suggests all first-time clients

learn as much as they can about a spa before getting in the hair, pedicure or massage chair.

“Do research on what the spa has to offer,” she says. “Come in, meet the staff, ask questions.”

A common mistake spagoers make is requesting services they don’t really need or understand.

Microderm abrasion is an intense exfoliation performed with a machine. It can significantly reduce the effects of aging but may require a few sessions. However, some folks just haven’t aged enough to need to the work.

“I know a lot of aestheticians who’ve turned people away from microderm abrasion,” Muir says.

Russell says many also don’t realize how intense certain kinds of massage can be.

“A lot of people when they say they want deep tissue they really don’t mean deep tissue,” she says. “Deep tissue is painful. All they’re really wanting is more pressure.”

First-time massage clients should start with a less intense style, such as Swedish massage, the experts agree. If you want a firmer hand, just say so — before, during and after the session.

“Feedback is really important,” Muir says. “If you get an aesthetician or massage therapist who doesn’t want to consult, that isn’t good.”

That goes for any service you’re getting. It’s your body and your money, after all. Get the experience and results you want.

MAXIMIZE YOUR SPA EXPERIENCE O Arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork and enjoy such amenities as hot tea or wine that may be offered.

O Fill out your paperwork completely — this will help your service provider understand your needs and expectations and also help prevent possible allergic or medical reactions you may have to products used.

O Go with a list of questions so you can take home tips to extend the effects of your spa service.

O Ask about rewards systems, referral programs or getting on the spa’s e-mail list, all of which could help you save money on future visits.

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Dinner and a movie, re-imagined Try something different for date night

By KRISTEN HARE Josephine magazine

There’s a reason that dinner and a movie are the old standard for date night. OK, there are a lot of reasons. It gets you out of the house (important if you have kids,) it gets you together, focusing on each other (also important if you have kids) and it’s usually just fun.

It also can be expensive (let’s figure $50 for dinner, $20 for the movie, and then there’s the cost of the baby sitter if you need one.)

You still can have dinner and a movie, but with the following ideas, you and your special person can make it more exciting, save some money and get to places you’ve never been.

THE RENTAL DINNER: This one is all about take-out. Pick the restaurant of 12

August 2012

your choice, order your meal and bring it home. Now set a nice table, play some music and enjoy your meal together, minus the cost of tipping the wait staff.

MOVIE: Redbookmag.com recommends choosing a TV show you want to watch together and enjoying it episode by episode every week. For popular shows that you’ve missed out on or those on channels you don’t have, this is a great option and a fun way to enjoy something together.

PROS: No cooking and you save money on tips. You get to watch movies at home, which can be comfy, and you also can crack open an extra beer and not worry about driving home.

This easily can be an ongoing weekly date by choosing a new restaurant and catching the next episode of your chosen show.

CONS: If you have kids in the house, you’ll either have to farm them out to grandma or friends or wait until they go to sleep, which might be about the same time as you’re ready to nod off.

| Josephine magazine |

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THE DRIVE-IN DINNER: Popcorn, hot dogs, soda and whatever other goodies

the concessions sell. Most of us don’t eat like this regularly, so a little carnival-like meal once in a while can’t hurt, plus it’s pretty affordable. If you’d rather bring your own, you can pick up fast food such as fried chicken on the way or pack a healthier sampler of fresh fruit, cheeses, breads and sausage, plus beverages.

MOVIE: At most drive-ins in the area, $8 to $10 gets you into a double feature. That’s more movie than you’re going to get at the first-run theater, and the movies playing usually are current.

Most drive-ins operate through the summer on weekend nights, and Wes Neal, owner of Boulevard Drive-In in Kansas City, Kan., says they’re popular for several reasons.

“It’s affordable, for one thing, and it’s fun to be outside.”

Cook Brothers Drive-In is scheduled to open in St. Joseph soon on S. 169 Highway. Some other drive-ins within driving distance are the Twin Drive-In in Independence and the I-70 Drive-In in Kansas City.

PROS: “You’re out in the open air. You’re free. You can move around and do what you like to do. You’re not confined to a seat, and you’re out under the stars,” says Neal.

CONS: In the recent heat waves, you’re out in the open air.

Movie theaters are nice and cool in the summer, but with the sun down, evenings aren’t so bad.

DIY DINNER: Get outside to Hyde Park, Krug Park, Bartlett Park,

Patee Park, or any one of the outdoor spaces in St. Joe. “Those are probably the most used right now,” says Sharon Ritchey with the St. Joseph Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities Department.

Most of those places have shelters that you can reserve, she says, but if it’s just the two of you, just grab a blanket and look for a shady spot.

Ritchey also recommends places with water, such as Corby Pond, or places with a great view, like King Hill or Wyeth Hill.

“That’s perfect,” she says, “You can see way over to the bluffs of Kansas.”

The food on this one is up to you. Bring take out or a picnic of your own making. You can grab paper plates or get more fancy, bring flameless candles and pillows.

MOVIE: Another great idea from Redbookmag.com is to create your own drive-in. Just grab your laptop or iPad and rent a movie or use Netflix for live-streaming. Since you’re already picnicking, bring the movie along and when the sun sets, start the show. (But do make sure it’s OK to be in whatever park or spot you’re in after dark.)

PROS: It’s free to be outside, and you can choose how much you want to spend on your meal and your movie.

CONS: If you’re in a park, you might not be alone, so watch for flying soccer balls. Depending on the weather, it could be hot, and you might have to share your meal with ants and yourself with mosquitoes. But with any of these ideas, you can save money, do something new and still have time with the person you love for dinner and a movie, under your own roof, the shade of trees, or out under the stars.

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Significant savings How to spend less on food

By KEVIN KRAUSKOPF Josephine magazine

News flash: Food is expensive.

But how expensive? Well, the numbers don’t lie. To eat a nutritious diet, an average family of four would have spent, on the low end, about $546.20 a month on food, according to numbers released by the USDA for April 2012. On the high end, that amount jumps to more than $1,000 a month.

Yikes!

But, there is some relief — if you do it right. Here are some ideas for saving money on food, be it at the grocery store or when dining out.

AT THE STORE

If clipping and organizing coupons sounds like a hassle, well, it can be.

“I definitely would not say they are the most convenient way to save on your grocery bill,” says Mike Decker, co-owner of the St. Joseph Apple Market grocery store locations.

While coupons can be a useful moneysaving tool, Decker and Sheri Caldwell, a dietitian at Hy-Vee in St. Joseph, both stress the importance of planning ahead and digging for the best value.

For instance, store brands and private labels often offer similar quality at 15 to 25 percent savings, Caldwell says.

Savings also can be found by buying in bulk, as long as you don’t buy more than you can use before the product spoils.

Compare an item’s price per ounce (or whatever the measurement happens to be for the product) to find the best deal.

Caldwell also suggests doing some of your own food preparation. As an example, cleaning and shredding carrots would be cheaper than buying a bag of pre-cut baby carrots, she says.

Look for fruits and berries that are in season. They’ll cost less than out-of-season varieties. Or, Caldwell adds, there’s good value in frozen produce, which often is harvested at peak freshness, making for a tasty treat any time of the year.

“If you try to buy fresh berries in January, you’ll pay like $5 a cup,” she says.

But the biggest way to save money at the grocery store is to make a list and stick to it, Decker and Caldwell agree — especially if you build that list around the sales a store is offering that week.

14

August 2012

By “shopping the ads” and planning your meals around sale-price items, you’ll find significant savings. Plus, having a list will help you curb impulse buying if you tend to succumb to it. And, a few coupons to complement your list won’t hurt.

“That’s how you’re going to maximize your savings,” Decker says.

Caldwell says.

Most likely, you’ll also see the added benefit of eating a healthier diet than the typical restaurant offers.

But, it’s also possible to dine out regularly and still save some money. Consider these tips from simpleorganizedliving.com.

g Use coupons. Many restaurants offer deals on their company webDINING OUT sites. Take advantage of it.

The simplest way to save money at restaurants is to visit them less often. Just by g Ask for gift cards. A popular gift taking a lunch to work each day — figurfor any occasion, there’s nothing you’d spend $8 to $10 at a restaurant ing wrong with asking family and and $3 or less on a meal prepared at home friends for a gift card to a favorite — you could easily save $100 or more each place to eat. month.

Once again, planning ahead is key. g Skip the drinks. Would you buy $3 Caldwell says to stock up on staples like for a soda or $6 for a beer in any beans and rice and keep bread, fruits, vegother setting? A family of five saves etables and such on hand. That way, you an easy 15 bucks. can’t use the excuse that you don’t have g Split a meal. The portion size is anything at home to prepare to justify a probably way too big anyway. Share trip to a restaurant. it, or box half up and save it for Also, re-purpose leftovers — like slicing up grilled chicken to put on a salad — or later. Two meals for the price of prepare several meals in one cooking one. session to have an assortment of dishes g Go where the kids eat free. Many ready for you to grab and head out the restaurants have kids-eat-free door. specials. Find out when and where, “If I’m already in the kitchen, I might and then head there. as well be cooking a few different things,”

| Josephine magazine |

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As Trails West! marks its 20th year, here’s a look at the woman who started it all

By ERIN WISDOM Josephine magazine

K

aren Graves has taken more than her fair share of flack for the exclamation point at the end of Trails West!

— St. Joseph’s annual arts festival that this year will take place Aug. 17 through 19 at Civic Center Park.

But Ms. Graves, the founder of the festival, still sees the importance of this particular punctuation detail.

“Copywriters and spell check hate it,” she says. “But it gives a little punch and forward movement. We wanted to tell people we were really excited about this.”

Evidently that intent and the enthusiasm behind it have gone a long way: Trails West! will mark its 20th year this month. And while Ms. Graves is no longer in charge of the event, it remains an example of her love for community involvement, even in a community that wasn’t originally hers.

Rather, Ms. Graves is a Kansas native — having graduated from Kansas State University and made her mark on the city of Salina before moving to St. Joseph in 1991.

By that time she’d earned the distinction of being Salina’s first female mayor, president of the Kansas League of Municipalities and a member of the National League of Cities board. She also founded Salina’s very successful Smoky Hill River Festival.

Unbeknownst to her, when she and her husband settled in the St. Joseph area, they chose a home just over the Andrew County line — meaning running for any St. Joseph government position wasn’t an option.

“I think my husband did it on purpose,” Ms. Graves says, noting that he was always more bothered by criticism directed toward her in the political arena than she was. “My political days are over, but I still want to be active in the community.”

Please see Page 18

MATT REID/Josephine magazine

The face behind the festival

As Trails West! marks its 20th year, here’s a look at the woman who started it all CONTINUED FROM Page 16 She found an opportunity for that when, while taking a Missouri Western class on St. Joseph’s history in 1991, she realized the city was quickly approaching its sesquicentennial. She learned from the mayor that a committee was forming to plan an event for this milestone and also learned from the Allied Arts Council that the city had been looking to put together an arts festival.

Of course, no one was more ideal than Ms. Graves for getting this festival off the ground, and the concept she brought to life still characterizes Trails West! today: An event featuring a variety of musical entertainment, top-notch artists and the kind of foods, activities and other details that make for a true “festival of the senses.”

“The word ‘festival’ comes from ‘feast,’” Ms. Graves notes. “As soon as you step onto the grounds, you need to feel like you’re in a special day; you’re not in everyday St. Joseph.”

The first Trails West! proved an overwhelming success in this — so much so

ur o y e ar t s ? w o H bi a h p l i ng e e sl ee f ou e? y e r A ag y o ur

people expressed doubt it could be pulled off so well again. But Ms. Graves proved them wrong for a second year before passing the chairwoman position on to Ali Wray, who directed the festival in 1995 and 1996.

“I felt like the bar had been set very high,” Ms. Wray says. “There was a lot of trepidation that first year; I wondered if I’d be able to take care of her baby.”

Ms. Wray adds that Ms. Graves is very organized, very thorough, very passionate about what she does and very much a people person and a project person — all qualities she’s putting to use now not only in her continued assistance with Trails West! but also in projects for the YWCA and the Missouri Western Arts Society.

And while the rest of the world might look at this and see only the weight of the work load, Ms. Graves sees all her efforts over the years as a sort of salvation.

“We’re just like the typical American family; we’ve had issues,” she says, noting that chief among these was losing one of her daughters in a car accident 26 years ago. “If I didn’t have things to do, I don’t think I would have made it. I was ready to

crawl into a hole and never come out.”

This isn’t to say Trails West! and her other work haven’t come with their own problems. They have, and in the case of Trails West! Ms. Graves came to expect them in the most unexpected forms. One year, for example, she received a call from the city manager about a group of historical re-enactors who — not having any bathroom facilities in the tents where they’d been camping — resorted to bathing in the City Hall bathrooms.

Other years, animals proved a problem, with someone bringing a snake after dogs and cats had been banned and with someone else bringing a pet bird after dogs, cats and snakes had been banned.

“Finally, we just said no animals,” Ms. Graves laughs.

Fortunately, the overall success of two decades of Trails West! has far outweighed these hiccups. And if Ms. Graves has her way, she’ll likely encounter more of both in her future.

“My husband says my tombstone should say ‘Here lies Karen Graves, beneath the only stone she left unturned,’” she says. “I think that’s a nice thought.”

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Products from Niche of Time Jewelry in St. Joseph. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Sparkle without the splurge

By KATHLEEN BARBOSA I Josephine magazine

D

iamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but they’re not genial to your wallet. If you’re shopping for something sparkly and don’t want to choose between beauty and your budget, check out alternative gemstones for brilliant bling at a fraction of the cost.

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August 2012

| Josephine magazine |

newspressnow.com/josephine

Check out these alternative jewels to get all of the bling for less buck Craig Obermier, Creviston and Son Jewelry vice president, says traditional diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are more expensive than other gems, but there are stones with the same color and shine.

For example, if you’re interested in a pink stone, pink diamonds are the most expensive option. Mark Segrist, Niche of Time Jewelry owner, says these diamonds are incredibly rare and can cost $700,000 per carat. Coating a traditional white diamond can create a pink (or any color you want) tint, and while this alternative isn’t cheap, it will only cost about $3,000 per carat.

Natural pink sapphires also are a pricey alternative, while morganite and kunzite are inexpensive options. Tourmaline, which Segrist says comes in almost any color, is another choice for pink stones.

You don’t need to splurge on rubies to obtain a classic red shimmer. Obermier says it’s almost impossible for the untrained eye to tell the difference between a real ruby and a red tourmaline, also known as a rubellite. The difference is in the cost. A real ruby of similar size and clarity as a rubellite stone can cost twice as much.

Spinels, another ruby substitute, often are thought of as cheap imitation stones, but Segrist says they are capable of brilliance.

“A lot of white spinels are used for imitation diamond or cheap birthstone rings, so they were thought of as cheap or fake, but they are actually a really beautiful gem that isn’t well known,” he says.

If you’re interested in a splash of color, Obermier suggests looking at amethyst.

When cut correctly, this purple gem can be dazzling, and Segrist says it can cost a thousandth of the cost of quality diamonds.

For blue, there is a large variety of jewels. Blue sapphires will be the most expensive, but Seigrist says the price depends upon the shade of the gem.

“One of the old fallacies is ‘the darker the better,’” Segrist says. “That’s not always true. Really inky dark blues are very inexpensive, where as a vibrant, pure blue without a green or gray or brownish tinge is much more valuable.”

Tourmalines are less expensive than sapphires, but blue is one of the rarest shades of this versatile jewel.

Aquamarine and blue topaz gems are the cheapest options for blue stones.

“They are almost always treated to get the color, so you can get almost the exact shade you want because they do it so much that they’ve refined the process,” Segrist says.

Lab-grown gems offer the brilliance of natural stones without the expense.

Segrist says some are grown in a day and others take up to a year to develop.

The longer they take to grow, the more natural they appear. These synthetic gems are physically, chemically and optically real, but they cost much less than natural stones.

“They’re not as expensive as the finest natural,” Seigrist says. “They are more expensive than cheap natural, but they’re really gorgeous gems.”

Segrist cautioned buyers to remember synthetic and imitation stones are different. Synthetic, lab-grown gems are real

precious stones, while imitations are chemically different from the rock they appear to be.

If you’re looking for something really different, Segrist suggests checking out sphene. Seigrist describes this stone as an “earthy color,” but in different lights, he says this gem has flashes of green and red. Alexandrite, a lesser-known gem, changes colors in different light, shifting from shades of red and pink to greenblue tints.

No matter what gem you choose, Segrist says the stone’s cut is key. A gem’s brightness varies based on its efficiency of returning light. Whether you go with a traditional stone or try something with a splash of color, Segrist says the key to shopping is picking something that makes you happy.

“Go with what you like best,” he says.

“Even if it isn’t necessarily what somebody else likes.”

Join us weekdays at newspressnow.com/Josephine for web-only content covering the issues most important to women.

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To tell or not to tell Knowing someone is cheating can put you in a tough spot

By CHRISTINA HAZELWOOD HECKMAN Knowledge is power. You’ve probably heard that statement a time or two in your life, and usually it’s viewed as a good thing. But sometimes knowledge brings power you don’t want. The weight of knowing someone is cheating in a relationship puts you in a tough place, and you have to ask yourself, “Do I tell?”

“I would most definitely want someone to tell me if my boyfriend was cheating, because no one wants to be played like a fool,” says Missouri Western student Allison Lile. “It would be nice if they were there to witness the cheating. I would want to know the information was 100 percent accurate before I confronted my boyfriend with accusations.”

Lile says the decision to tell depends on the relationship she has with the person.

“Honestly, it just depends on who that someone is,” Lile says. “I don’t like to get in the middle of sticky situations, especially if I wasn’t there to witness the cheating happen firsthand. But if it happened to be one of my best friends, I would definitely give her a heads up.

“No one deserves to be cheated on, especially if their significant other continuously gets away with it. Luckily, I haven’t been in that type of situation,” she says. “I think it would be extremely difficult to tell someone you’re friends with that their significant other was cheating. No one wants to hear that kind of news. And usually, the person believes their significant other over you anyways, so what’s the point?”

St. Joseph native Jeremy Otto knows

how horrible it can be to tell someone their partner is cheating, and he would only tell if asked.

“Even then I would only state any facts that I knew to let them draw their own conclusions,” Otto says. “I wouldn’t make any comments or judgment calls based on the character quality of their partner or the tendencies of relationships to fail.

“The only time I’ve ever told I wasn’t asked. Of course he didn’t believe me, and as a result we didn’t speak for around two years,” he says. “It’s not worth the risk of losing a friend when relationships are so often meant to end anyway. No happy marriage ever ended in divorce.”

Kaci Russell, a St. Joseph entrepreneur, feels the exact opposite. Despite the risk, she says she would always tell because she would want to know if someone were cheating on her.

“I had to tell a friend that her boyfriend was cheating,” Russell says. “You worry if the person won’t believe you or hate you.

I have been on the other side of it and was happy when I was told. You should just follow gut feelings.”

If your instincts are telling you to spill the beans, make sure you have your facts straight and a plan for disclosure.

“Yes, you should absolutely tell,” says Pam Miknaitis of southern Buchanan County. “I would definitely want someone to tell me as long as they are sure.

“But you have to be careful with the way you approach the subject, and it really depends on the relationship you have with the person,” she says. “The affair will likely be found out anyway, and when you find out that your friends, even family members,

22

| Josephine magazine |

Josephine magazine

August 2012

already knew and tried to ‘protect’ your feelings by not telling you, it only rubs salt in the wound. Ignorance is not bliss. Once the secret is revealed, then the relationship can be dealt with on an even playing field.

Whether it is restored or not is dependent on many factors, but being cheated on and not knowing leaves you vulnerable and open to far more wounding.”

Megan Williams of St. Joseph thinks people have a right to know if their partner is cheating.

“I think they should know that they are cheating, especially if children are involved,” Williams says. “It doesn’t just hurt the adults. Tell them so they don’t have to live through any more drama. No one should have to live like that.”

Because Williams feels that those cheating don’t care about the feelings of others, she doesn’t see much hope for relationships that take that path.

“I want to know if he’s cheating on me so I can leave,” she says. “If someone has to cheat on the other, then what’s the point of being together at all?

“If the other person is cheating, then there’s no trust and no love, and that’s what a relationship needs to grow strong,” she says. “I think if someone has to cheat, then that person needs to step out of the relationship and move on to something else, because it just hurts too many people. It’s not easy to tell someone that the one they love is cheating on them.”

While the majority of people seem to think you should tell someone their partner is cheating, there appears to be a trend of loyalty among the genders. Lile says there is a definite double standard when it

newspressnow.com/josephine

comes to ratting out her female friends. “It depends on the situation,� Lile says. “I don’t like getting involved in situations that don’t necessarily involve me, but when it comes to my best friends, I don’t like to see them getting hurt. “I wouldn’t rat out my girlfriends if they were doing the cheating, because I’m usually closer to my girlfriends than their boyfriend,� she says. “I almost feel stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to situations like this, because I want to do the right thing, but then again I don’t want to lose my best friend because I got in the middle of it. I personally feel like it’s necessary to take each situation and handle them differently. I just cross my fingers and hope I don’t get involved in anything like this!�

There are many things to take into consideration before rushing off to tell someone their significant other is cheating. Using the “Golden Rule� and treating others as you’d like to be treated is a good place to start. “Avoid making the situation bigger by confiding in people who cannot be trusted with such delicate information,� says Vikki Crouch, counselor at Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Joseph. “They will gossip and compound the problem. Make sure facts and/or solid evidence substantiate the claim rather than second- or third-party rumor. Pray for God’s wisdom and direction regarding the motive to tell, the timing of the disclosure, the correct wording to be used and that the recipient will have grace to receive it. Proceed accordingly.�

Once you have your facts straight, you can confront the one cheating with the facts as known and ask for truth and clarification. “The person who is doing the cheating could be confronted, and then, depending on the outcome, the person being cheated upon could be told,� Crouch says. “Confronting the one cheating gives him/her an opportunity to realize change must take place or risk being discovered. It also affords the opportunity for the offender to confess the situation himself.�

No matter how you go about telling someone their significant other is cheating, the typical response will be hurt, perhaps also fear, injustice and a host of other emotions. Anger resulting from the hurt may be directed toward the one who revealed the issue, those who knew it but covered it up and, of course, the one who cheated. “To those who withheld information, the hurt will most likely be coupled with a lack of trust in the future and possibly the loss of friendship,� Crouch says. “To the one who revealed the situation, the initial hurt is often followed by a sense of gratitude. “Forgiveness toward all parties involved is key. The offended cannot deal with issues unless they are aware that the issue exists,� she says. “Therefore, disclosure followed by confession, repentance, forgiveness and godly counsel can lead to a stronger and better relationship than ever.�

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Bring on the books

MATT REID/Josephine Magazine

Brenda Lotz eats rainbows with the children at her day care after they make them with graham crackers, marshmallows and frosting.

Going back to school requires determination and sacrifices 24

By JENNIFER GORDON

B

St. Joseph News-Press

renda Lotz and DeMichael Poindexter appreciate just how many hours a day can hold.

The St. Joseph residents recently made the decision to go back to school, while they continued to hold jobs and work in time for their families.

Ms. Lotz runs a day care out of her home and decided in 2007 to pursue a degree in preschool education. She started out doing online courses through the University of Phoenix before she transferred to Missouri Western.

August 2012

| Josephine magazine |

newspressnow.com/josephine

She prefers the in-person classes but finds they take up more time and energy.

Lotz operates her day care in the mornings, reserves her afternoons for her kids and goes to classes in the evenings. When she comes home from class, she does some light housework, puts her kids to bed and cracks open the books. “Coffee is my best friend,� Lotz says. “Coffee and creamer, as long as I have those, I’m ready to rock and roll for at least a couple of hours.�

Finding time to study is the hardest part, she says. She passed her classes, not with the grades she wanted, but she passed.

Finances pushed Poindexter to go back to school a couple of years ago. He wanted his kids to have a better life than what he could afford working as a delivery man for a Chinese restaurant.

He started taking classes at Webster Learning Center to get his GED and continued to work as a delivery man. When he started at Hillyard Technical Center, he couldn’t work as much because he was in school most of the day. His family had to move in with his mother-in-law. “It was very, very difficult,� he says. “I just prayed to God and got through it.�

Dr. Judy Grimes, the dean of students at Missouri Western, says oftentimes the

Twelve hours of classes may not seem like you’re in class that much, but every one of those classes requires time outside of class.

been very understanding, she says, and sometimes they drop their kids off later if she needs to go to class in the morning.

Grimes recommends adults start thinking about the logistics of school long before classes start. Missouri Western offers scholarships and financial aid for nontraditional students. The deadline for most of the assistance applications is March 1. — DR. JUDY GRIMES, For Poindexter, who recently gradudean of students at Missouri Western State University ated from Hillyard, going back to school proved to be worth the expense. “I could actually go to an interview and have confidence in getting a job in the interview because I had schooling on my challenges for nontraditional students (any student who doesn’t come to campus record instead of just being a dropout. It was really surprising to actually have that directly after high school graduation) lie feeling,� he says. outside of the classroom, with demands He now works at Cabinets, Counters & on family and finances.

More, and he’s saving money to get his She recommends adults consider how family a home. One day he hopes to own much time schooling really takes. his own remodeling business. “Twelve hours of classes may not seem Lotz has two more years of school belike you’re in class that much, but every one of those classes requires time outside fore she gets her degree. Though it takes some time away from her family, she enof class,� she says. joys how her decision to go back to school Lotz says she’s found having a support sets an example for her kids. group really helps her when she feels “If I can go to college and succeed and overwhelmed. She’s been very clear with get my degree, then that’s going to help the people in her life about how going to my kids know that they can go to college,�

Missouri Western affects her schedule.

The parents of the kids she baby-sits have Lotz says.

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Beautiful knees How to prevent injuries and pain

By SYLVIA ANDERSON Josephine magazine

Something you never hear: “My, what beautiful knees you have!” Knees are just not that attractive. In fact, we tend to ignore them.

Unfortunately, once you injure your knees, you realize how very important they are. Just ask anyone with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or osteoarthritis. Women are more prone to knee injuries than men, so we really should give them the love and attention they deserve.

We recently talked about knees with Dr. Alexander Schoofs, a family practice and sports medicine physician with Heartland Health in Platte City, Mo.

Q.

Are certain people more likely to have knee injuries?

A.

Yes, it’s definitely activity- or sport-dependent. In high schooland college-age female athletes, ACL injury is a real risk compared to their male counterparts. Some research suggests that it’s a female’s ability or inability to control their upper body when they are landing or pivoting. That upper body trunk sway can contribute to an ACL tear. There are exercises and training programs females can do which focus on working on their core strength, hamstring and quadracep strength as well as their overall balance. If done correctly and for a long enough time, it can reduce the risk of knee injury equal to men.

Q.

If you are not an athlete, is an ACL tear something you should worry about?

A.

Typically, an ACL tear is caused by sudden landing and deceleration moment and a twisting moment at the same time. Those are most commonly found in sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball and football. However, car accidents and a fall from a ladder or some unlucky event could cause one.

Q.

What is the most common knee problem?

A.

It all depends on the age group.

People in their 30s and 40s will have an old or unrecognized injury

26

August 2012

that’s finally catching up with them — degenerating or meniscal tears which can cause swelling, pain or mechanical symptoms. Often these present when someone is changing their activity level, going from sedentary to a workout program. For people 50 and older, the most common diagnosis for knee pain will be arthritis.

| Josephine magazine |

Q.

Is there anything we can do to prevent arthritis?

A.

It’s a genetic and progressive disease that is more common in Caucasians than African-Americans.

Unfortunately, it is not preventable.

There are treatments ranging from oral medications to steroid injections to “Vis-

newspressnow.com/josephine

cosupplementation treatment.” That’s a shot typically done in a three-part series designed to restore the natural cushioning of the fluid inside the knee. It’s reserved for those who have failed oral medications or steroid injections in the knee, and it is usually the most helpful for people with early arthritis in the knee. The definitive treatment for knee arthritis, when the pain and symptoms become so severe, is a total knee replacement by an orthopedic surgeon.

Q.

Does the over-the-counter supplement glucosomine help?

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A.

There is no good scientific study that proves benefit in reducing of symptoms or slowing progression of arthritis. Some people will benefit with it for unknown reasons. For that reason, I recommend people try it for a two- or three-month period of time, and if they perceive a benefit, I have no problem with them using the supplement. It’s a very safe supplement.

Q.

What can we do to prevent knee injuries?

A.

Strengthening up the quadriceps and hamstring muscles is essential. Additionally, make sure you are as flexible as possible, focusing on stretching and insuring maximum flexibility. For the middle-age person getting back into sports, get back into it gradually. Going from being extremely sedentary to what one was doing 10 or 15 years ago, can have detrimental consequences.

Q.

What kind of exercises are good for strengthening the knees?

A.

Lunges are highly effective for strengthening the quadriceps and hamstring muscles as is cliametrics or jump training. But first and foremost, if an exercise causes you to have pain, you should avoid that activity until you are cleared by your physician.

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Does being overweight contribute to knee problems?

A.

Weight loss can be an effective treatment for people with knee pain due to osteoarthritis. However, it is often a vicious cycle because they have pain, so they can’t achieve weight loss.

For those folks, I like to recommend water aerobics as a low-impact means for weight loss and overall fitness.

Q.

A.

If you injure your knee, when should you see a doctor?

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average joe

A

woman I know recently introduced me to her fiance.

I’m glad she made it known first there was a romantic involvement because I was about to blurt out “Is this your dad?”

The woman was in her late 30s. Her boyfriend was a hunched-over 70-year-old.

My first thought was he’s paying her rent. The woman had to be in it for the money.

But the guy didn’t look like money. Just an old guy in thrift-store and garage-sale clothing moving along with the benefit of a cane.

For all I know, he could have been filthy rich but chose to dress way down so as not to draw attention to his wealth or to muggers.

Why my first reaction was that she was in it for the money says a lot about me and the way most of society thinks. If a young woman is dating a man 50 years old and beyond, she’s either crazy or after his pension. There couldn’t possibly be a true romantic relationship.

But why not? I imagine somewhere there are some couples enjoying long-term January/ December romances. I imagine in many of the relationships, the woman is the older partner.

I don’t know why, but I have less trouble seeing a relationship between a younger man and an older woman being about money. The younger

Nothing like an old fool Relationships between partners of different ages raise questions ALONZO WESTON is a columnist and reporter for the St. Joseph News-Press. The St. Joseph native has served on the News-Press staff for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Deanna, have two children and a dog. The St. Joseph native is also a sports junkie who doesn’t pick up after himself. If you’d like to suggest an idea for this column, contact Alonzo at alonzo.weston@ newspressnow.com.

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August 2012

| Josephine magazine |

man no doubt enjoys being with an experienced woman rather than some giggly 20something who hasn’t read anything longer than a Tweet.

The woman of course gets a man who can keep up with appetites she didn’t realize she still had until after she started watching “Sex and the City” and “Cougar Town.”

The sad part is that men always think they have a chance with any woman. In our minds we’re still that fit, young stud of 40 years ago. Every man keeps one or more flattering photos of himself from those days. He’ll show it to younger women or post it on his Facebook page as some sort of proof he wasn’t always this decrepit.

But that’s like looking at a new car ad in an old magazine.

That Ford looked sharp in 1965, but today it’s rusting away in a junk heap. Even if somebody did restore it, it’s still an old car. Like you, it’s not for everyday use but only performs every now and then like in car shows and on Sunday drives.

Even if a young girl flirts with an older man it’s not for reasons he might think. She’s either doing it for some sort of validation or to tease.

“Girls who choose men so far out of their age ranges tend toward low self-esteem and depression, says Kerry Cohen, author of “Loose Girl,” in a goodmenproject.com article.

Sure Sean Connery was voted sexiest man alive by People magazine in 1989 when he was about 60 years old. But not many men in their 60s look like Sean Connery nor have his fame and money. Nevertheless, he’s still an old man.

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W

ho made the rule that women shouldn’t eat? Well, not completely starving, just eat like a dainty little bird.

This unspoken rule has been around since I was a young girl in the dating world. When a suitor would take me out to dinner and ask what I would like to eat, the appropriate response from me was, “Oh, I’m not hungry. You go ahead and eat.” The young, growing male would order enough food to feed a family of four and eat every bite, while I sat there trying to talk loud enough to cover the sounds of my stomach growing and hoping I didn’t faint later at the movies because my blood sugar had plummeted.

As I grew, I noticed when going to dinner with friends, the men would have competitions to see who could eat the most, while the ladies of the group would order the salad with no dressing and water.

Now I am a Midwestern corn-fed girl, and it didn’t take me long to realize I didn’t like this silly rule because I like to eat!

I still remember the looks of surprise from the females in my party when I went to a restaurant to attend a ladies’ breakfast. As the waitress took the orders from the other women, all ordering things like scrambled egg whites, oatmeal and a fruit cup, I decided when it got to me I was going to order just what I wanted: The Lumberjack Platter.

When I spoke the words, I remember the laughter from all of the ladies, as they thought I was trying to be ironically funny. But I stood firm, and said, “Please add a side of toast with that.”

The table got quiet, and I could

see how they were processing this break from the societal norm, but soon, there was chatter as they began to discuss what they REALLY wanted to eat.

The waitress was then bombarded with requests for extra butter, a bowl of gravy, a side of bacon and a piece of ham. I felt like I had changed the world, one cholesterol point at a time.

This “women don’t eat” phenomenon probably has something to do with a woman’s need to always be on a diet. This is another lie I stopped living. It used to be whenever a friend came by, we would share stories of our latest diet, yet neither one of us ever lost a pound.

Our proclamation of the diet was more of a faith confession than an actual fact. I guess we secretly thought if we talked about the pounds leaving our bodies, they actually would disappear even though we were eating that second piece of chocolate cake when no one was looking.

I have spoken with a lot of noneating women who confess that they, too, eat a snack before going to dinner because they know they are really not going to eat very much when they get there, and they don’t want to leave hungry.

Again.

We also tell our dining companions that we must “take the leftovers home because we can’t eat another bite,” yet we know for a fact we are going to speed the whole way home so the leftovers hopefully still will be warm when we get there so we can scarf them down in private, the second we walk in the door.

Personally, I think I am going to take a page from my husband’s playbook and learn to fully enjoy my meal. I must say, I envy how he orders exactly what he wants, eats it all, then unbuttons the top button of his pants as he leans back in the chair, fully satisfied. All the while, I munch on a carrot stick, secretly wishing it was a barbecued rib.

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| Josephine magazine |

getting real

Just eat, woman Shattering the myth that ladies don’t lunch STACEY MOLLUS is a humor columnist who believes laughter is the best form of exercise and happy people are the best looking people. She loves her family, chocolate, clothes that are stretchy and things that sparkle. You can contact her at queenofchocolates@live.com or follow her on Facebook at “Queen of Chocolates” and on her blog on Josephine’s website and queenofchocolates.com.

August 2012

29

meal time

Great appetizers sherry, curry powder, salt and hot sauce.

Blend until smooth and well-mixed. Spread on a serving plate and shape into a round cheese cake about 1/4-inch thick. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about two hours.

At serving time, spread chutney over top and sprinkle with scallions. Great with crackers.

As a forever foodie, when asked about what fun “apps” I have, I don’t think about my cell phone. I think appetizers; about Scallion Cakes, Chutney Cheese Spread, Brie Melt or perhaps a Chevre Mousse. You get the idea.

Scallion Cakes

Brie Melt

The scallion cakes are a riff on a favorite Chinese onion cake recipe. Almost no work at all, they taste remarkably like the real thing!

And when time is short, it doesn’t get any easier than this Brie Melt. I keep a wheel in the freezer, along with a baguette.

Canned refrigerated biscuits (the large Grand size) Toasted sesame oil Sesame seeds (I like the black ones best) Very thinly sliced green onions, white and light green parts Separate biscuits, roll each into a 6-inch circle. Brush both sides of biscuit with sesame oil, sprinkle on sesame seeds and onions, pressing in gently. Set aside for a few minutes; they will rise a little. Heat a large pan with a small amount of oil, fry cakes until nicely browned on both sides (just turn them once) Cut into wedges to serve.

Chevre Mousse Chevre is French for goat cheese and English for delicious. The Chevre Mousse was a catering favorite, especially at wine and cheese parties.

3 large eggs, separated 1 cup cream 1½ ounces mild goat cheese, such as Montrachet, crumbled 1 (1/4-ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper Whisk egg yolks with 1/4 cup of cream until blended. Cook over low heat, whisking, until hot and creamy, about three minutes (do not boil or eggs will curdle). Add cheese, continue whisking until melted and smooth, about one minute. Remove from heat.

Soften gelatin in 2 tablespoons cold water and place bowl over hot water to dissolve.

Whisk dissolved gelatin, salt and pepper into cheese mixture.

Beat remaining cream until thick. In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into cheese

30

August 2012

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened 1 (8-ounce) wheel of Brie cheese 1/4 cup slivered almonds Crackers or baguette slices Preheat broiler. Spread butter on top of cheese, right over white rind. Place in a flameproof serving dish. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat, until bubbly, three to five minutes.

Top with nuts and broil until nuts are barely golden, about two minutes longer.

Serve at once with cracker or baguette slices.

ERIC KEITH/Josephine magazine

mixture, then fold in beaten egg whites.

Pour into an oiled 4-cup mold and refrigerate until set, at least two hours or as long as two days.

Chutney Cheese Spread The Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco was foodie headquarters in the 1970s and 1980s. The SF Professional Food Society held wonderful product tastings there — caviar, truffles, salts, cheeses, etc. When we had meetings to plan these events, I often served the following spread.

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces) 2 tablespoons dry sherry 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Dash of hot pepper sauce 1/2 cup mango chutney, chopped (I used Major Grays) 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions) In medium bowl or food processor, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese,

| Josephine magazine |

LONNIE GANDARA TAYLOR is a St. Joseph native who has returned home after a prestigious career in the culinary field. She taught cooking classes in the San Francisco Bay area for years and was a professional assistant to Julia Child, James Beard, Martha Stewart, Simone Beck and Martin Yan, among others. She is a graduate of the Paris Cordon Bleu, the Academie du Vin in Paris and the first culinary class held in the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, as well as being the author of five cookbooks.

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