April/May 2012 FREE
Try these tips for starting a garden Duct tape can be used in many crafts Classic casserole, dip transformed into tasty, healthier dishes Seek relief from seasonal allergies Experience the freedom of forgiveness FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE COVER ART INSIDE: PAGE 2.
ON THE COVER AND ON THIS PAGE: Art by Judy Thornburg of Richmond
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LIVING A WELLNESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN
Judy Thornburg drew upon her childhood interest in art to help inspire area youth. “As a child, there was a pad of paper and a pencil in every room and we were encouraged to use it to draw, write or express whatever,” she says. Thornburg studied art at Ball State University in Muncie, where she received a master’s degree in elementary and art education. It was also where she met her husband, Ed. They had parallel jobs in the Northeastern School Corp. for more than 30 years. Both taught art and briefly spent time as elementary classroom teachers. Now she has more time to devote to her own creations. After retirement, Judy took a few classes at Riverbend (now closed) in Dayton, Ohio. “I discovered my enjoyment of pastels only about three years ago when two of my friends and I took a
Judy Thornburg shows some of her projects in her studio. Photos by Joshua Smith 2 | Maximum Living
April/May 2012
class with Carol Strock-Wasson at the Richmond Art Museum,” she says. “After the class ended, we three continued to meet almost weekly to draw and paint and lunch together. This friendship keeps us producing and discussing our art even today.” Ed has also continued his work in the arts as a lecturer in fine arts and director/curator of the galleries at Indiana University East. Judy encourages those interested in learning more about art to take advantage of classes offered at Richmond Art Museum, Earlham College or IU East or from anyone with a degree in visual arts. In addition to her interest in pastels, she enjoys fibers and playing around with various metals to make sculpture and jewelry. Some of her work can be seen in an exhibit at Muncie’s Minnetrista center through April 29.
in this issue • Starting a garden offers many benefits. 4 • 6 quick tips for health. 7 • Seek relief from seasonal allergies. 8 • Casserole, dip can be tasty and healthy. 10 • Healthy nails are within reach. 12 • The gray hair debate. 13 • Crossword, Sudoku puzzles. 14 • Experience the freedom of forgiveness. 16 • Desert can birth vigorous life. 17 • Events calendar. 20 • Get crafty with duct tape. 22 • Lunch monitors hard to stomach. 23
SHARE YOUR ADVICE If you’d like to contribute quick tips or thoughts on health, saving money, caregiving or other topics of interest to local residents, please send them in care of Millicent Martin, Maximum Living, 1175 N. A St., Richmond, IN 47374 or to mmartin@pal-item.com. Information will be considered for publication in future issues.
PALLADIUM-ITEM MEDIA GROUP MILLICENT MARTIN, Editor (765) 973-4468
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© 2012 Maximum Living The wellness magazine for women is a product of the Palladium-Item Media Group. These materials are the sole and exclusive property of the Palladium-Item Media Group and are not to be used without written permission. April/May 2012
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Gardeners get enthusiastic early By Pam Tharp
When the sun shines and the spring warmth arrives, gardeners get the urge to slip their hands in some soil. Local interest in gardening got off to an earlier start than usual this year, said John Mendenhall, whose Mendenhall True Value Hardware in Richmond sells bulk garden seed. Mendenhall packs the bulk seed into garden-size bags, a process he started two to three weeks early this year. “I don’t normally start packaging seed until about the middle of the NCAA basketball tournament, but we started early because people were asking for it,” Mendenhall said. “I sold $40 worth of seed (in early March) to a guy and the season doesn’t really start until May. People are chomping at the bit. There’s nothing like warm weather to get gardeners going.” Raising home-grown vegetables and fruits became more popular in 2009 when the economy tanked. Gardening hasn’t diminished here, area garden suppliers say. “Vegetable gardening is definitely increasing,” said Jessica Slinker, manager of Rose City Nursery in Richmond. “The quality and taste of home-grown produce is so much better. And comparing the cost to go to the grocery versus the cost to raise your own produce, there’s a lot of savings.” Organic food has also become very popular, in part due to the ongoing food contamination scares. Organically grown
By Pam Tharp
Donna and
What do we grow? Most popular garden vegetables in the U.S., based on survey of gardeners: • Tomatoes - 86 percent • Cucumbers - 47 percent • Sweet peppers - 46 percent • Beans - 39 percent • Carrots - 34 percent • Onions - 32 percent • Summer squash - 32 percent • Hot peppers - 31 percent • Lettuce - 28 percent • Peas - 24 percent • Sweet corn - 23 percent Source: National Gardening Association
produce available in stores and specialty shops is even more expensive than nonorganic, which makes home gardening an even better bargain, Slinker said. Part of gardening’s appeal is control over your
Young vegetable and flower plants are available at local nurseries, including Rose City Nursery on Richmond’s far-east side. Photos by Steve Koger. food supply, Slinker said. Organic seeds are also available at Rose City Nursery, she said. “When you grow it yourself, you know what’s been done to it, how it’s grown,” Slinker said. Burpee’s, a national vegetable and flower seed producer, estimates a food savings ratio of 1:25, which means a home gardener can save $25 in food costs for every $1 spent on seed and supplies. Some high-yielding, space-saving
crops produce even higher savings ratios, according to Burpee’s survey. Tomatoes, which can produce abundantly until frost, might have a savings ratio of 1:50. Expensive produce such as orange or red bell peppers are even better deals with a ratio of cost to savings of 1:100, according to Burpee’s research. Serious gardeners might also save money by buying bulk seed instead of CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
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Advice for getting started • Getting started gardening doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Friends or relatives might have some tools that can be borrowed. Auctions in rural communities usually have hoes, rakes and shovels available at much lower cost than when purchased new. • Selecting the right garden spot is important. The Purdue Cooperative Extension Service recommends looking for a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Also consider drainage, because a spot where the water stands is not a good garden site. • Nearby trees and shrubs will compete with the garden for light, water and nutrients. Walnut trees create different problems because they produce juglone, which is toxic to some garden plants. • Wait until the soil is dry to work it. If you dig up a shovel-full and it crumbles in your hand, it’s ready to work. If the soil clumps in a ball when you squeeze it, it’s too wet. Soil that’s worked too wet becomes hard like cement and won’t cooperate well the rest of the growing season. Dig a minimum of 6 inches deep to get a good seed-bed and break up the clods so the soil texture is fine and even throughout.
pre-packaged seeds, Mendenhall said. Bulk seed also allows his South West Fifth Street store to offer many more seed varieties than the “big-box” stores, he said. “We have 150 different items and we pre-bag everything. We may have 10 different lettuces, while you might have only two or three choices in the pre-packaged seeds,” Mendenhall said. Some gardeners prefer to start their own plants from seed, both for cost savings and to have unique or heirloom varieties that might not be widely available as plants. Union County gardener Cheryl Faber-Vickers has about 100 plants started from seed, mostly tomato 6 | Maximum Living
• Some plants grow best from seed, such as lettuce, carrots, beets and beans. Tender plants that need a longer season, like tomatoes, bell peppers and sweet potatoes, are started indoors and transplanted outdoors when the weather warms. • Grow vegetables you like. If your plot is small, think vertically. Climbing beans and cucumbers save garden space. • First-time gardeners should aim a 100square-foot plot or smaller. Gardens take ongoing care throughout the growing season. Surveys by the National Gardening Association show the average gardener spends about five hours a week on food gardening.
New local garden project Gardening is getting a new emphasis in Richmond this summer as the Townsend Community Center Food Project is coming together. Mary Jones and Sarah Waddle received a $10,000 Davis Projects for Peace Grant for their project on food justice in north Richmond. According to Sharrie Harlin of the Wayne County Minority Health Coalition, Jones and Waddle will spend the summer working with community members, coordinating a food market, facilitating connections with local farmers, leading cooking classes and publishing a community cookbook. Community meetings are beginning in April at Townsend Center, 855 N. 12th St., Richmond. For more information, contact townsend foodproject@gmail.com or call (765) 965-5800.
and pepper plants, along with some cucumbers and flowers. A glassed-in breezeway at her home provides the perfect amount of light and warmth to get the seeds going, she said. Some of her garden produce finds its way to the family’s grown children, Faber-Vickers said. “It’s more economical to grow your own plants and you don’t get any of the blights that sometimes occur from plants bought in stores,” Faber-Vickers said. “We fill over 200 jars a year and we have a strawberry patch and a grape arbor. I love it. If I didn’t have to work, it’s what I’d do all the time.” Pam Tharp of Liberty writes for Maximum Living.
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quick tips Making small changes like these can have a big impact on your well-being.
Seat belts save money Seat belts save more than lives. After an accident those who did not wear seat belts had hospital bills 3 times higher than those who buckled up. Non-users are also 8.4 times more likely to have a serious head injury and 2.7 times more likely to break a bone. Buckle up — it is the law!
Know your family history It is important to know your family medical history. Ask your parents and grandparents about their health. If your parents are no longer living, see if another family member has any information that can help you piece together your history. Don’t neglect your teeth Good oral hygiene is an important part of wellness. See your dentist regularly and brush and floss daily.
April/May 2012
Juice vs. whole fruit If you are offered the choice between juice and the whole fruit, go with the whole fruit. Ounce for ounce it is more filling, has less calories and contains more fiber. Smart scents If you like to wear perfume or other scented products remember that a light touch is all you need. Many people around you may have allergies, asthma or other sensitivities and your perfume may trigger an attack. If people can smell your perfume before they actually see you-you are wearing too much! Positive thoughts We have to practice new tasks over and over before we become proficient-remember learning to ride a bike? Now those skills come easily and we don’t even have to think about it. The same is true with positive thinking. You have to practice thinking positive thoughts over and over until it becomes second nature. You might be surprised how well things go in your life when you practice positivity! Source: Pat Murrah, community benefit coordinator for Reid Hospital & Health Care Services
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Pollen can be seen in the air. A warm winter is sending some pollen counts to record levels. Associated Press
Find relief from seasonal allergies Approximately 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies or hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. It causes the immune system to react to pollens, fungus spores and other substances. Tree pollens usually cause hay fever in the spring, while grasses and weeds cause it during the summer and fall. Fungus spores might cause hay fever BY SHEILA from March through November. SPEARS To make matters worse, some people suffer from hay fever all year, usually caused by animal dander (tiny flakes of skin), dust mites, mold or feathers. Symptoms and Diagnosis Symptoms of seasonal allergies are runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes, coughing and sneezing. Hay fever symptoms arise when harmless particles such as pollen trigger an immune system response. Histamines and leukotrienes flood the body, causing nasal passages, sinuses and eyelids to swell as well as other symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing. These responses are the body's way of ridding itself of the allergens or keeping them from entering. 8 | Maximum Living
The majority of people who suffer from hay fever have a parent or sibling with it, suggesting it is usually inherited. An allergist can determine if you have hay fever by pricking your skin and applying small amounts of liquid containing possible allergens. If your skin becomes red and itchy after 20 minutes or so, the doctor can determine what you are allergic to. If a skin test is not appropriate, a radioallergosorbent test of the blood can determine whether you have elevated levels of IgE antibodies that guard the body against allergens. Treatments • Reducing Exposure: If you have hay fever, you can avoid situations that expose you to pollen by having others do yard work, staying indoors on windy days, wearing a dust mask when doing outdoor work and using the clothes dryer rather than drying clothes outside. Keep abreast of the local weather forecast and take precautions on days when pollen counts are predicted to be high. Pollen counts tend to be highest in the morning, so if you must do outdoor activities, do them later in the day. Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and look for portable HEPA filters to use around the house and in your furnace. • Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines
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such as loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) might need to be taken once a day to control symptoms. It is best to take antihistamines every day during allergy season. If you wait until you have allergy symptoms to take the medicine, the antihistamine can only prevent further release of histamine into your system, it cannot treat the symptoms of a histamine release that has already occurred. Some of the older antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl and other brands) cause drowsiness and should not be taken if you are going to drive or operate machinery. Fexofenadine (Allegra) and desloratadine (Clarinex) might be necessary for more severe cases of hay fever. Antihistamine nasal sprays such as azelastine and astepro (Asteline) and olopatadine (Patanase) can be effective hay fever treatments. Both nasal sprays might impair motor skills and mental alertness, so use them with caution. Before use, consult your doctor about which allergy medicines or decongestants might be right for you. • Decongestants: As their name suggests, decongestants relieve congestion in nasal, sinus, and eustachian (ear) tubes. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, SudoGest and other brands) and phenylephrine (Dimetapp, Pediacare, Triamenic, and other brands) are two of the most common decongestants. Decongestants should be used for only a few days as directed on the package or prescription. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, anxiety issues, and other conditions might need to avoid taking decongestants and/or adjust the dosage. Decongestants should not be taken if you are already taking certain types of drugs, including stimulants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), sometimes used to treat depression and Parkinson's disease. • Allergy Shots: Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are effective for approximately 75 percent of hay fever sufferers. If you have severe symptoms, and other medications are not effective, immunotherapy might be appropriate. The shots contain increasing doses of the antigens that cause your allergies. The course of treatment can last from three to five years. • Corticosteroids: Corticosteriods are prescription drugs used to reduce nasal inflammation, sneezing and runny nose. Because the pill and injected forms of corticosteroids can have serious side effects such as weight gain and elevating blood glucose, your physician will be much more likely to prescribe nasal corticosteroid spray for hay fever treatment. Coritcosteroid nasal sprays have limited and rare side effects, even when used for long periods. • Alternative Treatments: While many people are interested in natural and herbal remedies for seasonal allergies, most of them have no clinical evidence to support their use. Ephedra sinica —sometimes called by its Chinese name ma huang or simply ephedra —is an
effective herbal treatment for congestion, but because of its dangerous side effects, the sale of supplements containing ephedra is prohibited in the United States. Side effects of ephedra use include skin irritations, irritability, insomnia, increased blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and death. Other natural treatments, such as stinging nettle tea, mullein leaf capsules and vitamin therapy are usually harmless but have not been proven to relieve or prevent allergy symptoms. Preliminary studies on the use of butterbur — an herb native to Europe, Asia and Africa — have been mixed. Some studies have shown that the herb is as effective as antihistamines in providing relief from allergy symptoms. Other studies have shown that butterbur is no better than a placebo. People with liver or kidney disease should avoid taking butterbur extract, teas or capsules made from the raw herb and avoid the taking the raw herb itself. Always consult with your physician about the possible side effects and drug interactions of herbal supplements. Seasonal allergies affect more than 10 percent of the population in the United States. Working with your physician to find the treatments that work for you and avoiding hay fever triggers can bring relief from symptoms. Sheila Spears of Richmond writes for Maximum Living.
April/May 2012
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Remake a classic casserole to be healthy By Alison Ladman for The Associated Press Foodies probably don’t like to admit it, but nearly everyone loves a good casserole. Trouble is, casseroles don’t have a lot of love for healthy diets. Especially when you reach back to the ’60s, an era of classic casseroles — like turkey tetrazzini — that were made all the more delicious with the help of gobs of heavy cream, butter and cheese. So without sacrificing the “creamy” comfort of the dish, we set out to make a delicious casserole minus the guilt. As with traditional versions of this dish, we started out with leftover turkey. Be sure to use the leaner turkey breast and trim off any skin or fat. If you don’t happen have cooked turkey handy, a rotisserie turkey breast or chicken from the grocer are fine. We also kept the mushrooms, though we opted for fresh ones over the canned variety favored back in the day. We threw in some chopped red bell pepper and chopped asparagus, too. Color in vegetables adds more than just eye appeal; different colors are indicative of different nutrients. So the more color, the better. But the real heavy hitters in this casserole are the white pasta, cream sauce and cheese. The pasta was an easy fix. Using whole-grain pasta adds lots of fiber and nutrients. The cream sauce was another matter. We used fat-free half-and-half as our base, but you also could substitute fat-free evaporated milk. Thickened up to a creamy consistency, without the use of half a stick of butter, we were off to a good start. Lastly, instead of using a cup or more of shredded cheese, we used just a bit of assertive Parmesan. Then we topped it all off with seasoned panko breadcrumbs for a nice crunch.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Start to finish: 45 minutes (30 minutes active) Servings: 8 12 ounces whole-grain spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 clove garlic, chopped Salt and ground black pepper 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced 2 teaspoons onion powder, divided 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, divided 1/4 cup dry sherry 3 cups cubed cooked turkey breast 2 cups fat-free half-and-half 3 tablespoons instant flour (such as Wondra) 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
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Associated Press photo 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Heat the oven to 400 F. Coat a large casserole dish with cooking spray. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Heat the oil at medium-high in a large skillet. Add the mushrooms and garlic, then season with salt and black pepper. Saute until the mushrooms are well browned and release all their liquid, about 10 minutes. Add the asparagus and red pepper and cook for another 4 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of the onion powder, 1 teaspoon of the paprika and the sherry. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat. Add the turkey and set aside. In a small saucepan over low heat, bring the halfand-half to a simmer. Whisk in the instant flour, then bring to a boil. Cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, stir together the panko, garlic powder, parsley, remaining 1 teaspoon of onion powder and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. To assemble the casserole, stir the cooked spaghetti and the cream sauce into the skillet with the turkey and vegetables. Spoon this mixture into the prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle the seasoned panko over it. Spritz the top of the panko crumbs with cooking spray and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden. Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 330 calories; 45 calories from fat (13 percent of total calories); 5 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 40 mg cholesterol; 48 g carbohydrate; 23 g protein; 6 g fiber; 250 mg sodium.
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A lighter take on a classic — and fatty — dip By Alison Ladman for The Associated Press
Spinach and artichoke dip sounds like it should be a virtuous treat. After all, it’s loaded with vegetables. Trouble is, it’s usually more mayonnaise and cheese than spinach and artichoke. So we decided to see if we could come up with a version that isn’t so out of sync with healthy eating. First order of business was to nix the mayonnaise. But, of course, we wanted something that had a great creamy texture and that could be heated. Greek style yogurt blended with low-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel) worked beautifully. It even added a subtle tang which we enhanced with some lemon zest for a nice spring flavor profile. Some fresh herbs took it ever further. Next up, dealing with the cheese. We handled the inner gooey-ness with the aforementioned cream cheese. But often there also is a pile of cheese or breadcrumbs (or both) on the top. After it’s broiled, we wanted that textural contrast and the toastiness that comes with it. We found that crushed and seasoned whole-grain crackers worked well. Just note that different varieties of crackers can have widely varying nutrition. So be sure to read the labels carefully to select a whole-grain cracker with modest amounts of fat and calories. Aim for around 100 to 120 calories and 4 grams of fat per serving. You’ll also want about 3 to 4 grams each of protein and fiber. Lastly — and most importantly — was upping the amount of spinach and artichoke. We went with canned artichokes for ease. They also are available frozen. Either way, be sure to get the variety in water, not oil. Fresh baby spinach got a quick saute with onion and garlic before being added. Serve the warm dip with whole-wheat pita chips, baked tortilla chips or veggie sticks.
Spinich and Artichoke Dip
Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 8 1 ounce (1 serving) whole-grain crackers, crushed 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 6 ounces plain nonfat Greek yogurt 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel) 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano 2 teaspoons minced fresh mint 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced
Associated Press photo 1 clove garlic, minced 5-ounce package fresh baby spinach 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, lightly chopped Heat the oven to 400 F. Coat a small casserole or gratin dish with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder and Parmesan. Set aside. In a food processor, combine the yogurt, cream cheese, lemon zest, oregano, mint, salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until soft and any liquid has evaporated, about another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the artichokes and the yogurt mixture. Spoon into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the cracker crumb mixture over the dip and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot. Serve warm. Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 120 calories; 45 calories from fat (37 percent of total calories); 5 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 10 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 3 g fiber; 560 mg sodium.
April/May 2012
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Healthy nails are within reach Gannett
Green nail polish might be popular, but “it makes me think about nail infections,” says dermatologist Cynthia Bailey. Black or green discoloration is usually a sign of a bacterial infection, says Bailey, of Sebastopol, Calif. Fungus, yeast and discolorations are some of the conditions that can send us seeking medical attention. And for good reason. “Changes in the nail can signal problems with your overall health,” says Joshua Zeichner, director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Dermatology in New York. Liver disease, kidney Notre Dame forward Devereaux Peters wears green nail polish during disease, medication side effects, practice at the NCAA Women’s Final Four college basketball tournament. even certain cancers can cause Associated Press photo by Eric Gay. changes in the nails, he says. Serious medical conditions sure to water, especially warm water, can dehydrate the aside, even routine dish-washing or getting a manicure skin and nails.” can be hard on nails. • Be patient. Fingernails grow about one-twentyBut we can lessen the damage, experts say: fifth of an inch a day, the American Academy of Derma• Protect cuticles. The strip of hardened skin at tology says. Gelatin capsules won’t speed it up, Bailey the base and sides prevents microbes from infecting says, but vitamin supplements containing biotin “may your nails. Damage it and you risk the nasty infection help weak or fragile nails, as does a balanced diet.” paronychia, Bailey says. It’s OK to push cuticles back • Practice salon smarts. Some people are allergic to gently, but don’t cut them, Zeichner says. “If you get a chemicals used in acrylic nails and can develop severe hangnail, cut it cleanly with a cuticle scissor, but don’t rashes that can spread, Bailey says. Applying acrylic pick at it. That can lead to infection.” nails also “creates many nooks and crannies for organ• Get wet. Clipping and filing dry nails only isms to live, which can result in fungal, bacterial and makes splitting worse, Bailey says. After showering yeast infections,” she says. or soaking nails, “towel off the water and use sharp Sanitation “is always in the forefront of the nail indusclippers, followed by gently buffing the edges.” Nails try,” says Sree Roy, managing editor of Nails Magazine, should be cut straight across to prevent edges from which covers salons. Although state health departments becoming ingrown, a condition that can lead to painregulate salon sanitation, clients should ask about how ful infection, Zeichner says. a salon handles sanitation and disinfection, look for its • Baby your brittle nails. Age and harsh products policy statement on the premises or on its website, and “reduce the natural oils that that act as a glue to hold look for salons that highlight good sanitation. the nail layers together,” Bailey says. To counter the loss, Opt for non-toxic polishes. An increasing number of apply cream, oil or ointment to the hands and nails sevnail polishes have been reformulated to remove poteneral times a day, she adds. “Regularly applying a thick tially carcinogenic ingredients dibutyl phthalate (DBP), cream like Bag Balm, for example, at bedtime for several formaldehyde and toluene. “But even within the same months makes a big difference.” brand, some may still contain some of these ingredients, Limit the use of nail polish removers, including acso it is important to check the individual color,” Zeichetone-free varieties, which are very hard on fragile nails, ner says. If the label isn’t clear, he recommends checking she says. the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic And your mother was wise when she put on rubber Database (ewg.org/skindeep) for personal-care product gloves to wash the dishes, Zeichner says: “Excess exposafety information. 12 | Maximum Living
April/May 2012
Gray hair’s in fashion, but what about at work? Associated Press
NEW YORK — Jeanne Thompson began going gray at 23. She colored her hair for years as she worked her way into management at a large Boston-area financial services company, then gave up the dye for good about a year ago. The earth didn’t shake, and the 44-year-old Thompson was promoted to top management the following year. She is among a new type of gray panther, a woman who aspires to do well and get ahead on the job while happily maintaining a full head of gray. “Women put pressure on themselves to color,” the Exeter, N.H., woman said. “It’s a bold statement to be gray because it’s saying, ‘You know what? I did let my hair go, but I’m not letting myself go.’ People take me more seriously now. I never apologize for the gray hair.” But not everyone finds it so easy. Laws, of course, exist to ward off discrimination in the workplace, yet legions of men and women have no interest in letting their gray fly. Not now, when the struggling economy has produced a stampede of hungry young job-seekers. But gray heads have been popping up on runways and red carpets, on models and young celebrities for months. There’s Lady Gaga and Kelly Osbourne — via dye — and Hollywood royalty such as Helen Mirren, the Oscar-winning British actress. Christine Lagarde, the International Monetary Fund chief, is one of the most powerful women in the world, and she keeps her hair gray. So does Essie Weingarten, founder and now creative director of the nail polish company Essie Cosmetics. For regular working women, it’s a trickier issue. “I don’t think a woman in the workplace is going to follow that trend,” David Scher, a civil rights attorney in Washington, said with a laugh. “I think women in the workplace are highly pressured to look young. If I were an older working person, the last thing I would do is go gray.” Yes, he’s a dude, and at 44 he has virtually no salt in his hair, but he wasn’t alone in issuing a warning against workplace gray for women. “While the Age Discrimination in Employment Act CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE April/May 2012
In this June 9, 2011, file photo, actress Helen Mirren arrives at the taping of “TV Land Presents: AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Morgan Freeman” in Culver City, Calif. Gray heads have been popping up on runways and red carpets, on models and young celebrities for months. There’s Lady Gaga and Kelly Osbourne — via dye — and Hollywood royalty such as Oscar-winning British actress Helen Mirren. Associated Press photo by Matt Sayles. Maximum Living | 13
Puzzles
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of 1967 was created to protect employees 40 years of age and older, some men and women may still encounter ageism in the workplace,” said Stephanie Martinez Kluga, a manager for Insperity, a Houston-based company that provides human resources services to small and medium-size businesses. “The long-standing perception that men with gray hair are experienced and women with gray hair are simply old may still be an issue that affects employees in workplaces across the U.S.,” she said. Some of today’s new gray panthers also offer strong words of caution about exactly how well those anti-discrimination laws work. Anne Kreamer is gray and proud, but she didn’t unleash the color until she left her day job to become self-employed. She dedicates an entire chapter of her 2007 book “Going Gray” to workplace issues. “We only fool ourselves about how young we look with our dyed hair,” said the Harvard-educated Kreamer, a former Nickelodeon executive who helped launch the satirical magazine Spy before writing the book exploring her journey to silver. When it comes to gray on the job, Kreamer said, context counts. The color might be easier in academia over high-tech, for instance, and in Minneapolis over Los Angeles. Job description and your rung on the ladder might also be in play: chief financial officer versus a lowlier, more creative and therefore more gray-tolerant position like assistant talent agent, for example. Kreamer dubbed the largely unspoken phenomenon “hair-colorism.” In 1950, 7 percent of women dyed their hair, she said. Today, it’s closer to 95 percent or more, depending on geographic location. In the ‘60s, easy, affordable hair dye in a box hit store shelves, changing the follicle landscape for good. “When women were going to work, it was like they could reinvent themselves and say, ‘I’m no house frau anymore.’ Hair dye got kind of linked in there and we never looked back,” said Kreamer, who went prematurely gray and colored for 25 years. “It’s still very complicated.” Sandra Rawline, 52, in Houston knows how complicated it can be. A trial is scheduled for June in her federal lawsuit accusing her boss at Capital Title of Texas of ordering her to dye her gray hair in 2009, when her office moved to a swankier part of town. The suit accuses him of instructing her to wear “younger, fancier suits” and lots of jewelry, according to the Houston Chronicle. Rawline, an escrow officer and branch manager, wouldn’t comment for this story. The newspaper said her superior called her lawsuit preposterous. The reason we know about Rawline and Lagarde and Weingarten and Mirren and — let’s throw in NBCUniversal exec Lauren Zalaznick — is that their gray strands stand out against a sea of, well, not gray. Weingarten, 62, began going gray at 18 and said she colored for years. She gave it up about 20 years ago. “People would say, ‘Are you crazy? You have to color your hair,”’ she said. “I had my own business. I was an April/May 2012
entrepreneur. I could do whatever I wanted, but the truth is I know a lot of women who are petrified to show gray hair because it means they’re maturing.” The new “gray movement” doesn’t keep tabs on membership, but blogs like Terri Holley’s Going Gray are proliferating, along with pro-gray Facebook fan pages and Twitter feeds. “Society has boxed in women on what’s considered to be beautiful, and this defies how we’re supposed to look,” Holley said. “People say, ‘I’m so glad I found you. I’m so glad we’re having this conversation.”’ Dana King, 53, started going gray in her 20s, began dyeing in her 30s and went to work for San Francisco’s KPIX in 1997, rising to news anchor. In January 2010, she first approached her general manager, a man whom she had known for a decade, about her giving up the dye. “He didn’t like the idea at all and he asked me not to do it,” King said. Soon after, she did it anyway, with the comfort of a no-cut contract good to May 2013. “It got down to the point where I was dyeing it every two to three weeks. I just decided, ‘I’m not doing this anymore.’ I felt like I had sold my soul and betrayed myself,” she said. After sharing her hair story on-air, King was deluged with emails from viewers, including many women who colored and some who worried she had fallen ill. “The response was overwhelmingly positive,” King said. “They said it was a relief for them, that they could see someone that made it OK to be gray.”
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King knows her road to gray wouldn’t have gone so well had she been a TV news star elsewhere. “I work in a youth-oriented industry and I’m not an idiot,” she said. “This is not Miami. This is not Los Angeles. I would have been fired had I worked in some other markets. I can’t get a job anywhere else, I don’t think. I have no illusions about what I’ve done and I’m good with that.”
In this undated image released by Conor Doherty, Jeanne Thompson, a Boston-based finance executive, is shown. Thompson is among a new type of gray panther, a woman who aspires to do well and get ahead on the job while happily maintaining a full head of gray. Associated Press photo by Conor Doherty.
April/May 2012
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The freedom of forgiveness Everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of others, and these disappointments often lead to feelings of resentment, bitterness, grief and anger. The people most likely to hurt us are those closest to us, like our partners, friends, siblings and parents. When we’re hurt by someone we love and trust — whether it’s a lie, rejection, betrayal, insult or abuse — forgiveness can seem impossible. But carrying a grudge is a heavy weight to bear. Forgiveness can set us free from negative emotions that make our lives miserable.
own change for the better. You don’t have to wait for an apology that might never come. Forgiveness means acknowledging a wrong and choosing to look past it — whether the other person admits fault or not. Forgiveness is a choice only you can make. It means facing your feelings directly and honestly. And it is done on your time and on your terms. Forgiveness does not erase the past Forgiveness does not undo past pain, but it does loosen the grip pain may have on you and help you focus on positive parts of your life. It doesn’t mean you forget what happened or pretend it didn’t happen. Instead, forgiveness allows you to come to terms with what cannot be undone so you can move forward and focus on the future, not the past.
COLUMN BY SUSAN GILLPATRICK
The choice to forgive is often misunderstood. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or accepting the unfair actions of others. Forgiveness isn’t about the other person at all. Forgiveness is really about allowing yourself to move past your pain and move on with your life.
Forgiveness is difficult If you have been hurt by harsh words or betrayed by unjust acts, it can be very difficult to move forward and trust again. If we feel that another person doesn’t understand or accept the pain they’ve caused, it can be especially hard to let that pain go. Forgiveness is a journey that begins only when you are completely ready to release the pain caused by someone else.
If you are ready to release resentment and free yourself from grudges against others, then it’s time to embrace the benefits of forgiveness. Use the following tips to discover freedom of forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean agreement A common misconception is that forgiving someone is the same as condoning their actions. But forgiveness does not mean you accept unfair or destructive behavior. It is not about saying something is OK when it isn’t. You do not have to agree with the other person in order to forgive them.
Forgiveness does not depend on the other person The good news is you don’t have to wait on another person to change before you can make your 16 | Maximum Living
Forgiveness can improve your health Negativity is depressing — physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Forgiveness relieves stress and even strengthens your immune system. It is good for your body, your mind and your relationships! Refusing to forgive can cause bigger problems like anxiety, grief, depression, sleepless nights, anger and vengefulness. Forgiveness will help you reduce the hostility and stress you feel, while also lowering your risk of heart problems, cancer and other diseases. Forgiveness is a gift to yourself When you don’t practice forgiveness, you are the one who suffers most. Forgiveness is a gift, allowing you to regain power over your emotions. It is not something you do for someone else. Through forgiveness, you will discover freedom from past pain. Dedicate your energy to healing rather than hurting. It’s the best gift you can give yourself! Susan Gillpatrick, M.Ed., LPC, CTS, is a crisis management specialist for Centerstone, which has a location in Richmond. She may be reached at susan. gillpatrick@centerstone.org. Centerstone, a not-for-profit provider of community-based behavioral healthcare, provides a range of programs and services for children, adolescents, adults, seniors, and families living with mental health or addiction disorders.
April/May 2012
inspiration
Spiritually dry times can bring abundant growth By the time this issue reaches your hands, the 40 days of Lent will be history. Probably, as will be, any thought of the 40 days Christ spent in the desert. I recall, though, a riveting Lenten message of my pastor. It was about time spent in spiritual deserts and a challenge to believe a desert can birth vigorous life. Deserts are normally thought of as dry, parched and without life. Why else did Jesus need angels to minister to Him
COLUMN BY JUDY MARTINURBAN
when He sought a desert retreat immediately after His baptism? Few restaurants or inns are found in the heart of the desert, but Jesus’ time in the dry places prepared Him for days ahead. My pastor convinced me the crusty, arid desert is home to many species of living things, including even flowers. And he’s right. Desert plants and animals adapt to life in the desert. Plants such as cacti, brittle bush, and the Joshua tree can be found. Animals are usually small, such as vipers, beetles, insects, or lizards, but they are certainly present. CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
April/May 2012
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inspiration
However, I believe pastor’s salient point was that spiritually dry times can bring abundant growth in our life. If, that is, we can adapt, like living things do in the desert. Often at our driest spiritual ebb, salving water can be found. It’s then we take in the refreshing words of Isaiah 58:11: The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Are you trudging through a desert right now? Kicking up nothing but sand? Do you crave a cold draught of water and release of turmoil? Thoughts of any vigorous life in your desert terrain are eclipsed by survival mode. All you desire is an oasis. You don’t even care the desert supports living things. None of us escape dry patches in our lives. Dry patches are part of life. We ache with loss of a loved one — a spouse, a child, a parent. We battle depression, suffer financial chaos, feel alone and lonely. Our health fails.
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We see no metaphors, much less life in the desert. But closer observation reveals delicate flowers perched on the cactus, a little varmint who just burrowed under the sand. Vigorous birth abounds with the right eye. Indeed, look closer to your anything-but-ordinary life. Remember the angel mechanic who stopped to help on the highway, the check that came just in time, the medical report showing no cancer, the child who called home. The bright sun that chose to rise today. Embrace the spirited life parched deserts can create within and happily declare ownership of your growth. See the new thing coming about. Judy Martin-Urban of Muncie writes Christian fiction and inspirational non-fiction. She can be reached at urbanski4u@aol.com, www.judeurbanski.com and judeurbanski.blogspot.com. Her latest work, “Joy Restored,” has been released by Desert Breeze Publishing in electronic format. Book One in The Chronicles of Chanute Crossing is set in Pickett County, Tenn., and is a story of a young, widowed mother spinning tragedy into triumph.
April/May 2012
Puzzle Solutions
inspiration
April/May 2012
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calendar
EVENTS APRIL MAY JUNE
FITNESS
• Richmond Hiking Club, various locations in/near Richmond. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at various locations in/near Richmond. Schedule: 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 am. Saturdays. Hike various woods and parks. Locations vary, so call for schedule. Free. Info: (765) 977-4295 or joemcgriff@gmail.com • Enhance Fitness Class, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Lamplight Inn at the Leland, 900 S. A St., MedFit Fitness Center 24/7, 750 Chester Blvd., Richmond Senior Center, 1600 S. Second St., Richmond. Free fitness class designed for older adults. Meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at MedFit, 2-3 p.m. at the Lamplight Inn at the Leland and from 4-5 p.m., at the senior center. Info: (765) 983-7309. • Night Hikes, Cope Environmental Center and Hayes Arboretum, 801 Elks Road, Richmond. 8:30 p.m. Info: (765) 962-3745 or www. hayesarboretum.org • Trail for a Cure, 9 a.m., April 28, National Trail High School, 6940 Oxford Gettysburg Road, New Paris, Ohio. Cost: $12/per person. Registration opens at 9 a.m. Run starts at 10 a.m. All participants will receive a free cancer awareness water bottle. Awards will be given. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. • Girls Inc. 5K, 8 a.m. May 12, Middlefork Reservoir, Sylvan Nook Drive, Richmond. $20 entry, $15 pre-entry by May 7. Info: (765) 9622362 or www.wcchallenge.org/index.html • Union County Relay for Life, May 19-20, Union County High School, 410 Patriot Blvd, Liberty. Event is May 19-20 starting at 7 a.m. at the Union County High School track. Info: (800) 227-2345 • Wayne County Relay for Life, 9 a.m., May 19-20, Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 Salisbury Road N., Richmond. Info: www.relayforlife. org or (800) 227-2345 • Preble County Relay for Life, June 8, Preble County Fairgrounds, 722 S. Franklin St., Eaton, Ohio. Info: Cynthia Stevens at (888) 227-6446 ext. 4209 or cynthia.stevens@cancer.org. • Randolph County Relay for Life, June 8-9, Union City Community High School, Union City, Ind. www.relayforlife.org or (800) 227-2345
HEALTH
• Richmond Farmer’s Markets, 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays at the historic Depot, 900 block North E Street; 7 a.m.-noon Saturdays at North Seventh and A streets, Richmond. Info: (765) 373-9065; daren.smith2@gmail.com
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or www.richmondinfarmersmarket.com • “Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Basics,” 10:30 a.m.-noon, May 8, Area 9 Agency In-Home & Community, 520 S. Ninth St., Richmond. Info: (765) 994-1004 • Living with Alzheimer’s: For Late-Stage Caregivers, 10 a.m.noon, May 23 and May 30, Richmond Senior Community Center, 1600 S. Second St., Richmond. Caregivers will learn the concept of the self in the late-stage of Alzheimer’s disease as well as learn effective ways to communicate, connect with, and provide daily care in the late-stage. The program will also cover late-stage care options and explain how to access and evaluate them. • Legal and Financial Planning for the Future - Alzheimer’s Association, 9:30 a.m.-noon, June 16, Area 9, 520 S. Ninth St., Richmond. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can change plans that families have for the future. This program will cover important legal and financial information to consider as the disease progresses. • “We Care” Caregivers Support Group, meets from 2-3:30 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month. Preble County Council On Aging, 800 E. Saint Clair St., Eaton, Ohio. Volunteer caregiver available onsite with advance reservation. Free handicapped accessible transportation is available — call one week in advance. Info: Juanita at (937) 456-4947 or Marlene (937) 456-4376.
ARTS
• Richmond Symphony Orchestra’s Old-Fashioned Sousa Concert, 3 p.m., May 6, Civic Hall Performing Arts Center, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond. The RSO tops off its 55th season with an evening filled with operetta performed by Susan Wallin and a collection of marches, highlighted by four from the March King himself, John Phillip Sousa. Featuring RSO principal trumpet Wesley Woolard on “The Carnival of Venice.” Plus little gems by Bach, Brahms and Grainger. Tickets: $15/adults and seniors, $20/box seats, free for all students through 12th grade. Info: (765) 966-5181 or www.RichmondSymphony.org • “The Dixie Swim Club,” 7:30 p.m., May 18-19, 2 p.m., May 20,7:30 p.m., May 25, 7:30 p.m., May 26, Richmond Civic Theatre, 1003 E. Main St., Richmond. Five women whose friendship began years ago on their college swim team, meet for a weekend every year. With lots of comedy and touches of drama, this play portrays several reunions as the years pass and old friends rely on each other to get through the
April/May 2012
calendar
challenges of their lives. “Dixie Swim Club” is reminiscent of “Steel Magnolias” or “Designing Women.” Tickets: Adults $15, seniors and students $12; groups of 10 or more $10 each. • The Oak Ridge Boys, 4 and 8 p.m. May 19, Civic Hall Performing Arts Center at Richmond High School, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond. Adults $32; students $24. (765) 973-3350 or civichall.com • Richmond Community Orchestra concert, 3 p.m., May 20, Earlham College’s Goddard Auditorium in Carpenter Hall, 801 National Road W., Richmond. Featuring Hollywood and Broadway music. Free. Info: www.rcoindiana.org or (765) 273-4304.
NETWORKING
• Minority Women’s Network meeting, 6 p.m., last Monday of each month, Townsend Community Center, 855 N. 12th St., Richmond. Monthly meetings are designed to increase knowledge, awareness and provide networking opportunities for Richmondarea women. Information: minoritywomensnetwork.com.
RECREATION
• Friends of Morrisson-Reeves Library Book Sale, April 2428, Morrisson-Reeves Library, 80 N. Sixth St., Richmond. Friends Preview Night is from 4-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, when members of the Friends can buy items before the sale opens to the public. A Friends membership is $5 for adults and $2 for students and may be purchased that night. Book sale is open to the public from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. April 25 and April 26. Half-Price Day is from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 27. Bag Day ($3 per bag) is 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 28. Info: (765) 966-8291 ext. 103 or www.mrl.lib.in.us/ • Mushroom program, 10 a.m.-noon , April 28, Hayes Arboretum, 801 Elks Road, Richmond. Dr. Don Ruch, Ball State University professor and noted national authority on mushrooms, will share his keen knowledge of mushrooms, particularly those found in Hayes’ forest. The program starts with a presentation inside and then participants can go out to see what might be identified. Please call (765) 962-3745 or email stephenhayes13@yahoo.com to pre-register. • First Presbyterian Church Jumble Sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., April 28, First Presbyterian Church, 100 N. 10th St., Richmond. Misc. household items, furniture, crafts, jewelry, toys, books, fresh-baked items. Info: 765-966-2234 • Dances, Richmond Senior Center, 1600 S. Second St., Richmond. Dances scheduled April 30, July 30, Sept. 24 and Nov. 12. No pitch-in is planned this year. Info: (765) 983-7300. • Spring Golf Classic, May 4, Forest Hills Country Club, 2169 S. 23rd St., Richmond. Sponsored by the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. Shotgun start at noon; awards at 6 p.m. Cost: $79 per person (Forest Hills members); $99 per person for nonmembers. Info: (765) 962-1511. • Interaction Singles Dance, Eagles Lodge. 75 S. 12th St., Richmond. Meeting and dance each Friday. Must be 21 or older and single. Social hour from 7-8 p.m., discussion from 8-9 p.m. and dance from 9 p.m.-midnight. Eagles membership not required. Cost: $6. Info: (765) 935-1278. • Hagerstown Spring Festival, May 19, Main Street, Hagerstown. Food, music, games, arts and crafts and vendors. Local shops will have special promotions. Free. Info: (765) 489-5644
• Richmond RiverRats 2012 Opening Day, May 29, McBride Stadium, 201 N. W. 13th St., Richmond. The Richmond RiverRats are a member of the Prospect League, which includes 13 other teams from around the Midwest. Season begins play in late May and ends in August, with 28 home games being played on John Cate Field at McBride Stadium. Check website for game schedule and times. Info: (765) 935-7287 or www.RichmondRiverRats.com • Historic National Road Yard Sale, May 30-June 3, throughout Wayne County. Dawn to dusk along U.S. 40 from Baltimore to St. Louis. There will be approximately 824 miles to look for bargains, antiques, fresh produce, furniture, etc. Info: (765) 478-4809 or www. oldstorefrontantiques.com/yardsale.htm • Cruisin’ on First Fridays, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Historic Depot District, Fort Wayne Avenue, Richmond. Info: (765) 966-5654 or www.InHistoricRichmond.com • 3rd Annual ’50s Sock Hop, 6 p.m.-10 p.m., June 9, J&J Winery, 3415 National Road W., Richmond. A step back in time to the ‘50s. Includes music from the Atomic King Pins and Elvis Impersonator. Features soda shop with root beer floats, hot dogs and hamburgers, pop corn, candies,etc. Prizes for various categories. Please dress up for a chance to win prizes.
LEGAL HELP
• Free Legal Aid, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., May 30, Morrisson-Reeves Library’s Bard Room, 80 N. Sixth St., Richmond. The last Wednesday of each month 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. First come, first served. Spaces fill quickly. Residents of Wayne, Union, Rush, Fayette, and Franklin counties are invited to engage in free 15-20 minute consultations regarding virtually any legal matter with an attorney.
FUNDRAISERS
• Lemonade Day, May 20, Throughout Wayne County. Kids from all around the county set up their lemonade stands, advertise, and sell lemonade to learn about running a business. Many donate their profits to local charities. Info: (765) 962-6783. • Bubbles, Bites & Bach, 6 p.m., June 2. Fundraiser for Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Cocktails, music and fun. Location and details will be announced later. Info: (765) 966-5181 or richmondsymphony.org
SOCIAL SERVICES
• Food Give Away, 10 a.m.-noon , June 11, Gateway Vineyard Church, 3361 Ind. 227 N., Richmond. Must bring ID. (765) 966-6016. • Domestic Violence Support Group, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Thursdays, Genesis of the YWCA, 15 S. 11th St., Richmond. Free. Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Info: (765) 966-0538; 24-hour crisis line is (765) 935-3920 or (800) 886-4508 Find more events in the daily Palladium-Item newspaper and in the www.pal-item.com calendar. If your group would like to submit an event to be considered for this calendar, please post it in the online calendar or send it to Millicent Martin at mmartin@pal-item. com or 1175 N. A St., Richmond, IN 47374. Information should be submitted by May 5 for consideration for the next issue.
April/May 2012
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inspiration
Versatility makes duct tape a craft favorite Associated Press
Duct tape — not so good for sealing ducts but great for patching or mending lots of other things — has become a superstar in the crafting world, available in all kinds of vibrant colors and patterns, such as zebra, camouflage and tie-dye. Want to get a group of teenage boys engrossed in a crafting project? Insert duct tape. “The boys loved the activity,” says Jake Snider, a youth pastor in Decatur, Ind., who allowed teens to personalize inexpensive Bibles with various materials, including duct tape. “Some were trying different patterns, others were figuring out how to incorporate their interests into the design. It was pretty funny to watch.” Snider, 24, crafts wallets and messenger bags out of comic book pages and duct tape to sell at his Etsy online shop, Halftone Handicrafts. The comics are sealed with transparent packaging tape. His bags are lightweight but sturdy. “For me, as a guy, I’m working with duct tape, and that’s pretty manly,” jokes Snider. Troll the Internet with duct tape in mind and see its ingenious uses: jewelry, flowers, clothing. Furniture and home accessories are bedecked in the cloth-backed tape. Kids use it to make pony-tail holders and other bright accessories; pair it with cardboard to make swords, shields and other toys. Parents praise it because there’s no mess to clean up. “It truly is one medium that’s almost as limitless as your imagination,” says Scott Sommers, director of marketing for ShurTech Brands, maker of Duck Brand duct tape. Elizabeth Blue-Norton, 13, of Westminster, Colo., has made an iPad holder, hats, wallets, and clothes for her stuffed animals. Her goal in a few years? To make a duct-tape dress for “Stuck at Prom,” a Duck Brand contest in its 12th year. Richmond High School students have been among those who’ve entered the contest. The formalwear contest for high schoolers closes June 13. This year’s winning couple will receive $5,000 each. Utah sisters Michele Howarth, 23, of Orem, and Melissa Howarth, 18, of Provo, craft jewelry out of duct tape for their Etsy store, Quiet Mischief. They’ve sold hundreds of rings, as well as online tutorials that explain how to fashion various styles, from hearts to roses. It takes a beginner at least an hour to craft one, says Michele. Rosalinda and Victor Salinas of Houston, Texas, make duct tape wallets and purses, many featuring iconic TV and consumer characters, such as Elmo and 22 | Maximum Living
Hello Kitty. Rosalinda, a bartender, began making the wallets a few months ago by watching video tutorials online; Victor now runs their online shop, Duct Tape Couple, full-time. According to his company and other sources, duct tape first became known as a fix-it-all for World War II soldiers on the battlefield. At that time, it was green. Later, it became gray for sealing heating and other ducts, but it did that job badly. Duct tape is strong, but its adhesive is not that long-haul reliable. Today, there are better products on the market for sealing ducts. Tips for crafters working with duct tape, from ShurTech: • Duct tape works best at room temperature. • It’s easier to rip duct tape by hand than to cut it with scissors. If you try to cut duct tape, it will gum up and stick to itself, or stick to the scissors. Rubbing alcohol will remove adhesive from the blades. • Look for do-it-yourself project ideas at the Duck Brand website, duckbrand.com, and two project clearinghouses: Craftster and About.com. • More online resources: www.craftster.org; www.ducttapecouple.com; www.etsy.com/shop/ halftonehandicrafts; http://familycrafts.about.com; www.etsy.com/shop/QuietMischief
A duct tape corsage, part of a suit-and-dress ensemble that took a combined 29 rolls of tape and 58 hours to make, is shown. The arrangement won an Honorable Mention prize as Best Corsage in the Duck brand 2011 Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest. AP photo by ShurTech Brands, LLC, Allison Rogers and David Bayless
April/May 2012
humor
Lunch inspectors hard to stomach
COLUMN BY LORI BORGMAN
You might have heard about the federal agent monitoring preschool lunches in North Carolina telling a 4-year-old girl that her sack lunch containing a turkey and cheese sandwich, chips, a banana and apple juice wasn’t healthy. The agent then made the little girl eat chicken nuggets from the school cafeteria. I side with the homemade lunch and against the feds. But then, I have a longstanding personal animosity toward lunch monitors of any sort. We had a lunch monitor at my elementary school. Her job was to stand by the return window and send you back to your seat if you hadn’t cleaned your plate. Wasting food was a crime back then. A felony, I think. I dreaded Fridays. Fridays were fish sticks and spinach. I blamed my Catholic friends (whom I have since forgiven). They wolfed down fish sticks and spinach on meatless Fridays and were on the playground running and skipping rope while I was the lone Methodist in the cafeteria staring down the lunch monitor. My mother began packing my lunch. Bologna sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit, milk in a Thermos and a cookie. Once in a blue moon she tucked in a small pack of Fritos. The lunch monitor had no say over my lunch from home and Fridays were good. The Carolina Journal, reporting on the preschool lunch debacle, reported that the decision was made based on a regulation put in place by the Division of Child Development and Early Education at the Department of Health and Human Services. That would be the DCDEEDHHS. The group should automatically be disbanded on grounds its name is too long. I’m just wondering out loud here, but did the inspector checking lunches have on a brown shirt? A red jacket with a Mandarin collar, perhaps? How much does a position like preschool lunch inspector pay? Do these jobs make up for the lost pipeline jobs? Must you be able to tell the real fruit from the plastic fruit in the preschool play kitchen? What is a legume? Are TSA workers given preferred applicant status for these positions? By the way, have you checked the lunch menu of your public school lately? Ours features chicken poppers, shrimp poppers, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese and turkey gravy bowl. Fruit, when it appears, is most often from a can. Breakfast menus include sausage gravy pizza, sausage biscuit and bacon scramble pizza. I have long said kids that rely on school breakfasts would be better off receiving a box of Cheerios, a gallon of milk and bunch of bananas each week. The older ones could fix breakfast themselves at home. It’s far better nutrition than some sausage bacon gravy concoction and would give kids a sense of independence and self-respect. A teacher friend found it ironic that her students sometimes came to class with doughnuts from their free school breakfast and began their morning fitness workout touching their toes with one hand while holding a government doughnut in the other. One more question: Do these lunch inspectors make house calls? I hope not. And, oh yes, MYOL: mind your own lunch. Lori Borgman is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact Lori at lori@loriborgman.com April/May 2012
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