Quad City Family Focus December 2012 by Sarah Throne

December 2012 • Complimentary Issue • www.qcfamilyfocus.com

Tis The Season!

Handling Holiday Stress

The Pros and Cons of Purchasing Gift Cards

Win a NOOK Simple Touch Reader or a Leapster 2!

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December 2012

Serving Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois

QCFamily Focus Monthly

Publisher: Mike Mickle Editor: Karen Mickle Magazine Design: Jessie Smith Photographers: QC Family Focus Photography Tassy Johnson • Nick Martel Shannon Colgan • Estelle Nester Michale Crumly Videographer: Harry Walker

Contributing Editors Diane Baker William Benevento, M.D. Roger Brannan David W. Deuth Curtis Ford Dawn Knutson Tawnya Hambly Dr. Traci Nelson Hassel Kelly Hendershot Kirk Marske Mike Mickle Michael Oppelt, D.C. Lisa M. Reisen Phyllis Zalenski Join thousands of others as they help us promote happy healthy families in the QCA. Call 940-7875 for more information. QC Family Focus Magazine is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mickle Communications Group LLC. Publication of advertising and articles does not constitute endorsement. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and/or edit any materials for publication. You can contact us at QC Family Focus Magazine, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722, 563-940-7875 or email: mmickle@qcfamilyfocus.com. ©Copyright 2012.

7 8 11 Do You Hear 15 What I Hear? Challenge your 16 Child to Imagine Tis the season for good reading! Gift Cards: Buy, Give, and Use Wisely

Cope With Holiday Stress by Taking Care of Yourself

Watch QC Family Focus come to life on television each Friday.

Family Focus Friday only on WQAD’s midday newscast QC Family Focus - December 2012

Your Mickle’s Worth Sigh, it finally happened. I’ve become “that” dad. You know the one, I’m closer to age of breaking a hip than being hip. I’m more familiar with a nook and cranny than the nook or kindle. I’ve also been told to never make pop music references ever again. That demand came from my oldest child when I simply said a friend had “the moves like Jagger.” That’s a Maroon Five reference for those of you who don’t know . Anyway, the moment the words came out of my mouth, Kyle (who was sitting next to a friend) got a look of complete horror on his face. I’m not surprised. I also should not mention that an estranged couple is “never, ever, ever, ever getting back together” or even hint that I might go “Gangnam Style” on them. Truth is, I’d rather be listening to Christmas music anyway! The poor kid has a right to be horrified. He is bombarded with comparisons to his dear old dad on a daily basis. I think he’s had his fill of “you look just like your dad”, “you sound just like your dad”, “you certainly are your father’s son”, and my personal favorite, “you have your dad’s sense of humor”! I’m sure when he looks at me in horror it’s because he doesn’t want to become me! Even with his lack of appreciation for my wit, and Kate and Matt’s embarassment by my actions, I still enjoy every moment we have together as a family. I’m looking forward to a wonderful Christmas morning at home with Karen and the kids before we gather

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

By Mike Mickle

with extended family to celebrate. While the trip from Iowa to Illinois, back to Iowa and down to Oklahoma before returning back to Iowa (all while celebrating Kyle and Kate’s birthday in December as well) is not an easy feat, I feel blessed that we have so many wonderful people in our lives to spend time with. I remember growing up in Oklahoma and waking to the smell of the turkey cooking in the oven followed quickly by the smell of “dressing” and numerous pies. Mom would wake much earlier than the rest of the family to prepare the meal. She is now 81 and while she can’t bake a large selection of pies or prepare a large meal, she still has a hug waiting for us and no one ever leaves her house hungry. Writing this article makes me want to hop in the car now for the 12 hour drive to see her. Karen’s extended family is much larger than mine. Her family gathers for “Killey Christmas”. It now spans four generations. With Grandma Killey turning 102 last September, the Christmas celebration has moved from her home to a community center. As another year comes to a close, words can’t express what your support of QC Family Focus means to us. 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting year. We are honored to be sharing the journey with all of you. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Mike Mickle

Santa Claus is Comin’ to TOWN…the jungle we mean!! Come see us on

Saturday, December 15th 1:00pm- 2:30pm

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QC Family Focus - December 2012

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December 2012 • QC Family Focus

Tis the season for good reading!

Davenport Public Library In the hustle and bustle of the holidays be sure to take some time out for quiet moments with family. You can enjoy some quality time with the kids by sitting down together to read some great holiday books. Some classics, some newer stories, but all of them can lead to lasting holiday memories and a great family tradition. There are many to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of some of the more popular selections. Twas the Night Before Christmas-This timeless classic was first published in 1823 and stood the test of time. To this day, there is no more popular story told worldwide as children anxiously await the arrival of Santa. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving- It seems our favorite bears are all about the presents and need a reminder of what the season is truly about. It was written in 1962 and like the rest of the Berenstain stories it ends with a positive message. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever- This is a classic from 1972. Older children will enjoy this book. The six misbehaving Herdman kids take over the church pageant and reinterpret the story of Christmas. The Elf on the ShelfThis book comes with a companion. A magical elf that mysteriously changes locations every night while the kids sleep. If the elf comes to visit your house, remember kids, he’s watching to see if you are naughty or nice and reporting back to Santa! The Kvetch Who Stole Hanukkah-In the town of Oyville, the children were preparing for Hanukkah. But the kvetch who lived high on the hill said what he said every year: “The latkes smell bad, the dreidels make me dizzy, and to hear children laugh puts me in a tizzy.” This year, will Hanukkah represent another great miracle,

finally bringing a smile to the kvetch’s face! Happy Hanukkah Corduroy- The sweet stuffed bear in overalls offers toddlers an introduction to the traditions of Hanukkah, from lighting the menorah and hunting for geit to playing dreidel. How the Grinch Stole Christmas- What would Christmas be without the Grinch? Kids love the dastardly character who plots to cancel the holiday. Much to his dismay, it happens anyway, even without the presents. Once you’ve read the book, the kids will enjoy the movie versions as well! Li’l Rabbit’s KwanzaaBrer Rabbit meets African tradition in this tale. Li’l Rabbit is not having a very good Kwanzaa. Granna Rabbit is sick, and so his family won’t celebrate his favorite part of Kwanzaa this year: a big feast called Karamu. Li’l Rabbit sets out to find Granna Rabbit a special treat for Karamu so she can celebrate anyway. He doesn’t have much luck until his friends help him. Polar Express- The story of a boy who no longer “believes” until he boards a train with other children. That magical journey leads to the North Pole and a meeting with Santa. A beautifully told story that can lead to a great family movie night as well. There are many more to choose from but at least we’ve given you a few suggestions to help you enjoy the magic of “family time” with the ones you love. QC Family Focus - December 2012

Gift Cards: Buy, Give, and Use Wisely Phyllis Zalenski Family Resource Management Specialist, Iowa State University Extension

toll-free telephone numbers you can call to report a lost or stolen card. • If you have a problem with a gift card, contact the company that issued the card. If you can’t resolve the problem at that level, you may want to file a complaint with the appropriate authorities: For cards issued by retailers, contact the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov or call toll-free: 1-877-FTC-HELP. Or you may file a complaint with your state Attorney General. For cards issued by national banks, contact the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) Customer Assistance Group by calling 800-613-6743 or sending an e-mail to: customer.assistance@occ.treas.gov. The OCC charters, regulates, and supervises national banks.

hopping for gifts can be a real dilemma. Just what do you get your finicky Aunt Mary, your co-worker, or your child’s babysitter? Gift cards may be the answer: one size fits all, and the recipients can get exactly what they want from a retailer or restaurant. When you shop for a gift card, the Federal Trade Commission recommends that you: • Buy from sources you know and trust. • Read the fine print before you buy. Is there a fee to buy the card? If you buy a card by phone or online, are there shipping and handling fees? If you don’t like the terms and conditions, buy elsewhere. • Determine whether any fees will be deducted from the card after you purchase it. • Inspect the card before you buy it. Verify that none of the protective stickers have been removed. Make sure that the codes on the back of the card haven’t been scratched off to reveal a PIN number. Report any damaged cards to the store selling the cards. • Give the recipient your original receipt so they can verify the card’s purchase in case it is lost or stolen. • Consider the financial condition of the retailer or restaurant. If you have a gift card, be smart about how you use it: • When you get the card, read the card and any terms and conditions. Check for an expiration date or fees. • If it appears that the value of your card has expired, or that fees have been deducted, contact the company that issued the card. They may still honor the card or reverse the fees. • Ask the person giving you the card for the card’s terms and conditions, the original purchase receipt, or the card’s ID number; keep this information in a safe place. • Use your card as soon as you can. It’s not unusual to misplace gift cards or forget you have them; using them early will help you get the full value. • Treat your card like cash. If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the issuer immediately. You may not recover any of the value that was on the card. Some issuers will not replace cards that are lost or stolen, but other issuers will, for a fee. You may need to show proof of purchase and the ID number on the card. Most issuers have 8

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

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December 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ QC Family Focus

Cope With Holiday Stress by Taking Care of Yourself Michael Oppelt, D.C., Faculty Clinician, Palmer Chiropractic Clinics

The holidays are always accompanied with excitement and social commitment. For some it is the best time of the year. For others the holidays represent new expectations to be met and a frantic life pace. However we choose to look at the holidays, the common thread is stress. Not all stress is the same, and how we react and respond to it is the difference between good stress and bad stress. Stress is expressed through hormonal fluctuations. The key to managing your stress is to have a strategy to help counteract your body’s natural responses. Following are eight tips that can help you more fully enjoy the holidays. 1. Positive Perception: Every grey cloud has a silver lining, so always identify the positive attributes of a troubling situation. 2. Nutrition: Food is a cornerstone of the Thanksgiving through Christmas calendar run. Making good food choices can go a long way to managing stress. Teas such as Oolong and Chamomile have long been acknowledged as positive mood and immune promoters. Fruits like oranges, clementines, apple slices, bananas, lemons, and kiwis are all packed with immune boosting nutrients which keep you feeling good. Omega 3 fatty acids are now placed in foods from eggs to pasta to juices, so buying foods with the omega difference is a big step toward mood and immune support. 3. Motion: Even though it’s cold outside, staying active and in motion is essential to keeping your muscles strong and your joints mobile. More importantly, it helps your heart and lungs supply your brain and body all they need to keep you alert, happy and healthy. Regular exercise doesn’t necessarily involve going to the gym. Mall walking has become my mother’s favorite exercise and social winter club. 4. Sunlight: Although you may not think of the sun in the frigid framework of winter, the sun remains an important catalyst to vitamin D production and a mood stabilizer. 5. Deep Breathing: Taking time to bathe your brain in oxygen is always beneficial. Inhale slowly for eight

seconds, hold the breath for another eight seconds, and then exhale slowly for eight seconds. 6. Soft Love: Time with family, close friend(s), or perhaps a pet all deliver a reduction in blood pressure and stress hormone levels. 7. Laughter: When calendars are full and the day falls short in providing enough time to finish everything that needs your attention, the idea of laughing may sound silly. However, silly is good, and finding the cracks in the chaos can cheer you up and perhaps deliver a beneficial attitude break that is the difference between an overwhelming day and a good day. Laughing is the best natural mood boost the body has to offer! 8. Chiropractic Care: Adjustments are brilliant at maintaining joint mobility, muscular balance, aiding pain free motion and restoring restful sleep cycles. By following all of these steps including a chiropractic health plan, the holidays can be the best time of the year.

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QC Family Focus - December 2012

Dawn Knutson, Family System Coordinator, Scott County Kids

inter has arrived. As a child it always brought wonderful things such as snow, warm cozy sweatshirts and sweaters, making snowmen and snow angels, igloos, sledding and hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows. But now as an adult, winter also brings with it the feeling of anxiety and stress related to the HOLIDAYS!!!! There is so much to accomplish in such a short amount of time; organizing family schedules, what to buy for that picky teenager, out of town relatives staying at your home, gift expenses, finding the right gift for the right person, and shopping for those gifts on top of your already hectic daily schedule. Let’s not even discuss menu issues! Just thinking about all the tasks to be accomplished in such a short amount of time can feel overwhelming and stressful to many of us. Holiday traditions can be the cause of stress OR allow us to simplify our holiday lives. Traditions do not have to be elaborate. Traditions can be simple and fun. Getting back to the basics is a great place to start to “de-stress” your holiday season. We set ourselves up for failure and disappointment if our expectations are too high and unattainable. Simple low-key traditions can be accomplished in a short period of time, with little money and can help to reduce our stress and give us a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. Start this holiday season off right. Take some time to choose what the basic necessities are for your family to have a successful stress reduced season. Have each family member write down what makes the Holiday season enjoyable for them. (For example: family togetherness, a decorated tree, a favorite meal, gift giving, serving the less fortunate, decorating the house, church service, etc.) Then prioritize this list by importance to the entire family. (For example: priority one, family gathering; priority two, serving the less fortunate; priority three, gift giving, etc.) By prioritizing our holiday it gives us focus and reminds us of what is truly most important to us. That huge meal I prepare for the entire family is wonderful and appreciated; however, it’s stressful for me. To decrease my stress I asked family members if they would be willing to have a potluck. Not only 12

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

did that lessen my time cooking, grocery shopping and cleaning, it saved on expenses. My priority of “family togetherness” was accomplished and I felt better and less stressed when that happened. Challenge yourself to pick one stressful holiday event you can simplify this year and see what a difference it can make in your outlook on the holiday season. See if it brings you a little more joy. Suggestions: Draw names for gifts and set dollar limits to help reduce expenses and shopping stress. Decorate the Christmas tree as a family AND be okay with the fact that most of the ornaments are on the bottom half of the tree because that is all the higher the kids can reach!! Less is more when decorating…..only decorate the room you spend the most time in! Why spend so much time decorating rooms people don’t enter and won’t appreciate. Save that energy.

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December 2012 • QC Family Focus

Do You Hear What I Hear? By Diane Baker Youth Development Educator,

what is being said verbally doesn’t match what is 4-H Military Programs, University of Illinois Extension being said non-verbally, pay attention to that and talk about it. ‘Tis the season … for · Respond appropriately – ask questions or ask the family fun, holiday shopping, person talking to expand on something. For example, concerts, sporting events, special when your child tells you “I had fun today,” respond celebrations. But, do you find with “Tell me more about that – what made your yourself so caught up in the day so fun.” festivities and endless “to do” lists, · Avoid interrupting or making judgments. Again, that you forget the most important because we tend to be rushed this time of year, we things this season (and throughout may try to hurry through a conversation. Relax, the year) – quality time with family enjoy the conversation, and be patient and thoughtful and friends? As you hurry through your shopping list, rush throughout the conversation. Bows and wrapping paper will end up in the to bake some cookies before getting to the next event garbage, gifts will be out-grown, but the time you or activity, consider the time you are spending with family and friends. Are you taking the time to have a take to have meaningful conversations with your quality conversation? Are you really listening to what family and friends will have an impact for many your kids or your spouse have to say? Or are you pre- years to come. Give yourself and your loved ones occupied with wondering when you’ll wrap the gifts or the gift of your time and attention this holiday season and enjoy the stronger relationships that you’ll build what games you’ll have ready for the class party? Good communication depends on great for a lifetime. listening skills. It’s really easy to “hear” what others are saying, but truly “listening” to what they say takes focus and intention. 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QC Family Focus - December 2012

Challenge your Child to Imagine “Try to be the first one up the mountain, The highest flying dream in the sky. Try your best to be an inspiration For others that are still afraid and shy. Try to make the most of every moment If you fail, get up and try again. Try each day a little harder If you never try, you never win.”

This is a quote from the foreword to The Little Engine that Could the first free book in a series offered to Quad-City children from birth to age five. It is written by Dolly Parton whose foundation has led the charge nationwide to get these books into the hands of children. Each month, close to 10,000 children in our community receive one of these books to encourage interaction between parents and

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guardians and children. They also are designed to inspire a lifetime love of reading. Each book is selected by a national board and range from stories of little engines to llamas with red pajamas and stories designed to help children learn about their emotions. At the end of this journey, right before they enter school, they receive a book discussing getting ready for Kindergarten. By this time, they have received much more than books – they have shared adventures, learned the excitement of reading and imagined a bright future full of potential. We invite you to register a child in your life for Imagination Library by visiting unitedwayqc. org. Each child in a family is eligible to receive ageappropriate books. Also, share this information with your friends and family, because this is an easy gift to give this holiday season and will last a lifetime for the children of our community. QC Family Focus 4/Color 3.675" x 4.75" iTextAlert Ad Agency: Contact Silver Oaks, Diana Hawbaker 309-797-9898

United Way Staff

Available at K&K Hardware in Bettendorf, IDC Technology Solutions in Geneseo or online at iTextAlert.com.

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

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10/12/12 10:02 AM

Holiday Cooking There is nothing better than biting into a warm, chewy, sweet cinnamon roll. But, who really has the time or takes the effort to make them from scratch anymore? It is a bit of a lost art. But these rolls...are so easy. You do not need to worry about yeast, rising times, etc. Simply, mix, fill, slice and bake. You will definitely not be disappointed! Oh, and did I mention they have pumpkin in them? Even better.

If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gotten into the slow cooker rage, then you are a bit behind. Busy families, single parents, heck even college students are breaking out those slow cookers to help get dinner on the table. This simple, easy and plentiful dinner can be assembled in less than 5 minutes. It will make your house smell like your favorite barbecue joint and put smiles on everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

{no yeast required!}

For the rolls: 2 1/4 cup flour (+ more if dough is too sticky) 4 tsp baking powder 1 tsp nutmeg 2 tbs sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup cold butter 1 cup canned pumpkin 1/3 cup milk For the filling: 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 tbs of cinnamon For the frosting: 4 oz of cream cheese; room temperature 1/2 cup (+/-) powdered sugar

Directions: Sift together your dry ingredients. Cut butter into flour mixture using a pastry blender. Work the butter into pea sized pieces. Mix in pumpkin puree and milk. If dough is still sticky you can add a tbs of flour at a time until it is easy to work with. On a floured surface roll dough out to 1/2 inch thick rectangle. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough into a long log. Cut into 1-2 inch thick slices. Place each roll into a buttered pie plate or cake pan OR into a muffin tin. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until rolls are golden and cooked through. Allow to cool 15 minutes. Meanwhile in an electric mixer mix cream cheese and powdered sugar together. Pipe frosting onto rolls or slather over the top while warm.

2 onions, peeled and quartered 1 whole pork butt (pork shoulder roast) 1 8 oz. can chipotle chiles in adobo sacue 2 12 oz. cans Dr. Pepper 4 T. brown sugar salt pepper rolls or buns, for serving

Get out your largest crockpot. Lay peeled and quartered onions in the bottom. Liberally season roast with salt and pepper, then place on top of the onions. Pour in canned chipotle chiles, brown sugar and Dr. Pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Flip the roast halfway way through, around 4 hours in. When done, shred meat with a fork and serve on kaiser rolls. Add additional sauces or chopped pickles if you like.

QC Family Focus - December 2012

William Benevento, M.D.

As we enter the toy buying season, here are a few tips on toy safety and selection. An estimated 17% of all eye injuries to children are caused by missile-type toys or toys with hard edges or detachable parts. Youngsters are particularly vulnerable during the excitement of the holidays. Many of these eye injuries are preventable. The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness gives these following recommendations: 1. Be aware of how your children or grandchildren play with their toys. There is no substitute for sensible adult supervision. 2. Keep inappropriate toys away from children too young or too inexperienced to use them properly. 3. Make sure toys will not shatter with rough handling or under violent impact. 4. Read manufacturers’ instructions for using toys properly and age appropriateness. Try to avoid projectile toys such as darts,

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

President of Eye Surgeons Associates, Dr. Benevento is a board certified ophthalmologist. He has special interest in diabetes and the surgical treatment of cataracts with the latest techniques. Dr. Benevento practices at our offices in Bettendorf and Muscatine Iowa. For more information, please see our website: www.esaeyecare.com.

bows and arrows, and missile-firing toys. Look for toys marked with “ASTM”, which means the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Do not allow your children to play with non-powder rifles, pellet guns or BB guns. They are extremely dangerous and have been reclassified as firearms and removed from toy departments. Don’t forget that sports equipment, a popular gift, should also include protective eyewear. Sports-related eye injuries account for about 40,000 eye injuries annually, but 90 percent of these injuries could be avoided with the right protective ANSI approved eyewear. Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Education Dedication

QC Family Focus is showing it’s Education Dedication this month by sponsoring a couple of holiday contests. Both are aimed at helping children learn. Fill out the entry forms below for your chance to win. Good luck! We’re giving away a book... or a lot of them in this contest! Win a Nook Simple Touch Reader! Name__________________________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________State_____________Phone number_ ________________________________ My favorite article in this month’s issue of QC Family Focus is _____________________________________________ Send entry form to: Look, I Won A Nook!, C/O QC Family Focus Magazine, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, Ia 52722 Entries must be postmarked by December 17th Only one entry per family please.

It’s the newest technology for your preschooler! Win a Leapster 2 Name__________________________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________State_____________Phone number_ ________________________________ I pick up my copy of QC Family Focus at ______________________________________________________________

Send entry form to: Look at my Leapster 2!, C/O QC Family Focus, P.O. Box 194, Bettendorf, IA 52722 Entries must be postmarked by December 17th. Only one entry per family please. QC Family Focus - December 2012

Education Christmas Fun Facts

December 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ QC Family Focus

Dedication The holiday season is a time for giving. Many times people will exchange gifts for fun, but have you ever thought about giving to help others? That type of giving is called philanthropy. Let’s take a closer look at this word and understand how it can make a difference in our lives. Philanthropy is giving to others in an effort to increase the well-being of people. It is a method of sharing. Some people may think the only way to give is to provide money, but there are other options. People help others by giving any of the three W’s. Do you know what the three W’s in philanthropy are? Wealth (giving money) Work (volunteering to help) Wisdom (giving others the benefit of your knowledge) To better understand the three W’s related to philanthropy, let’s do the following activity. Activity 1: Recently, the East Coast was drastically affected by Hurricane Sandy. You probably saw on television and read on the internet or newspaper how many people lost their homes from the storm. Can you think of ways you could help the victims of Hurricane Sandy? Write ideas for each W on the space provided below. Wealth: Do you have money to give? If not, how else could you make money to help? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Work: If a storm like Hurricane Sandy hit your community, what work could you do to help others? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Wisdom: What kind of knowledge do you have that others could benefit from? You might surprise yourself of the talents you have that could help someone else. ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________

Tawnya Hambly Public Relations Director, Junior Achievement of the Heartland

Good work! Share your ideas with an adult. Ask them of ways they have helped others through work or wisdom. You might think philanthropy is to only help the poor and needy, but that’s not true. Sometimes it is about increasing the well-being of people in other areas, such as education, religion, health or other good causes. Organizations that depend on philanthropy are usually referred to as nonprofit organizations. They do not participate in markets like businesses because they do not seek a profit. Instead, they rely on the generosity of people to help support their work. One example of a nonprofit is Junior Achievement. JA is an organization that promotes education about business, economics and free enterprise. JA teaches students, like you, about important concepts related to work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. People and businesses donate money to JA (wealth) and teach JA classes (work and wisdom). Activity 2: What other nonprofit organizations can you think of in your community? Who provides the wealth, work and wisdom for the nonprofit? List your answers below. Name of Nonprofit: ___________________________ Wealth: _____________________________________ Work: ______________________________________ Wisdom: ____________________________________ Being able to share with others is a good feeling. This holiday season challenge yourself to think about philanthropy and how you can help others. Big or small – no matter how you help will make a difference in someone else’s life. QC Family Focus - December 2012

Just For Kids!

Kid’s Calendar

Winterfest • December 2nd There will be a host of joyful family activities for everyone including music, dancing by the Family Museum Dancers, refreshments, fun activities, and a visit from Santa later in the afternoon. Visitors can view a 300-square-foot train set, toys from the Museum’s Buddy “L” collection, and the animated figurines from the Petersen Harden Von Maur store. Admission to the event and Museum gallery is FREE with the donation of a non-perishable food item or personal item to be distributed locally. 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Family Museum, 2900 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, IA Call 563-344-4106 for more information. The Nutcracker - Ballet Quad Cities December 8th-9th Featuring live music accompaniment by Orchestra Iowa, this time-honored holiday favorite is set to Tchaikovsky’s famous The Nutcracker Saturday, December 8th 1:00 & 7:30 Sunday, December 9th 1:00 Adler Theater Davenport, IA Ticket Prices Vary. Purchase tickets online through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com Adler Theatre, 136 East 3rd Street, Davenport, IA Call 309-786-3779 for more information.

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

Free Kid’s Craft Day • December 15th John Deere Pavilion 10:00am-4:00pm Theme: Evergreens/Trees Craft: Tree Ornaments

A Holiday in the Gardens Deccember 15 This evening event includes: A whimsical theatrical interpretation of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, as a staged garden stroll. Holiday crafts for children that the whole family can enjoy. Roasting chestnuts, Christmas caroling and light refreshments. Don’t miss the outdoor winter garden train railroad. This event is included in your paid admission to the gardens. Adults $6.00, Seniors $5.00, Youth (6-15 yrs) $4.00 Children (2-5yrs) $2.00, Children under 2 and Members of the Quad City Botanical Center free. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island, IL Call 309-7940991 for more information. Frost Fest • December 16 Join the Quad Cities River Bandits for their annual Frost Fest celebration. At this free event, kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, participate in board games and crafts, and watch movies. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Modern Woodman Park, 209 S Gaines Street, Davenport, IA Call 563-322-6348 for more information.

Just For Kids!

QC Family Focus - December 2012

Just For Kids!

December 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ QC Family Focus

Just For Kids! What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Frosted Flakes What do you get when you cross an apple with a Christmas Tree? A Pineapple What do you call people who are afraid of Santa? Claustrophobic

Cookie Cutter Ornaments Use inexpensive aluminum cutters to turn out ornaments faster than you can bake a batch of cookies. Choose patterned papers or color photocopy pictures onto card stock. Trace cutter on top; cut out. Dab white craft glue along cutterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. Press paper in place; let dry. Thread narrow ribbon through needle; poke between paper and cutter, and wrap ribbon around top of cutter. Slip a bead over ribbonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ends; knot.

QC Family Focus - December 2012

The colder weather is ushering in a new place for family fun in the Quad Cities. Bass Street Landing Plaza in Downtown Moline is now the home of “Center Ice at Bass Street Landing,” an outdoor ice skating rink. The full size ice rink offers “open skating” seven days a week. Parents or grandparents can watch the kids skate from the warm indoors while grabbing a bite to eat at the grill complete with flat screen televisions. The indoor area will be connected to the bottom of the parking ramp in the bass street landing plaza. Skate rentals are available as well. The rates will vary depending on the day of the week. Longtime Quad Citian, Larry Rosmilso is the Director of Operations. Larry hopes the ice rink will bring a new attraction, similar to Millennium Park in Chicago, for those here in the Quad Cities to enjoy. Center Ice at Bass Street Landing is a project of Financial District Properties, which recently built the new Kone building. They say it will come complete with a Zamboni ice resurfacing machine. The rink is being purchased and installed by IceRinkEvents, a company that provides seasonal and permanent ice rinks around the world. It’s currently open the owners plan to keep it up and running until mid April of 2013.

the galaxy at your fingertips. Balance work and play with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet.

Verizon Wireless Communications store NorthPark Mall • Davenport, IA • 563-391-3066 *Our surcharges [incl. Fed. Univ. Svc. of 15.7% of interstate & int’l telecom charges (varies quarterly), 16¢ Regulatory & 99¢ Administrative/line/mo., & others by area] are not taxes (details: 1-888-684-1888); gov’t taxes & our surcharges could add 6%-42% to your bill. Activation/upgrade fee/line: Up to $35. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Customer Agmt, Calling Plan & credit approval. Up to $175 early termination fee/line ($350 for advanced devices). Unlimited calling for directly dialed, live calls between individuals. Max 10 lines. Offers & coverage, varying by svc, not available everywhere; see vzw.com. © 2012 Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. Samsung and Galaxy Tab are both registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. © 2012 Verizon Wireless

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

unlimited talk, unlimited text & shareable data on up to 10 Devices

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From Karen’s Kitchen

As this issue of the QCFF was getting ready to go to the printer, the big news was the potential demise of the twinkie. Well never fear, I dug out my recipe box and found one to make your own twinkies! Not nearly as convenient but it will do in a pinch!

Mock Twinkies

Prepare 1 yellow cake mix (pudding in the mix) as directed. Pour into 9 x 13 pan and bake 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool and removed from pan. Cut cake to the size of twinkies (approx. 16) and split in half. Twinkie Filling 1 c. milk 5 TBSP flour 1 c. sugar 1 tsp. salt 1/2c. Crisco Solid 1/2 c. margarine 1 tsp. vanilla

Mix milk a little at a time with flour. Keep mixture smooth. Boil until thick, stirring constantly. When cool, beat until fluffy. Add other ingredients, beat in after each addition. Put filling between split layers of cake. (If your kitchen is warm, you may want to refrigerate filling so it will stiffen up.) Wrap twinkies in plastic wrap and enjoy being the hostess with the mostest!

Reach Your Maximum Potential If you are one of the 80% of Americans who will suffer from back pain, neck pain and headaches—or just want to improve your range of motion, balance and endurance—the experts at the Palmer Chiropractic Clinics can help. To learn more about our services or to make an appointment, call us today or visit us online at www.palmerclinics.com/qc.

Davenport Clinic (open Mon. – Sat.) (563) 884-5801

Moline Clinic (open Mon. – Fri.) (309) 764-4901

The primary care provider for spinal health and well-being QC Family Focus - December 2012

Quad City partnerships help area students explore careers on-line, in the classroom, and in the workplace Kirk Marske Director, Career Cruising Quad Cities

Quad City area students have the total workreadiness experience at their fingertips through the web-based career exploration program Career Cruising Quad Cities. Administered by Junior Achievement of the Heartland in partnership with the Moline Foundation, Career Cruising Quad Cities (CCQC) is a work-readiness program developed by Career Cruising, the leader in on-line career development and education planning for K-12 schools. Students using the program can research hundreds of careers to learn about the skills, experience, and education needed to succeed in the careers that interest them. Students can also plan for their careers with comprehensive skills assessments, along with education, training, and financial aid resources. Career Cruising Quad Cities helps students make connections with area businesses and professionals by incorporating Quad City companies as part of the local information available to students. Since 2010, volunteers from participating companies have served as on-line career coaches and offered work-based learning activities (WLAs) such as job shadowing, mock interviews, and company tours. More than 15,000 students use Career Cruising Quad Cities at schools in 6 Quad City area counties – Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, Stark and Whiteside Counties in Illinois, and Scott County in Iowa. CCQC is available to all students – from at-risk and college bound students to teens with undetermined career goals and special education students. Currently, CCQC offers over 150 company profiles to students, and career coaching and workbased learning activities are offered by nearly 100 volunteers. One of CCQC’s biggest champions has been the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, and many of its members support the program as business partners. One of the key features is the portfolio tool, which helps a student record important career and education information as they use the system. Results of their Career Matchmaker assessment, for example, are saved to create a starting place for their 28

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

career exploration experiences. A list of suggested careers is created based on the student’s assessment and the student can explore their careers of interest with the click of a mouse. Other important information such as writing samples, work and volunteer experience, and notable school accomplishments can also be saved to their portfolio. Parents can also register to view their child’s portfolio, enabling parents to actively participate in the exploration process. Future Education Dedication columns will give more information about how parents can get involved in CCQC through the portfolio feature. Other columns will focus on health career development and STEM education efforts in the Quad Cities, interesting CCQC career coaches and work-based learning activities, industry support of CCQC, and more. If you are a professional who would like to volunteer for CCQC, there is no cost to participate as a business partner and it is open to all businesses - visit www.CareerCruisingQuadCities.org to learn more and register. Or, contact CCQC: Kirk Marske, Director – (309) 277-3909, kirk.marske@ja.org

Kelly Hendershot, Marketing Communications Officer, DHCU Community Credit Union You can get ahead in life by being good at what you do. Unfortunately, so can fraudsters. Use these tactics to steer clear of scams: Choose tough passwords. Fraudsters use Facebook and other social media profiles to figure out passwords. These scam artists skim profiles trolling for common names and phrases that consumers often use for passwords. Create passwords that contain numbers, letters, and symbols and are more than six characters. Don’t be an open book. The information you post on the Internet isn’t private. Use careful judgment about anything you post online. Shred personal documents. Thieves still steal personal information by dumpster diving. Use a cross-cut shredder to dispose of paper items containing personal information such as Social Security numbers and account numbers, as well as unsolicited credit card applications and receipts. If shredding at home is not convenient, save shred items up to bring to a DHCU Community Credit Union Shred Day. This free, on-site shredding is held at a different DHCU location monthly from April through October. Know with whom you’re dealing. Fraudsters posing as family members may ask you to wire funds or send emergency cash. If you have any qualms about emails you receive, be leery. Contact the family members the email is supposedly from--outside the email channel--and ask if they sent the email. Remember, DHCU will NEVER contact you asking for your personal information. This goes for any means of communication—mail, email, PC, SMS text, home phone, etc. Use caution when job hunting. If you find a job online that entails working from home and the opportunity to make some quick cash, use caution. Fraudsters comb online job boards to prey on those eager to find work. MoneyGram International has enhanced its fraud prevention website at moneygram-preventfraud.com, with specific advice for anyone initiating a money transfer: Throw: Dispose of offers promising easy ways to earn money. Be extra cautious if the offer requires you to send money before actually earning money. Know: Only send money to people you know. Never send money to strangers. Show: Don’t share information about money transfers with anyone except the recipient. Call 309-796-7500 in the Quad Cities, 563-2446506 in Clinton, 800-323-5109 toll-free, email info@ dhcu.org or visit any DHCU location to learn more about protecting your financial identity.

Necker’s Jewelers is GIVING BACK to schools this Holiday Season December 1- 31 A percentage of any purchases you make will go back to the school of your choice! Visit our website at www.neckersjewelers.com for more information.

Davenport, IA 52807 Next To Texas Roadhouse 563.359.3941

QC Family Focus - December 2012

Great Gift Ideas For Seniors By Roger Brannan Administrator, Bettendorf Health Care Center

Do you have a “hard to buy for” loved one on your holiday shopping list? Sometimes the people who mean the most to you can be the most difficult to buy for. We have come up with a list of gift ideas for the favorite senior in your life. 1. Family time – At the top of the list is the gift of spending time with family. Time with children and grandchildren can create beautiful holiday memories and is often more precious than anything else. 2. Event tickets – Take your senior loved one to the seasonal Nutcracker ballet performance, to a movie or a concert. Fun never goes out of style! 3. Travel vouchers – Assisting with travel costs such as airline vouchers or train fare, or even credit toward a cruise makes a great gift. 4. Home projects – Many seniors have home “work projects” that they can’t do themselves and could use your help to complete. Offer yourself as handyman for a day.

5. Care Packages- Think about things your loved one or friend uses regularly. Small items can be useful and appreciated, such as tissues, lotion, soaps, comfy socks or slippers, favorite treats, etc. If a loved one resides in an assisted living facility, these small luxuries can be very valuable. 6. Photo keepsakes- Put together a memory book, small photo album, or fill up a memory card of family pictures and put it in a digital photo frame. Help set up a pretty bulletin board in a prime location with photos, cards and important information. 7. Consider a charitable donation done in your loved one’s name. Someone who is very involved in a charity or has a favorite cause may appreciate this as much as receiving a gift, and you can donate to almost any cause in creative ways such as “adopting” an endangered animal, helping someone through “microlending” or giving charity gift cards. Just a few suggestions to let the senior in your life know you are thinking of them. Again, in most cases, the gift of your time is the most precious gift of all.

Just Like A Trusted Friend . . . We’ll Be Here When You Need Us

www.WeertsFH.com Kimberly at Jersey Ridge Road | Davenport, Iowa 52807 | 563.355.4433 | m.weertsfh.com from web-enabled cell phones

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

Bettendorf Health Care Center

A Place To Call Home

2730 Crow Creek Rd • Bettendorf, IA • (563) 332-7463 • We offer skilled rehab 6 days a week. That means you can get well and go home. • Our elegant dining area comes complete with china, crystal, linen table cloths and fa mily-style dining. • You never know when you might need special care. That’s why we work closely with all area hospitals and accept admissions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • We are conveniently located on Crow Creek in Bettendorf. •We offer tours of our facility 7 days a week! • Activities for all ages and abilities, a variety of religious services, and a caring and competent staff.

When you can’t go home, we’re the next best thing! QC Family Focus - December 2012

Create a new tradition this holiday season

By Curtis Ford Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP

trustees or executors to ensure their final wishes will be carried out, but we also urge families to sit down at the holidays, and throughout the year - to share their stories. Ask Grandpa about his schools. Ask Grandma how she met Grandpa. Discover your uncle’s military service. What do your parents remember best about their own grandparents? Tell your children about the funniest scraps you got into with your siblings. Ask your children about their best moment at school, on the ball field or in a performance. For an even more memorable event, capture the discussions on video. Don’t worry about professional quality, just set up the camera on a wide angle to capture everyone at the table and the let the discussions begin!

ach family has its own unique holiday traditions: meals, religious services, gifts, gatherings and more. This year, consider adding one more tradition to your family’s holidays – discovering your family’s stories and legacies and sharing them with all the generations gathered around the holiday table. You may be surprised at what you will learn! As people look to the end of the year, and the start of a new one, they frequently reflect on the need to make sure their financial plans are in place. Families will review their assets and update Nash Nash Bean & Ford are members of the American Academy of Estate their wills or trusts, but as vital these documents are, Planning Attorneys and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. To receive a of our most recent newsletter “Your Estate Matters” or for a free consultation there is another important piece to the puzzle – their copy on Estate or Long Term Care Planning, call 309-944-2188, 309-762-9368 or 1-800You may also contact our firm by email at info@nashbeanford.com or personal legacy. The holidays are the perfect time to 644-5345. visit our web site at http://www.nashbeanford.com. The firm devotes its practice primarily in the areas of estate, business begin preserving your– and your family’s - stories, and tax planning and related areas of the law, as well as elder law and trust administration and probate. We offer guidance and advice to our clients in every history and values. area of estate planning. This column is designed for general information purposes only, and is We urge people to discuss their estate plans intended, nor should be construed or relied upon, as legal advice. Please consult with their families, beneficiaries and successor not your attorney if specific legal information is desired.

Don’t Bet The Farm: Estate & Succession Planning for Farm Families Your Family’s Future Depends on the Decisions You Make Today. Attend this important seminar and learn:

For us, planning our estate is about love, not death.

◆ How you can protect your family from having to sell the farm to pay estate taxes.

◆ The advantages and disadvantages of trusts and wills.

◆ How to avoid a family feud over division of the farm.

◆ How to plan your estate to minimize federal estate taxes.

◆ How to reduce possible delays in operations due to probate.

◆ How to protect the farm and your estate and provide for yourself and your family if you become incapacitated.

◆ How to transition the farm operations in a timely manner.

◆ What a Power of Attorney will and will not do for you.

COLONA Call 1-800-644-5345 or visit our website, Tuesday, July 10 Thursday, July 12 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.www.nashbeanford.com 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Best Western Prairie Inn Lavender Crest Winery for our upcoming seminars 300 S. Soangetaha Road 5409 US Highway 6 GALESBURG

Attend one of these seminars and you’ll receive, a FREE, one-hour, private estate planning consultation to answer any questions you have about protecting your Estate and IRA.

Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP • Attorneys and Counselors at Law John Deere Rd. at 5030 38th Ave. Ste. 2 • Moline, IL 61265

445 U.S. Hwy 6 East • P. O. Box 63 • Geneseo, IL 61254

The Attorneys at Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP speak to area residents about living trusts and estate planning. They have helped hundreds of Illinois families plan their estates.

Seating is Limited, So Call 309-944-2188, (309) 762-9368 or 1-800-644-5345 Now! 24-Hour Seminar Reservation Line or Reserve Online at www.nashbeanford .com

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

Sleep Right sleep Tight By Dr. Traci Nelson Hassel Nelson Chiropractic

front of you. I caution you to avoid placing your arm above your head, lay your head on your arm or hands under your face. These positions can cause shoulder, neck or jaw problems respectively. Make sure that the pillow supports your head so you have a straight imaginary line down the nose, chin, center of chest and belly button to keep your spine aligned. Also, make sure you do not tuck your knees too far up toward your chest in a tight fetal position to avoid exacerbation of low back pain. A pillow between the knees will keep the pelvis level and reduce low back pain. Certain people may have different complaints or physical conditions that would vary these recommendations some. If you have specific questions you should ask your chiropractor. If you have any aches, pains or discomfort that only shows up at night or that gets worse while you are sleeping you should also consult a chiropractor as well. The best mattress or pillow in the world cannot fix a misaligned or subluxated spine. Get your spine checked and use good sleeping posture. Sweet dreams!

s a chiropractor I am asked daily about proper sleep positions. This is one of my favorite questions because proper positions can relieve a lot of musculoskeletal pain and improper positions can cause serious, long-term problems. We do spend a third of our lives sleeping and the goal it to maintain the natural curves of the spine while we rest. 14% of people sleep on their backs. The key to this posture is to have a pillow that supports your neck but does not prop it too much. Another caution is problems that can occur with breathing and snoring due to the tongue falling back against the soft palate. If you suffer from low back pain try a pillow under your knees. Arm or hand tingling or numbness can benefit from supporting arms on small pillows as you sleep on your back. The second most I Want a Healthy Spine.... to relieve my chronic back pain. common position is stomach-sleeping and Diagnosing and treating chronic back and neck pain can be challenging and this is the worst possible costly. Talk to your chiropractic physician about how chiropractic care may choice. Imagine sitting in a provide you with relief from chronic pain. classroom all day with your neck turned to the side all Put Chiropractic Care Into Your Health Routine. day. Ouch! It hyper flexes For your evaluation, contact your the neck and put pressure Iowa chiropractic provider today: on the spinal nerves. It also Logo flattens out the curve in the low back and could cause low back pain. It has even Local Info: been shown to cause the abdomen to â&#x20AC;&#x153;poochâ&#x20AC;? out. One way to break this habit is to use a body pillow in front of you as you sleep on your side. So how should you sleep? The answer for most people is: on your www.IWantAHealthySpine.com side with arms folded in Insert name here chronicpain5x6ad.indd 1

10/8/2010 1:40:01 PM

QC Family Focus - December 2012

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December 2012 • QC Family Focus

Call (563) 344-9292 for an appointment

The right to choice: Selecting the best orthopaedic specialist for your care

hen primary care physicians (PCPs) are asked to treat pain associated with joints, bones, or ligaments, they will frequently refer patients to an orthopaedic specialist for more advanced care. But did you know that in all cases you can request a referral to a specific specialty group from your PCP? “Physicians make referrals based on a number of factors. While their recommendations are important, remember that you have the right to choose,” says Dr. Tuvi Mendel, foot and ankle specialist at Orthopaedic Specialists. “Do your own research and ask around. If you don’t agree with the initial referral provided by your PCP, know that you can request a referral to a particular group or specialist.” The administrative team at your PCP’s office can often fill out your patient referral form and help you make an appointment, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek assistance. According to Angie Van Utrecht, Director of Operations at Orthopaedic Specialists, a referral isn’t needed at all to see a specialist, unless your insurance requires it. “Many specialist groups don’t require a referral in order to be seen or treated. At Orthopaedic Specialists, simply call and make an appointment,” she said. The only reason that we would require a referral is if a patient has an HMO plan, and in that case, it is required by the insurance company to obtain one.“ Whether using the specialist recommended by your PCP, or deciding to go in a different direction, it’s always worthwhile to research potential specialists and seek as much information as possible about their education, experience and reputation. “The challenge patients face today is that there is so much information available, it can be difficult to determine what will most impact their quality of care, specifically when it comes to orthopaedics,” says Van Utrecht.

“In reality, you can ask a few simple questions or seek a few simple answers and learn a great deal.” With so much information now available online and through advertising, it’s important to know what you’re looking for when researching a specialist. Focus your research, which can be done by looking online or at websites, calling the office, picking up print materials, or through trusted contacts, on getting answers to the following questions: • Is your specialist board certified? Determine if he or she is certified to focus on the specific area of your concern. • Is your specialist also fellowship trained? In other words, has your specialist completed an extra program in the orthopaedic area of your concern and if so, does he continue to practice in that area? This is extremely important, as it assures your specialist will have expansive expertise. • If you are going to need surgery, how many of these types of surgery has your specialist done? The more surgeries your specialist has done, the more experience he or she will have. Additionally, you can ask about infection rates and success rates; specialists who are proud of their work and success will readily provide this information. • Do you know anyone who has had firsthand experience with the specialist? While someone else’s treatment and results can’t be compared to what you will experience, you can rely on trusted word-of-mouth to gain an understanding of the overall experience. Deciding on a specialist doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Complete the research, ask trusted resources, and don’t settle for any care that isn’t exactly right for you. For more information about the procedures and services that Orthopaedic Specialists provides, please visit our website at www.osquadcities.com. QC Family Focus - December 2012

Giving Water Its Due Lisa M. Reisen, PHR Iowa American Water

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

mains break, the service interruption is temporary (thanks to water crews working overtime), and soon forgotten. Breaks are also more costly to repair. It’s estimated that emergency pipe repairs are 10 times more expensive than the cost of ongoing pipe maintenance and upgrades. Water is the common denominator in all of our lives. We need it to live. We depend on it to cook and clean. It is an essential component for a vital economy and environment, not to mention health and fire safety. Therefore, we must respect it as the precious resource it is, as a luxury, not something to be taken for granted. And, when we value something, we generally are careful not to waste it. It’s something to think about the next time you turn on the tap – and then turn it off while brushing your teeth or washing the dishes. You can learn more about the value of water, and some simple ways to use water wisely, by visiting the Learning Center on the Iowa American Water website, at www.iowaamwater.com.

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5108 Jersey Ridge Road Davenport, Iowa 52807

563-355-0437

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abcdentistry@mchsi.com

accepting new patients

Happy Holidays from Dr. Alex and his Staff” www.alexbrandtnerchildrensdentistry.com

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Imagine if you turned on the kitchen or shower faucet, or a fire fighter hooked onto a fire hydrant and nothing happened. Or, what if all the water your family used for drinking or cooking had to be boiled first to eliminate harmful bacteria? Thankfully, in the U.S., water services are so reliable that we haven’t had to worry whether high quality drinking water will be available when we turn the tap. We don’t think about the complex, very technical process our water goes through to become safe enough to drink. But, buried deep underground, miles and miles of pipes are constantly carrying water throughout our service area from the water treatment plants that clean and distribute water to pumping stations and on to your home. We don’t see all the people – scientists, engineers, plant operators, maintenance crews and customer service professionals -- working 24/7 so that everything runs smoothly. From meeting environmental quality standards to making sure that enough water is available when supply is low, or that there are adequate pressure levels for fire protection as well as your morning shower, the work is happening beneath the surface, behind the scenes. And, for many people, since water is “out of sight, out of mind,” it’s easy to take for granted. There’s an obvious cost to assure such quality and dependability. The facilities and systems providing water services to customers takes three times more money to supply than other utility providers, yet it is typically the least expensive of Americans’ utility bills. Water and wastewater service is usually the lower percentage utility cost per household, at an average of 12 percent, compared to gas/oil at 18 percent, telephone at 33 percent and electricity at 37 percent. At the cost of about a penny per gallon, water is a tremendous value, especially considering that the price of a gallon of milk or gas today is close to $4! When pipes break, from stressors such as age, extreme changes in temperature or pressure, and soil movement, they cause disruption to homes and businesses, as well as waste (in the US, nearly 7 billion gallons of water are lost each day due to pipe leaks and ruptures). However, even when water

Cavity Free Club Winner September - 10 year old Emma Holmes October - 10 year old Brian Forret

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There’s a lot more to your water bill than just water. When you turn on the tap, it’s easy to see what your water bill buys. What’s not as easy to see is what it takes to bring that water to your home. The miles of pipeline hidden below the ground. The facilities that draw water from the source. The plant where it’s treated and tested. The scientists, engineers, and maintenance crews working around the clock to make sure that water is always there when you need it. Your water payments are helping to build a better tomorrow by supporting needed improvements that will keep water flowing for all of us—today and well into the future. All for about a penny a gallon.

WE CARE ABOUT WATER. IT’S WHAT WE DO. FIND OUT WHY YOU SHOULD, TOO, at iowaamwater.com. © 2012 American Water. “American Water” and the star logo are the registered trademarks of American Water Works Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

QC Family Focus - December 2012

Homemade Ice Cream By David W. Deuth, President of Weerts Funeral Home It was one of those winters when kids – who usually had to be coaxed out of bed so we wouldn’t be late for school – loved to get up early and listen to the radio to see if school was late or canceled. Late in the afternoon, it became very snowy. School had let out early and we hunkered down after supper for an evening inside. Just when the dishes were done, someone had a splendid idea. Homemade ice cream. Mom and Dad had the coolest hand-crank ice cream freezer ever, probably from the late ‘50’s or early 60’s. The outer tub was blue with flecks and the inner stainless steel churning canister held the cream mixture. A brine of salt and ice separated the two and chilled the coveted creamy goodness of homemade ice cream as we manually cranked the handle for what seemed like hours. Mom began assembling the necessary ingredients as my mouth began to water. Sugar, check. Vanilla, check. Half and Half….whoa. No Half and Half. Discussion ensued that we may have to postpone the great snowstorm homemade ice cream event due to the weather…and sans Half and Half in the house. Nonsense, my brother and I agreed. We lived a mere few blocks from the grocery store and surely we could make it there and back to get a container of Half and Half if that’s all we had to do to get some homemade ice cream. Must have ice cream, must have ice cream….. We gunned it and made our way into the grocery store parking lot. “Not very busy,” we quipped. No, not very busy at all. They were closed due to the weather. Clearly, we would have to head across town to the other grocery store. Bravely we fought our way through drifts of snow and unplowed streets… not another car in sight anywhere. The snow was so heavy, the light from the streetlights was visible only when you were mere feet away from the light poles. Must have ice cream, must have ice cream… Sliding into that parking lot, we quickly found that they were closed, too. Surely SOMEONE was open in this town that had some Half and Half. Gas stations in those days still had service stations, not convenience stores, so that wasn’t an option. Drove by several cafes; closed. I worked at the hospital at the time and mused that perhaps I could find someone from security to escort me to the kitchen where I’d open the refrigerator door and magically discover the Half and Half and save the day. My brother mentioned something about being an idiot… Well??? Did he have any better ideas?? We slid the car up to the only place in town that looked like it was open: Gannon’s Supper Club. I marched on in there and explained to the first – and only – person I saw that we desperate for Half and Half. Explained how we had the sugar and the vanilla and the nifty ice cream freezer….and how we had crisscrossed the entire town on this noble mission only to be cruelly crushed by the same lousy snowstorm that just hours earlier had been our hero when it had spared us from a few hours of school. She looked at me kind of funny and disappeared into the 38

December 2012 • QC Family Focus

kitchen, returning moments later with a container of Half and Half. I don’t recall what I paid her for it, but I carried it with both hands as though precious jewels as I made my way back to the car. Leaping through the door like a superhero, I proudly displayed the trophy of our valiant efforts. Mom was quite surprised, I think, that we made it home without getting stuck in the snow AND actually found some Half and Half somewhere. She mixed up the ingredients and the rest of us just stared in trance-like silence as she poured the creamy delight into the stainless steel canister. I could taste its goodness in my mind. After we added the ice and the salt to make the brine in the bucket, we were more than ready. Let the cranking begin. I cranked first. And cranked. And cranked. It should be getting thicker by now… My brother jumped in to crank for awhile. And he cranked. And cranked. Then Dad took a turn cranking. And cranking. And cranking. After 25 minutes of non-stop cranking, we checked the glorious treasure inside: still completely liquid. Must not be cranking hard enough. I started round two of the cranking. Several minutes later, I relinquished the handle to my brother. He cranked and cranked and cranked. We checked the canister again; still liquid. After we all took our turn at round three of non-stop cranking, we cracked the lid open again. Still liquid. I reasoned that we should taste-test it. Maybe it just LOOKS like liquid, but is really smooth, creamy ice cream? I snuck a spoonful and tasted it – anticipating the creamy goodness, whatever the form. It was horrible. It tasted like a glass of sweetened milk that got into a fight with a salt shaker. A quick assessment led us to the realization that the seam on the stainless steel canister had a small leak and the brine had seeped into the coveted creamy goodness of our ice cream. We were devastated. MUST have ice cream, MUST have ice cream… Heartbroken, we could only watch in stunned silence as we were reduced to pouring the salt-spolied treasure down the drain. We didn’t have any store-bought ice cream in the freezer that day. I’m not so sure that any of us would have eaten it if we did. We laid to rest the very cool hand-crank ice cream freezer with the flecks. I can still vividly imagine the taste of mom’s homemade ice cream. It’s something special. And I think we’ll make some this winter. Maybe during Christmas. Preferably during a snow storm. Remember Well. David W. Deuth, CFSP, is a funeral director and the owner of Weerts Funeral Home in Davenport. He can be reached at 563.424.7055 or by email at Dave@WeertsFH.com.

Happy Holidays From

Pine Hill Cemetery Association 1530 E 39th St • Davenport (563) 391-5130 www.pinehillcemeterydavenport.com