South Central New Jersey 6

SOUTH CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

VOL. 6

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FEATURED ARTICLES

RETIREMENT • INVESTING • VACATION

RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY

TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING

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WHAT ARE

ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings

After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.

Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.

Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.

Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.

It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.

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FENG SHUI

IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

DATES

JAN 1 - 7

JAN 8 - 14

JAN 15 - 21

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

The Sentry + Plantation Course at Kapalua, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii

Sony Open in Hawaii

Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, Hawaii

PGA WEST

JAN 22 - 27

JAN 29 - FEB 4

FEB 5 - 11

FEB 12 - 18

FEB 19 - 25

FEB 26 - MAR 3

MAR 4 - 10

MAR 4 - 10

MAR 11 - 17

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

Pete Dye Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta Country Club, La Quinta, California

Farmers Insurance Open

Torrey Pines Golf Course, (South Course, North Course) San Diego, California

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am +

Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Pebble Beach, California

WM Phoenix Open

TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course), Scottsdale, Arizona

The Genesis Invitational +

The Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California

Mexico Open at Vidanta Vidanta Vallarta, Vallarta, México

The Classic in The Palm Beaches

PGA National Resort (The Champion), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard +

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida

Puerto Rico Open

GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico GOLF

THE PLAYERS Championship

TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Valspar Championship

* Schedule subject to change

MAR 18 - 24

MAR 25 - 31

APRIL 1 - 7

APRIL 8 - 14

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 22 - 28

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

+ Signature Event

Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida

Texas Children’s Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas

Valero Texas Open

TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas

Masters Tournament #

Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

RBC Heritage +

Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Corales Puntacana Championship

Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

AT&T Byron Nelsons

TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship +

Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach Classic

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

PGA Championship #

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

Charles Schwab Challenge

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday +

Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

GOLF

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

GOLF

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATES TOURNAMENT COVERAGE

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

JULY 1 - 7 John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

JULY 22 - 28 3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship

Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

FEDEX

CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship

Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship

East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

*

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

SOUTH CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JANUARY

JAN 26 - 30 | FILM FESTIVAL

The New Jersey Film Festivals is dedicated to exhibiting independent, classic, international, and experimental films.It will be presented virtually this year. Stream more than 40 international films, American independent features, short subjects and classic revivals. Watch out for special guest appearances and Q&A sessions. Grab your popcorn and enjoy! For more info visit: njfilmfest.com

FEBRUARY

FEB 16 - 28 | FIDDLER

ON THE ROOF

The world surrounding the small shtetl of Anatevka is changing. Conflict draws near, and Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, must navigate this changing terrain, raising five daughters and, ultimately, his faith in this unforgettable, classic musical. For more info visit: http://tinyurl.com/2s43m53f

FEB 23 - 25 | HOME & GARDEN SHOW

New Jersey’s premier home & garden event features over 200 exhibitors with the area’s top services & products. Attend expert presentations, meet kitchen and bath designers, improve your home’s curb appeal, find outdoor furniture for spring, shop home decor, attend a painting class, enjoy the kid’s activity area and more! For more info visit: newjerseyhomeshow.com

MARCH

MARCH 2 | BEER FESTIVAL

The Big Brew Beer Festival is a perfect opportunity for beer aficionados to meet and hang out. With over 150 unique tastings it’s a great place to discover new beers and speak to brewery representatives. For more info visit: bigbrewnj.com

MARCH 21 - 24 | FILM FESTIVAL

The Garden State film festival is held together by the philosophy

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

SOUTH CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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of promoting an engendering independent films and new and inspiring filmmakers, and they have garnered support from Hollywood heavyweights like Glenn Close, Frank Vincent, Michael Uslan and James Gandolfini. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3BRvW1C

APRIL

APRIL 1 - 30 | TULIP FESTIVAL

Holland Ridge Farms is a family-owned flower grower and flower farm in New Jersey. Our U-Pick Tulip season opens when the millions of bulbs we planted in the fall burst into bloom. Rows and rows of colorful tulips as far as the eye can see! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3iYfOl8

APRIL 12 - 13 | CITY BEER

The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival is switching to two sessions and moving from Friday/ Saturday sessions to Saturday/ Sunday. We had tons of learning from 2021 that we think can make for an amazing festival experience.

For more info visit: acbeerfest.com

MAY

MAY 3 - 5 | WINE & FOOD FEST

Held at New Jersey’s premier culinary destination, Crystal Springs Resort, the Festival’s events are designed to allow food and wine connoisseurs to meet and mingle with the world’s finest chefs and winemakers. For more info visit: njwinefoodfest.com

MAY 18 - 26 | RENAISSANCE FAIR

New Jersey Renaissance Faire features music, dance, comedy, living history, stunts, various acts, demonstrations, vendors, food and drinks, and more. Browse through our enchanted crafts village where over one hundred merchants and artisans demonstrate and sell their wares. For more info visit: njrenfaire.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

SOUTH CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JUNE

JUNE 14 - 16 | AIR SHOW

The greatest Air Show in the Northeast, that brings in many of the world’s top aerobatic performers! There will be aerobatic performances, air shows, static displays, entertainment, historical displays, car shows, night shows, ground exhibits, food vendors, and more. For more info visit: greenwoodlakeairshow.com

JUNE 20 - 23 | MUSIC FESTIVAL

Give your friends a holler and get ready for some fun in the sun ‘cause country music’s biggest stars are coming to the beautiful beaches of Wildwood, NJ! This three-day event will host 30+ of the industry’s biggest stars and up-and-comers on multiple stages. With the combination of country music and the scenic backdrop of the Wildwood shores, this family-friendly, three-day fest is a summer vacation destination. For more info visit: barefootcountrymusicfest.com

JULY

JULY 2 - 5 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

The whole state is dressed in red, white, and blue and ready to celebrate America’s Independence! New Jersey is famous for its 4th of July waterfront extravaganza in Atlantic City and other great locations along the coast. But there are many other smaller events that bring in the charm of smalltown celebrations with communities getting together and enjoying traditional entertainment. For more info visit:

https://bit.ly/3pzoF1B

JULY 12 - 14 | VEGAN FOOD

The Atlantic City Vegan Food Festival is taking over for the biggest and most epic vegan festival New Jersey has seen yet. To add to the exciting festivities this year, there will be a 5K race on an early summer morning right on the Atlantic City boardwalk! For more info visit: http://tinyurl.com/46844usv

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

SOUTH CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

AUGUST

AUG 1 - 3 | CLAM FESTIVAL

This three-day festival will feature seafood and other dishes from local restaurants, live entertainment, children’s activities and specialty vendors. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/muc9375r

AUG 2 - 10 | STATE FARE

The New Jersey State Fair includes 4-H shows and exhibits, horse shows, carnival, performing art, family entertainment, demo derby, exhibits, food, and more. This is a great way to enjoy the summer with your family! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/2L3Yv5A

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 14 | STREET FAIR

This year’s fair will consist of numerous award winning artists spanning Wood Street and along the Riverfront. Works for sale will include items such as wood workings, stained glass, jewelry, bath products, embroidery, quilts, ceramics, crafts and more. There

will be three food courts and lots of free parking. Don’t miss out on all of the fun! For more info visit: woodstreetfair.com

SEPT 27 - 29 | BOAT SHOW

The event is completely outdoors, offering a safe and convenient way for consumers to shop and board boats of all types. Come see all that is new and great in boating with some of the best deals around! For more info visit: jerseyboatexpo.com

OCTOBER

OCT 19 - 20 | CRANBERRY FEST

The Cranberry Festival is a celebration of New Jersey’s cranberry harvest, the 3rd largest in the United States. Enjoy live entertainment Cranberry Cafe and Bakery, Pine Barrens photography, quilt blocking, hat decorating, cranberry floral arrangement, the smallest and largest cranberry display and the best cranberry recipe. For more info visit: cranfest.info

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

SOUTH CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

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OCT 25 - 27 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

You might find yourself one minute second-lining to a New Orleans brass band, and, in the next, snaking through town behind a 22-piece Brazilian drum bloco. The joy of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival is in the discovery of incredible music and musicians you may never have known existed. For more info visit: exitzerojazzfestival.com

NOVEMBER

NOV 24 | TURKEY TROT

Join the Parvin Appreciation Committee and Second Capital Running for the annual Parvin Turkey Trot! A 5K Trail Race on Thanksgiving Morning at The Peoples’ Park. For more info visit: https://bit. ly/3mApmWb

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 30 | HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW

This year’s holiday light show you won’t want to miss! Experience a light show like no other. Drive a course through America’s only

construction theme & water park to witness lights, holiday displays, tunnels, and our very own radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3e8mmNH

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.

This is how you say it’s going to be okay.

Every 8 minutes the American Red Cross responds to a disaster and makes this promise. You can help us keep it.

Donate today at redcross.org