jackie

VOLUME: 3

JULY 2011

ISSUE: 9

jackie The Examiner’s

Women & Family Magazine

n Affordable amusement p18 n Road trip tips p5

Power House

A new resource for professional women p10

calendar 2011 SUMMER READING PROGRAM, through July 30, area Mid-Continent Public Library Branches. The program offers young people prizes for reading or listening to library books. There are three versions of the program to fit different age groups. Visit www.mymcpl.org for details and to find a branch near you.

Independence

MOONLIGHT MOVIES ON THE SQUARE, 9 p.m., Pharaoh Theatre parking lot, Liberty Street and Maple Avenue. July 7, “Field of Dreams;” July 14, “Toy Story 3.” “Rain Dogs” will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; July 21, “Gnomeo and Juliet.” “Trampled Under Foot” will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; July 28, “How to Train Your Dragon.” “LipRiddle” will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free. Concessions for sale and chairs for rent. Visit www. freemoonlightmovies.com.

GEO-QUEST – for all ages, through Aug. 31. Geocaches will be hidden in 10 Independence parks this summer. Pick up a manifest at George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Road. When completed, return it to the nature park for your prize. Free. Call 816-325-7843.

ANIMALS BEST FRIENDS ADOPT-A-PET, noon to 4 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, PetSmart, 39th Street and Missouri 291.

Independence Animal Shelter dogs will be available for adoption, and ABF dogs may be viewed.

“THE MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL TIME MACHINES,” demonstration organ recitals, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at Community of Christ Temple; weekends at either the Temple or the Auditorium, Walnut Street and River Boulevard, Independence. Free. For weekend site, visit www.CofChrist.org/ dome_spire/recitals.asp or call 816-833-1000.

FARMERS/CRAFT MARKET, 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays, Truman Road and Main Street. Call 816-252-8860.

FARMERS MARKET, 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, Hartman Heritage shopping area, Interstate 70 and Little Blue Parkway. Call 816-252-8860.

GALLERY WALK: Fourth of July on the Trail, 2 p.m.

Thursdays, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Learn how pioneers celebrated and why the holiday was important for them. Free with regular museum admission, $6 for adults; $5 for ages 62 and older; $3 for ages 6 to 17. Call 816-3257575.

NATURE STORY TIME – for ages 2 to 5, 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Thursdays, George Owens Nature Park. A different animal and nature topic each week. Free, but registration is requested. Call 816-325-7843.

TADPOLE TREKKING – for ages 3 to 6, 10 to 11 a.m. Fridays, George Owens Nature Park. Expect the little ones to get their hands dirty. Free. Call 816-325-7843.

TALKIN’ TRUMAN – “Lock down: Outlaws, Lawmen and Frontier Justice in Jackson County,” 11 a.m. July 9, Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. Free with museum admission, $8 for adults; $7 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 15. Call 816-268-8200 or visit www.trumanlibrary.org.

ANTIQUE AND CRAFT FAIR, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 9, Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave. There will be crafts, antiques, live entertainment, food and more. Free admission. Call 816-461-3491 or visit www.bwestate.org.

INDEPENDENCE 76 FIRE COMPANY FIREFEST, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 9, Independence Events Center parking lot, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway. There will be muster games, car show, fire truck rides, refreshments, door prizes, water display, raffle and souvenir booth. No pets, please. Call Rick Webb, 816-520-8510 or Russell Penniston, 816-718-3058.

OUTDOOR SCIENCE – for ages 8 to 13, 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 9, 16, 23, 30, Independence Athletic Complex. Kids will learn about rockets, engineering, geology and chemistry. Cost, $20 per class.

To register, call 816-325-7843.

“ROOTS OF A NATION” – Revolutionary War-era exhibit from the Claude and Inez Harkins Freedom Collection, July 9

2 JACKIE

A yellow-sided skimmer.

PHOTO / www.npwrc.usgs.gov, copyright Randy Emitt

{EDITOR’S PICK}

Dragonfly Daze at GeoRge owens nature park

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RAGONFLY DAZE – is for kids ages 2 to 5. It is from 10 a.m. to noon, July 30, at George Owens Nature Park in Independence. You will join a park naturalist for a morning of catching dragonflies and learning about these amazing insects. A nature craft activity will also be available. Free. Call 816-325-7843.

through Aug. 21, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Visit www. mymcpl.org.

FAMILY FUN DAY, 2 p.m. July 9, National Frontier Trails Museum. Enjoy free wagon rides, cookies and cider. Plus, make and take a memory book to record your impressions. Free with regular museum admission, $6 for adults; $5 for ages 62 and older; $3 for ages 6 to 17. Call 816-325-7575.

NATURE DOGS – for all ages, 10 to 11 a.m. July 9, George Owens Nature Park. Bring your dog out to explore the beauty of the nature park. Dogs must be well behaved, vaccinated and socialized, and dog handlers must be at least 16. Call 816-3257843.

CREATE YOUR OWN DOG TOYS – for all ages and dogs, sponsored by Independence Parks and Recreation, 10 a.m. July 9, Fairmount Park Dog Park. Free. Limited supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

DOG AGILITY CLASS, sponsored by Independence Parks and Recreation, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturdays July 9-30, Truman Memorial Building. Cost, $80. Call 816-325-7370.

SWIM LESSONS, sponsored by Independence Parks and Recreation, Monday-Thursday July 11-21 or July 25-Aug. 4, Adventure Oasis Water Park, Independence. Cost, $40 per session.

For times, age groups and to register, call 816-325-7843.

TODDLER TOWN ON TOUR – for ages 2 to 10, sponsored by Independence Parks and Recreation, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Staff will be on hand to help with simple craft projects. July 13, Fairmount Park; July 20, McCoy Park, July 27, Hill Park. Free. Call 816-3257370.

“WAGONS HO,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 13, National Frontier Trails Museum. Tour the museum, see the film “West,” pack a prairie schooner and take a wagon ride. Cost, $7.50. Reservations required. Call 816-325-7575.

LIVING ABE LINCOLN, 7 p.m. July 14, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. A presentation by actor Larry Greer. Free, but registration is requested, 816-252-7228.

TRUMAN HIGH SCHOOL class of 1971 40th reunion, July 15, meet at Truman entrance at 6 p.m. for tour of school, and meet 7:30 p.m. at Diamond Bowl for a cash bar/grill. July 16, buffet dinner, cash bar and entertainment, Adams Pointe Marriott Conference Center, Blue Springs. Reservations required.

Cost, $60. Send checks payable to THS Class of ’71, P.O. Box 2183, Independence, Mo. 64055. For details visit www.hostville.com/ ths71 or call 816-377-7556.

ENGLEWOOD ART WALK, 5 to 9 p.m. July 15, 10900 E. Winner Road. Galleries in the Englewood Station Shopping District, Winner Road and Sterling Avenue, open their doors to art lovers. See artists in action, demonstrations, and enjoy live music.

Free. Call 816-252-3372.

july 2011

WATER SAFETY AWARENESS CLINIC, sponsored by Independence Parks and Recreation, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 16, Adventure Oasis Water Park. Receive basic instruction of life jackets, rescue equipment and water safety. Free. Call 816-3257843.

KIWANIS TRIVIA NIGHT, dinner starts at 6 p.m.; trivia at 7 p.m. July 16, Old Mexico Restaurant, 1032 E. 23rd St. The $15 cost includes a taco bar/trimmings, chips/salsa, soft drink and three tickets to the auction. Bring non-perishable food for local food pantries. Reservation are appreciated. Call 816-350-3269.

“GEORGE CALEB BINGHAM’S UNCIVIL CIVIL WAR” – for K-12 teachers, July 18 through 22, National Frontier Trails Museum.

Graduate credit is offered by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. To register, call Richard Edwards at 816-325-7576.

WILLIAM CHRISMAN LADY BEARS SOFTBALL CAMP – for students in 3rd through 7th grade, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MondayFriday July 18-22 or July 25-29, Independence Athletic Complex.

Fine-tune your softball skills, with instruction from Chrisman coaches and players. For information, call 816-521-5355.

INDEPENDENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT SPAGHETTI FEAST FUNDRAISER, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 20, old Independence Regional Health Center, 201 N. Forest Ave., Independence. For a $5 donation, you’ll receive spaghetti/meatballs, salad, garlic bread and drink. Proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Watch program.

Dine-in and carry-out available. For carry-out, call 816-325-7643 one hour prior.

STARRY NIGHT HIKE – for all ages, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.

July 22, George Owens Nature Park. Leave flashlights, reflective clothing and children’s shoes with lights at home. Free, but registration is requested. Call 816-325-7843.

PETS ‘N’ ALL THAT JAZZ, a benefit for Animals Best Friends and PAWS Inc., 6 to 9 p.m. July 23, The Pavilion at Logan Woods, 14831 E. U.S. 40. In addition to dinner, there will be a silent and live auction, Pick-A-Paw, 50 cent auction and live music by “5 Star.” Cost, $25. Reservation deadline: July 15. Call Connie Mayta, 816-836-4866 or Joanne Vaughn, 816-525-2707.

YOUTH TENNIS PARTY – all ages, 10 a.m. to noon July 23, Santa Fe Trail Park Tennis Complex, Courts 7-12. There will be games, prizes and music. For information, call 816-325-7843.

“FARM PUPPET SHOW,” 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. July 23, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. The $5 cost includes seeing the museum and a finger puppet for children. For reservations, call 816-833-9777.

EVENING WAGON RIDE AND SWALES WALK, 6:30 p.m. July 28, National Frontier Trails Museum. Cost, $12; $10 for ages 6 to 17. Reservation required. Call 816-325-7575.

“NIGHT AT THE WAX MUSEUM THE MUSICAL,” presented

by Encore Theatre and Children’s Theatre, 7:30 p.m. July 29, 30, Aug. 5, 6; 2 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 7, Powerhouse Theatre, Truman and Noland roads. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Cost, $7; $6 for seniors; $3 for children. Call 816-373-7370.

GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER, 8 a.m. July 30, Drumm Farm Golf Club. Operation Thermal Reunion, founded in 2005, provides live saving thermal imaging cameras to fire departments, who could not otherwise afford such an essential tool. Teams may sign up until the day of the tournament. To make a donation, visit www.otreunion.org. For information, call Ed Golden at 816225-6867.

FREE CLOTHING EXCHANGE, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 30, Beacon Heights Community of Christ, 19402 E. Holke Road. Bring your slightly used, but clean, clothing to exchange for other slightly used, but clean, clothing. All sizes available. For more information, call Larry at 816-550-4429.

NIGHT FISHING – for all ages, 8 to 10 p.m. July 30, George Owens Nature Park. Bring the family, a picnic dinner and your fishing gear. Free. Call 816-325-7843.

“HAND CARVED SCALE MODEL CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT” exhibit by Don Gfeller, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MondaySaturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through July, Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty St. Cost, $6 for adults; $5 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 16.

calendar Submit your events If you would like your event to appear in the next edition of Jackie or in the newspaper, go to our interactive calendar at examiner.net. Find the Events Calendar widget and click on Submit Your Events.

Or submit to Jillayne Ritchie at jill.ritchie@examiner.net

Call 816-325-7430 or visit www.vailemansion.org.

“MINI MOOS,” a display of little cows, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday-Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays, through July, BinghamWaggoner, 313 W. Pacific Ave. Admission, $6; $5 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 16. Call 816-461-3491.

“ANIMAL WOODCARVINGS” exhibit by Bob Shields, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Thursday-Saturday; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Sundays, through July, Chicago & Alton 1879 Depot, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Donations welcome. Call 816-325-7955.

“STEAMBOATS TO STEAM ENGINES: George Caleb Bingham’s Missouri from 1819-1879,” through Sept. 8, Truman Library. Free with paid museum admission, $8; $7 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 15. Call 816-268-8200 or 800-833-1225.

PUBLIC SKATE, Independence Events Center, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway. Public sessions are open to skaters of all ages and skill levels. These sessions take place at various times and are usually two hours long. Cost, $5; $3 for 12 and under and 55 and older, non-residents add $1 to each price. Skate rental, $2. For times, call the Skating Hotline: 816-795-7577.

“HAZELLE’S COMPETITORS,” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. TuesdaySaturday through Aug. 31, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. Exhibit of puppets made by other companies that competed with the Hazelle Rollins Kansas City factory. Cost, $3, $1.50 to age 16. Call 816-833-9777.

MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING has grief survivors meeting second Monday in Independence. Help for bereaved or injured victims, volunteers accepted. For time and location, call Michelle Fordemwalt, 816-295-1545.

LA LECHE LEAGUE, Jackson County A.M. Group, 10 a.m., second Thursday, Trails West Public Library. For breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 816-254-5992.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT GROUPS, sponsored by the Child Abuse Prevention Association, 6:30 to 8:30 Mondays. For locations, call Karen Costa, 816-252-8388, ext. 16.

WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 816-4046460 or 816-257-2335.

Blue Springs

FARMERS MARKET, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Main and 11th streets.

DISCOVER NATURE FAMILIES: Fireflies – for families with children 5 and older, 7:30 to 9 p.m. July 7, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Call 816-2283766 to register.

MOTORCYCLE/POKER RUN fundraiser, 8 a.m. registration; 10 a.m. kickstands up, July 9, beginning and ending at Twin Strokes, 501 N.W. Vesper St. Proceeds benefit the Power of Pink Breast Cancer Foundation. Cost, $25 per bike; $10 for passengers; $10 for a T-shirt. Call Frank at 816-457-2541 or Ilene at 816-7210060.

STREAM TREKKING – for adults, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 9, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center. Take a walk in Burr Oak Creek and investigate some of the critters that live there. Call

816-228-3766 to register.

FAMILY FISHING – for families, 9 to 11 a.m. July 9, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center. Attendees ages 16 to 64 must have a valid fishing license. Call 816-228-3766 to register.

“MUSIC IN THE PARK,” presented by Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted), Rotary Park and Railroad Lake, Missouri 7 and Vesper St. Lineup: July 10 – Vantage Point; July 17 – Livy High; July 24 – Rail Dogs; July 31 – Loose Change. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. In case there’s inclement weather, call 816-228-0116.

ROCK CLIMBING – for ages 7 to 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday/Wednesday/Friday July 11-22 ($50); or 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesday/Thursday July 12-21 ($40), IBEX Climbing Club, 801 N.W. South Outer Road. Call 816-228-0137 to register.

MAD SCIENCE-FUN SHOPS, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 12 and 14, Vesper Hall. This enrichment program provides fun, interactive and educational activities for children 7 to 12 years of age. Cost, $55. Call 816-228-0181 to register.

COMPUTER CLASSES, beginning Microsoft Excel 2003, 2 to 4 p.m. July 12-13; intermediate Windows XP, 9 to 11 a.m. July 14-15; navigating the Internet/email, 9 to 11 a.m. July 21-22, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $35 per class, or take three different classes for $90. Call 816-228-0181 to register.

ENTOMOLOGY 101 – for adults, 10 a.m. to noon July 16, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center. Call 816-228-3766 to register.

FAMILY TREE MAKER, presented by the Blue Springs Historical Society, 1:15 to 3:30 p.m. July 17, Dillingham-Lewis House Museum, 101 S.W. 15th St., Blue Springs. Virginia Winters will conduct a beginner program for individuals who want to learn how to use the Family Tree Maker program from ancestry.com.

There is a $2 fee for a 30-minute session. For an appointment, call Mary Potter at 816-797-4870.

WILD EDIBLES: Purslane garden tour – for adults, 8:30 to 11 a.m. July 21, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center. Tour a Missouri River bottom garden. Call 816-228-3766 to register.

STREET FLICKS – “How to Train Your Dragon,” activities for children begin at 7:15 p.m. and movie begins at dusk, July 22, downtown Blue Springs on Main Street. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Free.

CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

July 22, Vesper Hall. Bring a special youngster for an afternoon of games and adventure. Activities are $1 per child. Lunch is a suggested donation of $3 for those 60 and older; $4.50 for 59 and younger. To register for lunch, call 816-228-0181.

VETERAN BENEFITS CHECKUP, 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 22, Vesper Hall. Get your legal questions answered about Veterans Administration benefits and aid. There is no fee, but donations are accepted. Call 816-228-0181.

DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM for older adults – Instructed

by AARP, 1 to 5 p.m. July 28, Vesper Hall. Refine existing skills and develop safe, defensive driving techniques. Bring AARP membership card. Cost, $12 for AARP members; $14 for nonmembers. To register, call 816-228-0181.

NFL PUNT, PASS & KICK – for ages 8 to 15, 6 p.m. July 29, Hidden Valley Park, 6500 N.W. Valley View Road. Boys and girls in four different age groups compete against each other in a fun and engaging forum. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Call 816228-0137.

FREE RECYCLING EVENT, 8 a.m. to noon July 30, Plaza Heights Christian Academy, 1500 S.W. Clark Road. Accepted items: Electronics, computers, cell phones, large appliances and anything metal. Home pick-up can be arranged for a donation to the school.

Call Troy at 816-830-8199.

JACOMO DAY CAMP, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., new sessions begin each Monday through Aug. 8, Kemper Outdoor Education Center, 8201 Jasper Bell Road. Camp features swimming, canoeing, archery, hiking, nature study, arts and crafts, field trips, weekly themes and more. Fee scale. Call 816-229-8980 or visit www. jacksongov.org/daycamp.

FEED THE CRITTERS on exhibit at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center at 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Call 816-228-3766.

WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 816-2201007.

TOUGH LOVE Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit support group, for families dealing with unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m. Tuesdays, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200.

MOM TO MOM LUNCH CLUB, a support group for new moms, 1 to 2 p.m., first and third Tuesday of each month, St. Mary’s Medical Center Professional Building, 300 Mock Ave. Call 816-655-5585.

LA LECHE LEAGUE of Blue Springs, 7 p.m., third Tuesday of each month, Parkview Church. For breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 254-5992 or Stephanie, 816-833-0250.

Buckner

LAKE CITY SHOOTING RANGE & OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER, Landahl Park, 28505 E. Truman Road. All programs are free, but registration is required. Call 816-249-3194.

• INTRODUCTION TO SKEET SHOOTING – for ages 12 and older, 9 to 11:30 am. July 10. Skeet shooting is a great way to improve your basic shotgun skills.

• PARA CORD WEAVING – for ages 8 to 14, 9 a.m. to noon July 12. Students will learn to weave para cord into bracelets, friendship bracelets and other articles. All materials supplied.

• WOMEN’S FIREARM SAFETY: Phase I – for women ages 18 and older, 8 to 11:30 a.m. July 16. This course is designed for women who are interested in gaining knowledge about firearms.

• DUTCH OVEN COOKING – for families, 9 a.m. to noon July 23. Learn to transform raw materials into an aromatic, mouthwatering meals and desserts.

Kansas City

GARDENER’S GATHERING, presented by the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City, 6:30 p.m. July 19, Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave. Topic: Pest and disease control in the organic edible landscape, by Matt Bunch, Powell Garden’s head horticulturist. Free and open to the public. Visit www.mggkc.org or call 816-781-6233.

GHOST HUNTING, 7 p.m. to midnight July 30, John Wornall House, 6115 Wornall Road. Join the Missouri Paranormal Society on a real paranormal investigation. The $50 cost includes your investigation and a “ghost goody bag.” For reservations, call 816444-1858.

Lee’s Summit

FARMERS MARKET, 7 a.m. until sold out, Wednesdays and Saturdays through Nov. 5, Second and Douglas streets. 816-2466598.

Jackson County

JACKSON COUNTY BEACHES, 1 to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends through Aug. 12; 3 to 7 p.m. MondayFriday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends Aug. 13-Sept. 2 • Blue Springs Lake Beach, 1500 N.E. Bowlin Road, Lee’s Summit. One mile east of I-470/M-291 on Bowlin Road in Fleming Park.

• Longview Lake Beach, 11101 Raytown Road, Kansas City. Two miles south of I-470 on Raytown Road. Closed Aug. 21.

Price: $5 for adults; $3 for ages 15 and under and seniors.

Family passes are available. Special group rates ($1 off per person for groups of 20 or more) are available with 48 hour notice. Call 816-503-4876 or visit www.jacksongov.org/beaches.

july 2011

Jackie Contact Us Phone: 816-350-6365 Fax: 816-254-0211 (news) 816-836-3805 (advertising)

Publisher: Steve Curd steve.curd@examiner.net Editorial: EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Sheila Davis sheila.davis@examiner.net MANAGING EDITOR: Karl Zinke karl.zinke@examiner.net Advertising: Director of Advertising: David T. Lammers dave.lammers@examiner.net Director of Marketing: Sharon Dankenbring sharon.dankenbring@examiner.net New media: New Media Manager: Emilee Bilyeu emilee.bilyeu@examiner.net Web Site: www.examiner.net Jackie is created monthly by GateHouse Media Inc., The Examiner's parent company. © 2011 gatehouse media • All rights reserved

Cover photo by karen Hacker at The Portrait Gallery, 124 S. Main St., Independence, 816-461-5400.

Kingsville/POWELL GARDENS

• JURASSIC GARDENS, through Aug. 14. Journey back to the prehistoric world when more than 20 dinosaurs and oversized ancient insects visit the Gardens. Free with Garden admission.

• JULY CLASSES, July 16, Winemaking 101 ($15; members $9, reservation deadline July 11); July 16, The Ziggy Basket ($47; members $42, reservation deadline July 11); July 21, Top trees and superb shrubs ($19; members $12, reservations deadline July 18); July 23, Build a wishing well ($54 per project; members $45, reservation deadline July 11); July 26, Gardening with nature ($19; members $12, reservation deadline June 25); July 30, Herbs in the Garden: Medicinal and Culinary Workshop ($45; members $37, reservation deadline July 25). To register, call Linda at 816-6972600, ext. 209.

• PAUL MESNER PUPPET SHOW, 11 a.m. July 9. Mesner’s whimsical puppets explore how the dinosaurs lived and why they became extinct. Free with regular admission.

• CHEF DEMO – By Renee Kelly of Caenen Castle, 2 p.m. July 10, Missouri Barn in the Heartland Harvest Garden. Free with regular admission.

• FULL MOON FRIDAY, 7 p.m. July 15. Live music and themed cocktails are included in this adult-only event. Reservations required. For tickets, call 816-697-2600, ext. 209.

• CHEF DEMO – By Julie Greenwood, 2 p.m. July 17, Missouri Barn in the Heartland Harvest Garden. She’ll make blackberrytopped cheesecake. Free with regular admission.

• CHEF DEMO – By Cody Hogan of Lidia’s, 2 p.m. July 24, Missouri Barn in the Heartland Harvest Garden. Free with regular admission.

Powell Gardens is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Regular admission is $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors, and $4 for ages 512. Visit www.powellgardens.org for more activities and details.

– Jillayne Ritchie JACKIE

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a word from jackie

We still have a young history

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his month our nation turns 235 years old and when you live in Independence, it is a day of celebration.

The day commemorates the anniversary of the legal separation of the original 13 colonies from the rule of Great Britain and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It is considered America’s birthday and is designated as a federal holiday.

Druing the past two centuries, Independence Day has come to mean much more than just a remembrance of America’s bold decision to establish its own government and society. It is a time to celebrate all things American – our heritage, laws, history, society and people. We demonstrate our patriotism by wearing the colors symbolic of our country and for the day reflect on all that is good and great about our nation.

4 JACKIE

written by

Jackie

Compared to the great cities of Europe, the ancient ruins of South and Central America, or the great dynasties of Asia, we are a young bunch. Travelers to destinations such as the Great Pyramid in Egypt, the Coliseum in Rome, the Parthenon in Greece, the Great Wall of China or Stonehenge can’t help but recognize that America’s story has barely yet begun. Touring faraway lands is a wonderful way to experience other cultures and traditions but can leave Americans feeling like our own history, traditions and culture are a bit hollow by comparison.

Being an American means possessing a

certain spirit that transcends any sort of definition. A nation known as the “Melting Pot,” America has created its own unique character born of the great traditions, food, customs and languages of every country in the world. The hodgepodge of cultures coming over America’s shores is what gives us our enigmatic flair. Americans, the stewards of the land of opportunity, stand for determination, innovation and courage.

The physical landscapes of America are unlike those of any other nation. The vastness of our homeland means that we can access nearly every imaginable terrain and climate without leaving home. No other country has the variety of beaches, mountains, prairies and mountain ranges as ours.

We deeply identify with our natural monuments as symbols of our spirit and often protect them as national parks. It has been said that our national parks are the cathe-

july 2011

drals of our country.

As Americans, we respect that our history is not primarily about places, but about people.

On Independence Day, we commend the dedication of our Founding Fathers to create a place of freedom and opportunity but also the valor of our soldiers who heroically defend our American values and way of life, the fearlessness of our ancestors who settled the land and created our great society, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs who imagine and create the most innovative technologies and products in the world and the creativity of our artists and entertainers who make life beautiful and joyful.

Jackie

travel

Are we on the road yet?

Make driving time a fun part of your family vacation

By Melissa Erickson GateHouse News Service

S

ummer means road trips, and while packing the bags is easy, keeping the children entertained on a long car ride requires more effort. A small amount of planning goes a long way when the whole family is captive in the car.

“Family road trips offer an out-of-the-ordinary opportunity for kids to learn the joy of travel,” said Mark Sedenquist, the publisher and managing editor of RoadTripAmerica. com who was born on the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park.

“Engaging (children) in planning the trip and what to take will not only make the trip more meaningful and memorable, it will reduce the number of ‘are we there yet?’ moments considerably,” Sedenquist said.

Ideally, family road-trip planning should start a month or two before the trip, and the Web is a good place to begin. It’s also fun to get a wall map of the United States. Use colored pens to draw the route and add pictures of attractions printed from the Web. If the children are old enough, have them do some research about the places they will be seeing, Sedenquist said.

He also suggests that you create a “go kit” for each child. Small backpacks or nylon lunch bags work well. Pack them with age-appropriate games and a first day’s travel allowance.

Every morning, add that day’s allowance and something new for the kids to discover when they get in the car. A road atlas or paper map is great for a child old enough to follow along.

Consider adding a compass, too.

Good on-the-road activities are ones that include everybody in the car. Teach the kids all those old songs you sang at camp. Choose the ones that get everybody singing, and the miles will fly by, Sedenquist said.

While it’s tempting to silence kids with DVDs and electronic games in the back seat, try storytelling for a change, or audio books that everyone can listen to together. To capture a feeling of Americana, think Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill and Native American folk tales.

Six road game ideas License plate game Print an outline map of the United States for each child. To play, they check license plates on passing vehicles. As they spot plates from different states, they color in the corresponding states on their maps. (A list of states works fine, too.)

Geography Start with any place in the world — Kansas, for example. The next person has to think of a place that begins with the last letter of “Kansas,” such as “South Africa.” Whoever goes next needs a place that starts with an A. You may not use the same place twice in a game, and it has to be a real place.

july 2011

WIKIMEDIA MAP/GHNS ILLUSTRATION

What my bear did last summer Choose a teddy bear, doll or other portable creature as your road trip mascot. Whenever you stop at a landmark or attraction, take a picture of your mascot that shows it was there. After your trip, make a slide show or scrapbook of the mascot’s trip.

Fortunatelyunfortunately Help your children learn to think positively with this game. One player begins with a statement like, “Unfortunately, there is a bat in the car.” The next player has to counter with something more fortunate like, “Fortunately, I brought along bat repellant.” Continue this way until you’ve exhausted a topic.

I spy For kids, run through the alphabet, such as “I spy something that begins with the letter A.” For adults, up the challenge with a line like, “I spy something German.”

Road trip scavenger hunt Make a list of items to spot on your trip. Print the list for each player. As the items are spotted, players cross them off their lists. A good list combines easy-to-spot things, such as “a white picket fence” or “a red flashing light,” as well as things unique to your trip, such as “a tree you can drive through” or “a place where you can be in four states at once.” For older children, you can require photos of the items.

JACKIE

5

parenting

Helping out Summer volunteer opportunities keep kids active, instill sense of community

By Erika Enigk GateHouse News Service

Summer vacation is in full swing, and the kids are likely getting a little bored by now.

The good news is, it’s never too late to

get them involved in a summer project.

Why not keep them active this summer with a volunteer opportunity?

Tjitske Milks, a school psychologist in the Philadelphia area, offers these tips and ideas to get your children excited about helping others.

For young children According to Milks, one good way to motivate kids to volunteer is to volunteer with them.

“Modeling from parents has a really big impact on kids,” she said. “You should never expect your kids to do something you won’t do yourself.”

For young children, this could be something as simple as taking food to a sick neighbor.

Ask your child to draw a picture and carry it over when you visit; this will help him or her feel involved.

For tweens Kids who haven’t been exposed to volunteer opportunities need to know what they’re doing is actually helping people, Milks said. Try putting them in a situation where they’ll get instant gratification, either by getting thanked or by being able to see what they’ve done.

Volunteering at a nursing home, homeless shelter or animal rescue shelter will put kids face to face with those they’re helping.

Getting involved as a family always helps. Giving kids a couple of ideas and letting them choose what the family will do can help them feel invested in the project, Milks said.

For teens The promise of a more impressive college application can be a good motivator for the high school set, and, indeed, many high schools designate a certain number of service hours as a requirement for graduation.

“Find out what their interests are, and find out how to build a service project around their interests,” Milks said.

Student who love sports can look for opportunities that get them involved in one, such as coaching a summer baseball league for younger kids. A teen who loves the outdoors can volunteer at a camp or park.

6 JACKIE

july 2011

good reads

Give me liberty

and give me something good to read

By Paul Eisenberg | GateHouse News Service

BOOK

July is the perfect time for getting to know some American legends a little better.

PRICE

DESCRIPTION

“Abraham Lincoln”

by James M. McPherson

$12.95

Shelby Foote and others have produced long-form portrayals of our 16th president and his far-reaching legacy, but for those who don’t want to lug books the size of cinder blocks to the beach, McPherson has produced a concise, 70-page look at Lincoln, from his early, hardscrabble days to his anguished years in the White House. It’s a good primer for younger readers or a refresher for older ones.

“Washington: A Life” by Ron Chernow

$40

Much has been written about our most famous Founding Father and first president, but noted historian Chernow rounds up just about everything Washington in this 904-page tome, including such little-known nuggets of information such as the diseases he survived (smallpox, malaria, dysentery and others), his oversight of America’s first spy agency and the political implications of his sterility.

$27.95

John Adams was the subject of another book and television miniseries, but noted historian Ellis offers the story behind the man, notably his wife, Abigail, who helped guide her husband and early American president though some of his most trying times. Ellis calls the couple “the premier husband-wife team in all of American history,” then proceeds to explain why.

$24.99

Who best to tell the story of one of America’s most beloved characters than the man himself? Not only a look at the forming of the groundbreaking democracy that would become America, Franklin offers an account of his scientific breakthroughs and experiments with electricity and other phenomena. Franklin also tells stories from his childhood and his trips abroad.

$7.77

Newly re-released for high school-aged readers and up, Douglass’ story resonates with anybody who wants to learn more about the struggle to end slavery in America. While examining the institution of slavery, Douglass also tells his story, from a Maryland plantation to his life as a free man in New England who became one of the first great African-American orators and activists for equality.

“First Family: Abigail and John Adams” by Joseph J. Ellis

“The Autobiography of Ben Franklin” by Ben Franklin

“Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” by Frederick Douglass

july 2011

JACKIE

7

technology

Taking the tablet to school

By Carolyn Sperry | GateHouse News Service

Is your high school or college student coveting a tablet computer? It may be more practical than you think.

Although not all textbooks are available in an electronic format, more and more educational publishers are jumping on the bandwagon and making textbooks available for tablets and e-readers.

And while it’s easy to dismiss tablets as faddish toys, their light weight and small size actually make them a smart choice to tote to classes, and many think they’re here to stay.

Here’s the skinny on four slim new choices.

MOTOROLA photo apple photo

Apple iPad 2 Price: $499 and up Operating system: iOS 4.3 Still the tablet to beat, the iPad boasts an operating system that’s arguably more refined than the competition’s.

“Developer tools have been available for the iPad since Jan. 27, 2010, whereas Android Honeycomb developer tools came out in preview form in Jan. 26, 2011,” says Washington, D.C.-based software engineer Paul D. Swenson.

“So the iPad developers have had an extra year to develop their apps and make things polished. As of now, there are over 65,000 iPadoptimized apps, whereas Android Honeycomb only has a few hundred tablet-optimized apps.”

Besides this advantage, the iPad has two cameras designed for seamless videoconferencing – great for keeping in touch with a student living away from home – and a 10-hour battery life.

8 JACKIE

blackberry photo

Motorola Xoom

BlackBerry PlayBook

Price: $599-$799 Operating system: Honeycomb 3.0 (Google/Android) Some users prefer the Android operating system over that of the iPad. If you have an Android phone, you may just be used to the way it works and enjoy the Xoom over the iPad. The Xoom is notably easy to hold, but at 1.61 pounds, it’s too heavy for one-handed use.

It features a large 10.1-inch diagonal capacitive touchscreen that delivers beautiful pictures and videos, 2GB of internal memory, a MicroSD expandable front-facing 2.0 megapixel webcam and rear 5.0 megapixel camera with flash.

Its Tegra2 DualCore processor is extremely fast. The micro-HDMI outplug allows you to connect this tablet to a TV.

Price: $499-$699 Operating system: BlackBerry Tablet Operating System BlackBerry fans love the crisp screen display, the smooth-running system and, perhaps most importantly, the fact that the PlayBook works great in tandem with BlackBerry phones.

It offers two very high-quality cameras and plenty of business-oriented perks that also work great for a serious student.

You can access, edit and save documents via a secure Bluetooth connection and work with pictures, office documents, spreadsheets and slideshows via BlackBerry Bridge or the BlackBerry Bridge files application.

A potential downside to the PlayBook is its limited number of apps, but it does come with the Kobo eBook app.

july 2011

SAMSUNG photo

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Price: $499-$599 Operating system: Honeycomb 3.0 (Google/Android) This new tablet is extremely light and thin and can be held comfortably in one hand.

This all-plastic device boasts a sleek and stylish design and an excellent, bright display.

It features a 1GHz dual-core processor, a choice of 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, Bluetooth 2.1 and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera.

WiFi-only models will be available initially, and 3G versions are scheduled to arrive later this year.

Wow! Now that’s hot!

E

very year around this time, I feel the need to write a column or two about the importance of sunscreen, or the dangers of sun exposure. Same thing, kind of.

Every year, as I do my research, I find more and more updated information. So much so, that it is a bit overwhelming, but so important. To simplify things, I have put together some basic bullet point reminders to help you minimize your exposure to the sun. n Use a sunscreen everyday, not just when you are in the sun. n Use an SPF of 15 or higher (30 or higher is recommended by the AMA) n Use approximately 1 ounce of sunscreen when you apply. This is about the amount to fill a shot glass. n Reapply at least every two hours, or sooner if you have been swimming, heavily perspiring or even have dried off with a towel.

written by

Mary costanzoschwaller Sunscreen can wear off or be rubbed off. n Try to find shade or avoid the sun during midday. (The hottest time of the day.) n Do not burn. EVER. n Use a broad brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses to keep the sun off of your face ears and neck. n Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before you are exposed to the sun. n Use water-based sunscreens. They tend to stay on better. n Stick sunscreens are great for around the eyes. n Cream-based sunscreens go on thicker

the cutting edge

than lotions. n Gel-based sunscreens are good for hairy areas like the scalp or a male chest, arms or legs. n Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that covers UVA and UVB rays.

All of this information is directly from the AMA and the Skin Cancer Foundation – two very credible and knowledgeable sources.

These bullet points could be just reminders of new information for you.

Please just keep them in mind for you and yours.

Have a beautiful day!

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july 2011

JACKIE

9

cover story

PowerHouse

By Adrianne DeWeese |

adrianne.deweese@examiner.net

W

ho are two women you would like to model professionally?

Jodi Krantz, vice president at Independence Economic Development, would rather be like a type of woman rather than one or two specific women.

She likes stand-up comics, who can stand up in front of crowds and speak well, such as Bette Midler and Chelsea Handler. They are funny and sure of themselves, and Krantz likes that.

She also admires women who write, such as Patricia Cornwell.

“I guess I can talk to people, but I really can’t spin a good story,” Krantz says, laughing.

Krantz’s partner in the activity, Edward Jones financial adviser Laura Hudson, immediately thinks of Nelly Don, the company that pioneered women’s ready-to-wear clothing in the 1920s and 1930s. Its leader, Nell Donnelly Reed, lived in Kansas City, and in the 1930s, Fortune Magazine described her as the most successful businesswoman in the United States.

Hudson says she found inspiration in Reed because Reed couldn’t obtain her own line of credit for her blossoming business.

The real purpose of the exercise was as a connecting activity. Practically strangers prior to the pairing together, Krantz’s and Hudson’s names were drawn from a bowl of business cards for a “powerplay” one-on-one networking session.

Welcome to PowerHouse, a newly formed network of “women who mean business” in Eastern Jackson County. Its founders believe the group is filling a much-needed niche on this side of the Kansas City area in connecting female executives.

BRINGING ‘SAVVY’ WOMEN TOGETHER: A need is identified

The group started after three women identified its need.

Lori Worth, president of Vibe Marketing Group; Carol Sours, vice president of Vibe 10 JACKIE

“I’m really passionate about making Eastern Jackson County a big dot on the map.”

“At PowerHouse events, you can feel the energy and power in the room...”

– Sonci Bleckinger

– Carol Sours

– Lori Worth

Current PowerHouse members

Hillory Baird, Infinity Realty Janette Barron, Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association Sonci Bleckinger, M&I Bank Sandra Brady, Massage Heights Victoria Cromwell, Tee Times Golf Guide Teresa Evans, Evans & Steele Financial Lisa Francis, Shelter Distribution and Aceland Landscape Shelly Hall-Peterson, Symphonic Financial Advisors Lori Harp, Strikerz Entertainment Center Kathryn Harvel, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics Leslie High, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Kansas City Chapter

Marketing Group; and Sonci Bleckinger, vice president of business banking at M&I Bank, were talking with one another at a Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce networking event when they had a revelation: Eastern Jackson County had a void for a women’s executive networking group.

In her professional career, Sours says,

“I think it’s so critical that both men and women bring something to the business table.”

Lisa Holiman, Lily Wolfgang Laura Hudson, Edward Jones Amy Knipp, Elizabeth Henry Jodi Krantz, Independence Economic Development Stephanie Mill, Independent CABI Consultant Lori Nikolas, Superior Door Service Inc. and Lori Marie Notary Etc. Sher Lopez, Blue Springs Economic Development Corp.

Jessica Robertson, Cricket Communications Ilene Shehan, Hope House Carol Sours, Vibe Marketing Group Terri Steele, Evans & Steele Financial Amy Storts, AAS Restoration Inc. Lori Worth, Vibe Marketing Group

she’s met “powerful, savvy” women in Eastern Jackson County and has seen groups dedicated toward such women in Johnson County, Kan., and in downtown Kansas City – but not here.

“I come from the school of, ‘if it’s not there, create it,’” Sours says. “I do think there was a big need. I think there are a lot of women on this side of town who know how to get the job july 2011

done, and I’m really passionate about making Eastern Jackson County a big dot on the map.

It was a no-brainer to get it going.”

The three women met several times before pulling in five charter members. They defined the group’s mission, developed a name and PowerHouse held its first meeting in March with about 35 women, 30 of whom have of-

cover story

Three professionals create a place for savvy women ficially joined the group by paying the annual dues.

PowerHouse is open to female business executives ages 35 and older who hold positions as decision makers in their organizations or companies. The members must live, work or do business in Eastern Jackson County.

Hudson, who has worked for Edward Jones for eight years and was the company’s first female financial adviser in Independence, learned about PowerHouse through her involvement in Rotary Club. Before entering a predominately male field, Hudson says, she owned a beauty salon in south Kansas City while jugging the responsibilities of motherhood – her daughters are now 20 and 15 years old.

“It is tough, being in a male-dominant field,” Hudson says. “Some meetings that I go to, I’m the only female in the meeting.”

Hudson says she was drawn to the all-female aspect of PowerHouse because she has a female doctor and dentist, and she tries to refer women to other women for professional services as much as possible.

“It’s not like I don’t like men, though,” Hudson says candidly. “I’m married, and I love men. I just tend to go to women.”

The group is limited to women to allow female executives to discuss the special challenges they face as they rise up the career ladder, such as gender stereotypes and earning respect in male-dominated fields.

The PowerHouse logo and color schemes reflect its mission. Among the hot pink and orange lettering are a “p” and an “h” in which the tall part of each letter is made to look like a power outlet. The group is the “outlet” that “connects” Eastern Jackson County’s executive female professionals together, Worth says.

“As a group, we are women who have had success in the career world, and we can share ways and resources to get past those barriers,” Worth says. “To be able to focus in on those unique challenges is beneficial. We work closely with men as partners and as clients, and we value those relationships. In the business world, I think it’s so critical that both men and women bring something to the business table.”

FAST FACTS: PowerHouse ➢ The group is open to female business executives 35 and older who hold positions as decision makers in their organizations or companies. ➢ Members must live, work or do business in Eastern Jackson County. ➢ To become a PowerHouse member, women must be invited by an existing member and must receive approval from a founding or charter member. The first meeting is free for a prospective member. ➢ Memberships dues are $50 for the first-year annual dues for the first 50 members.

The cost is $100 for all others who join. Additionally, each meeting costs $5 to cover the cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages. ➢ The dues cover the cost of speakers, special presentations and operational/production expenses. PowerHouse has a long-term goal of establishing a scholarship fund for women who are going back to school. ➢ PowerHouse meets from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Rumors Steakhouse, 4835 N.E. Lakewood Way in Lee’s Summit. ➢ Contact Lori Worth (lori@yourvibeteam.com or 816-795-6067), Carol Sours (carol@ yourvibeteam.com or 816-795-6067) or Sonci Bleckinger (sonci.bleckinger@micorp. com or 816-447-3103) for more information on how to join PowerHouse.

Hudson also found the 35 years or older requirement of membership in PowerHouse appealing.

“Most people in life don’t figure out what they want to do until age 35 anyway,” Hudson says.

Nearby, Lori Harp, who was recently named as the sales director of Strikerz Entertainment Center in Independence and who is a charter member of PowerHouse, holds up a hand, showing all five fingers.

“Fifty,” Harp says in response to Hudson’s comment. “I was 50 when I figured it out.”

Harp also is a charter member of PowerHouse and says she became involved with the group to network with other women who might share similar experiences and challenges in their careers. She says the group formed with the premise that women bring different perspectives, strengths and philosophies to a professional setting.

“As women – and as we experience these kinds of changes in our professional lives – I hope that we will be able to strengthen and build upon the relationships that we’ve made in that group,” Harp says.

Just after four months of meetings, it ap-

pears as though the group is on its way.

“We just want to add some more muscle to Eastern Jackson County,” Sours says, laughing.

BUILDING THE ‘HOUSE’: Women meet monthly, begin connecting among their individual successes

Shelly Hall-Peterson wanted to play on the PowerHouse theme in her presentation before a group of a dozen attendees at the June meeting.

So, she talked about how women can communicate powerfully, referring to a quote she keeps on her desk at work: “Most problems exist in the absence of good conversation.”

“I think it’s so very true in your life, whether it’s in your business life or your home life,” says Hall-Peterson, director of new business development for Symphonic Financial Advisors.

Several PowerHouse women joined in HallPeterson’s 20-minute presentation, including Worth, who suggested that effective communication often takes place when you make others feel like an idea was originally theirs.

“Why not?” Worth says. “If you’re not doing it for yourself and you’re doing it for the

july 2011

cause ... if you let someone else take the ownership of it, why not? You’re getting the job done.”

The monthly meetings begin with a 15-minute open networking session. Two to three PowerHouse members then provide an introduction to their businesses, including a women-in-business tip that should provide inspiration to others.

The meetings end with one-on-one networking sessions among the members.

Featured speakers and presentations take place quarterly.

But among the structure, there is flexibility.

The women sip cocktails, enjoy side conversations, and most importantly, they share a few laughs.

From the meetings that have taken place so far, Sours says she’s learned that the situations she faces as a female professional are hardly one-of-a-kind.

“You always think your situation is unique, but when you start talking with these women, you find out they are having the same issues,” Sours says, “even if the industries are completely different.”

Those challenges have shifted for professional women in the past 50 years, but Sours says women still often carry the responsibilities of managing their families’ and children’s schedules in balance with their own careers.

“It’s a balance we all try to strike,” she says.

“Keeping a family a priority is a challenge, but it’s something that can be done. You just have to be creative. From my perspective in having two young children, I think that’s the biggest challenge facing women in the workplace.”

At least one female executive has left the meetings with a stronger impression of her role and how she fits into the professional world.

PowerHouse member Stephanie Mill ended the June meeting with sentiments on how much she would miss attending the July meeting since she’ll be out of town.

“I just think it’s been a great group. I know I’ve met a ton of people who’ve become great customers of mine,” Mill says. “It almost kills me that I’m going to miss next month.”

JACKIE

11

food

Don’t touch that stove Curried Chicken Salad

Hot weather salads that mix protein and mayonnaise must be refrigerated until served.

GHNS/MARGARET MAPLES

Beat the heat with salad savvy

By Margaret Maples | GateHouse News Service

Y

our family is hungry, but the mere thought of cooking makes you sweat, and eating out would blow the budget. How about a no-cook dinner?

Almost every family has its own take on curried chicken salad, and if a little inspiration is required, the Internet offers several recipes.

We’ve assembled a version designed to suit a variety of tastes. It loads all the seasonings into the dressing, so if some family

12 JACKIE

members aren’t fans of these spices, it’ll be easy to omit those and satisfy your “uncurried” contingent.

That same thinking holds for the other ingredients. Feel free to make substitutions, such as omitting almonds and adding cashews or pecans, or going completely

nut-free.

Our recipe is very fruity, and if you decide to serve the salad as stuffing for tomatoes, as suggested, you might choose to ease up on the grapes.

Just remember to emphasize color and flavor. To meet that second requirement, this chilled salad may require more seasoning than you might expect.

When a dish is hot, its flavor comes through differently, so it’s important to taste and season food at its serving temperature.

july 2011

Ingredients • 3 cups cooked chicken, cut in bitesize pieces • 1 cup diced celery • ½ cup slivered almonds • 1 green onion, diced • 1 small apple, washed but unpeeled; ¾ of the fruit diced and the remainder sliced and coated with lemon juice • ¹/³ cup seedless green grapes, halved • ²/³ cup seedless red grapes, halved • For serving: Large round loaf of bread (King’s Hawaiian or another sweet loaf works well) • For serving: Butter lettuce, washed and dried, or other greens, such as Romaine or baby spinach • For serving: 6 ripe tomatoes (an option if you serve the salad as filling) • For garnish: blackberries, blueberries, honeydew melon, raspberries Preparation 1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, almonds, green onion, diced apple, and red and green grapes.

2. Pour the dressing over the salad and fold gently, making sure all the components are lightly coated. Cover and chill.

Makes six servings.

Dressing recipe and serving ideas

food Curry dressing

Serving suggestions

Ingredients • ¹/³ cup plain yogurt, set in a strainer to drain while the rest of the salad is prepared • ¹/³ cup mayonnaise • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • ½ to 1 teaspoon red curry powder (we used McCormick’s blend of cardamom, chili pepper, coriander, cumin and red pepper) • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (or more, to taste) • Salt and black pepper to taste

1. Cut a large hollow in a loaf of large round bread. Line this bowl with lettuce leaves or other greens. Heap chicken salad in the hollow, letting the leaves form a green frame. Garnish with slices of apple and skewers of melon and berries, if desired.

2. Salad can be scooped onto a bed of lettuce and garnished with berries and melon (below).

3. Or split open ripe tomatoes and spoon salad inside (at left).

4. Open-face chicken salad sandwiches are another option.

Preparation 1. Mix all ingredients together.

Pour over chicken salad.

Makes six servings.

GHNS/Margaret Maples

Anticipate what your guests want Summertime!

This time of year it seems like every weekend is party time! Here are a few tips and facts to help you make decisions about your party.

At Cork & Barrel, we get a lot of questions about how much bottles of spirits, wine or beer folks need to buy for their party. No one wants to overbuy, but they also want to make sure there is enough to go around.

For spirits you should plan for your guests to drink 1 1/2 ounces per hour. A 750 millimeter bottle of liquor holds approximately 25 ounces or about enough alcohol for 17 cocktails. A 1.5 liter bottle will provide enough for around 34 cocktails.

Make sure you grab some mixers, depending on what you are mixing up, club soda, tonic water, cola, diet cola, lemon lime soda and or ginger ale. For every 30 people, grab two or three 2-liter bottles.

written by

Dawn brooks Dawn Brooks is owner of Cork & Barrel at 16920 E. U.S. 24 in Independence.

You can reach her at 816-257-7911 or corkandbarrel@live.com

For juices like grapefruit, cranberry or orange, pick up a couple of quarts each.

It helps to use a one ounce pourer or a jigger so you can measure one ounce into each cocktail and get the most out of your money.

For wine, again there are 25 ounces in a 750 millimeter bottle. Depending on the size of the glasses you use, you can get three to four glasses out of a bottle of wine, although most wine lovers will disagree!

To make wine last at your party you can mix in fruit, like cut lemons, limes, oranges, frozen peach slices and some lemon lime

soda and make a sparkling white or red sangria!

Case of beer or kegs, which one to buy?

That is a very good question. Cans and kegs will have a different outcome when it comes to the amount of trash you have to clean up. Cases of bottled beer or cans will create more trash than a keg.

If you use glasses that you can wash – or even if you use plastic glasses – people will generally drink out of the same glass all evening. Less cleanup.

As far as cost, remember that a large keg or a half barrel as it’s commonly called, holds 15.5 gallons of beer. That equals about 165 twelve-ounce cups of beer. A quarter barrel or 7.75 gallons of beer will provide around 82 twelve-ounce cups of beer. (Kegs will provide that much beer only if it is kept very cold the entire time of the party.) You can divide those numbers by 30 to decide if your money will be better spent on 30 packs or kegs.

Your choice also depends on your

july 2011

wine 101

crowd. Do they like different beer? With a keg you only get one kind. Do they like draft beer, bottled beer, or cans? And, lastly, take into consideration the amount of cleanup you will have.

Here is a great tip for parties serving cocktails, so you can be a part of the party and not the bartender all night: Decide what cocktails you want to serve and premix these in the 2-liter bottles or the juice containers. Place them in a large bucket of ice and let your guests pour their own!

We recently had a tasting with Pinnacle whipped Vodka. We mixed a half of a pint bottle of whipped vodka in a 2-liter bottle of strawberry pop for a strawberry shortcake, another half in a bottle of root beer pop for a root beer float and another half in a bottle of orange pop for the delicious taste of a creamsicle! Very yummy and very easy!

Enjoy your summer, and if you have any questions, we would love to help you answer them at Cork & Barrel!

JACKIE

13

life lessons/lesson 8

Her legacy lives in me It was a normal Friday night at home with my husband and Baby J when I received the call that changed my world forever.

There was an accident. My dad had been taken by air ambulance to an area hospital, but Mom didn’t make it. I’ve played that scene over and over in my head for weeks.

And every time I replay those words, they hurt just as bad as the first time. How am I supposed to continue raising Baby J when I still have so much to learn from my mother?

Sure, there are tons of resources at my fingertips. We’re so blessed Daddy pulled through and is here to help us when we need it. I am lucky to have a wonderful, smart and kind mother-in-law as well as two grandmothers who raised my life’s heroes.

But nothing can replace that wisdom my own mother still needs to pass down to me.

I like to think that she was the kind of

written by

STEPHANIE BOOTHE mom you only read about books – the mom who sacrificed everything for the good of her family. It may not have been that extreme, but she certainly did without, plenty of times, for my brothers and me.

She was the kind of mom whose very presence soothed whatever heartache you were experiencing. I’ll never forget her stroking my hair and telling me she’d take every ounce of my pain if she could.

And I know she would now – that’s what made her so beautiful. Her ability to protect her children and the people she loved from pain. You always knew you weren’t hurting alone when you were in her presence

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because she wore your hurt as her own.

It was the same when her children were happy because that was ultimately the only thing she wanted in life – happiness for her children. Everyone in our small town quickly knew of any accomplishment in my and my brothers’ lives as it only took one quick trip to Thriftway for Mom to find someone to brag to about our latest news. Every award, graduation, marriage or grandchild was front-page news in Mom’s book, and she made sure everyone in town shared in her joy.

Mom was the person who always took the high road – without fail. She fought and argued with me to do the same. To look at the other side of the story or not judge others too harshly. It took her leaving us for me to understand why she always told me I was too much like my dad.

Not that it’s a bad thing because I keep

good ideas

my dad on a pretty high pedestal, but I’m genetically predisposed to take sides and jump to conclusions. I tend to let drama fester and find it hard to get over hurt feelings.

I see now that Mom’s greatest asset as a parent was patience and compassion. That ability to always take the high road is what made her such a great mom. It’s a characteristic I’m attempting to adopt into my life moving forward – my silent gift to the woman I’ve loved above anyone most of my life.

It’s the best way I can honor my mother and a way I can keep her legacy alive for her grandchildren.

I love you Mom, and I miss you every day.

Thank you for all the life lessons I get to pass down to Baby J.

Stephanie

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Maximize your blush You don't have to simply put blush on your cheeks anymore.

For natural lips, swab some on instead of lipstick. This is best done with a rosy cream color. But remember to exfoliate your lips first with a damp toothbrush or washcloth. Try Bobbi Brown Blush in pale pink as your go-to blush for doubling, $24, www.bobbibrown. com.

Standby, save money When you're not using your computer, put it into the sleep mode. If you remember to do this all year, you'll cut your computer's power consumption a whopping 98 percent when it's not in use. Plus, you'll save yourself $75 on your electric bill, says the Natural Resources Defense Council.

– GateHouse News Service july 2011

faith

Talk to your children about religion

By Kathryn Sucich GateHouse News Service With the U.S. becoming more religiously diverse, it’s normal for your children to have questions about not only your own family’s religious beliefs but also the beliefs of others.

Jill Carroll, adjunct associate professor in religious studies at Rice University, says it’s important for parents to talk to their kids about religion as soon as kids start asking questions.

“Religion deals with the serious things in life – love, death, sacrifice, salvation,” Carroll says. “Kids eat this stuff up. We do kids a disservice when we try to shield them from issues or when we try to dumb it down.”

She says parents should involve children in their own faith – taking them to religious services or prayer services – as soon as they are able to go. As for tackling how to talk to kids about different faiths, Carroll has several tips: Be comfortable with other religions

yourself. Carroll says even if you don’t agree with the views of other faiths, it goes a long way if you have a respect for other religions and agree that other people have a right to their faith. If you think that you can’t talk to your children about other religions with an open mind, direct them to an adult or teacher who can provide them with more information.

Be active and engaged. In this digital age, kids will find a way to get information about other religions even if it’s not from you.

Carroll says in the absence of parents, children will go to the Internet and find all sorts of information. Some information may be correct, but they may also find hate speech or propaganda. Make sure you are a positive filter for your child, directing them to correct information.

Use stories as an entryway. Children love stories, and every religion has great stories – such as parables from Jesus in Christianity, Hebrew stories in the Old Testament, Buddhist stories and ancient mythologies. Carroll says when you see religious holidays on the calendar, you can

read stories about these holidays to your children.

Let kids talk to each other about their faiths. Carroll says an eye-opening experience that she witnessed was when several kids from different faiths got together at an event in Houston and asked each other questions.

These questions ranged from, “Why do you wear that dot on your head?” to a Hindu child to, “What’s the problem with pork in your religion?” to a Muslim student.

Carroll says the students were very engaged and straightforward with each other, and the conversation was very easy and natural.

Overall, Carroll says it’s important that children learn about other religions, as they have to live near, go to school with and play sports with kids of all different religious backgrounds.

She says parents shouldn’t be scared about discussing religion, and that there is a way to discuss religion from an informational standpoint rather than a belief standpoint. Children are resilient and eager to learn about different faiths and cultures, and there are many ways

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travel

Experience amusement park fun on the cheap

By Molly Logan Anderson | GateHouse News Service

I

s there anything like the childhood memory of a hot summer day spent roaring over the highest peak of a roller coaster with hands still sticky from a cherry slushy?

Amusement parks are synonymous with summertime, but they can also be costly. Here are some frugal tips on theme park hot spots so your family can have fun without breaking your bank.

Six Flags America Near Chicago Discounted tickets: Six Flags Great America north of Chicago offers an online special that allows everyone to buy tickets for the kids’ admission price. Look for school events, such as reading contests or fundraisers, that offer Six Flags’ tickets as participation prizes.

Food and drink: While food and drink prices inside the park can be a killer, you’ll find lots of families enjoying elaborate picnic spreads from the back of their minivans. Pack what you need and head to the parking lot for lunch, saving a bundle.

Super frugal: For $64.99 per person when purchasing four season passes, you can keep coming all season long with the bonus of over $300 in food, drink, souvenir and game coupons. Season-pass holders also receive free guest passes and admission to Hurricane Harbor outdoor waterpark and all the Six Flags parks across the country.

Packing a picnic can save money at Six Flags Great America. Six Flags photo

Walt Disney World Resort Orlando, Fla.

Coney Island Cincinnati

Discounted tickets: Currently, the best ticket savings are through the Magic Your Way ticketing program, which allows guests to pay less per ticket, per day, the longer they stay.

Food and drink: The great news for Walt Disney World Theme Park guests is that there are no restrictions on bringing food items that do not require heating or refrigeration into the parks. Keep in mind that guests may not enter with hard-sided or large coolers or alcoholic beverages.

Super frugal: Instead of spending a ton of cash at souvenir shops inside the park, watch the local Disney Store near your home for sales.

Stock up on inexpensive trinkets to give the kids before heading to the park each day.

Discounted tickets: This moderately sized theme park is affordable and offers loads of fun for the family. Check out the deals for combination tickets, which boast savings and access to both the classic rides and the Sunlite pool. Deep discounts happen after 4 p.m., when prices are nearly cut in half. Kids younger than age 2 are always free.

Food and drink: Even though the park offers many choices when it comes to refreshments, Coney Island guests are welcome to bring along a picnic basket of goodies from home to enjoy inside the facilities. Young families will love the convenience of satisfying picky eaters as well as saving a bit on food at the park.

Super frugal: In 2010, Coney Island began its “Deal of the Day” online special, so make sure to check before you hit the road to this traditional family fun park. Be sure to register online when you visit the website. Doing so enters you in a drawing to win free admission tickets.

AUSSIE WORLD PHOTO/WIKIMEDIA

Find more summer savings at RadarFrog.com. Sign up at examiner.net for a free account. july 2011

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