jackie by The Examiner

calendar Independence

“THE MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL TIME MACHINES, demonstration organ recitals, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays. Even Sundays at the Community of Christ Temple, odd Sundays at the Auditorium, Walnut Street and River Boulevard, Independence. Free. Visit www.CofChrist.org/dome_spire. GATHER INN – open to all ages, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Stone Church Community of Christ, north entrance, 1012 W. Lexington Ave., Independence. Spend time in Bible study, receive free blood pressure testing, learn about the community, and a different guest speaker each week. Optional lunch cost, $3.50. Call 816-254-2211 or visit www.stonechurch.org. GALLERY WALK: Manifest Destiny, 2 p.m. Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Free with regular museum admission, $5 for adults; $4.50 for ages 62 and older; $3 for ages 6 to 17. Call 816-325-7575. LEILA’S HAIR MUSEUM exhibits, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 1333 S. Noland Road. Jan. 7-8, Long- term commitment wreaths; Jan. 14-15, Chandler book, Jan. 28-29, Abigail Page Bailey. The museum is open Tuesdays-Saturdays, but receive more information about exhibits on Friday and Saturday. Admission, $5; $2.50 for seniors and children 12 and under. Call 816-833-2955. INDEPENDENCE APPRECIATION DAY, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 8, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. Free admission with proof of residency. There will be children’s activities and a Truman impersonator will greet people and pose for pictures. Call 816-268-8200. BALLROOM DANCING, 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 8, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. Dance review from 6 to 6:45 p.m. ($2). Dance cost, $8, $15 per couple. For information, call 816-325-7843. SUNDAY AFTERNOON FILM SERIES, 2 p.m., National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Jan. 9, “Saving a Legacy: The Oregon-California Trail” (25 minutes); Jan. 16, “Fanny, A Pioneer Sage” (45 minutes); Jan. 23, “Mules” (25 minutes); Jan. 30, “All Aboard: Passenger Trains in America” (58 minutes). Free with regular admission. Call 816-325-7575. TOMBSTONE TALKS: “Marble Roses: Tombstone Art, Decoration and Symbolism,” 7 p.m. Jan. 13, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Cost, $6 per lecture, $25 for series. For reservations, call 816-325-7575. “LAST MASS AT ST. CASIMIR’S,” pesented by the City Theatre of Independence, 8 p.m. Jan. 13, 14, 15, 21, 22; 2 p.m. Jan. 16 and 23, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Cost, $10; $7 for seniors. For tickets, call 816-327-7367 or at www.citytheaatreofindependence.org. JACKIE

A male Baltimore oriole perches on a feeder.

{EDITOR’S PICK}

Watch the birds Birding 101

SUBMITTED PHOTO

aturalist Craig Hensley will lead Birding 101 from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 22 at Powell Gardens. Learn about the world of birds and bird identification, including how to sort seed-eaters from insect-eaters and other basic information. Afterward, join in a walk around the gardens to practice your new skills. Free with regular winter admission, $7 for adults, $6 senior citizens, $3 kids 512. Free for younger kids and members of Friends of Powell Gardens and Society of Perennial Partners. Registration deadline: Jan. 17. Call 816-697-2600, Ext. 209.

“BRAVE GIRLS AND BIG TEETH” puppet show, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 15, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. The $5 cost includes seeing the museum and a finger puppet for children. For reservations, 816-833-9777. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY CELEBRATION, 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 17, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. Celebration features music, dance and a guest speaker. Free. For information, call 816-325-7843.

BB KING concert, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Independence Events Center, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway. Tickets range from $45 to $69.50 For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com, call 800-745-3000, or at Independence Center mall and all Hen House locations. ANIMALS BEST FRIENDS FUNDRAISER, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 19, Papa Murphy’s Take N Bake Pizza, 1531 E. 23rd St. ABF will receive 25 percent of the purchase of food products when no coupon is used. Be sure to mention ABF when ordering.

JANUARY 2011

HEALTHY BASICS: New year, new you, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 20, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Get ready to drop pounds, create health habits and maintain your motivation. Cost, $10 per session. Call 816-3257862. ENGLEWOOD ART WALK, 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 21, 10900 E. Winner Road. Seven galleries in the Englewood Station Shopping District, Winner Road and Sterling Avenue, open their doors to art lovers. Free. Call 816-252-3372. INDEPENDENCE SHEPHERD’S CENTER “Adventures in Learning,” 8:30 a.m. registration/free blood pressure checks, Jan. 21, Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th St. Workshops begin at 10 and 11 a.m., lunch is a noon. Workshop registration, $1; lunch is $4. For lunch reservations, call 816-254-0521. INDEPENDENCE YOUTH SPORTS EXPO, 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 22, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. Expo features exhibit booths from various camps, facilities, teams, leagues, organizations and other related firms. Free. For information, call 816-325-7843. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DISASTER READY classes, 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 22, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. This course presents way for you and your family to maintain control. Free. For information, call 816-325-7843. INDEPENDENCE HUNGRY AND HOMELESS COALITION: 5th Sunday Service, Jan. 30. Churches across Independence can participate in this service initiative. Every 5th Sunday designated items are collected for service organizations in Independence. Items to be collected, diapers and depends, will be give to Hope House, Mother’s Refuge and Community Services League. For information, call 816-325-7996. CHRISTMAS WITH THE TRUMANS exhibit, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 10, Harry S Truman Historic Site Visitor Center, 223 N. Main St., Independence. Exhibit of toys, ornaments, photos, wrapping paper, greeting cards and more which belonged to the Truman family. Free. Call 816-2549929. PUBLIC SKATE, Independence Events Center, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway. Public sessions open to skaters of all ages and skill levels. Sessions take place at various times and are usually two hours. Cost, $5; $3 for 12 and under and 55 and older, nonresidents add $1 to each price. Skate rental, $2. For times, call the Skating Hotline: 816-795-7577. “TALKIN’ TRUMAN,” 11 a.m. daily, Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. Program explores the life and times of President Truman. Free with regular admission. Call 816-268-8200 or 800-833-1225.

calendar “THE HEALING POWER OF JESUS CHRIST” traveling exhibit, through Feb. 16, Visitors Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 937 W. Walnut St. See 12 bronze statues telling vignettes from the life of Christ. Call 816-836-3466. “DOLLS FOR DEMOCRACY,” Jan. 7 through March 6, Truman Library. Twenty-five handcrafted dolls, created in the images of world figures, such as Mahatama Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Florence Nightingale, etc., will be on display. Free with regular admission. Call 816-268-8200 or 800-833-1225. “IT IS NOT NOISE, IT IS MUSIC: TRUMAN’S RECORD ALBUMS” exhibit, Jan. 11 through May 30, Harry S. Truman Home National Historic Site Visitor Center, 223 N. Main St. Exhibit features more than 250 albums and will highlight the importance of music in the lives of the Trumans. Free. Call 816-254-9929. “HAZELLE’S COMPETITORS,” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 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 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, 816-404-6460 or 257-2335.

Blue Springs

BURR IT’S COLD – for families with children 5 and older, 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 8, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center. Discover how local animals have adapted to chilly temperatures. Call 816-2283766 to register. COMPUTER CLASSES, Beginning Microsoft Word, 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 11-12; Beginning Windows XP, 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 13-14; Beginning Microsoft Excel, 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 18-19; Intermediate Windows XP, 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 20-21; Navigating the Internet, 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 20-21, Vesper Hall. Cost, $35 per class, or take three different classes for $90. Call 816-228-0181 to register. RAPE AGGRESSION DEFENSE SYSTEMS – for

women 15 years and older, sponsored by Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 10-31, Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Education Center, 4175 W. U.S. 40. Cost, $25. To register, call 816-228-0137. SQUIRREL WATCHING – for families with children 6 and older, 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 15, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center. Take a look at this familiar backyard animal close-up. Call 816-2283766 to register. SWIMMING INSTRUCTION, sponsored by Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, Saturdays Jan. 15March 5, or Mondays and Wednesdays Jan. 17-Feb. 9, Blue Springs Centennial Pool-Plex, 2401 N.W. Ashton Drive. Cost per 8 class session, $40. For times and to register, call 816-228-0188. GUITAR LESSONS, intermediate adult, 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesdays Jan. 18-Feb. 22; beginner adult, 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 20-Feb. 24, Vesper Hall. Cost, $49 plus a $5 book fee. Call 816-228-0137 to register. WINTER FAMILY BIRD FEEDER WORKSHOP – for families with children 3 and older, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 29, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center. After taking a short bird walk, returned to build and decorate your own bird feeder. Call 816228-3766 to register. 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, 816-220-1007. 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 breastfeed ing. Call Kayl, 254-5992 or Stephanie, 816-833-0250.

Raytown

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE classes, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 10, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 9349 E. 65th St. Call 816-356-5856 to register.

Kansas City

“STRENGTH TO LOVE: Today and Tomorrow” community forum, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 17, Friendship Baptist Church, 3530 Chelsea Drive. Forum

explores Martin Luther King Jr.’s views on economic security, public safety, health care and military spending. Video and audio excerpts of Dr. King’s speeches and a panel of youth and adult speakers will present Dr. King’s message. For information, call 816-931-5256. WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 816-404-9740 or 923-5800.

Kingsville

POWELL GARDEN activities: FEATHER YOUR NEST CONSERVATORY EXHIBIT, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 15 through March 6. A variety of indoor garden “rooms” will be created by local designers within the conservatory. These inviting spaces will feature benches, chairs or other seating to accommodate at least four people at a time. Hot beverages will be available for purchase to enjoy while you watch birds. WINTER HIKE: The bones of the winter landscape, 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 16. Admire the sublime beauty of tree silhouettes, dried grasses, evergreens, winter seeds and berries with Alan Branhagen, Powell Gardens’ director of horticulture and master naturalist. The hike includes the 3.25-mile Byron Shutz Nature Trail and back through the Rock & Waterfall and Island Gardens. Register by Jan. 10 at 816-697-2600, Ext. 209. Cost, $12 for members; $19 for non-members. FIVE CENTURIES OF RARE BOTANICAL BOOKS, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 21. Join rare book librarian Bruce Bradley at the Linda Hall Library in Kansas City for a personal look at books from five centuries of botanical printing. To register, call 816-697-2600, Ext. 209. Cost, $9; free for members. BIRDING 101 with Naturalist Craig Hensley, 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 22. Learn about the world of birds and bird identification, including how to sort seed-eaters from insect-eaters and other basic information. Afterward, join in a walk around the Gardens to practice your new skills. Free with regular winter admission. Registration deadline: Jan. 17. Call 816697-2600, Ext. 209. GOURMET PINECONE FEEDER, 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 29 and 30. Start with a pinecone base and then add a blend of seeds, fruits, suet and peanut butter to make a take-home feeder to attract a variety of winter birds in your own yard. This drop-in session is free with admission. Powell Gardens is at 1609 N.W. U.S. 50 in Kingsville, Mo. Winter admission, $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for ages 5-12. Café Thyme is closed until Jan. 14, when it reopens with a new chef ,Friday-Sunday. Visit www.powellgardens.org.

january 2011

– Jillayne Ritchie

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.

DO YOU KNOW AN AMAZING WOMAN IN EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY? LET US KNOW, AND SHE COULD BECOME A ‘JACKIE’ COVER PERSON

E-mail ideas to sheila.davis@examiner.net

COMING UP

This month’s cover person, children’s author Cheryl Harness, will speak to the Independence Eastview Lions Club on Jan. 24 and visit Blue Springs schools Feb. 7 through the 10th. To order her books, visit www. cherylharness. com. JACKIE

a word from jackie

Make 2011 a year to be happier

appy New Year. There may not be a better resolution for 2011 than to be happier. But how is happiness achieved? Most often it seems that we can’t manage our own happiness, that our personal and professional satisfaction is dictated by people and circumstances beyond our control. No matter how we try to walk on the sunny side of the street, there are conditions that continually foil our cheerful outlook. Even if you are surrounded by difficult personalities or less-than-ideal situations at home, in the office or in the world, there is plenty you can do to increase your contentment this year. Happiness, like all good things, usually comes in small packages, and even little adjustments to your daily routine will net greater joy in

JACKIE

written by

Jackie

your life. It only takes a few extra minutes to remove those minor annoyances that add up to big irritations. While you might not be able to overcome traffic jams or bad weather, you can eliminate things that constantly bother you and drain your emotional energy. Throw away all pens that don’t write and all magazines and newspapers that you never got around to reading. Take a hard look at your stack of ironing and decide that if it hasn’t been used because it needs to be ironed, you can give it away. Unironed. If chipped paint on your

kitchen cabinets and fingerprints on your windows bring you down every morning and night, set aside a couple hours and tackle those projects. If you have to be miserable for a few hours cleaning out closets, your sacrifice will be worth it when you are rewarded each morning with a neat closet that puts valuable minutes back in your day. 2011 is shaping up to be an active year in Independence. With the City Council elections coming up in 2012, this will be a year of looking ahead to the candidates and issues. On the heels of the recent city survey, we can expect a proposal to come forward for our public safety personnel in the police and fire departments. Commuter rail may finally become a reality, connecting the eastern and western parts of the metro area. New legislators locally

JANUARY 2011

and nationally will bring new leadership and try to solve some persistent problems that affect our area. The best formula for happiness is to control those things that you can and cheerfully tolerate those you can’t. Keeping informed of the activities and issues – social, civic and political – that will be addressed this year will be important. Stay tuned in to the big and small decisions of your community and become friendly with your elected and appointed officials. Happiness guaranteed.

Jackie

safety BY CAROLYN SPERRY

WAYS TO KEEP 1 SLEDDING SAFE

3 4

ho doesn’t love sledding? It’s a cheap antidote to cabin fever and a time-honored way to make the most of winter. These days, though, many experts have raised concerns about the safety of sledding. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 499 kids ages 2 to 14 were injured on sleds in 2009. Safe Kids Worldwide (safekids.org) shares some ways to make your excursions safer this winter. And don’t worry, these tips don’t ruin the fun — unlike a trip to the emergency room!

PHOTO BY STOCK.XCHNG

january 2011

Use common sense when selecting or evaluating equipment. Choose sturdy sleds. Avoid makeshift sleds or equipment with sharp edges. Look for energy-absorbing pads on seats. Sleds and toboggans with steering are your best bet.

Dress for success. Use layers, ski mittens, snow pants and a properly fitting helmet. Yes, a helmet. Your child wears one for biking, skiing and skating, right? Let him or her be a trendsetter on the sledding hill.

Check carefully for snow-covered hazards such as rocks, tree limbs and stumps. In crowded areas, teach kids to stay out of the way of others — they should avoid stopping in any spot where sledders may collide.

Pay close attention to where a fast-moving sled is going to land. Obvious no-no’s: When a hill could dump you into a street, parking lot or body of water.

Supervise your child. Stay available to make sure he or she does not take unnecessary risks. Children should be positioned securely on the sled, sitting with feet forward. (Lying flat increases the chance of head and abdominal injuries.) Make sure the number of children riding on the sled does not exceed the manufacturer's recommendations.

JACKIE

how-to Get crafty Create an arts-and-crafts kit by filling a large storage box with crayons, construction paper, washable markers, fabric remnants, pencils, pens, ribbon, scissors, yarn, beads, buttons, glue, pipe cleaners, tape, plastic drinking straws, glitter, lunch bags, tempura paints, paintbrushes and popsicle sticks. Sit the kids down and let them use their imagination for entertainment.

Get craftier In the same vein, there are lots of easy craft projects you can do together. Elbow macaroni, cardboard, paper, pipe cleaners and other easily found objects can be used to make everything from jewelry boxes to toy animals to wall art. If you need ideas, look for art project books at the library.

Games and puzzles Dozens of websites, including www.familyeducation.com, www.puzzlechoice.com and www.thekidzpage.com, have children’s games and puzzles (crosswords, word searches, Sudoku, jigsaw) that can be printed out for hours of distraction.

Issue a challenge

Cabin fever

cures

Ingenuity, planning can head off the ‘I’m bored’ syndrome BY KAREN SORENSEN

When www.ivillage.com asked moms for their best cabin fever relievers, they came up with some interesting options: Put together a scavenger hunt and let the kids compete. Give them old socks to make puppets and have them create a show. Use an old shower curtain and shaving cream mixed with food coloring to let the kids can “paint” in the tub. “Artwork” can be easily washed off — as can the kids.

Board games for boredom Playing together as a family can be fun, but if you teach your children the game rules, they can play without you. Good choices/old standbys: Checkers, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Sorry, Clue, Chutes and Ladders. Card games — Go Fish, Crazy Eights, War — can be easy to teach and learn, too.

Homemade sculpture Make your own “clay” with salt dough and use it to sculpt figures, houses and anything else the kids can think up. The recipe’s easy: 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon oil; mix. Eventually it will harden, and the kids can paint on their creations.

Build an indoor fort

ven the most loving parent can be pushed to the brink when the kids break out their chorus of “I’m bored.” When cabin fever strikes, your best defense is a good offense. Here are some ways to be prepared.

If you don’t want to give up your kitchen or dining room table, pull out a card table, cover it with a blanket and voila! Give the kids some pillows, flashlights, maybe some books or games, and let them create their own little space.

Play dress-up If you have boxes of old clothes, jewelry and shoes, let the kids have at ’em and make believe they’re adults for a while. Or help them transform their own clothes so they can be superheroes, robots or whatever else they can dream up.

PHOTO BY STOCK.XCHNG

JACKIE

JANUARY 2011

lessons in life / lesson 4

It really does take a village

here are few things more humbling than that first call to your mother-in-law where you admit you know nothing about raising that perfect, precious little grandchild of hers. And if your truly lucky (as I believe I am), your mother-in-law will merely tell you everything is all right and you’re doing a fine job. My mother-in-law always knows exactly what to say and how to make things seem better or less urgent. Even if she thinks I’m completely clueless about how to be a mommy, my mother-inlaw has been a crucial part of my husband and I surviving our daughter’s first year. As we wind down from baby’s first Christmas, another big milestone looms – Baby J’s first birthday. And it’s this time that I stop to say thank you to all of the people who have helped us get to this point. We all have these people in our lives – you know the people

written by

STEPHANIE BOOTHE who touch our children’s lives every single day. The “Aunties” – These are Mommy’s friends who held her hand during the “I think I might be pregnant” pre-test period. They are the friends who adore your baby as if she is part of their own family and expect you to bring Baby J to “girls days” and promise to be there in the difficult teen years when Baby J thinks Mom is the least cool person in the world. Cousins – Every child needs someone to look up to – someone who is a peer and a relative, a person you can call a friend. These are the people your baby will follow around like a shadow as soon as she starts walking.

They are the ones your child will grow up thinking “I want to be just like her one day.” Cousins are the ones who will help your baby gain the social skills she needs and teach her all the fun games like TV tag and take her “snipe hunting” when she’s old enough. The uncles/aunts – Mommy and Daddy’s brothers and sisters get the pleasure of buying all the noisy toys they can find and sending them home with you. It’s not because they want to annoy you, but they remember the singing snail you sent them one Christmas that sounded off every time someone walked passed. They are your baby’s best link to your past and will inevitably embarrass you by telling Baby some horrible story about your childhood. Grandparents – These are the people who will love your baby with a part of their heart you (and maybe even they) did not know existed. They are the ones you call in the middle of the night with the “Baby J spit up

something that looked like pea soup” frantic calls. They talk you off the ledge when Baby J won’t quit screaming and won’t judge you when you don’t know how she got that scratch on her face. They are the ones who offer to babysit when you haven’t even asked. If you’re one of the lucky new mommies grandma will be a daily fixture in Baby’s life. She’ll be there to share in all the firsts and help as you mold Baby into a caring compassionate person. And if you’re even luckier, your baby will grow up to have just a fraction of the heart of her grandma. I truly don’t know how single moms do this. I sometimes feel like a have an army, and I’ve quickly realized that I can’t do it without them.

Stephanie

Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccines Now Available at Fifty Plus Pharmacy (While Supplies Last)

Influenza Vaccine for cash paying customer - $33.90 Pharmacy Savings Club - $25.00

Fully certified pharmacist immunizer on staff most days.

Healthy U

Get Educated About Your Health.

Join Today!

Call for details or appointment 816.461.6546

50 PLUS PRESCRIPTIONS 211 W. Lexington • Independence, MO 64050 january 2011

JACKIE

cover story

Cheryl Harness “As you read my stories of long ago, I hope you will remember that things truly worthwhile and that will give you happiness are the same now as they were then.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957)

JACKIE

nce upon a time in the Queen City lived a little princess who chose to escape her “shabby, dreamy, little childhood” in the

imaginary world of historical fiction. “My cousin and I, for us, our books were our happy childhood,” Cheryl Harness, 59, says. “Betsy-Tacy books, Laura and Mary on the Prairie, we read them all, 10 times apiece. We both did.” Betsy and Tacy are best friends in the classic book series penned by Maud Hart Lovelace. Laura and Mary, of course, are the sisters most widely recognized in author Laura Ingalls Wilder’s semi-autobiographical “Little House” tales, the most famous of which is “Little House on the Prairie.” Today, Harness writes and illustrates, in exquisite detail, her own award-winning, historical children’s stories. She has published 44 books, 13 of which are illustrations only, including Laura Ingalls Wilder and Betsy-Tacy coloring books. She illustrated the classic children’s tale “The Night Before Christmas,” written by Clement C. Moore. And she produced Cheryl Harness Histories for National Geographic, writing about topics as diverse as presidents, the Pony Express and the Oregon Trail.

learns to cope with her “big, messy family” and heal from a family tragedy. “My cousin and I had sad moms. They were very depressed,” says Harness, who was the eldest of seven children. “It was so hard. They were just so lonely and overwhelmed and shut down and miserable ... poor babies! My mom would have been ever so much happier if she could have lived the way I live.” Today, Harness lives in a cocoa-colored, two-story Craftsman house on Union Street in historic, downtown Independence. Her home has a storybook appeal, as if one could snap off a piece of its asymmetrical roof like hard candy or finger-swoosh frosting from windowsill trimmings. Her automobile is toy-like, too (she drives a red Mini Cooper and is admittedly a bit distressed that the color of it clashes somewhat with her house paint). She shares her home with Merrie Emma, a Siamese-tabby mix she confides is merely “a cross-eyed, scaredy-cat,” and Mimi, a black and white Shih Tzu describes as “a deeply cute, preposterous little beast.” Her many framed illustrations adorn the walls of her cozy, three-bedroom home. A staircase leads up to her work studio, where she listens to books on tape while The past… she paints. As a child, she enjoyed playing Born in Maywood, Calif., with dimestore, oil-based modeling clay in 1951, Harness moved with and taught herself color theory by mixing her family to Independence clumps of colored clay together in her own when she was about 2 years “recipes.” old. Her family lived in Hoping to become an art teacher, Hara house once located at ness earned her degree in art education 715 N. Cottage, which from Central Missouri State University in would later become the Warrensburg. setting of her semi“But I bombed out as a student teacher. autobiographical I was just horrible and young, which is the novel for young same thing,” she says, gesturing with long, readers, “Just For lean fingers as she speaks. “I scared myself You To Know” out of the profession really. I was just a (recently released nervous wreck.” in paperback). Instead, she sold art supplies at Keith Billed as a comColdsnow in Kansas City and sketched ing-of-age story, portraits in front of the Zambezi Zinger rollit details how the ercoaster at Worlds of Fun for three seasons. main character, “Later, I wound up working at Hallmark 12-year-old Car- Cards and that was my first serious job,” Submitted photograph men Cathcart, she says. “That’s very sane making. I lasted JANUARY 2011

cover story

A master storyteller re-creates the past to teach children about the present about three years.” Harness then designed needlework kits for a company in San Ramone, Calif., for a couple of years before relocating to Colorado Springs, Colo., where she landed a position as a greeting card artist with Current Inc., a greeting card company. “Current was a wonderful company. But when you’re working in-house, you don’t get no love. It’s sort of like a loveless marriage – bosses don’t praise you, and artists thrive on praise, and in a corporate setting, you can’t be praised because you’ll get too uppity and ask for more money, so they deny the very thing you need. So you step out, you cheat.” Harness attended a children’s book summer class in 1984, which gave her the courage a year later to travel to New York City to show editors her illustrations. Ten books later, in 1989, she resigned from her “day job” at Current. “Nineteen-eighty-nine was the year Bette Davis died, the year of Tiananmen Square ... the year the Berlin Wall came down,” she says, ticking off the major events of that year. “I mean it was a changing year. I left in-house work in 1989 and have been out of a job ever since but never unemployed.”

“Cheryl’s presentations combine history, art, and humor as she talks about writing and illustrating her books,” says Naomi Williamson, associate professor of Library Services, Central Missouri State University, who serves as director of the annual Children’s Literature Festival in Warrensburg. “She does a wonderful job of holding the interest of children and adults alike.” Harness likes to quote Ralph Waldo Emerson to students: “You become what you think about all day long.” “I tell them, ‘All those years, and even though I wasn’t a classroom teacher, I was preparing to be here with all of you here now, with all of you little kids, and you may not know it but when you come to your school here every day, you’re preparing for the great work in your life and you may not know what that will be but you’re preparing yourself.’” Harness’s exhaustive research is reflected in the details she includes in her stories and illustrations. But her research isn’t limited to texts and the Internet. She often travels to a place to gain firsthand knowledge, such as when she traveled to Quincy, Mass., to visit the homes of John and Abigail Adams and John Quincy Adams for her book, “Young John Quincy.” And readers appreciate her efforts. In A teacher…after all her book “The Trailblazing Life of Daniel At last, Harness was prepared to teach. Boone and How Early Americans Took “It’s one thing to have talent, but I to the Road,” one Amazon.com reader have talent the same way I have blue eyes wrote: “I enjoy the style of Cheryl Harand big feet ... I didn’t earn it. It’s the ness’s books. She provides a very high rate development, and nothing develops talent of information per square inch through like doing an awful lot of artwork, which I her use of engaging artwork and text. A did for many years,” she says. timeline of world events runs across the “Now I go to schools all the time, and I bottom of each page. I love knowing that teach in my books. I try to find the snapwhile Daniel was trapping for pelts in piest way to convey a lot of information the wild, Handel was composing ‘Music and throw a lot of visual cues in it. I tell for the Royal Fireworks.’ There is also an kids that my books are an imaginationexcellent list of resources, other reading, education combination and you just have ‘places well worth visiting’ and an index. to be accurate and snappy and concise. Harness also describes the process she And we talk about the writing process uses to create the pen and ink pictures and I show them the paintings and I just throughout the book.” love it!” Harness also speaks at literary festivals The present… and conferences. And sometimes, she plays her harmonica for the children. “I’m like a fly at a picnic,” Harness says. Her vocabulary is richly seasoned with “I’ll work on this; I’ll work on that.” self-created words such as “swellegant,” Currently, she’s focused on completall better to capture the imaginations of ing two novels that have been “hangantsy grade-schoolers. ing around too long,” including one for

middle-school readers that she’s been taking notes on for more than two decades. “It’s about an 11-year-old kid who discovers that the fifth grader up the street has been turned into a dog,” she explains, laughing. And the other is a murder mystery, written for adults, about an artist working in greeting card land and the suspicious demise of the art director. “Almost all of the art director’s body has been discovered in the paper cutter,” Harness says, her face animated with glee. “I have this image of all this blood just sort of seeping down into the work table and onto all of these expensive Strathmore illustration boards, all warping up.” And no, she doesn’t have a death wish for any particular art director. “It’s an amalgam of art directors,” she adds, giggling. Harness honored Harry S. Truman in 2008 in “The Harry Book,” a comic book biography of the president from Independence. The latest news, however, is that Albert Whitman & Company has offered a publishing contract for her picture book about Dr. Mary E. Walker (1832-1919), an American feminist, abolitionist, prohibitionist, surgeon and the only female to be awarded the Medal of Honor for her service in the American Civil War. While Harness may enjoy reflecting on the past, she realizes that to successfully market her works she needs to embrace 21st century technology. Referring to herself as “a bit of a tech blockhead,” she nonetheless has made changes to her website. She offers numerous interactive features for young readers, such as coloring pages and is exploring the addition of serial audio podcasts. She also writes a blog at http://timepiebytheslice.blogspot. com, where she lists key dates in history. She looks forward to seeing her books downloaded on e-book readers. “I have one foot in each century,” Harness says. “I was born in the middle of the last century and I’ll be dead in the middle of this one. All you can do is soldier on. We’re a story-loving species; that won’t change. Only the delivery system for those stories is changing.” january 2011

SPECTRUM/ Cheryl Harness Highest High When my novel, “Just for You to Know,” was accepted for publication by Harper-Collins, 4 p.m., June 18, 2004 – that’s a Beatle birthday (Paul’s), therefore lucky.

Lowest Low Spring, 1977, out of a job, heart-busted, just about broke, a friend’s couch away from homelessness.

My Achilles’ Heel Ongoing battle between the enthusiastic and sad, crabby parts of my nature. Sort of a King Kong vs. Godzilla deal.

Smartest Thing I Ever Did Take Mr. Ellis’s watercolor class at Central Missouri State University (now UCM), Summer 1971.

Dumbest Thing I Ever Did Get married, Summer 1971.

What I Thought I’d Be Doing At This Point In My Life I thought I’d have more books published.

What I Still Want To Do Write a novel for grownups, based upon my life in greeting card land.

JACKIE

entertainment

Find family entertainment deals at RadarFrog.com

Play it again Lots of familiar faces in this year’s family movie lineup BY KATHRYN SUCICH 2010 saw the release of some big movies, including “Toy Story 3” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.” 2011 will see the release of some much-anticipated films as well, including a plethora of sequels. Here’s what to expect.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2"

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1”

The Harry Potter series wraps up 10 years after the original film was released. While readers of the books know the fate of Harry, Ron, Hermione and Voldemort, those who have only seen the movies will have to wait until July to see how it ends.

Like the final installment of the Potter series, filmmakers split the final book of the “Twilight” series into two parts. Part 1 is scheduled to be released in November; Twi-hards will have to wait until 2012 for Part 2.

“Cars 2” Lightning McQueen is back! And this time he’s heading overseas with Mater for the World Grand Prix. Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy are back, as are many others who voiced cars from the original movie. “Cars 2” zooms into theaters in June.

“Kung Fu Panda 2”

More family films

Jack Black and Angelina Jolie return in this sequel to one of the big hits of 2008. The film is subtitled “The Kaboom of Doom” and will be shown in 3-D and 2-D. “Kung Fu Panda 2” arrives in theaters in May.

Other kid-friendly movies expected this year include “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “The Green Hornet,” “X-Men: First Class,” which is the sequel to the X-Men trilogy, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “The Smurfs 3D,” “Spy Kids 4” and “Happy Feet 2.”

food

Consumer Reports taste tests frozen pizzas By Kathryn Rem GateHouse News Service When it comes to pizza, there are no right answers. Who is to say whether a thin crust is better than a thick one? It boils down to preferences. That said, Consumer Reports magazine ranks frozen pizza - specifically, frozen cheese pizza - in its January 2011 issue. It picked cheese pies because the National Frozen Pizza Institute, a trade organization, said it's among the most popular types. After testing, the magazine came up with three that it singled out as "very good." But first, the methodology. Staffers bought and baked more than 100 frozen cheese pizzas. They sliced them into equal pieces and fed the samples to seven trained taste testers. The magazine said each tester "tasted each brand three times in an order designed to eliminate bias." 10 JACKIE

In the blind tasting, with the samples number coded, testers graded the crust, cheese and sauce separately. They also offered an overall impression of each pie. Top rated was Amy's Cornmeal Crust

3 Cheese, also the most expensive with a suggested price of $7.99. The pizza "won points for its combination of fresh-tasting vegetables and herbs and dollops of soft goat cheese over a flavorful cornmeal crust." Coming in second was Home Run Inn Classic Cheese with a suggested price of $7.42, a Chicago-style pie with lots of cheese and sauce on a pastry-like crust. Third in the ratings was DiGiorno Rising Crust Four Cheese with a suggested price of $6.47, a pizza covered with plenty of cheese and sauce and anchored by a thick, chewy crust. Other pizzas rated "very good," in order, were Archer Farms Four Cheese from Target, Trader Giotto's Pizza 4 Formaggi from Trader Joe's, Freschetta Naturally Rising 4-Cheese, Tombstone Original Extra Cheese, DiGiorno Classic Thin Crust Four Cheese, Kashi Margherita Stone-Fired Thin Crust, Red Baron Classic

JANUARY 2011

Crust 4 Cheese and Freschetta Brick Oven 5-Italian Cheese. Five pizzas were called just OK, which means they had more flaws in the crust, cheese, sauce and/or spices than the ones mentioned above. Those five, from best to worst, were Jack's Original Cheese, Red Baron Fire Baked Thin Crust 5-Cheese, Tony's Original Cheese, 365 Everyday Value Four Cheese from Whole Foods and Totino's Crisp Crust Triple Cheese. The magazine said the Totino's had a greasy crust, sparse and a non-tomatolike sauce, nonspecific cheese and dehydrated seasonings that affected overall flavor. But, according to the Totino's website, the company sells more than 300 million crisp crust party pizzas annually. So despite what the professional tasters said, somebody rates them No. 1. Like I said, there are no right answers.

Experience A Taste of

Germany! OPEN

Sunday & Monday 11:00-2:30 Tues.-Sat. 11:00-9:00

The Rheinland Restaurant

Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccines Now Available at Fifty Plus Pharmacy (While Supplies Last)

Influenza Vaccine for cash paying customer - $33.90 Pharmacy Savings Club - $25.00

Fully certified pharmacist immunizer on staff most days.

Join Today!

Call for details or appointment 816.461.6546

Healthy U 50 PLUS PRESCRIPTIONS

Get Educated About Your Health.

211 W. Lexington • Independence, MO 64050

SQUARE

208 N. Main 816.461.5383 www.rheinlandrestaurant.com

Better health is just around the corner at…

Nancy’s Place

Tea • Smoothies • Shakes • Snacks

Warm

10% Discount with AD

Cozy…

IMPORTED GIFTS & FOODS

Independence

104 E. Lexington Ave. • 816.377.1217

How Wind & Willow does Winter.

209 N. Main • On Historic Independence Square (816) 461-6633 • Open Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-3

january 2011

JACKIE

life

165.3

12 JACKIE

JANUARY 2011

life

Keeping your

Christmas Trees

resolve Planning to save money next year? Hoping to lose weight? Make your New Year’s resolution a reality BY MOLLY LOGAN ANDERSON

hat are your intentions for personal change in the next year? If you made big plans when the ball dropped Dec. 31, you weren’t alone. While statistics show that nearly half of Americans typically make at least one New Year’s resolution, in 2009, 59 percent of those surveyed by TD Ameritrade resolved to save more money. Other top resolutions on lists across the U.S. are weight loss, exercising more and quitting smoking. While people make life changes throughout the year, the ceremony of ringing in a new year seems to ignite the passion for change in us all. “I think that people have goals all year round,” says Dr. Jonathan Fader, a licensed clinical psychologist and member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers. “But the New Year is a time for a reboot of the system, a time for everyone to update.” As those who’ve tried to succeed in the past know, New Year’s resolutions can be difficult to keep. If you approach goal-setting with the following tips in mind, your resolution is sure to stick.

Behavior-related resolutions In a struggling economy, many folks will resolve to find a better job or make more money — both terrible resolutions according to Fader. He recommends choosing behavior-related goals that we can control. For employment-related resolutions, that means identifying behaviors, like using automated online job searches or applying to a certain number of jobs each day, that are within our ability to achieve. For folks looking to lose weight, Fader recommends behavior-related goals like increased activity or

healthier eating in lieu of losing a specified amount of weight.

Staying motivated

Do it now

The majority of folks don’t keep New Year’s resolutions going for the long haul. Check out these expert tips for keeping motivation levels high as time goes by.

At the beginning of a new year, the world is buzzing with excitement about what’s to come. Folks are talking about what they’ll change or what resolutions they’ll make. “There’s a cultural norm that this is the time of year for making changes,” says Fader. “People say, ‘This is the day I’m going to change my behavior.’” Discussing your plans with family and friends at holiday gatherings is a great way to get motivated.

Realistic goals For resolutions to really stick, focus on realistic, incremental goals that are within your reach. “People set huge goals when they’re feeling really motivated,” says Fader, who recommends cutting your goal in half before committing to it. “The best-case scenario is that you’ll surpass your goal and feel better about yourself.”

Charge Your Battery “If you think about it, a motivator is really a battery for your goal,” says Fader. “The better the battery, the better your success rate.” Evaluate the reasons you have for setting specific goals, and really think about those reasons. Do you have a strong battery with a long life? The more specific and relevant the reasons are to you, the more likely you are to succeed in making your resolution your reality.

Share: Letting loved ones in the loop about your New Year’s goals makes you accountable. Pick a confidant who will ask you how you’re doing as well as support you in your efforts. Revisit: Remembering why you elected to make your desired change is one key to keeping it top-ofmind. Once you’ve set a goal, write it down along with the reasons for doing so. Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jonathan Fader recommends listing three to five reasons for your goal on a laminated index card kept in a wallet or purse for easy reference. Reward: Don’t underestimate the power of positive reinforcement. When you reach an incremental goal, find a way to reward yourself. “Let your body and mind know that good things happen when you stay on top of your behavioral goal,” says Fader. Slip, don’t fall: Don’t be afraid to slip along your way to success; most people do. “The abstinence violation effect is when you throw in the towel after having a setback,” says Fader. “Protect yourself by learning that when you slip, you can get right back to your goals.”

Save big on eDiets.com diet plans through RadarFrog.com. Sign up for a free account. january 2011

JACKIE

fashion

Give winter

the boot Western, military styles lead this season's footwear trends

[$70+]

BY ERIKA ENIGK

The flip-flops are packed away, and your next pedicure isn’t even on the books yet. But winter blues don’t have to travel all the way to your feet. With these great new boot styles hitting the shelves of a store near you, your toes will be tapping all winter long.

[$100+]

Lace-up boots For wear with jeans, military-style lace-up boots are what’s in. Steve Madden offers the Troopa style in black or brown leather for $99. And, of course, there is the classic Dr. Marten boot in any length from ankle to knee. For a more feminine touch, Dr. Martens offers the heeled Diva collection.

Stretch boots Those with big calf muscles often have a difficult time finding boots that fit comfortably. This year, look for boots that provide a “custom” fit. Kohl’s offers Croft and Barrow stretch boots for $69.99. Lace-up boots are another good choice, and Wanted has several styles, priced up to $69, some including a strap and buckle for extra fit.

[$70-$150]

Convertible boots Over-the-knee boots are popular for a fun night on the town but not exactly practical during the day. So why not buy three pairs in one with a convertible boot? They go from day to night with just a tug on the top. Victoria’s Secret sells the Devon Convertible Boot for $145. This style comes in three colors and can be worn over the knee, folded to knee-length or slouched even lower. For a more casual look, Madden Girl offers the Rokxy Over the Knee boot, which features straps and buckles on the foot and retails from $69.95 to $89.95.

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT) FROM KOHL'S, BLOOMINGDALES, J JILL, VICTORIA'S SECRET, AND STEVE MADDEN

14 JACKIE

[$85+] [$150+]

Wedge boots Wedge heels are big on boots this year. Nordstrom sells the Paola Ferri 809 for $159.95. A mid-calf boot that features straps and buckles, the 809 is available in a coffee color. Guess’s Scarlet Tall wedge boots have a scrunched look and retail for $189. Ugg Australia offers several versions of wedge boots, including the short Gisella with an adjustable strap and the tall Joslyn with shearling lining.

JANUARY 2011

Western boots For casual comfort, Westerninspired boots are everywhere this season. Rocket Dog sells its Rancher Oiled Suede for $84.95, and J Jill sells harness boots, brown and weathered-looking, like the Frye style for $218. Steve Madden’s Olster riding boot offers a more sophisticated version of this look.

Find fashion deals at RadarFrog.com

january 2011

JACKIE

the cutting edge

Add beautiful dimension to your hair Happy new year and welcome to our crazy winter season. The days are shorter and darker, and I don’t know about you, but things around our house tend to slow down a tiny bit. At least I feel like I do. So what would be better for you than to start out the year by adding a little sunshine? How about highlights? This is the time of year when it seems to me that everyone wants lighter, or brighter, hair. So, today I want to highlight some of the more popular lightening services, and add a few do’s and don’ts. Highlighting always removes color from your hair. Therefore it is always permanent. This means that it must grow out, or be cut off, to truly be gone. Simply covering it up with a darker color DOES NOT

written by

Mary costanzoschwaller MAKE IT GO AWAY! This is one of the biggest misconceptions we see in the salon. For instance, if your hair is past your shoulders, and you had highlights last year, then covered them up and you are now wishing for more highlights this year, you should not assume that your highlights are gone. They are only covered up. If you are a gal who goes back and forth from highlights

to no highlights in this manner, you can plan on being a gal who has over processed, dry, brittle, hair with breakage eventually. So plan carefully when you are making a change like this, tell your stylist what you know and be careful to use superior products to help keep your hair in tip top shape. Lowlights always add depth to your hair. The term actually means to put color in your hair that is darker than your natural, or base, color. This can be a semi permanent product or a permanent product. Know what is being used on your hair so you can be well informed and ready to make a great decision for the next color change you wish for. Many, many times we will use two or

food

even three colors when we are adding dimension to someone’s lovely locks, and we never get tired of explaining what and why we are doing something, so just ask. It never hurts to know, but it might hurt your hair not to know. This information should make it easier for you to start a conversation with your favorite hairdresser about a new service or simply add light to what you already are receiving! Have a beautiful day!

Mary

Green up your winter Growing your own food isn’t just for summer anymore By Wynne Everett

abe^ rhnÌk^ [khplbg` ma^ l^^] \hfiZgr \ZmZeh`l Zg] ]k^Zfbg` Z[hnm Z enla lnff^k `Zk]^g% \hglb]^k `^mmbg` Z a^Z] lmZkm pbma lhf^ _hh] rhn \Zg `khp bg]hhkl' ?hk Z ln\\^ll_ne bg]hhk `Zk]^g% rhnÌee Zm e^Zlm g^^] `hh] eb`am _khf Z lhnma&_Z\bg` pbg]hp' B_ rhn aZo^ Z lngihk\a hk

hma^k lfZee% pZkf khhf maZm `^ml ie^gmr h_ pbgm^k lng% rhn aZo^ Z i^k_^\m ^gobkhgf^gm' B_ ghm% rhn fZr g^^] mh bgo^lm bg `khp ebàml mh ]ôêhi a^Zemar ieZgml' Rhn pbee Zelh g^^] Z `hh] \hee^\mbhg h_ ihml Zg] `hh]& jnZebmr ihmmbg` lhbe _hk [^lm ikh]n\mbhg' ?\iYj Xi\ ^ff[ gcXekj ]fi X starter garden indoors. Basil, parsley, mint and oregano all do well in containers and can add a bright, fresh element to winter meals. Jfd\ ]il`kj Xe[ m\^\kXYc\j ZXe even do well indoors. The Virginia Cooperative Extension service recommends trying small varieties of tomatoes such as Roma, Tiny

Tim or Small Fry, all of which grow to less than 3 feet. Some tomato plants do well in hanging baskets, which are also ideal for indoors. JdXcc g\gg\i gcXekj ZXe ^ifn alongside your tomatoes. They’ll both produce nice additions for your salads and other winter dinners, even though they’ll be smaller than their summer garden counterparts.

8[mXeZ\[ ^Xi[\e\ij should be able to take on radishes and lettuce as indoor container crops, according to extension agents. I\d\dY\i# `e[ffi gcXekj can still fall prey to pests and disease. Also, container gardens will require frequent watering in dry, indoor winter air. PHOTO BY STOCK.XCHNG

16 JACKIE

JANUARY 2011

january 2011

JACKIE

expert answers STYLE TIP

My party plans are busy all holiday season, from work and family to friends and dates. I'm looking for a flexible piece or two that I can dress up or down for different events. Any suggestions?

Celebrate a

new year Compiled by Melissa Erickson

A: Think less about getting a new dress or blouse and more about using accessories and accent pieces to transform your existing wardrobe. Shoes in bold colors or animal prints turn basic black outfits from blend-in to standout. Statement-making necklaces, like the ribbon-tied bib-style with big stones and details you’re seeing everywhere, or chunky costume earrings make what you wear underneath less important. A metallic clutch is all you need to take your work outfit to a party. And consider throwing a faux fur vest over a simple dress to add some festive edge. By Dannielle Kyrillos, editor-at-large of DailyCandy.com

Tips for celebrating with family and friends PHOTOS BY STOCK.XCHNG

ILLUSTRATION BY GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE

CHAMPAGNE CELEBRATION

GOOD PARENTING

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

We're toasting the new year with good friends this month. Can you make some suggestions on champagne at different price points?

At what age should parents start giving allowance? What are the benefits?

I stopped making New Year's resolutions years ago, but I'm thinking about making some changes this year. Are resolutions a good idea, and do you have any advice for sticking to them?

A: If you want to splurge for an expensive and impressive bottle, check out the Armand de Brignac Brut Gold. At $300, this exquisite champagne comes in a goldplated bottle and a lacquered wooden case lined in black velvet. On the inexpensive side, go to your local wine store and pick up a good bottle of Prosecco, which is an Italian sparkling wine (champagne only comes from France). A fabulous bottle can be had for $10-$20. By Brad Prescott, owner, IntoWine.com

18 JACKIE

A: Getting a regular allowance is a great way for your child to learn money management and financial responsibility. You could start to give a small allowance as early as preschool, but just remember to assign age-appropriate chores that your child can handle. As he gets older and the allowance gets bigger, sit down with your child to develop a money management plan together. It will teach him to save for what he wants and will give him a sense of pride when he reaches his goal. From the experts at FamilyEducation.com

JANUARY 2011

A: The truth is, resolutions are a great idea if you can commit to them. Shift from the typical “should” mentality that everyone has when attempting to change in the new year to a “must” mentality. For instance, instead of “I’ll try to read to my kids every night,” make it “I will read every night with the kids.” When you absolutely must do something, you will. By professional life coach Shannon Graham, www.321lifecoach.com

january 2011

JACKIE

food Spaghetti INGREDIENTS • Angel hair pasta • Food coloring (red, blue, purple) • Other pasta shapes, such as conchiglie, farfalle, fusilli, rotelle • Pasta sauce • Meatballs • Fresh Parmesan cheese

1. Prepare pasta – angel hair and a few other shapes – according to the package directions. Calculate the amount according to the number of diners and noodle colors involved.

2 2. Divide cooked pasta among different containers, with enough water to cover. Add drops of food coloring to each container, leaving one plain for white noodles. Swirl the containers to spread the color evenly. Let the noodles soak in the tinted water for about 45 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

3. Dye pieces of the “accent” pasta following the same procedure you started with the angel hair. You’ll need two or three accent pieces for each child’s meal. Arrange the pasta on a platter. Let your children serve themselves with noodles, sauce and meatballs. 20 JACKIE

MEALTIME MAKEOVERS

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARGARET MAPLES

Add pizzazz to your children's familiar favorites Spaghetti and meatballs RECIPE ON LEFT First, try angel hair instead of the usual spaghetti. And go for more color. Noodles aren’t always white, of course, but whole-wheat brown, spinach-flavored green and tomato-flavored orange left us cold. By adding a little food coloring, you’ll achieve red, purple and blue pasta. And you’ll start racking up points with your young diners. Don’t stop now. Pasta comes in dozens of shapes, so pick a second or third to use as accents. We found snowflakes

and snowmen, perfect for winter. You might choose conchiglie (conch shells), farfalle (butterfly or bow shapes), fusilli (little corkscrews), rotelle (small spoked wheels) — the list goes on. You’ll need to cook and dye only two or three accent pieces per serving. Set the vividly colored pasta on a platter, with your children’s favorite sauce and meatballs nearby, and let the youngsters arrange their own plates. As another jazzy accent, grate some Parmesan cheese and let the kids help themselves. JANUARY 2011

Grilled cheese sandwich RECIPE ON NEXT PAGE This reliable comfort dish has received a makeover on restaurant menus, so why not at your house? The basic meal is built on regular white bread, which can be boring but has lots of tasty cousins. For this improved version, try some of them. Challah, a golden braid, has a sweet flavor that’s famed far beyond its Jewish tradition. Have the bakery slice it for you. Another delicious white bread, domestic Italian, can be transformed into interesting shapes with a cookie cutter. For

small sandwiches, slice a French-style demi baguette into 2-inch rounds, or use mild party rye. And now for the cheese. Good old American is fairly standard, but for this upgrade we used Cheddar and Jarlsberg. You might also try Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or Asiago — there are loads of very grown-up choices. With the cheese, add thin slices of ripe tomato. As a finishing touch after grilling, decorate your sandwiches with small blossoms made from cherry tomatoes and basil chiffonade.

Grilled cheese

INGREDIENTS

1. From the Italian slices, you can use cookie cutters to create butterflies, flowers and other interesting shapes. No need to tweak the challah. The slices make a charming, irregular-shaped sandwich. The baguette will make small oval sandwiches; the party rye, squares or, with a cookie cutter, small rounds. Try to make the cheese slices match the bread so warm cheese won’t ooze and burn while grilling.

2. Set a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. While the skillet warms, assemble the sandwiches with cheese and thin slices of tomato. Melt a tablespoon of butter in the hot skillet. Brown the sandwiches on both sides.

3 3. Tomato blossoms: Cut a cherry tomato in half. Push a decorative party pick through the tomato’s cut end, letting about an inch of toothpick emerge through the bottom. Anchor this bottom stem in the sandwich. Surround with a bit of basil chiffonade. Serve warm.

• Bread, such as challah, Italian loaf, party rye and French style demi baguette • Sliced cheese, such as Jarlsberg and Cheddar, or try Mozzarella, Asiago or Monterey Jack • Roma tomatoes, sliced thin • Butter • Cherry tomatoes • Basil leaves, washed and dried

Save on food, drinks and dining at RadarFrog.com. Sign up for a free account.

Would you buy it? By Kathryn Rem GateHouse News Service PRODUCT: Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo DETAILS: Squeeze-bottle mayonnaise in flavors Chipotle, Hot & Spicy, Horseradish-Dijon and Garlic & Herb. MORE INFORMATION: 800-847-1997 or www. kraftfoods.com. AVAILABILITY: At supermarkets nationwide, including Meijer. SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $2.59 for a 12ounce bottle. COMMENTS: When we opened the Chipotle flavor, we were afraid it would be too spicy. But we found it had a pleasant kick that made sandwiches more interesting. "It has a smoky, roasted flavor." "The taste is not overwhelming." "It might make a good dip for veggies."

Wise to the word: Bagoong By Jim Hillibish GateHouse News Service Bagoong (Bah-GOONG) It's the first month of 2011, it’s a cold January, and our thoughts turn to – Hawaii. If you take a trip to these gentle isles, be prepared to see bagoong in restaurants frequented by locals. This is known throughout the Pacific Islands as a condiment. It is made by salting, curing and fermenting shrimp for several weeks. The liquid flavors many seafood dishes.

– Canton Repository

WOULD YOU BUY IT? Yes. – State Journal-Register january 2011

JACKIE

Bridal Expo 2011

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Presented by The Examiner â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

6DWXUGD\ )HEUXDU\ D P WR S P 7KH 3DYLOLRQ DW -RKQ .QR[ 9LOODJH

faBulous fashion shows 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

)($785,1* $PRUÂ¹ %ULGDO 7X[HGRV %ULGDO ([WUDRUGLQDLUH DQG %ULGDO 6ROXWLRQV 7DLORU

tickEts:

$5.00 at the door Register to win thousands of dollars in prizes at www.examiner.net beginning Dec. 31, 2010. Online registration will close on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011.

&DOO 6KDURQ 'DQNHQEULQJ DW IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ *2/' 63216256 %5,'$/ 62/87,216 7$,/25 $025( %5,'$/ 78;('2 :('',1* (;75$25',1$,5(

(9(17 6321625(' %<

6,/9(5 6321625 ',//$5' 6 22 JACKIE

JANUARY 2011

good reads

Winter getaways Warm books for the coldest month BY PAUL EISENBERG

BOOK

"Beachcombers," by Nancy Thayer

"El Borak and Other Desert Adventures," by Robert E. Howard

"One Hot Summer Day," by Nina Crews

"Dune," by Frank Herbert

"The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida and the Politics of Paradise," by Michael Grunwald

PRICE

DESCRIPTION

$25

Spend a summer on Nantucket Island with four women â&#x20AC;&#x201D; three sisters and a middle-age woman who has retreated to the island of her youth after being left by her husband for her best friend. The story is told from each of their viewpoints as they encounter villains and romance and find their own version of fulfillment.

$18

Howard is famous for creating Conan the Barbarian, but he was a prolific author of other types of adventure stories, and many of those compiled in this 2010 collection feature Frances Gordon, a Texan who makes a name for himself as he faces a variety of villains and danger in the Middle East.

$16.99

Cooped-up kids pining for the outdoor freedom of those seemingly endless summer days will delight in spending a wintry afternoon with this book that opens with, "It's summer, and it's hot." Adventures in this picture book for preschoolers include trying to fry an egg on the sidewalk, playing in water spraying from an open hydrant and eating grape popsicles.

$17

It's hard to get farther from a cold, snowy winter than by traveling to the desert planet Arrakis, where the sands are deep, the winds are hot and the intrigue among the house of Harkonnen nobles will keep readers involved. This classic of science fiction has spawned legions of fans and continues to do so decades after it first won the Hugo and Nebula awards.

$16

Early in the 1800s, the marshy land that comprised most of South Florida was seen as a useless bog. But then the developers came, followed by the tourists. Hunters killed unique birds by the hundreds. Politicians sold water rights to unscrupulous carpetbaggers. But this story has a happy ending, as Washington Post journalist Grunwald describes the efforts of politicians from both parties to finally give the Everglades the protection it deserves.

january 2011

JACKIE

24 JACKIE

JANUARY 2011