of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue OCT. 25th #43 2021
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TIDBITS® CARVES OUT FACTS ABOUT PUMPKINS by Kathy Wolfe Autumn is upon us, a good time for Tidbits to examine one of the season’s foremost food items, the pumpkin! • Pumpkins are one of the oldest domesticated plants. Is it a fruit or a vegetable? Scientifically it is a fruit because it contains seeds and the fruit grows from a blossom on an existing plant. But nutritionally, it’s more similar to vegetables, specifically the squash family. Chefs consider them vegetables, because they’re prepared like vegetables. • A pumpkin contains about 500 seeds. If you’re planning to plant pumpkins, soak the seeds in lukewarm water the day before planting for optimum sprouting. Expect them to sprout in 8 to 10 days. Because they take between 90 and 120 days to mature, plant them between May and July. • The word “pumpkin” has undergone some modifications over the centuries. It’s believed that the Greek word “pepon,” meaning “large melon,” was the original name. The French pronounced it “pompon,” and the English changed it to “pumpion.” William Shakespeare mentioned the word “pumpion” in his 1602 play “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” It was the American colonists who altered the word to “pumpkin.” turn the page for more!
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #43 Oct. 25th 2021
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Evelyn Bevacqua Howe 212. W. Ironwood Dr., Suite D,# 224, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 Cell: 208.755.9120 Email: Tidbitscda@gmail.com www.tidbitscda.com Facebook/tidbitscda
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More than 1.5 billion lbs. (680 million kg) of pumpkin are produced annually in the U.S. The top-producing states are Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Morton, Illinois proudly holds the title of Pumpkin Capital of the World.” Home to the Libby Corporation’s canning facility, the city processes 85% of America’s pumpkin. The University of Illinois tells us that 95% of the pumpkins grown in the U.S. come from that state. What do Hooligan, Lumina, Iron Man, Cotton Candy, Cinderella, and Orange Smoothie have in common? They are all a different type of the 45 varieties of pumpkins. Those with a higher sugar content, such as the New England Cheddar, are best for desserts, while other lesssugary varieties, such as the Cinderella, named after the carriage of the fairy-tale princess, are used in savory recipes, such as those for other squashes. The smaller the pumpkin, the better the flavor. Early artists’ impressions of the First Thanksgiving showed the Pilgrims serving traditional pumpkin pie at their outdoor tables. However, this is an inaccurate representation, as the first “pies were gutted-out pumpkins, filled with milk, spices, and honey baked in a fire’s hot ashes.” The Native Americans of the area, in addition to snacking on long strips of pumpkin roasted on the open fire, dried strips of the squash and wove them into mats. Although we love pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, surprisingly, it’s not our favorite. The American Pie Council says that apple pie is our preferred choice. But that didn’t stop the members of the New Bremen, Ohio Giant Pumpkin Growers from embarking on making the world’s largest pumpkin pie in 2010. Tipping the scales at 3,699 lbs. (1,678 kg), the crust was made of 440 sheets of dough and had a diameter of 20 feet (6 m).
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"If you heat a pita in the microwave first, it will be easier to open and will rip less. About 10 seconds should do it." -- M.E. in Georgia
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Baby have diaper rash? One of the best remedies is "air time" -- that is, letting baby go without a diaper for a bit. Another simple soother is a baking soda bath. Try adding 2-4 tablespoons of baking soda to Junior's bathwater.
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Use this tip to vacuum seal your meat for the freezer without any special equipment! Add meat pieces to a plastic, zipper-top bag. Fill a large pot several inches deep with water. Seal all but an inch or so of the bag. As you lower the bag into the water (zipper top up) the air will escape through the unsealed portion. When no air remains, seal the bag and then remove from the water.
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"Have you tried this single-serving blender hack using a mason jar? Many standard-size blender blades can be screwed on to a pint Mason jar. If you're one of the lucky ones, you can make single servings of smoothies to blend and go." -- T.U. in South Carolina
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"Apply petroleum jelly to the panes of your windows before painting the trim. This works better than masking tape in many ways. It is easily removed, and even large paint flecks come right off." -- P.S. in Illinois
Send your tips to Now Here's a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #43 Oct. 25th 2021 PUMPKINS (continued): •
In 2014, a Tennessee mom set out to make Halloween safe for kids with life-threatening food allergies. As a mother of a child with allergies, she created the Teal Pumpkin Project, asking families in her neighborhood to paint a pumpkin teal and place on their porch to indicate that they are handing out non-food treats, such as small toys or other non-edibles. The project has now blossomed into a nationwide initiative for allergy awareness.
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Pumpkins have their very own sport, known as “Punkin Chunkin’,” which is a pumpkin launching competition. Several cities across the continent have organized contests, which require the pumpkins to be shot by some type of mechanical means. This includes slingshots, catapults, centrifugals, trebuchets (long-armed catapults), and pneumatic cannons. Pumpkins with thicker rinds are chosen in order to better withstand the intensity of the launch. The main rule is that the pumpkin must remain whole from the time it leaves the device until it hits the ground. The record-setting longest shot occurred in 2010 in Moab, Utah, where the pumpkin was shot from a pneumatic cannon, rocketing more than 5,545 feet (1,690 m) before landing.
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The Irish were the first to carve Jack-olanterns, but they didn’t carve pumpkins. Rather they carved turnips and potatoes, with the purpose of warding off evil spirits. The English used large beets and lit them with embers. When immigrants brought the tradition to America, they found pumpkins to be much easier to carve and the change was made. During colonial times, pumpkins were also placed on a person’s head as a guide for a haircut!
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TIDBITS Tidbits of Kootenai®County, Idaho Issue #43 Oct. 25th 2021 of Dallas County
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PUMPKINS (continued): •
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As if carving a pumpkin isn’t tricky enough, how about accomplishing it underwater? Several states sponsor an annual underwater carving competition, including Texas, Florida, California, Vermont, and Minnesota. In the Florida Keys, scuba divers gather in a shallow coral reef for the contest, which requires turning a pumpkin into a sea creature jack-o-lantern. In Austin, Texas, there are several categories, including Mermaid’s Delight, Creepiest Creation, and Fantastically Funny. The contest at Louise Mine Lake near Crosby, Minnesota, which began in 1998, sends divers 30 feet (9.1 m) down to accomplish their carving. Nutritionally, pumpkin is a wonder food. It’s 94% water, which makes it low in calories, less than 50 calories per cup (245 g). That one cup will provide 245% of the recommended daily requirement of Vitamin A, important for healthy vision, cell division, and the immune system. Pumpkin is also very high in betacarotene, an antioxidant that contributes to eye, skin, and cell health, as well as reducing the risk for certain cancers. Another name for pumpkin seeds is pepitas. While the pumpkin’s flesh is low in calories, the seeds have 170 calories per one-ounce serving. Lots of folks season and roast the seeds, while others grind them up and use them as a breading for fried chicken. Old folklore medicine touted the use of pumpkins for all sorts of ailments, including intestinal parasites, curing snake bites, and even removing freckles. In the animal world, veterinarians often recommend canned pumpkin for dogs and cats suffering from digestive ailments, including constipation, diarrhea, or hairballs. The current record holder for the world’s largest pumpkin is a Belgium gentleman, Mathias Willemijns, who grew a pumpkin weighing 2,624.6 lbs. (1,190.49 kg) during the 2016 growing season.
By Lucie Winborne • Those having received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine were eligible for a free marijuana joint in New York City and Washington, D.C., thanks to "Joints for Jabs." The organization behind the 4/20 event hoped to help counter vaccine hesitancy. •
The first lawnmower was an adapted carpet-cutting machine.
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Theodore Seuss Geisel dropped out of Oxford before getting his Ph.D. and called himself Dr. Seuss as a nod to his father.
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The four-penny coffin was one of the first homeless shelters created for the people of central London by the Salvation Army during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For that amount, they received food and shelter, and could sleep in a coffinshaped wooden box with a tarp.
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When you snap a whip, that sound you hear is the whip breaking the sound barrier.
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In 2015, a fan of the Australian band Peking Duk got backstage at their concert by adding himself as a family member on their Wiki page and showing it to security. The duo wasn't upset, however, noting that they "ended up having a bunch of beers with him and he was an absolute legend."
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Swedish wasn't the official language of Sweden until 2009.
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The phrase "take something with a grain of salt" refers to an ancient Roman recipe for an antidote that protects against poisons.
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Phobophobia is the fear of phobias, or the fear of fear.
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Lee Hadwin "sleepdraws" gorgeous works of art, of which he has no recollection afterward. He has been drawing in his sleep since he was 4 years old.
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The ancient Aztecs believed that Techichis, forerunners of today's Chihuahua, would absorb their owners' sins while escorting them to the afterlife.
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Thought for the Day: "Quality is not an act. It is a habit." -- Aristotle (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #43 Oct. 25th 2021 For Advertising Call (334)
By Healthy Exchanges
Cranberry Graham Squares While cranberry sauce is always appropriate, why not share this cranberrystudded recipe this season? After all, it won't be long before these ruby delights won't be anywhere to be found. 12 (2 1/2-inch) graham crackers 1 (4-serving) package sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix 2/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder 1 3/4 cups water 1 (4-serving) package sugar-free vanilla cook-and-serve pudding mix 1 cup reduced-calorie cranberry juice cocktail 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries 1 cup reduced-calorie whipped topping 1. Evenly arrange 9 graham crackers in a 9-by-9-inch cake pan. In a large bowl, combine dry instant pudding mix, dry milk powder and 1 1/4 cups water. Mix well using a wire whisk. Pour mixture evenly over graham crackers. Refrigerate while preparing cranberry sauce. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine dry cook-and-serve pudding mix, cranberry juice cocktail, remaining 1/2 cup water and cranberries. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until cranberries soften, stirring often. 3. Remove from heat, place saucepan on a wire rack and allow to cool for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Evenly spoon cooled mixture over set filling. 4. Spread whipped topping evenly over cranberry mixture. Crush remaining 3 graham crackers into fine crumbs. Evenly sprinkle crumbs over top. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serves 8. * Each serving equals: 93 calories, 1g fat, 2g protein, 19g carb., 297mg sodium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Starch. (c) 2021 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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® ofIdaho TIDBITS of Kootenai County, IssueCounty #26 June 28th 2021 Tidbits Dallas
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TIDBITS of Kootenai® County, Idaho Issue #43 Oct. 25th 2021 Tidbits of Dallas County
by Freddy Groves
Annual Suicide Report The 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report shows a decrease in veteran suicides from 2018 and 2019 when compared with previous years. For example, 2019 saw 399 fewer suicides than 2018. Rates for male veterans dropped by 3.8% in those two years. However, the suicide rate per 100,000 was 31.6 ... much higher than for nonveterans at 16.8 per 100,000. While figures from 2018 and 2019 are helpful and it was a mere two and three years ago, it feels like a lifetime when you consider our new normal with the anxiety and stress of COVID, not to mention the required isolation. What do morecurrent numbers, say for 2020, show? The Department of Veterans Affairs news release says specifically that they have "not observed increases in VHA documented suicide-related indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic." Yet they don't provide any statistics. Instead, they say that they'll examine suicide mortality when national death certificate data becomes available. I assume they mean the National Death Index. It says the file for 2019 is available for searching, and that the early release file for 2020 is available. From that, one can click on the whole list of states and the percentages of demographic data each has completed. Nationally, the page says, states have completed an average 96% of their data input. Some states have completed 100%. But you can't just wander the stacks without an access application, as I found out when I tried. But surely the VA qualifies to access the National Death Index and could give initial 2020 figures. Of note: Of the half-dozen 2019 state files I looked at, the veteran age group most in danger of suicide was 55-74 years. The Veterans Crisis Line is open 24/7 and can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, then Press 1. Or text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/ Chat. (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #43 Oct. 25th 2021 For Advertising Call (334)
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By Dr. Holly Carling
A PAIN IN THE NECK Have you ever been accused of being a pain in the neck? Or, rather, do you have a pain in the neck? Neck pain is the third most common type of pain, with more than 1 in 4 Americans suffering. Pain can have a profound effect on the quality of life for those who experience pain chronically or intensely. Those who hurt tend to be more irritable or short-tempered, impatient, fatigued, anxious, depressed, or try to limit social contact or activities that may exacerbate their symptoms. Many times pain affects sleep, and with sleep deprivation comes an increase in any of these issues. Neck pain can come from a traumatic event, or over time due to deterioration of the spine, muscle spasms, and even seemingly “simple” incidences. We can whiplash the neck when in a car whose driver suddenly accelerates, or riding a horse that is bucking (and of course if bucked off). Any time the neck is thrust forward or backwards suddenly, whiplash can occur. Auto accidents get the most credit for whiplashes, but stepping off a curb or being knocked harshly, can cause one. Some expect that a low-impact car accident can’t do much damage, but that is quite the contrary. Symptoms can take 24-48 hours to appear, and at times a couple of weeks later. Many people hold stress in their neck and it becomes increasingly tighter and tighter, causing new problems: headaches, neuropathy, acute spasms that may lead to torticollis, and other conditions. Headaches caused by neck
discomfort lead many to seek resolution of their neck pain because it now effects their productivity or enjoyment of life. Acupuncture is a common choice. According to WebMD: “The author of one study, Dominik Irnich, MD, tells WebMD that, "acupuncture is widespread in the world. Western medicine is wonderful and successful, but in many, many chronic conditions ... there is a lack of success, and Eastern medicine methods may be the right choice. ... [Our] study shows that acupuncture is more effective than one of the most customary treatments for chronic neck pain [that is, massage]. Irnich is an anesthesiologist specializing in pain therapy at the University of Munich and the German Medical Acupuncture Association.” Acupuncture has some known mechanisms for the effectiveness in its treatment for pain. In the brain, there are several naturally occurring opioids that reduce pain. These are released with acupuncture, via the central nervous system. Acupuncture at the point of pain helps the body with pain in that specific area. Neurotransmitters and neuro-hormones are released that also have a role in the perception of pain. Acupuncture also helps the immune and healing mechanisms in the body. Acupuncture is known historically for its ability to reduce muscle spasms and swelling, commonly associated with pain. If you are ready to get rid of the pain in the neck in your life, try acupuncture – it works!
Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over three decades of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’ Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling’s website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at 208-765- 1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #43 Oct. 25th 2021 For Advertising Call (334)
COUCH THEATER VIDEO/ DVD PREVIEWS
By Rachel Rose Photo Credit: Netflix Photo Caption: Julien Bam in "Life's a Glitch" "The Way Down" -- This three-part documentary exposes The Remnant Fellowship, a Southern megachurch that seemed to follow the Scientology playbook of brainwashing, intimidation and guilt-based money-grubbing. The church was created and led by Gwen Shamblin, a diet guru obsessed with weight loss and big hair (and money, and power). The film was well into production when Shamblin, her husband and five others from the church were killed in a small-plane crash in Tennessee in May 2021. As such, two more upcoming episodes will be released in early 2022 to cover the fallout of the loss of the church's leadership, including pending lawsuits. (HBOMax) "Life's a Glitch With Julien Bam" (16+) -Imagine being a wildly famous internet influencer when out of the blue, a "Back to the Future"-like car crash transports you and your best buddy to a parallel universe where you are now a big fat nobody but your friend is a world-famous rapper. Such is the plot of this four-episode German comedy series starring Julien Bam -- an actual YouTube celebrity -- and Joon Kim. While attempting to find their way back to their previous reality, the two gents encounter various misadventures from mistaken identity hijinks to an MMA beatdown. Premieres Oct. 21. (Netflix) "Invasion" -- A series of unexplained and seemingly random incidents, accidents and tragedies fall upon the planet. But the increasingly destructive events are soon determined to be interconnected, and their origin is not of the earth. Crashes, explosions, sickness, plagues; will it be the end of humanity? The 10-episode original series feels very "War of the Worlds '05," but it stars Sam Neill, so there's still hope. Premieres Oct. 22. (Apple TV+) "Behind the Music" -- From 1997 to 2014, VH1's "Behind the Music" was the ultimate weekend couch-vegging program. Every episode brought to light all of the darkest days of our favorite musicians. It seemed every musical act from Leif Garrett to Hall & Oates to Anthrax was featured, exposing their addictions, bankruptcies and broken relationships. It was awesome. And now it's back! Eight all new episodes are currently available, some with artists who have been previously featured on the show. My episode recommendations: Huey Lewis and Duran Duran. (Paramount+) (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
1. What was AC/DC's first Top 40 single? 2. Who was the first to release "Saving All My Love for You"? 3. Who was the 1973 song "You're So Vain" written about? 4. Which Elton John album was originally titled "Vodka and Tonics"? 5. Name the song that contains this lyric: "I gotta take a little time, A little time to think things over." Answers 1. "You Shook Me All Night Long," in 1980. There's been debate about who actually wrote the song. The girlfriend of Bon Scott, who died that year, claims to have his old notebook of lyrics, with parts of this song written down long in advance. Others have said the same thing. Yet Scott wasn't credited. 2. The first were Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. in 1978. Whitney Houston followed with a cover in 1985. 3. Writer and singer Carly Simon revealed in 2015 that the second verse was about actor Warren Beatty. The other verses were about other men. 4. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," in 1973. 5. "I Want to Know What Love Is," by Foreigner, in 1984. The song topped charts around the world and has since been covered by numerous others, including Mariah Carey and Wynonna Judd. (c) 2021 King Features Syndicate
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #43 Oct. 25th 2021 For Advertising Call (334)
1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the only country that ends with the letter Q? 2. LITERATURE: Which Truman Capote nonfiction book begins with the line, "The village of Holcomb stands on the high wheat plains of western Kansas, a lonesome area that other Kansans call 'out there'"? 3. MOVIES: What were the words on the hot-air balloon in which the wizard leaves Emerald City in "The Wizard of Oz"? 4. HISTORY: Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteed the right to vote regardless of race? 5. MEDICAL: What condition is the result of a decrease in red blood cells? 6. MEASUREMENTS: How many tablespoons are in a 1/4 cup? 7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What do deltiologists study and collect? 8. TELEVISION: What is Netflix's highest rated original series in 2021? 9. SCIENCE: What is a person who specializes in plant studies called? 10. FOOD & DRINK: Is eggplant considered a fruit or a vegetable? Answers 1. Iraq 2. "In Cold Blood" 3. State Fair Omaha 4. Fifteenth 5. Anemia 6. Four 7. Postcards 8. "Bridgerton" 9. A botanist 10. Fruit (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
Professional Pet Sitter Is Teen's Dream Job DEAR PAW'S CORNER: I read your column about a pet sitter who had to deal with a sick cat. Even though it was a scary story, I still want to be a professional pet sitter. I'm still in high school, but this is a dream job for me. How do I get started? Do I need to be certified by a national organization? -- Sarah, Blue Ridge, Georgia DEAR SARAH: Pet sitting can be a rewarding career, especially if you do the groundwork needed to really succeed at it. You don't need a certificate from an organization like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, but having a certificate helps prospective clients feel more confident that you know your job and take it seriously. Here's a few steps to take before starting a pet sitting business. -- Talk to your parents about what you want to do. Because you're under 18, it's important to involve them in this decision. -- Do some trial pet-sitting. With your parents' permission and supervision, pet sit for family friends or relatives. You'll get valuable experience and learn if you really like doing this. -- Join pet sitting groups on social media. You can glean lots of useful advice from experienced pet sitters. -- Learn about starting and running a small business. If your high school doesn't offer a class or a club, sign up at a nearby community college. -- Contact the Small Business Association (SBA.gov). They offer free counseling services to help you get a small business off the ground. -- Check out some major pet sitting organizations online. The NAPPS (https:// petsitters.org) in the U.S. and Pet Sitters International (https://www.petsit.com/) have lots of information and advice on running a great pet-sitting business. Send your questions, tips or comments to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
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TIDBITS Tidbits of Kootenai®County, Idaho Issue #43 Oct. 25th 2021 of Dallas County
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• On Nov. 5, 1605, King James I of England learns of a plot to blow up the Parliament building. Guy Fawkes had been found lurking in a cellar with 20 barrels of gunpowder. Fawkes revealed that he was part of a conspiracy to annihilate England's Protestant government and replace it with Catholic leadership. • On Nov. 7, 1774, Richard Bache succeeds his father-in-law, Benjamin Franklin, as postmaster general. Benjamin Franklin was fired for opening and sending to a publisher Massachusetts Royal Governor Thomas Hutchinson's correspondence. • On Nov. 4, 1922, British archaeologists discover the tomb of King Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. The tomb contained a stone sarcophagus with three nested coffins. Inside the final solid gold coffin was the mummy of the boy-king Tutankhamen, preserved for more than 3,000 years. • On Nov. 2, 1947, the Hughes Flying Boat -the largest aircraft ever built -- is piloted by designer Howard Hughes on its first and only flight. The massive wooden aircraft had a wingspan longer than a football field and was designed to carry more than 700 men to battle. • On Nov. 1, 1959, Montreal Canadien Jacques Plante becomes the first NHL goaltender to wear a full facemask. Despite the coach's objection, Plante put his foot down as he'd "already had four broken noses, a broken jaw, two broken cheekbones and almost 200 stitches" in his head. • On Nov. 3, 1976, "Carrie," a horror film starring Sissy Spacek and based on Stephen King's 1974 best-selling first novel, opens in theaters. It tells the story of a high-school outcast who uses her telekinetic powers to exact a violent revenge on prom night. (c) 2021 Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue 505-0674 #43 Oct. 25th 2021 For Advertising Call (334) In the “A Place For Mom” newsletter, there is a wonderful article by Nancy Shepherd which as posted on September 27, 2017, entitled
“Helping New Residents Fit In” By Matilda Charles
Rec Center Almost Opened Again My local recreation center almost opened again. A month ago, the center opened for indoor walking with strict rules. One week later, during a heated board meeting, mostly about masks versus no masks, the rec center supervisor said he was shutting it down for the foreseeable future. Since then there's been a hue and cry, mostly between the mask police and the anti-mask folks. The center supervisor, ever accommodating but safety minded, declared that there would be certain days for people who wanted masks and days for those who didn't want to wear masks. Walking on the track, he said, would be the only center activity. "Not fair," cried those (mostly teen boys) who also wanted basketball, and no, they didn't want to wear masks. Fine, he replied, there could be one-on-one basketball in three of the center's courts. But, said others, if teen basketball was allowed, why couldn't there be adult classes as well? So, the supervisor adjusted the schedule, did measurements on the floor, and outlined space on a basketball court where a no-mask yoga class could be held in the mornings with participants 8 feet apart. You know what happened next, right? The aerobics people wanted a class as well. The spin class wanted space and time (and the bikes). Then those from the still-closed senior center line-dance group wanted to use rec center space. It was right about that time that the supervisor quietly quit. I wasn't there, but I have it on good authority that he handed the center's keys to the loudest anti-mask person, saying, "You're in charge. When the COVID rates go higher in this town, it's all on you." The next day, the town changed the locks on the rec center doors. The supervisor, as I heard it, packed a bag and retreated to his cabin in the woods, where he plans to stay until everyone comes to their senses. (c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
. Nancy writes: ‘Will my Mom fit in?’ I imagine anyone who works with families considering moving their loved one into a community has heard this question. Our natural instinct is to assure the family that YES, of course they will! In my experience, most often times they do. However, finding ways to help make that acclimatization happen more quickly for new residents can mean the difference between them becoming a long-term resident or quickly moving out. Coming from the perspective of not only someone who has helped other families in this situation, but also as the adult daughter of parents who recently moved into senior living, I want to share some ideas on how to assist new residents to quickly make new friends and adapt to their new life in a community… I found in my experience, the personal touch makes the difference. By working just as hard to
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learn the likes/dislikes of a senior as you did about their care needs, you have a great chance of knowing how you can help bring them joy! Spend time asking questions like ‘Prior to retiring, how did your Mom spend her spare time?’, ‘When you were growing up did your Dad belong to any civic or community groups?’, ‘After retiring, what did your loved one do during the day?’, ‘What’s your Mom’s favorite topic of conversation?’ You will get to know the ‘person’ not just the ‘patient’ and will hopefully get ideas on what is meaningful to them… Nancy has aptly described our driving philosophy as we create a family of caregivers and residents in each of our homes!! If you know someone who would like to join our circle of caregivers in one of our homes, please contact Linda at 208-755-3637 or linda@lodgeliving.net. We even have gorgeous onsite studio apartments which include meals and all utilities as a part of our employment package. We are delighted to schedule around school commitments for our employees who are reaching ever upward. Call us!!
Linda Davis Director of building relationships. 208.457.3403 www.LodgeLiving.net
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TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #43 Oct. 25th 2021
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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Mars, your ruling planet, begins a journey that will open up a growing number of possibilities. Put that surging Arian energy to good use and explore it to your heart's content. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) This is the time to prepare for a career move coming up next month. Update your resume. Get those proposals in shape. And don't forget to buff up that Bovine selfconfidence. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your Gemini instincts will guide you to the right people who might be able to help you get over that career impasse that has been holding you back. Expect to make changes. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You're getting closer, but you still have a ways to go before reaching your goals. Continue to stay focused, no matter how difficult it can be for the easily distracted Moon Child. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your Leonine pride might be keeping you from getting to the source of a disturbing situation. Don't be shy about asking questions. Remember: Information is power. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It's a good time to shake up your tidy little world by doing something spontaneous, like taking an unplanned trip or going on a mad shopping spree. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) This is a good week to get advice on your plans. But don't act on them until you feel sure that you've been told everything you need to know to support your move. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Be careful. You might be probing just a little too deeply into a situation that you find singularly suspicious. The facts you seek will begin to emerge at a later time. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) This is a good week to make new friends and to look for new career challenges. But first, get all those unfinished tasks wrapped up and out of the way. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Relationships need a fresh infusion of tender, loving care. Avoid potential problems down the line. Stay close to loved ones as the month draws to a close. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Aspects favor relationships, whether platonic, professional or personal. On another note: Be a mite more thrifty. You might need some extra money very soon. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) This is the absolute right time to let those often-hidden talents shine their brightest. You'll impress some very important people with what you can do. BORN THIS WEEK: You are impelled by a need to find truth, no matter how elusive. You would make a wonderful research scientist or an intrepid detective. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.
TIDBITS of Kootenai County, Idaho Issue #43 Oct. 25th 2021
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