Plainfield Magazine July 2023

THE HEALING POWER OF YOGA

LOCAL WOMAN BRINGS YOGA TO TEENS TO INSPIRE SELF-CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCY & PEACE

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

The first thing people say to Alli Louthain when they hear she teaches yoga is, “I’m not flexible enough to do yoga!” The truth is that anyone can practice yoga—and will invariably improve over time.

“If your coach tells you to lift weights, you wouldn’t say, ‘I’m not strong enough to lift weights,’” Louthain says. “Strength comes from lifting the weight. Flexibility comes from doing the yoga.”

Louthain has been a yoga teacher for more than two decades, having taught all over Hendricks County and the Indianapolis area. She has also lead family yoga at Monumental Yoga, the largest annual yoga event held every June on Monument Circle.

In September 2021, Louthain felt a tug in her heart to pray about who, specifically, she should be impacting with her yoga prowess. Soon thereafter, she experienced an a-ha moment.

“I’ve been working with teens for years and have done yoga in schools, so when God made it clear that I’m supposed to be targeting this specific niche, that made sense,” Louthain says.

When a friend’s 18-year-old son, Jesse, died by suicide, Louthain’s mission came into sharper focus.

“My friend told me that her son had recently gotten into yoga and mindful meditation, both of which brought him so much peace,” Louthain says. “She said that it was where he felt confident, but she felt like he found it a little too late.”

That’s when Louthain vowed to introduce yoga to teens in hopes of helping them work on their mental health and wellness by feeling grounded, peaceful and hopeful. In February of 2022, she launched Isha Warriors. Isha is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘ruling god or goddess; one who protects.’ Louthain wanted everyone who practices yoga to own their story and feel protected in their space.

When it comes to life, there is no quick fix. Just as you can’t take one pill to forever repair an ailment, a session of yoga will not magically correct your problems. However, Louthain encourages people to give yoga at least five chances before writing it off. For one thing, there are so many kinds of yoga (vinyasa, slow flow, chair and yin, to name a few). The type you choose may depend on your fitness level or goal. The key to seeing change (physically, mentally and emotionally) is to practice yoga consistently.

“If you don’t love yoga, you’ve not met the right yoga yet!” Louthain says. She has done a whole yoga series for teen athletes, most of whom had never practiced before. Afterwards, the consensus was that they felt much better.

“There’s a release with yoga that’s like taking a heavy backpack off your shoulders,” Louthain says. “Yoga shows teens what it feels like to be relaxed, to be unplugged, and to be focused on one’s own body and mind rather than on a teacher, coach, friend, or social media person. Practicing listening to

your own self is huge.”

Louthain has friends who have lost children, siblings, spouses and other family members to suicide.

“I think people feel so alone, and I want people to know that they are not alone,” Louthain says. This is why she started an annual event, which takes place in September during National Suicide Prevention Week. The two-hour evening event, which is called Not Alone, incorporates a beginner yoga class, teen

speakers who have lost a loved one to suicide and a lantern lighting ceremony in which attendees float their lanterns out onto the pond at Washington Township Park.

“I wanted to do it locally right here in Hendricks County so that people could make those human connections in person,” Louthain says.

Almost 40 people came to the 2022 event— all survivors of a suicide loss. One of Jesse’s friends attended and brought along some of his buddies. A grandmother came and lit a

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lantern for her son, who died in the 1980s. She told Louthain that she was grateful for this event because 40 years ago suicide was a taboo subject that no one discussed. She told Louthain that she hopes to see this event and more like it in the future. Louthain promises that she will host the Not Alone event every September. The event this year will take place on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. It will be held at the Washington Township Park outdoor pavilion.

Louthain also hosts a worldwide weekly podcast called Monday Mindset with Isha Warriors. It’s all about creating a positive mental mindset for the week. In one of her podcasts, Louthain discusses ways yoga helps teens with anxiety and depression (though the tips apply to all ages).

“Yoga helps us feel and process emotions,” Louthain says. “It’s a safe space to be vulnerable.”

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In an interview she did about suicide awareness, she spoke to a teen whose brother had taken his life three years ago. She was real about how hard it was to heal from that loss, but she shared that one can be both shattered and beautiful—like a mosaic.

“If you’re a survivor, your dreams are shattered, but through the brokenness, you learn to see life in a different way,” Louthain says. “Following heartbreak, one can still go on to live an awe-inspiring life.”

Every yoga session focuses on breathing because breathing is the fastest way to connect with your emotions. This is why yoga is a great activity for anyone who is struggling to regulate their feelings. Last year, Louthain began practicing yoga with a 13-year-old with a great heart but a short fuse.

“His parents came to me because he kept getting into fights and got expelled from school,” Louthain says. “He’s on the spectrum. He’s very high ability, but he feels kind of broken. He doesn’t know how to connect with other people because he feels threatened so we do breathing exercises. He feels he can be completely himself when he’s in this space with me. It’s a place of acceptance and confidence.”

After several weeks of yoga, his parents began to see a difference in their son. Not only had his anger diminished but his selfconfidence had grown. The incorporation of yoga is the only thing that changed in his life.

“This is why I want to shout from the rooftops, telling principals and athletic directors, that if you want to see less fighting in your school, bring more yoga into your school,” Louthain says. “When kids feel like they have worth and are loved for exactly who they are, inner confidence and inner peace follow.”

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If you’d like to sponsor a teenager to become a member of Isha Warriors so that they can work to develop compassion, selfconfidence, and resiliency, visit ishawarriors.com.

CULTURE & TRADITION

NATIONAL POWWOW TO TAKE PLACE AT THE HENDRICKS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

In 1969, three gentlemen held the first National Powwow to celebrate and share American Indian culture. The event occurs every three years, with dances taking place in various parts of the country, including Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and Indiana. The Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville has hosted National Powwow since 2005 and returns again this July 6 through 9, after a hiatus due to the pandemic (it was scheduled to occur in July 2020).

The four-day celebration includes a princess contest, children’s powwow, educational seminars, arts and crafts competitions, and four nights of intertribal dancing. This year will

also include a 5K fun run on Friday.

“What’s unique about this event is that it provides a lot of time for fellowship,” says Amy Brewer, marketing co-chair. “Although there’s a lot of dancing, you can’t dance all day for four days straight, so we’ve come up with other things people can do to engage in fellowship.”

The educational seminars cover crafts, dance styles, music and more. For example, one year they had a man talk about what the Native American flute symbolized. He played some music and provided resources on how to make your own flute. Another seminar covered how to make a feather bustle as well as other pieces to the outfits.

This year a man from Florida will bring his massive collection of historical moccasins that he’s accumulated dating back to the 1980s. “What he’s bringing is comparable to what would be displayed at the Eiteljorg Museum,” says Jeff Brewer, marketing co-chair. “He’s the authority on Cheyenne moccasins in the country who has been involved with the National Powwow since the 1970s.”

Moccasins are more than footwear. They have different symbols and meanings based on their combination of colors. Different tribes wear different symbols. Some are beaded and some are not. Some have paint while others don’t.

“You can walk around the grounds and ask people, ‘How did you make that?’ or

‘What’s the significance of the color in that beadwork?’” Jeff says. “This is an opportunity to do a deep dive into the culture.”

“The whole point of National Powwow is to share knowledge,” Amy adds.

Spectators like getting exposed to a culture they have heard about but never seen in action. For instance, it’s fun to look at the teepee encampment that includes both rustic and modern teepees.

The princess contest organizers ask contestants to write an essay about something related to the modern world and the Native American culture - what they would like to see changed or how to promote the culture. The contest also includes an interview portion to help get a sense of the contestant’s character.

They dance and participate in a number of activities. They are judged not so much on their dancing style, but rather their outfit and dedication to dancing. Once a princess is

crowned with a beaded crown, for the next three years they act as a spokeswoman for the National Powwow. Due to the pandemicrelated cancellation of the event in 2020, the reigning princess has held her title for the past six years.

“She’s ready to turn over that crown,” Jeff says with a chuckle.

In the past they’ve had magic shows as well as

demonstrations on how to make arrowheads out of rocks.

“We try to have things that appeal to a wide audience,” Amy says.

The dancing, however, is the high point for most people. The Powwow features a number of different dance styles including Men’s Grass (the oldest of the surviving tribal dances), Jingle Dress Dance, Chicken

Dance, the Native American Gourd Dance, Lady’s Southern Cloth, and Men’s Fancy or Feather (a fast-paced dance that tests personal stamina).

Many other dance styles are featured as well. Those who attend the National Powwow can join in the dancing but are not required to. “Even if you don’t dance, you can still share in the culture,” says Amy, who describes the event like a family reunion of sorts.

“I see these people peppered throughout the country, but this is on everyone’s calendar to be here at this event,” Jeff says. “It’s powerful having us all come together at one dance. Every year I’m energized and I leave with a great feeling of community, friendship and fellowship.”

Vendors will sell jewelry, leather, paintings, sculptures, Pendleton blankets, and raw goods like beads.

Art Tate, a military vet, has attended eight of the previous 17 National Powwows. “Each one has made a positive and permanent mark on me,” says Tate, who has served as a head man dancer at National Powwow Four, and subsequently as the program coordinator and chairperson at nationals.

“National Powwow is uniquely special, and always leaves me with amazing memories of good times with my family, close friends and acquaintances throughout the United States,” Tate says. “As soon as the gates are closed at

one National, I’m looking forward to the next.”

Jeff notes that the National Powwow is all about honoring our veterans. In fact, there is a veterans song played, during which veterans are invited to dance in the arena whether they are dressed in uniform or not.

“You put your life on the line for this country,” Jeff says. “We want to honor you.”

This is the fourth time the National Powwow has taken place in Danville. The Hendricks County Fairgrounds is the perfect facility to hold it for many reasons. For starters, it’s covered, so there’s no need to worry about inclement weather. There’s also plenty of indoor space for classes and competitions, as well as outdoor space for camping and teepees. In addition, Indiana often provides pleasantly cool nights. Plus, it stays light until around 9 p.m.

“We feel we’ve found a home in Danville,” Jeff says. “It fits all of our needs, so if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Let the good times roll!” The National Powwow will take place July 6 through 9. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. The Hendricks County Fairgrounds are located at 1900 East Main Street in Danville. For more information, call 317-718-6154 or visit nationalpowwow.com.

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Best Shot

Skeet Shooter Garrett Duncan Has His Sights Set for Great Outcomes

Writer / Melissa Gibson

Photographer / Amy Payne

Garrett Duncan is the only international skeet shooter in Indiana.

The Cascade High School graduate grew up around firearms, with hunting and target practice. In 2017, Duncan’s father suggested they try shooting clays, and it turns out, he was a natural.

Skeet shooting is a popular sport across the United States. However, we don’t see it often in Indiana.

The sport features seven stations, each with two traps, one low and one high. They launch targets, called clays or birds, in an X shape. There are 25 shots per session, and the shooter pivots back and forth at different angles as they move along a semicircle formation. The clays travel at 45 miles per hour on a typical skeet-shooting course. However, Olympic shooters can take on clays at 62 miles per hour.

That’s right, it’s also an Olympic sport, with men, women and junior categories.

The game is predictable and relies on handeye coordination along with a lot of training.

Duncan’s father found a shooting club in Edinburgh and his coach at the time belonged to an international skeet organization. By 2019 Duncan was fully involved in the international version of the sport.

He describes American skeet as the high school football version, compared to International skeet as the professional football version.

“The difference between American and International is in American, the gun is already on your shoulder,” Duncan says. “In International, the butt of the gun is around our belly-button area, and we have to mount the gun and shoot while the target is in the air.”

Even with the natural talent and extreme practice schedule, it hasn’t always been easy.

Duncan tried out for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and things didn’t go as planned. “It was one of the worst matches I’ve ever had,” Duncan says. “I was a senior in high school, had no plans to go to college and I was banking on this. I was all in. I went to several of the trial matches and didn’t compete at my best. It kind of put me on the path to give up.”

Duncan did give up, but not for long.

He took a short break, but by the end of 2021 he realized he still had a passion and desire to compete.

“I don’t regret it at all,” he says. “It taught me a lot. I’m a man of faith and it was a time of growth, character development and just an awesome journey.”

Coming back from his struggles has given Duncan a drive to continue to improve, and

“I have a mission to support these athletes, but also to give them the platform to talk about Christ. Just like my story, if it’s meant to be, he’ll make it be. We need to continue to pursue that.”

he has support from family and friends.

“I think they’re proud of me,” he says. “My parents have put so much into this, and they believe in me and support me in any way they can. I’ve dedicated a lot to this sport and I think we all agree that this is where I’m led in life.”

Since there are no local areas to compete, Duncan says the majority of his competitions are held in the south.

He spends most of his time in Georgia, Florida and Texas, training and competing in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympic trials.

“The next step for me is to make a U.S. Olympic team and my professional debut,” Duncan says.

He trains six days per week to be in the best physical shape possible as well as the best shooting shape possible, with his trainer, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in the sport. While Duncan says people of all shapes, sizes and ages compete, when under pressure, it’s the training that stands out.

- Garrett Duncan -

“The fundamentals are a huge part of this,” he says. “The other part is mental. I do 100 gun mounts per day, hand-eye coordination drills, physical training and mental training.”

When it comes to the mental challenges, Duncan says the sport itself isn’t exhausting,

but the mental toll it takes can make or break results in a competition.

He continues to challenge himself, even when the less-than-fun aspects of training come along.

“Part of recovery is taking cold showers or an ice bath,” he says. “I hate to do them but they say it helps with recovery. It’s a mental thing, getting over that feeling of not wanting to get into this tub - this is what I said I’m going to do and I’m going to do it. This might suck, but I’m showing up for myself every time.”

It’s growth and progress that keep Duncan going.

“There’s the adage of being 1% better every day,” he says. “For me, everything revolves around this. If I can do small things every day to get better, it allows me to go above and beyond my competitors. I just want to be the best I can be.”

There’s an element of fun too.

“On a casual level it’s a lot like playing golf for me,” Duncan says. “It’s a great time to bring out friends, have some competition and banter back and forth. It’s a unique sport but I love it.”

The Clayton native says the attention on skeet is very different from swimming, gymnastics and other Olympic sports. In fact, though Paris will be home to the 2024 Olympics, shooting sports will be held 100 miles outside of the famous city.

Fans can regularly catch competitive sports on ESPN, but skeet shooting is harder to come by. When a U.S. team travels overseas, it may be televised, or finals of a competition could be found on social media. However, the vast majority of competitions aren’t available for fans from their living-room couch.

Duncan has seen many young people interested in the sport, but knows many can’t afford it.

“As far as cost goes, equestrian is number one and shooting sports is number two,” Duncan says. “Those families with an average income can find it hard to afford skeet shooting. I want to give back to my community and to the sport I love.”

Not only supporting those in need of sponsorship, Duncan wants to change how the sport is seen across the country, and the first step is to develop his nonprofit.

The Christian Clays foundation has been established to support young skeet shooters who want to continue to compete and grow in their skill.

This year, Christian Clays will sponsor two youths, one of which recently joined the junior national team. The nonprofit will accept donations to pour back into training

for athletes and help them pursue their dreams.

“I have a mission to support these athletes, but also to give them the platform to talk about Christ,” Duncan says. “Just like my story, if it’s meant to be, he’ll make it be. We need to continue to pursue that.”

WISHING FAMILIES A HEALTHY SCHOOL YEAR

July is here! It’s almost time to get ready for school. It takes a lot of work to get our children back on schedule, on the bus, and into a classroom with new backpacks and clothes. Summer is the perfect time to go over our children’s health checklist:

WELL CHILD CHECK: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every child between the ages of 3 and 21 needs a well check every 12 months. Your pediatrician will make sure they are up to date on their vaccines, growing well and mentally ready for school. This is the perfect chance to go over any concerns you have

as a parent with your pediatrician and set a plan for the coming school year. You want to set your child up for success and address problems early in the school year, preferably within the first quarter. If you have a student-athlete, then a sports physical would be another reason to visit your pediatrician’s office to get forms filled out.

PEDIATRIC DENTIST: If it has been more than six months since your child’s last dentist appointment, it is time to go back.

VISION CHECK: If your child wears glasses or has trouble with vision, it is a good time to visit the pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist.

SLEEP: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine provides general guidelines for total hours of sleep a child needs within 24 hours, including naps. For example, 6- to 12-year-olds will need between nine and 12 hours of sleep. Children aged 13 to 18 will need eight to 10 hours. Children who sleep well behave well and do better in school.

Finally, take a moment to pat yourself on the back for being a parent. Parenting is not easy. Remember, it is a marathon, not a sprint. Build on progress and good habits. If your child is struggling, reach out to your pediatrician. We are always happy to help. Cheers to another successful school year!

Writer / Dr. Akaber Elkhamra, Pediatrician at Riley Physicians Pediatrics - Avon at IU Health West Hospital

LEASE ON LIFE

LOCAL 81-YEAR-OLD TALKS LIFE AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

In 2018, Jane Burgan wasn’t feeling well, sought out a doctor, and heard some terrible news.

“The doctor said, ‘You’re in deep trouble. You’re in kidney failure,’ and sent me directly to dialysis that same day,” Burgan says.

Burgan’s daughter, Nora Day, has been with her every step of the way.

“She started dialysis on my 50th birthday and even crashed during dialysis,” Day says.

“We were told in 2001 that she had kidney problems, but the doctor described it as when someone has a heart attack - it’s an instant thing. When someone has kidney failure, it’s a slow process. When it finally hits you, it’s usually too late.”

Desperate for a kidney, she went to St. Vincent Hospital, but staff told the family Burgan was simply too old to qualify.

Burgan was in her late 70s at the time, and despite the wonderful staff at the dialysis center, DaVita, the treatment was hitting her hard. The family didn’t take no for an answer.

They went to IU Health, and the transplant staff there thought Burgan might have a chance.

“They check you from head to toe to make sure you’re healthy,” Day says.

“Mom had to have both knees replaced, cataract surgery, dental work, MRIs, chest X-rays, the works. Everything has to be done in a year’s time, and meanwhile the pandemic hits and appointments are delayed. Some of the tests she’s already done are falling off for the time frame.”

Tests had already shown that Day and

Jane with Drs. Yaqub & Goggins

Burgan are not a match, but a program through IU Health called paired donation was available. In theory, the kidneys are switched at the same time, from two donors to two recipients.

It didn’t quite turn out that way.

While Burgan waited for the perfect match, Day was able to donate her kidney in advance, pushing her mom higher on the list of potential recipients.

“The typical wait time for a kidney is five years, but I don’t think mom would have

made it that long on dialysis,” Day says. “I donated mine in September of 2021. The benefit of that would be that I was healed by the time mom got hers, and I could care for her during her recovery.”

Once Day was healed, the family had to wait for a donor, either living or deceased, that matched Burgan.

It took another seven months for Burgan to get the call.

“On December 1, 2022, I got the phone call,” Burgan says. “It was shocking. I’d waited so long and prayed for so long and the nurse said, ‘I’ll give you 20 minutes to talk to your family.’ I was up at IU by 10:30 that night, and was in surgery by 7:30 in the morning.”

Her donated kidney was a perfect match, and though the typical kidney donated is approximately 71 years old, this one was 50 years old.

Burgan’s family completely understood the pain another family was going through in order for their mom to regain her health.

“I’ve lost a son and I know the horrific grief that comes with that loss,” Day says.

“In a letter to the family, I told them their loved one was a hero in our hearts and eyes. It was heartbreaking to know that someone is grieving, and we grieved and prayed for that family that saved my mom. At the same time, we couldn’t turn down this opportunity. There were a lot of mixed feelings.”

The doctor who performed the transplant said in his 20-year career, including more than 3,000 transplants, the oldest recipient was around 78. It was a rare and special occasion that Burgan, then 80, was able to receive this gift.

In fact, he said he could count on less than one hand how many surgeries he had

performed for a patient around her age.

She was a unicorn, Day told her.

“As soon as she was out of surgery, they told us the kidney was already working,” Day says. “All glory to God. Some people don’t have an immediate reaction, so this was great news.”

The recovery for both the living donor and the recipient isn’t easy.

Day compares it to taking a healthy person and making them very sick. It took about three months before she was back to sound health.

Burgan had some additional challenges.

“I was in the hospital for seven days and home for five,” Burgan says. “Then I went back in for another six days. It takes determination and you have to have true grit, but I signed up for it and it was a job I

had to do. I was going to do it.”

Now 81, Burgan had to drink four liters of water per day, adhere to a careful diet, and was spending days at a time at follow-up appointments.

“I still tire easily and take naps,” Burgan says.

“They say it’ll be about six months to get back to 100%.”

She still has a couple of months of restrictions including no driving, cleaning, cooking or physical exertion, but Day can see the signs of things to come.

“I drove around the corner the other day and saw her sitting outside, planting flowers,” Day says. “It feels good. It’s the first time she’s been outside and things have finally come full circle. We’re getting there.”

The family says the doctors at IU Health were phenomenal, from Nephrologist Dr. Muhammad Yaqub to Transplant Surgeon Dr. William Goggins.

“God led me in the right direction when I went to IU Health,” Burgan says. “I had so many doctors and they were the absolute best.”

Burgan has plenty to fight for too.

“I have 13 great-grandbabies,” she says. “Ten are under 5 years old. My husband Bill has been by my side for 48 years and we have six kids between us. They say you have angels around you, and I called on them more than once, and still do. I’ve made it with God’s help.”

The family hopes to spread the word about organ donation, and just how those who receive an organ have their lives saved and transformed.

“I hope people will feel proud to sign up for organ donation,” Day says. “I don’t know if they know the difference their loved one brings to the recipient’s family. We hope to reach out to the donor’s family very soon and we’re just so grateful for all the people who have touched our lives during this journey.

We had unconditional love from neighbors. Friends would take mom to doctors appointments so I didn’t have to miss work, and many brought meals. The doctors, nurses and staff have been gifts from God.”

According to IU Health, there are 115,000 people in the U.S. waiting on a transplant today. About 22 of those will die every day because of transplant unavailability.

One donor can save up to eight lives, and heal up to 75 people with cornea and tissue donation.

To learn more about organ donation, visit iuhealth.org.

Post surgery recovery

Jane & Bill with their grandson

While I like the idea of a summer bucket list, it can feel a bit overwhelming. I prefer to make a short list, so I feel a sense of accomplishment when I can complete the list. Here are 5 inexpensive ideas to add to your summer bucket list. I guarantee you’ll save money and have some fun this summer.

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM … VISIT AN ICE CREAM SHOP!

It doesn’t seem like summer unless I’m standing in front of an ice cream stand. I have many fond memories of visiting ice cream shops when I traveled with my family. I enjoy standing in line and chatting with other customers about what they plan to order. Long lines don’t matter to me when there’s an ice cream treat waiting at the end. My favorite ice cream splurges are a hot fudge sundae and a cherry soda with vanilla ice cream. Go with a group of family or friends and each choose something different. Ask for recommendations and try some fun flavor combinations. Make it a contest and vote on who ordered the best ice cream treat. Award the winner a gift card from the ice cream shop.

HAPPY HUMMINGBIRDS. SET UP A HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER.

These tiny birds bring me so much joy. A hummingbird feeder is an inexpensive investment. Most feeders run between $10-$20. You will need a pole or a stand to hang the feeder and they are around $20 or less.

It’s easy to make the hummingbird nectar. It’s one part sugar to four parts water (1 cup of sugar 4 cups of water) and let boil. Let the solution cool and fill the feeder.

Hummingbirds are attracted to red, so be sure you have some red objects near the feeder. You can have red flowers or even a red patio umbrella. Hummingbirds will visit the feeder a handful of times a day. Believe me, they are fun to watch and sometimes I’ll have three or four at the feeder at one time. Delightful!

For more information on hummingbirds, visit the National Audubon Society at audubon.org.

Writer / Aimee MacArthur Photography Provided

Summer is the time to appreciate local produce and other homemade goods. I enjoy stopping at a local farmers market and thinking of different things to cook. It’s a way for me to jump out of my comfort zone. I set a budget for myself before I go the market. A trip to the market doesn’t have to be expensive. A stop at a farmers market can be one-stop shopping for breads, dairy, produce and meat all in one trip. On a recent trip to my local farmers market, I purchased a loaf of country white bread, a couple of spice packets to make a fantastic meal, and some fresh produce. When I’m finished shopping, I sit on a bench and do some people watching and listen to music. It’s also a good time to see if I need to get anything else. I usually decide to make a few more stops at the market before I leave.

GO FOR A SUNSET WALK

Some of the best sunsets are during the summer. You can’t beat the mix of amber and violet hues. I take my dog, Louis for long sunset walks, and I always bring my phone. It’s a chance to capture a few photos and send to friends and family. I get some ideas by looking at my neighbors’ yards. As an extra bonus, you’ll be getting in a healthy workout while enjoying a gorgeous sky. Perfection!

CHILL AND GRILL

I can sometimes get into a grilling rut. Summer is the perfect time to shake up your grilling game. I like to make kabobs (veggie, chicken, shrimp, steak), which are inexpensive if you buy the ingredients and assemble them yourself. You can save money by using less meat and more vegetables. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper or spice mixes. Serve the kabobs with rice and a feta, tomato and cucumber salad and you’ve got a perfect meal. Grill packets are inexpensive and easy to make. Put veggies and potatoes in aluminum foil and season with salt, pepper and olive oil. Seal them up and cook them on the grill. Fajitas are another fan favorite. Choose your veggies, protein and put them on the grill. Any of these meals can be enjoyed outside. Want to save a little more money? Check the grocery store ads and select your grill meal based on what meat and produce is on sale. Make your meal fun by taking photos of your grilled feast.

For more information on grilling, visit foodnetwork.com and search for grilling ideas and recipes.

YEARS IN

35.

DOWN

1. Three Gorges project

2. Good looker?

3. Fund-raising events

4. Bullet on an agenda

5. Bona ___ (credentials)

6. Plays footsie, perhaps

7. “Are we there ___?”

8. Focus of debate

9. All alternative

10. Congeal

11. Wields an ax 19. After the deadline 20. Wood nymph

Put aboard

for

29. Passionate about

Essence 32. Sorry