Voice Magazine for Women 0323

Timothy Olyphant

Each month Voice will “hide” a picture of a “Hot Hunk.” If you find him, fill out this form, mail it in, and you could win a book from Jan-Carol Publishing!

Congratulations to: Connie Johnson Piney Flats, TN

as the winner in the February Hot Hunk Hunt!

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

March Hot Hunk Hunt!

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: Email: HOT HUNK LOCATION:

July Hot Hunk Hunt!

The April “Hot Hunk” was Robert Downey Jr. on page 31.

Where did I pick up my copy of Voice Magazine?

Mail this submission form to: Voice Magazine P.O. Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605 or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com

Deadline for submission is March 20, 2023.

PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD

As the selected winner, you must contact Voice Magazine for Women at 423-926-9983 within 90 days to claim and receive your prize. After 90 days, winning becomes null and void and the prize cannot be claimed.

VOICE Speaks

Themonth of March means that spring season is just around the corner with weather changes and our time jumping an hour. For the last couple of years, the month of March has given “change” a new meaning. Since Covid marched through our world, along with different variants and viruses, changes remain with us daily. We don’t hear the words “new normal” much these days since our new normal means constant change.

However, change can provide opportunities. JCP changed Voice Magazine for Women and Jan-Carol Publishing to being more active than ever online with our websites and social media. We ask that, if you have Gmail, please leave a good review for us on Google. Also, purchase JCP books either through Amazon, our JCP website, or other websites such as Walmart and BAM (available online only).

JCP brought more change with the opening of our bookstore. With the new season approaching, our Books & Gifts store will be scheduling author appearances and other events. Books are great gifts, and with close to 400 titles now, Jan-Carol Publishing offers different genres from children’s books to cozy mysteries to sci-fi. Our books are great for local book clubs and we offer book clubs discounts on our books. Watch for our loyalty program offered in our bookstore. We are also excited to welcome a new vendor in our bookstore, G & J’s Handcrafted Soaps. Their soaps are a natural blend of essential oils and fragrances with wonderful scents.

Another upcoming change for JCP will be our podcast! Our podcast promises to be different and refreshing; stay tuned for the details! Sign up for our newsletter promoting a book of the week at a discounted retail price. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and join the fun of the giveaways and other happenings. Email communications@ jancarolpublishing.com to receive our newsletter.

From all of us to all of you — HAPPY SPRING! Our Irish wish to you is that you find your pot of gold at the end of your rainbow!

Thought of the month: “Take one day at a time. Today, after all, is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”

Verse of the Month: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

Janie C. Jessee, Editor-in-Chief

PUBLISHER

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc PO Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 publisher@jancarolpublishing.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Savannah Bailey Communications Director/Production Editor communications@jancarolpublishing.com

GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION

Tara Sizemore Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com

Allison Chudina Editorial/Retail Assistant

Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983

Books & Gifts: 423.212.0200

DISTRIBUTION

Karen Corder Staff

PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 20, Issue 3)

While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of the published material, Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. / Voice Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions or facts provided by its authors, advertisers or agencies. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission. Agencies, Advertisers and other contributors will indemnify and hold the publisher harmless for any loss or expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism and/ or copyright infringement. The views expressed in Voice Magazine for Women are not necessarily those of the publisher. © 2023

EDITORIAL MISSION: Voice Magazine for Women wants to provide a useful and complete reliable source of information for women and their families. We seek to celebrate women’s successes, and support their growth by defining and recognizing their needs and providing a concentration of resources for them. We want to be that “link” to all women.

Cover photograph by Devon McNeil Photography.

April Hensley Cindy Sproles Ken Heath Pam Blair Deana Landers

YWCA NETN and SWVA Tribute to Women

Celebrating 32 Years of Honoring Exceptional Women

Since 1992, YWCA NETN and SWVA has opened its doors annually to honor women who embody our mission of empowering women and their families. These role models excel in their chosen fields, and their dedication and commitment impact lives across our region. For our 2023 Tribute to Women, we are pleased to announce we will return to our traditional way of honoring recipients and will host our first gala since 2019 on June 8. We invite you to nominate an exceptional woman who is building better futures in her community.

Additionally, this year we announce an update to our Tribute to Women Awards as we debut new categories that reflect the many avenues women use to effect change in our region. They include Business and Industry, Finance, Healthcare, STEAM and Education, and Mission Impact. Through these new categories, we hope to highlight the women blazing new trails in their chosen fields to help those around them.

Numerous exceptional women have been nominated for the Tribute to Women Award since its inception in 1992.

These women are the professionals, volunteers, and social activists who have positively impacted our region. Heidi Dulebohn, a 2019 Tribute to Women recipient, had this to say about the project: “I believe strongly in the mission of YWCA of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, which they personify every single day. The YWCA’s efforts to eliminate racism and empower women is not only admirable, it’s effective. The YWCA improves lives of girls and women who might otherwise be left behind. I was incredibly honored to have been among the recipients of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women, especially since we are blessed with so many women who work tirelessly and quietly, simply to help others in our region.”

To submit a nomination, please visit www.ywcatnva.org. Online submissions and mailed options are available. Tribute to Women also serves as one of YWCA NETN and SWVA’s largest campaigns of funding. Sponsorships are available and allow us to continue our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. For more information you can email tribute@ywcatnva.org or call 423.968.9444.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Freshen Up Your Home’s Exterior

As any homeowner knows, renovation projects tend to cost a lot of money. The average cost of a home renovation is difficult to gauge, as such endeavors run the gamut from complex projects like a kitchen overhaul to simpler ones like painting a room inside a home. Indeed, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry notes that scope is what drives the cost of a renovation project.

However, there are many budget-friendly ways homeowners can tend to the exterior of their properties.

• Power washing: Power washing won’t break the bank but it can revive the look of a home. Power washing removes dirt and grime from the siding of a home and a power washing can be used to clean porches, walkways and patios as well. Hardware chains like Home Depot and Lowes typically rent power washers, but homeowners who don’t want to do it themselves can hire a professional for a few hundred dollars, if not less. Power washing after winter can be a good

idea, as the elements can take a toll on a home’s exterior. A good power washing before spring and summer entertaining season can thus give a home a fresh, clean look without breaking the bank.

• Furnished front porch: A furnished front porch can serve as a welcome sign to neighbors and provide a great place to relax with a morning cup of coffee and a good book. Homeowners with a small porch won’t need to bust their budgets to upgrade their front porch furnishings. Some small chairs with bright cushions, a small table and a rug underfoot can revamp an entryway at low cost.

• Window box installation: Installing window box planters is another cost-effective way to brighten up a home’s exterior. Homeowners can hang window boxes outside windows on the front of their homes and then fill them with brightly colored flowers to add an inviting pop of color to their home exteriors. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens urge homeowners to take weight into consideration before buying window planters. Keep in mind that soil and developed plants can be heavy, so look for a sturdy box as well as one that has drainage holes.

• Replace hardware: Another simple way to freshen up a stale exterior is to replace hardware. Door knobs, knockers, house numbers, and even the mailbox can appear dated after a while. Replacing these items is inexpensive and quick but can have a profound impact on how the exterior of a home appears to residents and visitors.

Exterior renovations need not break the bank. Various simple and inexpensive tweaks can quickly revitalize the exterior of a home.

Robin Miller Re al Estate Professional

5 Signs it’s Time to Renovate

Homeowners renovate their homes for a variety of reasons. Renovations can increase the value of a property and make homes safer and more comfortable for their occupants. Improvements also can be made to stay current with the times or to give a home a new vibe.

Kitchens and bathrooms often get the most attention when it comes to home improvement. However, every room and space in a home may need a renovation at some point, and the following are five signs it’s time to renovate.

1. Age

The National Association of Home Builders states that 50 percent of U.S. homes are over the age of 40. That means that age alone could dictate a need to renovate, particularly if some materials are original to the home. For example, asphalt roofs typically last 25 to 30 years, while window frames can last 20 to 50 years depending on how well they have been maintained.

2. Inconvenient layout

Some homeowners scratch their heads when faced with awkward floor plan layouts. While one may live with the inconvenience for some time, typically a floor plan that isn’t working for the homeowner is a major driver of renovations.

3. Outdated looks

A home can look dated even if it is a relatively recent build. That’s because trends change quickly. For example, dark, cherry cabinets that were popular just a little while ago have now been replaced by lighter color palettes. Homeowners whose homes do not match the looks emulated in design magazines may consider a change, particularly if they’re planning to sell soon.

4. Deterioration

Signs of water, storm or structural damage should be addressed as soon as possible. Any deterioration should be a strong indicator that it’s time to renovate.

5. Efficiency

Escalating utility bills could be indicative of an inefficient home. Homeowners can conduct energy audits and then improve the areas where energy loss may be occurring, such as windows, doors, siding, and insulation.

Homeowners can renovate their homes when they see fit, but various signs may warn that it’s time consider updating or remodeling a home.

Small Renovations that Can Make a Big Impact

• Countertops (and hardware): A complete kitchen overhaul may stretch some homeowners’ budgets. However, changing an older countertop for a new material can provide the facelift a kitchen needs. And while changing the cabinets may be homeowners’ ultimate goal, swapping hardware in dated finishes for newer handles and pulls can provide low-cost appeal.

• Paint: Painting a space is an inexpensive improvement that adds maximum impact. Paint can transform dark and drab rooms into bright and airy oases. Paint also can be used to create an accent wall or cozy nooks.

• Lighting: When rooms or exterior spaces are illuminated, they take on entirely new looks. It’s worth it to invest in new lighting, whether it’s a dramatic hanging light over the dining room table or task lighting in dim spaces.

• Weatherproofing: Improving windows, doors, weatherstripping, and insulation in a home can offer visual appeal and help homeowners save money. The initial investment may be significant, but those costs will pay off in energy savings.

• Mudroom: Turn an entryway into a more functional space with the addition of cabinets, benches or custom-designed storage options that perfectly fit the area.

• Accent updates: Invest in new throw pillow. Use new tile or paint the brick on a fireplace in a den, then update the mantel with decorative displays. Change the cushions on deck furniture and buy color-coordinated planters.

Spring Cleaning Pointers

Spring is a season of renewal. When the flowers are blooming and the trees are budding and the weather is pleasantly warm, people often feel inspired to make changes around their homes. Work may begin with culling belongings and organizing essentials. As people embark on their plans to tidy up, these tips can help them along.

Tackle one big task a day

Who hasn’t started one project only to be distracted into moving along to another room? This often occurs when people discover something out of place in one space and then move that item where it belongs, only to find a new cleaning task at hand in that space. Inefficiency can make you give up on spring cleaning prematurely. Agree to address one room/task a day. Keep a basket or box handy to store errant items until you move on to the next room.

Stock up on supplies

Prepare all of the cleaning supplies in advance. Put together a tool kit of sorts with the equipment you need, including mops, brooms, rags, cleansers, and the like. Organization can keep you on course.

Harness your strengths and weaknesses

Some people clean because they are stressed or angry, others do so to avoid other tasks. Keep personality in mind when establishing a cleaning schedule. For example, clean at night if you’re a night owl, or wait until you are feeling antsy before embarking on a “calm down cleaning.”

Tackle seasonal chores first

Some tasks need to get done to prepare for the spring and summer season. These may include cleaning the grill and sorting through outdoor furniture and decor. Spring cleaning may involve readying the pool for another year of use, or cleaning out rain gutters to prepare for spring storms. Tackle time-dependent tasks first and then move on to others that are less time-sensitive.

Spread out the work

Some people like to devote full weekends to spring cleaning, but that can be overwhelming for others. Breaking down cleaning tasks into 15- to 30-minute intervals each day can make the job more tolerable.

GO BOLD with Color!

The bedroom in this photo had taupe-colored walls, trim, and baseboards, which was all very neutral. We painted three of the walls a bold shade of orange and it woke up the room immediately. Now dubbed the “Florida Room,” it has accents in turquoise, black, and white that allow the orange hue to shine, but not to overwhelm.

By Pam Blair

Paint colors are undergoing a transformation, from quiet and soft tones to bright and bold shades of red, orange, blue, yellow, and green. Maybe we are responding to the fact that winter is giving way to spring, or could it be that we simply want to put the dark days of the pandemic behind us? Whatever the reason, we are seeing bright colors splashed everywhere in the photos of room makeovers, and the fun begins when you decide to go bold with a new hue.

I have always leaned toward soft blues and greens, but in a previous home, I had the ceiling of a guest bathroom painted bright green, and the walls of the dining room were a deep red. It was scary to go so bold, but I wanted to liven up the white walls around me and it worked! Painting allows us to instantly become artists, and the walls are the blank canvas. Color gives a room personality, more than any other decorative touch, and unlike a costly renovation, it is an affordable way to transform a room. If you don’t like it, you can always change it.

This reading room had white walls and trim, and the bookshelves were all white. We painted the walls peacock blue, and now the white shelves and trim really pop. I found the blue color in a magazine where it was shown in a kitchen’s built-in bar area, and I knew I wanted to use it somewhere.

How to choose a paint color? Consider the room; are you trying to brighten it, or does it just need a fresh new look? Your wardrobe is a great source of inspiration. What colors do you wear most often, or is there a favorite piece that is unlike anything else you own? Think about why you were drawn to it and how it makes you feel to wear it. That will help you narrow it down from the many choices

Pick up color samples at any store where paint is sold. The little swatches are free, or buy larger, inexpensive peel-andstick samples. Gather more shades than you think you will need, as the light in your home will determine how they look on the walls. The color you thought you loved in the store might not work at all once you see it in the room. Look at the swatches at different times of the day to see how it changes with the light, and the one that works best will emerge as the winner! Once you decide to go bold with color, you will be so glad you did!

Pam Blair is a former medical librarian and communications manager who gets nervous when she doesn’t have something to read. She loves descriptive writing and has authored and edited a book and numerous other publications. Contact her at pblair919@aol.com.

Stormbrew Farm

Cultivating a Lost Lifestyle

By Allison Chudina

Photographs By Devon McNeil Photography

At Stormbrew Farm, Jenny Martin and Daisy Sturgill hope to plant seeds of empowerment and self-sufficiency as well as cultivate a love of the earth in all who visit.

Stormbrew Farm

The farm, located in Abingdon, Va., specializes in the sustainable: sustainably grown cut flowers, vegetables, and herbs.

Jenny and Daisy, who are mother and daughter, are “passionate and dedicated to working alongside Mother Nature” to grow their products. In order to achieve this, they utilize companion planting, attracting beneficial insects, and mulching to control weeds. They also don’t use herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides.

When asked how Stormbrew Farm initially came about, Daisy said she started the business in 2020. But Jenny added that the idea for Stormbrew Farm actually began a lot earlier in 2015 when she and her husband, Glenn, decided to learn how to make their own beer.

“It seemed like every time we would brew, there would be a storm happening outside,” Jenny explained. “We joked that we were ‘brewing up a storm,’ so we called our beer Stormbrew.”

Five years later, Daisy and Jenny moved to a farm in Atkins, Va., and received a sign as a housewarming gift. The sign said "Stormbrew Farm” — and the rest is history.

After graduating from Virginia Tech in December of 2018, Daisy spent the following farm season living “off-grid”

in a camper in Maine and working on a flower farm. After the season was over, she decided to move back to Virginia, where her mother and stepfather had just bought a “hobby farm.” Daisy says Jenny and Glenn welcomed her with open arms onto the farm knowing she was ready to start her own farm business.

In July 2021, they bought land in Abingdon, Va., and spent the entire summer moving their farm. The next year was Daisy’s first farming season there, and this year will be her fourth year farming overall.

Farming and gardening have always been a part of Daisy’s life.

“I grew up in a garden,” Daisy said. “My mother raised a huge garden and did the ‘homestead thing’ for as long as I can remember. It is just our lifestyle. I chose to major in Horticulture during college because I couldn't think of

Jenny Martin and Daisy Sturgill

anything else I would want to do. After working on farms during college and after, I learned that it was possible to turn the lifestyle into a business.”

Stormbrew Farm offers many different services and events, including dinners hosted alongside Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD), which Daisy says have been very popular and successful. Her favorite event of 2023 so far, though, has been Healthy Chocolate Making.

Jenny also added that visitors love their farm tours. “There is so much to see, taste, and learn,” she said. “Our classes — meal prep, chocolate making, seeding and greenhouse work — are gaining popularity. Events in collaboration with ASD have been really fun to do! Flower subscription is catching on, too.”

Stormbrew Farm also offers photoshoot opportunities with Devon McNeil Photography, which Daisy says is their most frequented event. Daisy and Jenny have thoroughly enjoyed developing the list of classes and events planned for 2023 and hope to continue to grow a clientele interested in the homestead lifestyle.

When asked what it’s like to have a mother/daughter business, Daisy said, “We are lucky to be friends as well as mother and daughter. We definitely each have our own strengths that we bring to the table. I don't think the business would work without one of us!”

In fact, Daisy’s favorite aspect of the farm is that it is shared with her mother. “We have the most fun working

together and coming up with ideas for the business,” she said. “I feel so fortunate to be in a position where my ideas matter, and I can take the farm in any direction. I like working for myself.”

Jenny says her favorite part of the business is being able to walk guests through the fields and let them taste fresh vegetables and see the flowers growing in their rows. “There is so much diversity of insects and birds, and we point these out,” she said. “Sometimes, guests get an overwhelmed look when taking in the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the farm. There is so much to learn! I like teaching people and empowering them to improve their self-sufficiency and health by doing the simple things we do.”

When people visit Stormbrew Farm, Daisy loves seeing it through their eyes because it is new every time. She enjoys welcoming people to the farm through their events, classes, and farm tours to give them a taste of a lost lifestyle that is very near and dear to her heart.

“When people leave,” Daisy said, “I hope they feel a sense of rejuvenation and empowerment from their experiences here.”

Jenny describes Stormbrew Farm as “the happiest place on Earth,” and encourages visitors to come and see why.

Daisy and Jenny’s main business goal right now is to replace one or both of their incomes with income from the farm. “We both still work off-farm jobs, making it hard to always accomplish our farm goals,” Daisy said.

Jenny says they would like to keep adding events to bring people to the farm to try their Stormbrew beer, as well as teach people how to cook with fresh ingredients. Another long-term goal for the farm is to partner with other local growers to create a network of farmers in order to service larger accounts.

“There is so much opportunity for all of us farmers,” Daisy said. “I think we can be more successful if we all work together.”

To learn more about Stormbrew Farm, you can visit their website, stormbrewfarm.com, or follow them on social media.

Daisy Sturgill

Guard Your Heart

When we guard our hearts by not allowing hate, anger, prejudice, and unbelief to take up residence in our hearts, we can live happier lives. And it shows in everything we do and say.

Guarding our hearts doesn’t mean building walls around our feelings and not getting hurt. We all will experience heartache and disappointments, and we can’t stop that. Just like taking care of our bodies doesn’t mean we won’t have some health problems. Of course we will, but we can deal with them.

That doesn’t mean I don’t have negative feelings sometimes. However, it’s my job not to allow them to dwell in my heart. Always listen to your heart. Your heart is the most powerful intelligence in your body. This is because your heart started beating before your brain existed.

By Deana Landers www.morningcoffeebeans.com

When our children were young, I was always cautious about what they watched on television. Looney Tunes cartoons were their favorites.

Occasionally I would ban them from watching some of the cartoons because they were comically violent and graphic. The cartoon characters beat each other to the point where blood, bruises, and missing teeth were revealed. Sometimes an arm would fall off a character; another would be chopped in half, and multiple scenes showed characters losing their skin and walking around as skeletons.

I know I might have been silly, but I was careful because I felt like the violence, even though comical and unbelievable, would cause them to think it was acceptable to smack people around.

My children laugh at me now about how concerned I was then. But, unfortunately, so many dangerous and wrong things are acceptable on TV and the internet today.

One of the first scriptures I memorized as a teenager was, “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

When we take care of our physical heart by eating healthy foods, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, and managing our stress, we can live a longer and healthier life. And it shows in everything we do.

That means your heart’s intelligence came before your brain. However, the heart and the brain work together. The brain receives and gives information; your heart tells you what to do.

Pay attention to your physical health and your heart health. If your body or heart tells you something doesn’t feel right—it probably isn’t.

The complete scripture in (Proverbs 4:23) is “ Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it .”

Our heart is our true self. It is the part that connects us to God and other people in our lives. Just like our physical body will die if we don’t care for it, our true self will die if we don’t care for our spiritual heart. That’s why Solomon said, “Above all else...”

Deana Landers, a retired nurse and health educator, is Christian speaker who strives to educate and encourage. She may be contacted at dlanders1511@ gmail.com or 276-780-7355.

your home with decor from The Old Town Emporium in Jonesborough. Located inside the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone St, Jonesborough, TN 37659

Growing a Tea Garden

By April Hensley

Nothing is so southern as a refreshingly cool glass of iced tea on a scorching summer day. A steaming mug of fresh brewed herbal tea on cool summer mornings is calming and peaceful. Hot or cold, the wonderful blended flavors taste like magic.

It is simple to grow a garden of herbs that can be used for brewing iced or hot teas or for flavoring tea or other drinks. Many of the herbs are things we may already be growing or have in our spice racks.

Chamomile, lemon balm, mint, holy basil, and parsley are just a few of the many tea herbs that can be grown at home.

If you have a roomy yard or growing space, you can also grow raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or any numerous fruits for flavor. Organic dried raspberry and blackberry leaves are often used in herbal tea blends.

There are infusers out now that are containers or dispensers that have an inner chamber where herbs and fresh fruits and vegetables like cucumbers can be steeped to flavor the beverage or water—probably a lot healthier than the storebought flavored waters and teas.

Let’s look over a few tips to get a tea garden started.

• In a 4-foot by 4-foot area you can plant between 9 and 16 plants depending on their adult size. Check the back of the pack for spacing requirements. Leave room to get between the plants for harvesting.

• Plants can be grown in pots on a patio, deck, or in hanging baskets for areas with limited in-ground space.

• Now is the time to plant seeds indoors so the herbs will be ready to transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

• If you are going to buy plants from a nursery, you can start getting your garden space ready by buying pots and potting soil.

• Try not to spray plants with any artificial pesticides. You will be using the foliage of the plants.

• Lightly harvest all season long as needed. Remove small pieces so the plant doesn’t die back.

• Test the flavors of your herbs. Dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor and fresh will be milder.

• Remove any flower buds you see forming. This will help the plant to continue to grow.

• Before frost in the fall, harvest the parts of the plant you are going to use and dehydrate. When completely dry, store in an air tight container.

April Hensley works as an office manager and is an avid gardener, writer, and greenhouse hobbyist. April loves the outdoors and is passionate about animal welfare and the environment. She can be reached at aprils1105@ embarqmail.com.

Spring Activities for Families to Enjoy Together

Check out the following family-friendly activities that make the most of spring!

Visit botanical gardens

If there’s a botanical garden nearby, a visit in spring is a great time to soak in the beauty of nature. That’s because an abundance of flowers bloom during the spring, meaning a garden will be in peak form. Visitors can meander through rows of rose bushes or tour the labyrinth of trimmed hedges. Beautiful, flowering cherry trees, with their delicate pink or white petals, also are sights to behold in spring.

Prepare a home garden

Visiting a garden is one thing, creating one at home is another. In addition to planning a vegetable garden to enjoy tasty pickings throughout summer, you can devote some property to flowers that will attract wildlife. Check with a garden center about which flowers and plants attract butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Go animal watching

Flowers are not the only thing on display come the spring. Many animals, including birds, are born this time of year. Baby animals are not only adorable, they can be entertaining to watch grow. Families can spend time viewing the animals that visit their yards or surrounding parks, being careful to keep their distance. Adults may be quite protective of their young, so it’s better to watch from the lens of a camera or with binoculars.

Giving to Others

By Jim Burns

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:16–18 KJV

Interpretation:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John

3:16–18

Get out on the water

A bright, warm day is an ideal time to enjoy the open water. Spring is a season when many marinas reopen and avid boaters put their vessels back into the water. You also can venture into streams or lakes aboard kayaks or canoes, getting exercise and seeing the scenery in the process. Bring a fishing pole along and cast it into the water for a few hours of recreation.

Make wind chimes

Enhance the garden or decor around the home by making wind chimes or other percussion items that can create beautiful music when spring breezes blow. Commercially available kits are sold, but wind chimes also can be made from items like bamboo or even strung shells.

A little boy was told by his doctor that he could actually save his sister’s life by giving her some blood. The six-year-old girl was near death, a victim of disease from which the boy had made a marvelous recovery two years earlier. Her only chance for restoration was a blood transfusion from someone who had previously conquered the illness. Since the two children had the same rare blood type, the boy was the ideal donor.

“Johnny, would you like to give your blood for Mary?” the doctor asked. The boy hesitated. His lower lip started to tremble. Then he smiled and said, “Sure, Doc. I’ll give my blood for my sister.”

Soon the two children were wheeled into the operating room—Mary, pale and thin; Johnny, robust and the picture of health. Neither spoke, but when their eyes met, Johnny grinned. As his blood siphoned into Mary’s veins, one could almost see a new life come into her tired body. The ordeal was almost over when Johnny’s brave little voice broke the silence, “Say, Doc, when do I die?”

It was only then that the doctor realized what the moment of hesitation, the trembling of the lip, had meant earlier. Little Johnny actually thought that in giving his blood to his sister he was giving up his life! And in that brief moment, he had made his great decision!

How can you apply this type of sacrificial giving to your own life?

Source: homeword.com

Voicemail Male

By Ken Heath

Ides of March

“Beware the Ides of March!” The Bard made the middle of this month famous with those words he stuck in the soothsayer’s mouth as he warned Julius Caesar. The only other time I remember hearing about a soothsayer was on Johnny Carson when he donned a turban and read jokes from a mayonnaise jar left on Ed McMahon’s front porch. But I digress.

We don’t need a soothsayer to remind us that our mountains don’t play well with others when it comes to weather. As crocuses are popping in the Piedmont and trees are greening up in Greensboro, and our NC neighbors tempt us into pulling off the patio furniture covers and Bermuda shorts, we know better. Oh, we’ll have those sunny afternoons that fire up our Spring Fever, then BAM—like ol’ Caesar, we’re floored—not by steely knives, but icy temps.

We’ve been surprised by April snows, so mid-March is indeed in the sweet spot for quick-change weather. I remember a spring Bristol race where I was doing a live remote from the twin cities in a cold rain, only to drive back to a foot of snow here in Marion! The good news is, it doesn’t last long. That snow was gone off the roads the next day, from all but our memories in a couple days. It’s enough of a reminder for me to keep my ivory, white legs covered a bit longer, and my Jimmy Buffett tees in the drawer. The seasons are a’changing. Just don’t rush Mother Nature.

Ken Heath is a Marion, VA hometown boy who expresses his passions in his writings and through music. After his ‘real job’, Ken is owner of the legendary Cliffside Roadhouse, doggie dad to Miss Reagan and their rescue Scottie the Wonder Dog with his wonderful wife. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at #kenheath.

featuring Christina Bouey, Violin

NEW RELEASES OUT NOW!

There’s a Little White Fish

Written and Illustrated by Tina

Timlin Sohn

Explore the colorful world around you with the Little White Fish in this interactive children’s book. See how exciting the world is when living in color.

Road to Reconciliation ...And Beyond

Unlikely Friends Become Brothers

Written by

Charles H. Norman III

Though on the cusp of national music stardom in 1960, young singer Mark Prince faced prejudice and racial discrimination in his small Texas hometown. His way of dealing with injustice serves as a template and inspiration for those who desire to live in peace and harmony in our present day.

Elizabeth Bromwell The Case of the Chinese Leopard

Written by Kathryn Raaker and Robert Taggart

Elizabeth and her family are tangled in a deadly spy game between the U.S. and China. A stolen file has disappeared, and they are being hunted by the world’s deadliest assassins to find Harbinger. Elizabeth will risk losing family and friends to protect this file from getting into enemy hands. The life of an expatriate can be lonely, especially without boundaries in a strange, foreign land full of adventures, longing for home.

Yesterday’s Boys

Written by John Echols

Yesterday’s Boys is an eye-opening account of one hillbilly boy growing up in the coal mining community of Patterson, Virginia in the 1950s and the 1960s. Patterson is located deep in the Appalachian Mountains, 16 miles from the nearest town. This is John Echols’ true story of the good times and bad times. Coal was king at that time, and like the song “16 Tons” by Tennessee Ernie Ford says, all the miners in Patterson owed their soul to the Company Store.

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. is a small independent publishing press with a motivated force of authors. Mountain Girl Press, Little Creek Books, Express Editions, DigiStyle, Broken Crow Ridge, Fiery Night, Skippy Creek, and RoseHeart Publishing are all imprints of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

A Heart Never Dies

Written by Karen G. Bruce

Jenna has just lost her husband to a drunk driver. Her world has turned upside down, and then she meets Ben. Their connection is instant and baffling. When she finds out that Ben may have her husband’s heart, can she stay with the man who lived only because her husband died?

The Princess: A Fairy Tale & A True Story

Written by Anna L. Sobol

Illustrated by Blake Marsee

Growing up to be a Princess is hard work. Success isn’t always what she expects it to be, but the Princess never gives up, no matter how many dragons stand in her way.

the little orange t’s Great Tennessee Adventure

Written by George Bove

Illustrated by Kristi Lynch

The little orange t and his best friend, Smoke, set out on a silly and exciting Tennessee adventure of discovery and mud! The two trek across the SEC and are received by many wonderful friends. Energized and inspired by the possibilities of what lies beneath, the little orange t and Smoke realize a discovery that changes the sporting world forever!

COMING SOON

My Favorite Season Is Spring

Written by Patrice Wilkerson

Illustrated by Brooke Beaver

Come on a journey with little Susie as she describes her favorite season and all the fun things she likes to do in spring.

AUTHORS on the ROAD

Appalachian Authors Guild

Tuesday, March 14, the Appalachian Authors Guild will conduct a General Meeting at Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, 852 French Moore Jr Blvd, Abingdon, VA. From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A program: “Meet the AAG Authors” will be presented with all AAG authors who are willing to participate. All are welcome to attend the business meeting and the program.

Linda Hudson Hoagland

Snooping Can Be Regrettable; Snooping Can Be Scary; Snooping Can Be Uncomfortable; Snooping Can Be Helpful – Sometimes; Onward & Upward; Missing Sammy; Snooping Can Be Doggone Deadly; Snooping Can Be Devious; Snooping Can Be Contagious;

Snooping Can Be Dangerous; The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Easter Lilies; Broken Petals; Wild Daisies; Scattered Flowers; Daffodil Dreams; and These Haunted Hills; These Haunted Hills Book 2; These Haunted Hills Book 3; and These Haunted Hills Book 4

Friday, March 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing

Food City

Galax, VA

Saturday, March 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing

Food City

Volunteer Parkway, TN

Friday, March 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing

Food City

St. Paul, VA

Saturday, March 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing

Food City

Wise, VA

Friday, March 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing

Food City

Weber City, VA

Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing

Food City, Piney Flats, TN

Friday, March 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing

Food City, N. Eastman Rd

Kingsport, TN

Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing

Food City

Vansant, VA

Friday, March 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Book Signing

Food City

Independence, VA

Rosie Hartwig-Benson

Petals of Distinction

Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. Speaker –Book Signing Saint Matthew’s UCC Forest City, MN

MARCH IS NATIONAL Paws to Read Month!

Delightfully written, this book is a dedication to a beloved dog, Gracie. The story is filled with gifts of expression and love which are evident as it takes the reader through a journey of stories, events and happenings. One can glean many insights into the fullness of a love shared with a very strong-willed, yet beautiful dog, Gracie. Heartfelt and inspirational with love and laughter, this dedication will touch the heart of every animal lover.

Live Like Grunt is a story about a yellow lab who gave the Burdine family unconditional love and loyalty for about a dozen years. Grunt was his name and love was his game. Miles and Denise Burdine brought Grunt home for their three girls, Nikki, Laura and Alyce. His name came from Miles, who is a USMC Colonel, also known as a “Grunt.” They do the hard work, the dirty work, the groundwork...the Grunt work. Grunt followed the girls wherever they went, did whatever they did and was always happy to do so. The feeling was mutual.

Sweet Sofie Sue will teach your child to help, love, and value their friends, family, and loved ones through Sofie’s adventure at the beach. A powerful little book to teach children how important it is to be kind to others. The author uses two methods—a Bible verse and animals to tell this delightful and fun story!

Teddy is a busy little fellow! See what he is up to today! Great illustrations and a cute story of the dog Little Teddy, and his adventures each day. Order this book

A delightful fun story of a little girl and her beloved Basset Hound brought to life by charming illustrations. Beautifully illustrated and any child will love this adventurous story of a Basset Hound and growing up in a dog loving family.

Susan Howell Nikki Burdine and Miles Burdine

Debbie Neal Teresa Wilkerson

Victoria Fletcher

Books You May Have Missed!

Yesterday’s Books and Tomorrow ’s Reading

March is Women’s History Month! Check out these reads by talented, female authors who promise to make their mark on the world of literature for many years to come.

Set during World War I in southwest Virginia, Hiding Ezra is the story of a simple farmer, Ezra Teague, who is forced to choose between fighting for his country and taking care of his family. Hiding Ezra is also a love story, as we see the girl of his dreams, Alma Newton, try to figure out how to extricate Ezra from his predicament. And finally, Hiding Ezra is the story of an adventure, a quest, and a chase, as the authorities — including local boy Lieutenant Andrew Nettles — try to bring Ezra to military justice.

Rita Sims Quillen Kathleen M. Jacobs Maggie MacLean Brenda Crissman Musick

Honeysuckle Holiday centers on the life of twelve-year-old protagonist, Lucy. It takes place in the south, in the late 1960s. Lucy struggles internally to come to terms with her parents’ sudden and mysterious divorce. She finds herself thrust — almost overnight — from a world of comfort and privilege into one of near marginality. Lucy comes to shed her unknowing racism, taking her beyond the ideals of youth — her love of books and the trappings of childhood knit closely to her very fiber. She learns to peel back the layers of human frailty (her own included) painful piece by painful piece, while struggling to hold on to the comforts of innocence.

While women’s place in the nineteenth-century society was strictly defined, some women transcended those boundaries. Amanda Armstrong was one of those women. Out of food and supplies, Amanda traveled to Knoxville, looking for a way to support herself until the war was over. Along the way, she encountered an orphaned black boy who attached himself to her and would not let go. When she returned home a few months later, he followed her. After conquering her own deep-seated fears, Amanda profoundly affected the lives of many people, including the women of her neighborhood who were also struggling to survive the war.

Young girls of the Appalachian Mountains had their dreams just like everyone else...simple dreams of marrying a good man, moving across the hill and raising a family. Carrie Ranes had those dreams, and they included the handsome Tom Swank. Her marriage woes are pushed aside as she battles to save her dying daughter. Will Carrie’s dreams be shattered? Can she save her daughter, her marriage, her family?

JCP is Now Accepting Submissions

These Haunted Hills: Book 5

The These Haunted Hills series began with the first installment in fall of 2017, and has since produced second, third, and fourth editions. Each anthology is filled with stories that indulge readers’ curiosity for the supernatural from an array of accomplished authors.

These Haunted Hills: Book 5 is set for publication autumn 2023.

Stories submitted to the fifth edition of JCP’s haunting anthology collection should follow the theme of spooky or supernatural stories set in the Appalachian region. Stories must be fiction. The submission fee per story is $20, and authors are allowed to submit a max of two stories. You may call the office at 423.926.9983 with a credit card number or mail a check to JCP at P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605. Stories must have a minimum of 1500 words and a maximum of 3500 words per story.

Authors accepted to the anthology will receive two free books upon publication.

The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2023. Send your submissions to submissions@ jancarolpublishing.com. Join the host of talented writers to take part in our most beloved anthology series!

Steamy Creek: A Cozy Romance Anthology

JCP is now accepting submissions to our first romance short story collection, Steamy Creek: A Cozy Romance Anthology!

Steamy Creek will join our other JCP in house anthologies — our These Haunted Hills series; our Appalachian inspired short story collections with titles such as Daffodil Dreams, Scattered Flowers, and Wild Daisies; as well as our winter themed anthology, Snowy Trails.

Steamy Creek is set for publication in February 2024.

Stories submitted to Steamy Creek should be of the romance genre and must be fiction. The submission fee per story is $20, and authors are allowed to submit a max of two stories. You may call the office at 423.926.9983 with a credit card number or mail a check to JCP at P.O. Box 701, Johnson City, TN, 37605. Stories must have a minimum of 1500 words and a maximum of 3500 words per story.

Authors accepted to the anthology will receive two free books upon publication.

The deadline for submissions to Steamy Creek: A Cozy Romance Anthology is September 30, 2023. Send your submissions to submissions@jancarolpublishing.com.

Potential Obstacles to Healthy Eating W

hether individuals have already established healthy eating habits and just want to maintain them or are making an effort to transition to more nutritious diets, they’re bound to encounter various obstacles along the way. Identifying those hurdles can help people stay the course and reap all the rewards that healthy eating can offer.

• Travel: Travel poses a significant obstacle to healthy eating. Professionals who travel frequently for work may find it difficult to exert control over what they eat and how much they eat. Restaurants often prepare foods with more salt than individuals would use at home, and business travelers may be forced to eat whatever is accessible, regardless of how healthy it may or may not be. One way to clear this hurdle is to research business trip locations in advance in the hopes of finding accessible, healthy food throughout the trip. Peruse local restaurant menus and book lodging in hotels that provide healthy breakfasts each morning. Apply the same approach when traveling for recreation.

• Time: Time is another potential obstacle to healthy eating. Busy adults often cite a lack of time to prepare healthy meals as the primary reason their diets are lacking in nutritional value. If lack of time to prepare healthy meals is your biggest dietary obstacle, make a concerted effort to plan ahead. Utilize slow cookers to ensure you can have a nutritious, homemade meal each night. Do some homework online and find recipes for quick, nutritious meals that can be prepared on weeknights.

• Snacking: Snacks also can compromise healthy diets. There’s nothing wrong with snacking during the day if the foods that comprise your snacks are nutritious and low in calories. Greek yogurt, fruit and fresh vegetables dipped in a small amount of hummus can make for filling, nutritious snacks.

• Guilt: Guilt is no small hurdle on the road to maintaining or adapting to a nutritious diet. No one is perfect, so missteps are to be expected. If you veer off course and overindulge in foods that don’t offer much nutritional value, forgive

yourself and try to identify what triggered the misstep so you can avoid it in the future. It’s also important that individuals recognize that, in most situations, the occasional indulgence in unhealthy food is acceptable. People with medical conditions who have been told by their physicians to make dietary changes should consult with their doctors about occasional breaks and the consequences of eating certain foods, even in moderation.

A nutritious diet can help people live healthy lives. Certain obstacles may compromise such diets, and identifying such hurdles in advance can make them easier to clear.

The Importance of Water in the Elderly

By Cindy K. Sproles

Times are changing. More Americans are switching their sights from sugar-filled drinks to good old-fashioned water. Nothing seems to quench a thirst over H2O. However, for our seniors, drinking enough water is tough.

According to the American Medical Association, the internal scale that balances the need for fluids and the desire for them shifts as our bodies age. Thirst decreases. And the less we drink, the less we want. This is especially dangerous for our seniors.

Seniors need water, and the hurdles happen when this desire plummets. Water hydrates not only thirst, but the entire body. Well-hydrated bodies sport brains that function better, leading to a stronger memory and thought process. Water acts as a lubricant for joints and muscles, helping keep the body well-oiled and moving.

Aging adults will sometimes suffer from constipation, thus adding fiber to their diets. Fiber increases stools and, as a result, draws more water from their systems. Drinking plenty of fluids aids in digestion and improves bowel functions. Being well hydrated helps aid in more elasticity in the skin, helping ward off dry skin, dry eyes, and scratchy throats.

Kidney issues are common in seniors as well. Without proper hydration, the body cannot function to flush out impurities and toxins that build in the system. In a nutshell, water not only washes your dishes at home but also cleanses your body.

Encourage aging family members to keep water freely throughout their house. Adding a glass by the bed, recliner, laundry room, and even water in the garage makes for a readily available reminder to reach for a sip.

Watch for symptoms of dehydration in your loved ones by checking for sunken and darkened eyes, drowsiness, confusion, labored or slurred speech, dizziness, chronic muscle aches, labored breathing, and weakness. Few realize how important water is to the lungs. By keeping them moist and soft rather than dry and hardened, breathing (especially for those seniors with COPD and other pulmonary issues), is much easier.

Water increases the body’s ability to function correctly, and learning to avoid highsugar drinks is one small step in helping improve your aging parent’s quality of life. Whether it’s cold tea, filtered water, flavored no-sugar water, or calorie water… drink. Water is a refreshing and life-giving addition to your loved one’s life.

Cindy K. Sproles is a novelist, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.

3 Steps Anyone Can Take to Keep their Kidneys Healthy

Chronic kidney disease is more common than people may realize. The organizers behind World Kidney Day indicate that roughly one in 10 people across the globe have CKD, which can develop at any age.

The prevalence of CKD underscores how significant a threat it poses to the general public. In addition to its impact on public health, CKD also exerts a financial strain on countries across the globe. For instance, a recent report from NHS Kidney Care in England indicated the costs associated with kidney disease in that country outnumber expenses for cancers of the breast, lung, colon, and skin combined. Across the pond in the United States, annual costs to treat CKD are estimated to be around $48 billion.

Many instances of CKD are not preventable. However, these three tips can help anyone reduce their risk for CKD.

1. Recognize your risk. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases indicates that individuals are more likely to develop kidney disease if they have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and/or a family history of kidney failure. Annual physical examinations can indicate if blood pressure levels are high and help to determine if a person is prediabetic. Prediabetes does not mean a person has type 2 diabetes, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, without intervention, prediabetes is likely to become type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Individuals also can speak with older relatives to determine their family medical history and whether or not it includes individuals with kidney disease.

2. Speak to your physician about kidney testing. The NIDDK reports that early kidney disease may not produce any symptoms. As a result,

testing may be the most effective way to determine if your kidneys are healthy. Health care providers will determine the frequency of testing, which typically involves blood and/or urine tests.

3. Eat a healthy diet. The NIDDK recommends individuals ensure less than 10 percent of their daily calories come from added sugars. In addition, reducing sodium consumption and focusing on heart-healthy foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, can help individuals maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, thus reducing their risk for kidney disease.

Kidney disease is a significant threat to public health. Individuals concerned about CKD can employ various measures to reduce their risk.

Joggin’ for the Noggin!

5K and Pancake Breakfast

The Crumley House is ready to welcome runners and walkers of all ages when the Joggin’ for the Noggin! 5K Run/Walk & Pancake Breakfast returns ‪on Saturday, March 25.‬ The event is annually one of the brain injury rehabilitation center’s most significant fundraisers. Touted as one of the most scenic 5K events in the region, the run/walk takes place at The Crumley House (‪300 Urbana Road, Limestone, TN‬) ‪beginning at 10 a.m‬. With a beautiful Appalachian Mountain backdrop, it’s the perfect family fun/fit event to usher in spring. An added plus includes a satisfying pancake breakfast, made in The Crumley House kitchen, and served immediately following the race. Visit crumleyhouse.com for complete details and registration. Purchase the book from jancarolpublishing.com that details how The Crumley House came to be—Lori’s Miracle: How One Family’s Hope and Faith Overcame Adversity.

HOW TO PROMOTE INCLUSIVITY FOR DEAF INDIVIDUALS

The World Health Organization says 1.5 billion people across the globe live with some degree of hearing loss. Chronic ear infections and diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and meningitis account for more than 30 percent of hearing loss in children, which is a significant problem in less developed nations. Since communication is so vital to the human race and helps people feel more connected, those who are deaf can feel isolated from others because of their hearing issues. Thankfully, there are ways that the public can be more welcoming and accommodating to the deaf community.

Learn about hearing loss

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association indicates there are three basic forms of hearing loss, which are classified based on which part of the ear is damaged.

• Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound can’t travel through the outer and middle ear. Soft sounds are challenging to hear and louder sounds may be muffled. Medical treatment or surgery often can remedy conductive hearing loss.

• Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss. It is caused by damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathway to the brain.

• Mixed hearing loss occurs when conductive and sensorineural hearing loss happen concurrently.

Enroll in a sign language class

If you know someone at school, work or in the community who is deaf, you can foster a deeper connection with this person by learning sign language. Americans and English-speaking Canadians use American Sign Language, while French-speaking Canadians utilize Quebec Sign Language (Langue des signes québécoise or LSQ). ASL

and LSQ classes are readily available, and a person can learn many words and phrases to make it easier to communicate with someone who is deaf. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average person can make out just 40 percent of conversations by lip-reading, so learning sign language is the best way to foster effective communication.

Caption or bring in interpreters

Employers and educators can take strides to include more captioning or signed interpretations for lessons, meetings and webinars. Text transcripts or slide shows can be sent as a follow-up to oral presentations.

Many companies are unsure of the resources that might be needed by people with hearing disabilities. By expanding hiring diversity and working with deaf people, managers can foster the growth an organization needs to be more inclusive. The website DeafFriendly.com enables people to rate the level of deaf-friendliness of any company. Companies can use that feedback to make positive changes to their organizations.

Being more inclusive of deaf individuals can be a goal during Deaf History Month and throughout the rest of the year.

March Kicks Off National Deaf History Month and Hearing Awareness Week!

In honor of this, families can pick up a copy of Heart of Hearing by Meaghan Thomas. Published in fall 2021, Heart of Hearing is an animated and entertaining story for children to encourage them to wear their aids. It provides and highlights aspects of the world around us that would be missed if they chose not to wear them. Readers can purchase Heart of Hearing from Amazon, Barnes&Noble.com, or directly through JCP. A portion of all proceeds will go directly to the non-profit The Heart of Hearing, Inc., created by the author, Meaghan Thomas.

Get the Skinny on Triglycerides

People who see their doctors for routine wellness exams typically undergo certain blood tests during that process. In addition to a complete blood count (CBC), doctors frequently request lipid panels that indicate cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

While cholesterol is a familiar term, triglycerides may be more of a mystery to the average Joe.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, triglycerides are lipids (waxy fats) that provide energy to the body. The body produces triglycerides and also gets them through food. Triglycerides are actual fats, while cholesterol is a waxy, odorless substance made by the liver. Since cholesterol cannot mix or dissolve in the blood, the liver puts cholesterol together with triglycerides to move the fatty mixture (lipoproteins) throughout the body.

When a person eats, any extra calories not used for energy are converted into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. Later, hormones release these triglycerides as energy between meals. Individuals who regularly eat more calories than they burn, particularly from high-carbohydrate foods, may have high triglycerides.

According to the Mayo Clinic, high triglyceride levels may contribute to a hardening or thickening of the arteries, which is a condition known as arteriosclerosis.

For healthy adults, normal triglyceride levels should be under 150 mg/dL. Values of 151 to 200 mg/dL are considered borderline high, and anything over 201 is high or very high. In addition to arteriosclerosis, high triglyceride levels can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis.

March is RED CROSS MONTH Turning Compassion into Action

March is Red Cross Month, a time to remind everyone of the work of the Red Cross organization does in communities across the country and around the globe–and how they depend on public support to help people in need. The Red Cross may provide medical care, food, shelter, and other services to communities until they get back on their feet after a disaster or medical pandemic.

The Red Cross also is often instrumental in organizing blood collection drives. We invite you and others to join the Red Cross mission by volunteering, giving blood, learning lifesaving skills, or making a financial donation. You don’t have to wait until next March to help people in need.

Visit redcross.org.

Overeating, having a family history of high cholesterol, drinking alcohol to excess, being overweight or obese, and having unmanaged diabetes can contribute to high cholesterol levels. Smoking, the presence of thyroid disease and certain medications, like diuretics and hormones, also may raise the risk of developing high triglyceride levels.

Lifestyle changes similar to those recommended to manage high cholesterol can help people lower their triglyceride levels. These include eating a nutritious diet, doing aerobic exercises regularly and maintaining a moderate weight. Individuals should avoid simple carbohydrates, such as those made with white flour, fructose, trans fats, and hydrogenated oils or fats.

Low triglyceride levels are not typically a cause for concern. But in these instances malnutrition or malabsorption could be the culprit.

Individuals should undergo routine health screenings to determine if high triglycerides are part of their lipid panels.

St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to honor St. Patrick and celebrate the Irish diaspora and culture. From lively bagpiping to delicious foods to spirited parades, St. Patrick’s Day features many chances for merriment, which can even extend to private parties held at home. The following are some recipe ideas to ensure this St. Patrick’s Day is as jovial as ever.

Classic Irish Coffee

Yield: 2

1/3 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1/4 cup whiskey, preferably Irish

2 cups hot freshly brewed coffee

Whip the cream and brown sugar in a medium bowl with a whisk until soft peaks form. Divide the whiskey between 2 mugs and top with the hot coffee. Spoon the whipped cream over top and serve hot.

Source: www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/classic-irish-coffee-5484734

Shepherd’s Pie

Yield: 8 servings

1 1⁄2 pounds russet potatoes

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 carrots, peeled and finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1⁄2 pounds ground lamb

1 3⁄4 teaspoons kosher salt

3⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 teaspoons tomato paste

1 cup chicken broth

2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1⁄4 cup half-and-half

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large egg yolk

1⁄2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen

1⁄2 cup English peas, fresh or frozen

1. Heat oven to 400 F.

2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1⁄2-inch dice. Put them in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Set said pan over high heat, cover and bring to a boil. Uncover, drop the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook until tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Heat the oil in an 11-inch sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion and carrots and sauté just until they begin to take on color, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Add the meat, salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes.

4. Sprinkle the meat with the flour, toss to coat, and continue to cook for another minute. Add the tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and thyme and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to low, cover, and simmer slowly until the sauce is thickened slightly, 10 to 12 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, combine the half-and-half and butter in a microwave-safe container and nuke until warmed through, about 35 seconds.

6. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan. Mash the potatoes (a masher is an excellent tool for this, though a hand mixer will do), then add the hot half-and-half mixture, as well as the salt and pepper. Mash to smoothness, then stir in the egg yolk.

7. Add the corn and peas to the meat mixture and spread evenly in a 7-by11-inch glass baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, starting around the edges to create a seal to prevent the mixture from bubbling over, and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Place on a half sheet pan lined with parchment paper on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or just until the potatoes begin to brown. Remove to a cooking rack and let rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Source: Chef Alton Brown, Good Eats season 12

Irish Boxty

Yield: about 10

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

5 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

2 teaspoons flaky sea salt, for garnish

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 of the sides. Spray the parchment with cooking spray.

2. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder and kosher salt in a medium bowl until combined.

1 1/4 cups raw potatoes, peeled

1 1/4 cups cooked potatoes, mashed

1 1/4 cups flour

2 1⁄2 teaspoons salt

3 1⁄2 cups milk

1. Grate the raw potatoes into a muslin cloth and squeeze as much liquid as possible into a bowl. Let liquid stand for 20 minutes.

2. Gently pour off the liquid and keep the starch that settled in the bottom of the bowl.

3. Add grated potatoes to mashed potatoes and flour. Add starch and salt to mix.

4. Slowly add 3⁄4 of the milk to form a batter of pouring consistency. Depending on the potato, you may not need to use all the milk. If the batter is too heavy, add more milk.

5. Leave batter resting for 30 minutes.

6. Drop a ladle full onto an oiled nonstick pan over medium heat and cook on the first side for 2 minutes (this depends on how heavy the batter is and how much you use). Check color (it should be a nice golden color) on the bottom. Adjust heat if necessary.

7. Turn and cook on the other side for 2 to 3 minutes more.

8. Boxty pancakes are best left overnight in a fridge and reheated in a pan in good butter. Source: Chef Pádraic Óg Gallagher of Gallagher’s Boxty House in Dublin

Guinness Brownies

Yield: 16 brownies

Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the pan

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

One 11.2 ounce bottle stout beer, such as Guinness® Extra Stout

1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

3. Slowly pour the Guinness into a medium saucepan, trying to make as little foam as possible. (Hold the pot at an angle and press the lip of the bottle to the side of the pot and slowly pour. This should help eliminate foam.) Bring the beer to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened and reduced to 1/3 cup, 12 to 13 minutes (you may need to pour the beer into a liquid measuring cup a few times to make sure it is reduced enough). Add the butter and whisk constantly until melted, about 1 minute. Add the bittersweet chocolate and whisk constantly until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the granulated sugar until combined. Whisk in the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. Add the flour mixture and stir slowly until combined, taking care that none of the flour spills out of the pot. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

5. Bake until set on top, the brownies have slightly pulled away from the sides and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top.

6. Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to remove the brownies from the pan to a cutting board and let cool completely, about 30 minutes.

7. Use a fine-mesh sieve to sprinkle the confectioners’ sugar on top of the brownies and slice into 16 squares.

Source: www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/guinness-brownies-12348094

It’s A Classic!

Short and sweet film reviews of old, classic movies perfect for a girls’ night in!

By Allison Chudina

As we enter into the spring season and Women’s History Month, I wanted to recommend an iconic musical film from 1953 starring Marilyn Monroe, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes . This movie, which is largely considered a surprisingly feminist buddy comedy, follows showgirls Lorelei Lee (played by Monroe) and Dorothy Shaw (played by Jane Russell) as they travel to Paris, pursued by a private detective hired by the suspicious father of Lorelei’s fiancé, who believes Lorelei is after his son’s

money. Lorelei and Dorothy are also pursued by many other doting admirers. Directed by Howard Hawks, this movie is often considered feminist because of the celebrated connection between Monroe and Russell, as well as the parallels drawn between the motivations of women who pursue men for their money and men who pursue women for their beauty. This is the perfect movie to watch with your closest girl friends on a sunny spring afternoon.

Getting Started with Crochet

Hobbies provide an opportunity to learn new skills, meet people, earn a little extra money, and keep minds sharp. Peruse the aisles of a home improvement retailer or craft store and you’re likely to find many different ideas for keeping busy.

When visiting the yarn aisle of a favorite shop, shoppers may be inspired to create everything from scarves to sweaters and more. This is entirely possible for those who care to learn the art of crochet.

Crochet is a type of yarn work named after the hook that is used in the process. Crochet is derived from the French word “croche,” which means “hook” or “hooked.”

Crochet creates garments by making interlocking loops of fiber, whether it’s yarn, thread, or even twine. Various projects

can be made from this craft, but blankets, scarves, and hats are among the most popular. Crochet doesn’t require a lot of supplies to get started; in fact, all you really need is yarn, a hook, scissors, and some knowledge of the more basic stitches.

Learning to crochet can be a worthwhile venture. It may take a little time to grow comfortable with the language and technique, but as you gain more experience, you can try more complex patterns. Fortunately, there are plenty of books and online tutorials that demonstrate stitches for those who want to see before doing.

Each March, Daylight Saving Time (DST) is welcomed by millions of people in the northern hemisphere, especially those who lament the lack of sunlight when leaving their offices in the evenings throughout winter.

This year, DST will take place at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, at which time clocks will be moved forward one hour. That means sunset will take place one hour later that night, providing that much-loved extra hour of evening sunlight.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Relaxing place

4. Plant by scattering

7. A type of explorer

12. Unique traits

15. Lady

16. Dismayed

18. Railway

19. Type of whale

20. Sodium

21. Manning and Lilly are two

24. Where golfers begin

27. Entrapped

30. Influential punk artist

31. Hebrew calendar month

33. Car mechanics group

34. Undesirable rodent

35. Minneapolis suburb

37. Witch

39. Get free of

41. A written proposal or reminder

42. British School

44. Country on west coast of Africa

47. Cool!

48. Information

49. __ route

50. Jim Nantz’s network

52. Something to register (abbr.)

53. Give cards incorrectly

56. One who’s learning on the job

61. Stevenson adventure novel

63. Taking careful notice

64. CNN’s founder

65. Speak badly of

CLUES DOWN

1. A person with unusual powers of foresight

2. Single sheet of glass

3. Portrays a character

4. Expresses happiness

5. Acquires

6. “The Martian” author

7. Degree

8. 60-minute intervals

9. A detective’s pal

10. Group of nations (abbr.)

11. Popular Georgia rockers

12. Fencing swords

13. Basement

14. Samoan monetary unit

17. Male parent

22. Finnish lake

23. A smooth fabric

24. Arctic explorers (abbr.)

25. Mild yellow Dutch cheese

26. Very willing

28. Expressed pleasure

29. Lasso

32. Hindu model of ideal man

36. Move your head in approval

38. Ill-__: gained illegally

40. Die

43. Accused publicly

44. Precious stone

45. Individual thing or person

46. Behaved in a way that degraded

51. Derogatory term

54. No seats available

55. Liability

56. Popular beverage

57. Tough outer skin of fruit

58. __ Spumante (Italian wine)

59. Troubles

60. Negative

62. Camper

The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.