YAH January 2013 - Young at Heart News
Transcription
YAH January 2013 - Young at Heart News
Young At Heart January 2013 News FREE! FREE! Activities, Resources & Ideas Planning Your New Year! A new year brings new choices and our January issue offers ideas about planning to make those choices. We explore and offer results of ideas and resources for how to plan and make decisions on many aspects in your life – finances (pg 6), travel (pg 7), health (pgs 10-11, 19) and much more throughout the issue. We begin January with quotes from famous people who celebrate birthdays this month. Then we give you tips on how to keep those important Resolutions you made on the last day of 2012 (pg 4). Our food for the month is judged by many in different ways – perhaps you will find information you didn’t know about this historical food from the Americas (pgs 12-13) and taste its benefits with a different sense. Aanother aspect of food celebrates Soup Month and a utensil most of us cannot be without. We join them with information and recipes that work well together for January’s In Good Taste offerings (pgs 12-15). We cover Good Times around the region (pgs. 8-9) and at your local community/senior center (pg 16). Two national health observances for January are discussed - Awareness is the key (pg 19). Tips about caring for your winter garden as well as resources for planning your springtime plantings provide something to consider in the Garden Path (pg 17). Green Corner focuses on keeping your home warmer (think energy savings) and includes a nifty craft you can make that will lower the bills (pg 18). Mind Games along with a healthy Dose of Laughter (20-22) and Reading Suggestions on some of our themes (pg 23) give you a variety of ways to sit back and relax as you enjoy a winter month of . . . . Living Young At Heart In This Issue: Non-Profit Focus .............. 5 Great Escapes ..................... 7 Good Times ..................... 8-9 At the Center..................... 16 Garden Path......................17 Healthy Living...................19 Mind Games ......................20 Planning the New Year pg 6 & more A staple throughout time pg 12 This creature can keep you warm pg 18 Television Worth Watching THIS January on BEGINS JANUARY 6 9 PM MARKET WARRIORS Mondays @ 9 pm New season begins Jan. 7 THE ABOLITIONISTS: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE Three-part series, Tuesdays @ 9 pm starting Jan. 8 DCI BANKS Fridays @ 9 pm starting Jan. 11 New British detective series PETER YARROW SING-ALONG SPECIAL Saturday, Jan. 12 @ 7:30 pm Watch & find out how to get tickets to see Peter LIVE in Ashland MIDSOMER MURDERS Sundays @ 10 pm starting Jan. 13 Classic British mystery series FRONTLINE: INSIDE OBAMA’S PRESIDENCY Tuesday, Jan. 15 @ 10 pm A look at key decisions and experiences that will inform his 2nd term INDEPENDENT LENS: The Revisionaries Monday, Jan. 28 @ 10 pm With textbooks, what happens in Texas affects the whole nation Visit us at soptv.org for complete listings, and follow us on 2 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 January (Latin, Ianuarius) is named after Janus, god of the doorway. Volunteering at SOPTV Do you have languishing talents? Would you like to do something that makes a difference? Volunteering at Southern Oregon Public Television is a great way to make friends and support one of your favorite causes. It can also help you sharpen your skills and add current work experience to your résumé for getting back into the workforce. Volunteers at the station perform a wide variety of activities, from proofreading to stuffing envelopes, shipping packages, data entry, running cameras, floor directing, doing voiceovers, building sets, hosting pledge programs, assisting at events, and answering phones. If you are athletic, perhaps you would like to volunteer on an as-needed basis to go with engineers to translator and transmitter sites, sometimes traveling via Sno-Cat over breathtaking terrain, with a short snowshoe scramble to the top, as happened last month on King Mt. If you have some specialized skills, the station could use help with its website, video editing, graphic design, fixing computers - the exhaustive list of needs can embrace a very wide set of skills. Tell them what you know how to do, and they will eagerly seek the right job for you. Maybe you would like to hold a fundraiser or screening event. The station always has new shows with advance screening opportunities. You could show a preview in your town or with your friends to help bring in new members and build viewership. They also have a steady supply of children’s shows and educational materials. Perhaps you could partner with a preschool, library, or other nonprofit in the area for some children’s events. SOPTV could also use a grant writer. They have some local production ideas simmering that are just waiting for help to find funding. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Linda at 541.779.0808 ext. 225. The name has its beginnings in Roman mythology, from the Latin word for door,(ianua), since January is the “door “to the year. The original Roman calendar consisted of 10 months, with 304 days -winter was considered a monthless period. Around 713 BC, the successor of Romulus, King Numa Pompilius, added the months of January and February, allowing the calendar to equal a standard lunar year (354 days). March was originally the first month in the old Roman calendar, January became the first month of the calendar year under either Numa or Decemvirs about 450 BC (Roman writers differ). In contrast, specific years pertaining to dates were identified by naming two consuls, who entered office on May 1 and March 15 until 153 BC, when they began to enter office on January 1. Actually, many countries didn’t begin their New Year on January 1 until the past few centuries - e.g., in Great Britain, New Years Day wasn’t celebrated on January 1st until 1750. January Birthday Quotes Isaac Asimov, Scientist & Science Fiction Writer b. 1/2/1920 The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but ‘That’s funny...’ Joan of Arc, French national heroine b. 1/6/1412 d. 1431 One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying. Elvis Presley, King of Rock ‘n Roll b. 1/8/1935 I was training to be an electrician. I suppose I got wired the wrong way round somewhere along the line. Andy Rooney, Journalist and commentator b.1/14/1919 I didn’t get old on purpose, it just happened. If you’re lucky, it could happen to you. Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights Activist b. 1/15/1929 The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important. Benjamin Franklin, inventor, statesman, writer b. 1/17/1706 Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. A.A. Milne, author , created Winnie the Pooh. b. 1/18/1882 Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon. Kevin Costner, Actor b. 1/18/1955 If you don’t understand your limitations, you won’t achieve much in your life. Edwin “Buzz Aldrin, Astronaut, walked on the moon 1/20/1930 There’s a need for accepting responsibility for a person’s life and making choices that are not just for immediate short-term comfort. You need to make an investment and that is in health and education John Hancock, 1st signer, Declaration of Independence. 1/23/ 1737 There, I guess King George will be able to read that without his spectacles! (after signing) Paul Newman, Oscar winning actor b. 1/26/1925 Newman’s first law: It is useless to put on your brakes when you’re upside down Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Austrian Composer b. 1/27/1756 Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius. William McKinley, 25th President, assassinated b. 1/29/1843 That’s all a man can hope for during his lifetime - to set an example - and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history. Gene Hackman, actor b. 1/30/1930 The difference between a hero and a coward is one step sideways. Volunteers from Mountain Meadows Retirement Community hosted the Downton Abbey Season 3 preview event. Jackie Robinson, 1st Afro-American-major league baseball 1/31/1919 Life is not a spectator sport. If you spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching, in my opinion, you’re wasting your life. January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 3 Resolutions Revisited Young at Heart News is a free monthly publication focusing on resources, activities and ideas for the 50 or better community. These pages serve as a medium for time-tested and innovative thoughts that we hope will contribute to and enhance the lives of our readers. We recognize there are many paths to reach this prime time of life and many choices to make as we cultivate our futures. We research, gather and offer suggestions as springboards of food for thought, ideas for leisure, educational opportunities and resources for strength in all aspects of our many readers’ lives – health, finances, home, leisure and more. January 2013 Published by Young at Heart News 305 N.E. 6th St., #704 Grants Pass, OR 97526 [email protected] Office: 541.476.0067 www.youngatheartnews.com Accuracy of all materials is the sole responsibility of the authors. Young at Heart NW shall not be reproduced in any form or manner without prior written agreement. Printed on recycled newsprint using Soy ink Making the resolutions were easy - making them stick? Not so much. Here are a few tips to help you keep your resolutions: 1. If you didn’t do it on December 31st, Write It Down Now! Putting pen to paper is a great way to clarify what it is you want to accomplish. Use a journal or write it on an index card and tape it to a mirror. 2. Manage expectations. It’s OK to break your resolution in the first week or two; you just have to be willing to get back on the horse. For some, January may not be the right time; start fresh in March, or June. 3. Get a buddy to do it with you. Everyone knows it’s easier to do things with a partner - grab one and work on resolutions together. 4. Revisit resolutions often. You’re going to have to review and revise your goals as you go throughout the year to make them work. 5. Don’t remove - add. Replace bad habits with good ones. Framing your resolution positively will make you more likely to want to meet it! 6. Make it public. The more people you tell about what you’re up to - the more likely you will stick to it. 7. Celebrate! The joy in resolutions is in the journey. Accept this will be an ongoing process and celebrate yourself and your unique experiences. And if you don’t quite accomplish each resolution, there’s always 2014! Pick up your FREE copy of Young at Heart at these locations: ASHLAND GOLD HILL MEDFORD (cont’d) SHADY COVE Ashland Hospital Ashland Food Co-op Library Lithia Springs Market of Choice OLLI Senior Center Shop ‘n Cart The Bread Board Library Ray’s Market Roosters Restaurant Asante RRMC Medford Senior Center Si Casa Flores West Main Pharmacy Edgewater Inn Fishin’ Hole Fly Shop Library Shady Cove Market Community Center Shady Kate’s Boutique GRANTS PASS Laurel Hill Golf Course Ray’s Market RVCOG The Senior Center Artisan Roasters Black Forest Blind George’s Bree’s Upscale Resale Buona Sera Inn Club Northwest Della’s Restaurant Elmer’s Restaurant Gooseberries The Grange Herb Shop JoCo Historical Soc. Library The Mail Center Service Drugs Siskiyou Comm. Health The Train Depot Three Rivers Hospital Visitors Center Vitality Center YMCA CRESCENT CITY JACKSONVILLE Information Center Del Norte Senior Center Bella Union Good Bean Coffee Jacksonville Mercantile Library Pony Espresso Ray’s Market Pico’s Senior Thrift Store Umi Sushi Visitor Center BROOKINGS CC’s Clothes for Cancer Chetco Library Chetco Activity Center Whales Tail Candy & Gifts Whaleshead Restaurant CAVE JUNCTION Taylor’s Sausage Library CENTRAL POINT EAGLE POINT Butte Creek Mill History Center Library Ray’s Market Senior Center GASQUET Gasquet Market GOLD BEACH Coffee Dock Gold Beach Books & Rachel’s Coffeehouse Happy Days Malt Shop Indian Creek Cafe Post Office Senior Center Visitor’s Center Wild Coast Vacations 4 MEDFORD ACCESS Bear Creek Golf Course Black Oak Medical Food 4 Less Library (Main branch) McGrath’s Fish House Mrs. Q’s on Jackson Organics Parkside Cafe Providence Hospital YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 PHOENIX Debby’s Diner Farmers Market Library Ray’s Market RV Genealogical Soc. White House Spa ROGUE RIVER Bee Gee’s Community Center Library Ray’s Market The Station Visitor’s Center SMITH RIVER Lucky 7 Casino Visitor’s Center TALENT Library Ray’s Market WHITE CITY Community Health Center Library The Old Farmhouse PriceLess Foods ... and many other locations Miss the Last Issue? Don’t spend time searching for the latest copy of Young at Heart or get to the newsstand as the person just ahead of you grabs the last copy… JOIN OUR SUBSCRIBERS and get the latest copy of Young at Heart in your mailbox every month. Mail name, address plus $12 (check or m.o.) for six (6) months to: Young At Heart News 305 NE 6th St., #704 Grants Pass, OR 97526 More information: 541.476.0067 or [email protected] KNOW YOUR NON-PROFIT SHIBA Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) is part of a network of State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP) which is a Federal grant program helping states enhance and support a network of local programs, staff, and volunteers. Local programs directly help beneficiaries to understand how to use their Medicare benefits. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) administers the SHIP grant programs. SHIBA’s Services Health insurance and the wide array of state/federal programs can be confusing. Many seniors may have too much or inappropriate health insurance; others don’t get all their medical claims paid because of overwhelming paperwork. Many Medicare beneficiaries pay too much out of their own pockets and don’t participate in programs that may help. SHIBA helps Oregon’s seniors avoid these pitfalls and enjoy all the benefits to which they’re entitled. SHIBA’s services are available in alll counties. Call the Department of Consumer and Business Services at 1.800.722.4134 or a number below for SHIBA assistance near you: Information: Through SHIBA, consumers have access to a range of information and materials through a toll-free hotline. SHIBA staff & volunteers also conduct education seminars for groups interested in senior health insurance issues. JOSEPHINE COUNTY Josephine County RSVP/United Community Action Network / 541.956.4472 Counseling: SHIBA volunteers provide one-on-one counseling at community sites or in homes. Volunteers help seniors decide if they’re eligible for benefits they’re not receiving, compare insurance policies, file claims, and make effective appeals and complaints. Assistance Activities: SHIBA volunteers are trained to make referrals to federal, state, and county offices and to identify potential insurance violations. Volunteer Opportunities: SHIBA’s success is built on a statewide network of trained volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering, please call: 1-800-722-4134 for a SHIBA volunteer application. During the past five years, SHIBA volunteers have saved Oregon Medicare beneficiaries more than $500,000. JACKSON COUNTY SHIBA sponsor: 541.857.7780 Bill Newell , SHIBA Counselor will offer a Medicare informational seminar - Mon, February 18 @ 3:30-5pm Others are cheduled in April, June, September, October, November CURRY COUNTY co.curry.or.us/rsvp/website/ Curry County RSVP / 541.247.3280 or 888.811.1521 (toll-free) KLAMATH COUNTY Klamath Basin Senior Citizens Council / 541.883.7171 California Department of Aging’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides personalized counseling, community education and outreach events for Medicare beneficiaries. HICAP is the primary local source for accurate and objective information and assistance with Medicare benefits, prescription drug plans and health plans. California HICAP is part of a national network of State Health Insurance and Assistance Programs (SHIP). Phone: 800-434-0222 for locations near you or visit the website: www.aging.ca.gov/hicap/default.aspx January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 5 January - Time to Plan Your Future Pre-Planning Checklist For Your Goals and Dreams Travel: Whether it’s hitting the open road or venturing overseas, more travel is a common ambition for many retirees. Our list of costs to consider is not exhaustive, but may be a reminder for budgeting those future dream adventures. Camper trailer, motels, resorts Insurance Fuel costs and/or airfares Maintenance and repairs on vehicle Food - consider increased costs in remote areas or expensive cities Home, maintenance/costs/security while you are away Home Renovations and more: This is often one of the big-ticket items to plan. Whether a new porch, coat of paint, bathroom/kitchen update or an addition, it is wise to factor in a buffer - things never go 100% to plan. Other major purchases might include: Boat or RV Gifts to children or grandchildren Medical procedures Moving: Many retirees consider moving to a new home, closer to family, or a getaway. There are many costs involved, some include: Agents fees & legal costs Movers & clean up, etc. Think twice before making a move. It might be good to rent in the new location before moving. Do research first - try before you buy. Education and Volunteering: Leaving full time work often means more time to pursue further education and training. This might be career-focused - or just for fun. Either way, you will need to factor in the cost of such education, including fees, books and resources, and the costs of getting to and from the learning institute. If you wish to become a volunteer, you may also need to consider travel costs, insurance and any associated training - such as learning to teach English as a Second Language courses. Planning for Financial Wellness Definition Financial Wellness is the balance between having a healthy state of well-being today while preparing financially for tomorrow. It is not necessarily about being wealthy; this is more a state of psychological well-being in which one feels they have control over their current finances and financial future. Consider H.R. 8 in 2013 Planning Congress approved H.R.8 to avert the “fiscal cliff” (the higher taxes and cuts that would have taken place had they not reached agreement). Many of these provisions are “permanent” with no built-in expiration date. Congress can always change the rules, but these will not change automatically as with the 2012 tax rates. The bill contains about $620 billion in higher taxes over 10 years, mostly on high-income Americans and extends 2012 tax rates on adjusted gross income (AGI) under $400,000 for individuals and $450,000 for married. It does not impose new taxes on annuities, life insurance, pensions, retirement savings or employer-provided benefits. Those facing increased tax liability may find renewed interest and benefit in exploring these items for their 2013 financial planning. H.R. 8 also repeals the government’s long-term care/disability insurance program (CLASS) and replaces it with a Commission to study ways to address long-term care needs. The Commission would include representatives from federal and state agencies, providers of long-term care insurance and services, and consumers. It provides a one-year delay in the almost 30% cut in Medicare reimbursement rates for doctors. Some other aspects of the new bill include: Continued taxation of dividends under capital gains tax rules - the capital gains tax rate is permanently set at 15% for those with AGI under the $400,000/$450,000 level; and at 20% for those with AGI above that level. Highest earners will see a rise to 23.8% because of an additional 3.8% investment tax included in the Affordable Care Act. The top estate tax rate is set permanently at 40%, but the personal exemption remains $5 million (indexed); The PEP (personal exemption phase-out) and Pease (limits on the value of deductions) rules were made permanent and indexed and now apply to AGI of $250,000 for individuals, $275,000 for heads of household, and $300,000 for joint returns; There is a permanent “patch” of the alternative minimum tax (AMT) - the exemption amount for individuals rises from $33,750 to $50,600 and for joint returns from $45,000 to $78,750. The exemption amounts will be adjusted for inflation after 2012; The bill contains authority to roll over certain retirement plan balances to Roth accounts within the retirement plan. An extension/reinstatement of the tax expenditure package is included allowing a direct tax-free gift from an IRA to a charity. Next Steps: H.R.8 does not contain instructions or an expedited process for tax and/or entitlement reform in 2013. However, in the next two months Congress will again be tackling deficit reduction due to the expiration of the sequester delay, the need to raise the debt ceiling, and the fact that funding for the federal government runs out in March. It is likely there will be a renewed effort to include instructions and an expedited process for tax (and possibly entitlement) reform in this upcoming legislative process. Important Tips for 2013 Planning It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan. Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady, Lecturer, Humanitarian When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people. Chinese Proverb, from Sayings of Chinese Origin By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. Benjamin Franklin, Scientist, Publisher, Diplomat 1. Oregon has adopted the “Birthday Rule” for Medigap policies. This means those with a Medigap policy can switch carriers without medical questions within 30 days of their birthday each year. 2. The Federal tax deduction for tax qualified Long Term Care insurance has been raised for 2013. 3. The threshold for Federal Estate Tax on larger estates has been retained at $5million. There was talk of it being reduced to $1 million. 4. Several Fixed Indexed Annuity carriers have adopted “Lifetime Benefit Income Riders” which can provide 4%-7% guaranteed income for life on some fixed indexed annuity products. This income is available without annuitizing, retaining access to capital. Contributed by Dale Mlasko, Branch Manager Plans are nothing; planning is everything. Dwight D. Eisenhower, r 34th President 6 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 FUTURITY FIRST Insurance Group 300 Crater Lake Ave., 1st Floor, Medford, OR 97504 w: 541.973.2100/c: 541.601.0245 / futurityfirst.com/our-approach/ nationwide-branches/medford-branch.aspx GREAT ESCAPES Travel Planning Luggage: Take a rolling suitcase and a daypack or bag. Remove tags from your last trip. Make sure that your luggage is visibly different from other bags - add colorful stripes, ties and tags showing your name and tour company (\or phone where you can be reached. On inside of the tag write your name, address, phone number. Inside luggage, put your name and an emergency name and number. Use TSA-approved locks that allow your suitcase to be opened without breaking the lock. Plan Ahead For a Better Travel Experience Is this the year for your big trip? Will it be laid back and restful or an adventure to a place you’ve never been? Will it be on a beach, in a forest or a bustling city? Wherever you go - plan ahead and it will be much more pleasurable. Where to Begin: Research your trip at the library or at a travel store and study guidebooks. Visit tour operators or travel agents for more personalized assistance. They do get a commission, but sometimes they have deals that you won’t find elsewhere, as they are directly in touch with certain tour companies, cruise lines and hotels. And, of course, there is the vast Internet search that can give you more information that you want to know. Look for specific cities you plan to visit and check out their Info center. Check Elderhostel, ElderTreks and WalkingTheWorld for vacations geared for the 50+ traveler. Booking: Online travel agencies can book your airline, hotel, cruise or car; or you can book through the individual companies for those services. Travel search engines like Kayak or SideStep will let you compare those services for a better picture of cost. Be aware and check for added costs such as baggage or other fees. Look for senior discounts and be sure you aren’t sacrificing time or comfort for the cheaper fare. If you are willing to make more airline connections or sit in an airport lounge or fly in the middle of the night, you can sometimes save enough money to buy that extra dinner or souvenir you really thought you couldn’t afford. TIP: Best fares are found on Saturday mornings. Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity charge no booking fees. But, if you like bargaining, go to Hotwire or Priceline and place a bid on the price you want to pay. You give your credit card information and, if an airline or hotel is willing to accept it, you are immediately charged. You will then find out which major airline or hotel was chosen. Passports and Visas: Get Them Now If you are traveling out of the country (even to Canada or Mexico), check your passport to see if it is current or about to expire. It can take several months to get a passport, so begin the process as early as possible. Plan for the worst and bring extra passport photos and id on your trip in case yours is lost or stolen - and store the extras in a different place. Also take embassy phone numbers in case you do lose the passport and be sure to report it immediately. Insurance: Choose a well-established travel company – ask your insurance agent who they would recommend. Ask friends/relatives who have traveled about their experiences with travel insurance companies. Look for insurance that will cover trip interruption and cancellation, medical and baggage issues. Health: Talk to your health professional early about your travel plans. Get a checkup and written prescriptions for any medications (with their generic names) and carry them in their original containers. If you have a medical condition, put all necessary information in writing (in other languages if appropriate). When travelling, keep your prescriptions in original containers. Ask the Center for Disease Control and Prevention about any required immunizations. Check your insurance coverage with your provider and keep policies and emergency numbers with you. Note: Medicare/Medicaid cannot be used in other countries. Packing: Pack lightly and choose comfortable shoes. Make a list – this makes it easier to coordinate outfits. Consider if you will be able to do laundry to take fewer items. Try a packing “dry run” to be sure it all fits. Roll your clothes – fewer wrinkles and they fit better into the bag. Consider taking a collapsible “monopod” which can be used as a walking stick as well as a camera tripod. Leave plenty of room for souvenirs. Have Fun: If you have planned in advance and taken care of everything you can relax and enjoy the experience. That’s what it is all about! Plan to Lower Your Travel Costs Travel - especially in winter - isn’t for the faint of heart. From long airport lines to full parking lots, the entire experience can be stressful and you may be left wondering whether the experience was worth the price. Here are some tips for reducing the stress and cost of travel. Research & plan. The old “time is money” cliché certainly applies to travel planning. If you book tickets online, check airlines’ websites as well as the big aggregators’ sites; you may find a better airfare on an airline’s own site. Check travel price trends - kayak.com/trends/ offers a “chart view” that shows trends by travel date which will find the least expensive travel time. Check multiple rental car sites to save on costs. Think outside the box. If you normally fly into a large city, consider nearby regional airports. Consider driving or taking the train instead of flying. Rail passes can save money - Amtrak has a 15% senior discount. If you buy a rail pass, book all travel segments early. Plan your route around low-cost lodging - staying with friends along the way can save you money. If you’re retired military, check out military lodging chains, such as Navy Lodges and Air Force Inns. Consider staying close to home to save money. There are many things to see in your own area. Get a map and guidebook and look up museums, parks, theatres, restaurants and shopping districts towns within your area. You may find there are many places nearby that would make great weekend or daytrip destinations. 850 NE "E" St Grants Pass, OR 97526 541.956.5241 5805 S 6th St Klamath Falls, OR 97603 541.273.3744 Seniors always receive 10% discount on services January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 7 GOOD TIMES Rogue Valley Month of January Richard Olsen Art Exhibit Local artist Richard Olsen resided in Alaska for 25 years and owned an Art Studio. He did a painting and selling tour across America where he learned from fine artists who shared their years of experience. Rogue River Branch Library, 412 E Main St. 541.864.8850 or jcls.org. January-June Free Computer Demonstrations/Classes Free beginning computer sessions at Jackson County libraries. Classes fill quickly. Reserve at 541.774.8679 or visit www.jcls.org January 16 noon-1pm Oregon Old Time Fiddlers Return Join in rollicking good fun when the Oregon Old Time Fiddlers perform for the Guild Lecture Along with popular tunes, they tell the story of each song and its history. Included will be songs from the Oregon Trail. These musicians comprise an all-volunteer organization. Light refreshments will be served. Large Meeting Room of Medford Branch Library, 205 South Central Avenue. 541.774.8679, or jcls.org January 17 6-8pm Live Music of the Isles by Local Drone Whisk away to Ireland (Free) at The Playwright Public House, 258 “A” Street, Ashland. [email protected] January 19 9am Project FeederWatch Join volunteers from the Rogue Valley Audubon Society to help count birds that visit the feeders at North Mountain Park while learning to identify species with expert help. Covered viewingpavilion offers protection from weather. Info collected is submitted to Cornell’s FeederWatch project, a nationwide bird monitoring effort. FREE. Pre-registration not required. 620 N Mountain Ave, Ashland 541.488.6606 January 19 3pm 3 Rivers Chorale Concert Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo’s piece for double choir and string orchestra will be hosted by 3 Rivers Chorale and members of other Josephine County choirs. A string orchestra composed of professional instrumentalists and young performers will accompany the choir. Illinois River HS, 625 E. River St, Cave Junction. 541.476.6243 January 20 Wild and Scenic Illinois River Hike This wintry low-elevation hike to the Illinois River explores serpentine ecosystems and riparian forests. Carpool leaves Evo’s Coffee Shop (Ashland) at 9am and Ray’s Market (Selma) at 10:30am. Bring rain gear and lunch for this moderate hike. Info at: KS Wild 541.488.5789 January 20 1-3pm National James M. Collier Vocal Competition Singers from across the country will come to compete in this competition. Hear the stars of tomorrow here. FREE. SOU Music Recital Hall, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland. 541.261.5776 January Sunday Matinee Series 2013: ‘Homage to Hitchcock Film showings are free, although donations are happily accepted. Ben Bones Room of the Grants Pass branch of JoCo Libraries. The series begins with the following Alfred Hitchcock films: Sunday, January 20 2pm “Lifeboat” 1944. 96 minutes. Unrated. Several survivors of a torpedoed ship find themselves in the same boat with one of the men who sunk it. This film was written by John Steinbeck and stars Tallulah Bankhead and William Bendix. Sunday, February 10 2pm “Notorious” 1946. 101 minutes. Unrated. A woman is asked to spy on a group of Nazi friends in South America. How far will she have to go to ingratiate herself with them? This film stars Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains. 8 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 January 25 1-3pm Deal with It Learn to play this English card game also known as CLAG. Deal with It is easy to learn, and fun to play! Come play at the Phoenix Branch Library, 510 West 1st Street. Sponsored by the Friends of the Phoenix Library. For more information, please contact the Phoenix Branch Library at 541-535-7090 or visit www.jcls.org. January 27 Rogue Valley Symphony Concert Series Three Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4, Alexander Schimpf, piano. Conductor Martin Majkut will give a FREE pre-concert talk prior to performance. Performing Arts Center, 8th & Olive, Grants Pass Now through February 25 Antique Radios on Display Russell Webb who repairs and refinishes old radios and has some beautiful historical pieces to view. Part of the collection will be displayed at the Jacksonville Branch Library, 340 West C Street. For more information, please call the Jacksonville Branch Library at 541-899-1665 or visitwww.jcls.org. February 2 9am-4pm Rogue Valley Health Fair The third annual health fair features products and services from over 80 leading health and wellness businesses in the Rogue Valley. Venues include exhibitors, wellness workshops, health screenings and a 1 mile walk/run, organized by the Southern Oregon Running Club, to benefit the Sparrow Club. The first 250 attendees receive a Medford Co-Op grocery tote filled with gifts and a loaf of fresh Great Harvest bread. Admission $2 donation or 2 cans of food, or a combo (one can + $1). Medford Armory. Info: roguevalleyhealthfair.com February 8-9 2013 Siskiyou FilmFest Join us for the 12th annual Siskiyou FilmFest for environmental films focusing on sustainability and critical issues which face our region and the planet. Passes $10-30. Performing Arts Center, 8th & Olive, Grants Pass. Info: siskiyoufilmfest.org or 541.592.2693 (see back pg) February 8 and 9 Schubert Ensemble of London This award winning piano quartet (violin, viola, cello, piano) will give different performances on two days at SOU’s Music Recital Hall. $30-35, $5 tickets for students and Oregon Trail cardholders. 541.552.6154 or buy online at www.ChamberMusicConcerts.org The Ensemble will present FREE public outreach programs: February 7: Mountain Meadows, 4pm & Rogue Valley Manor 7pm; February 9: Osher Living Learning Institute at SOU, 10am Shelter Friends of JoCo are having their first fundraiser! Saturday, Feb. 2, from 8am - 10pm at Applebee’s in Grants Pass. A great breakfast for only $7! Money raised goes toward care of our shelter animals. Please join us & find out about what’s going on at our local Shelter. We’ll have some great animals there too! Call Lynn @ 541-295-5203 or JoCo Animal Shelter 541.474.5458 We’d love to see you there! Just look at that face! This is Lovely Lyla - and she needs a home! Coast Events Seaside Bandon January 18-19 QCED Barbershop Quartet Cabaret The finest Barbershop Quartet Show. Fri: Round table setting; Sat: Long table concert setting. For tickets and information 415 1st Ave. 503.738.6391, [email protected] or seasidechamber.com January 21 7pm Author Night Sponsored by Bandon Library Friends & Foundation. 541.347.3221 Lincoln City January 20 3pm Oregon Legacy Literary Series: Alexis Smith Author of the novel Glaciers, Alexis Smith grew up in Soldotna, Alaska and Seattle, and attended Portland State University and Goddard College, earning an MFA in Creative Writing. The free program is held in the Distad Reading Room of the Driftwood Public Library. The library is located on the second floor of the Lincoln Square Civic Center. Driftwood Public Library, 801 SW Highway 101. 541.996.1242 January 26 11am-2pm Gold Beach February 1-28th Treasure Hunting Season Glass Floats are “hidden” on our beaches for visitors to discover and keep. Check in at the Visitor Center with your float and enter to win a monthly drawing. Weather too Wild for beach hunting? The local merchants can help you find glass float treasures in their shops. For the Geocaching enthusiasts there are Gold Beach Myrtlewood coins hidden in some of the Caches around town. Find the coin and it is yours to keep; bring it by the Visitor Center to be entered in our monthly drawing. More information at: 800.525.2334 Brookings Annual Jambalaya Cook-Off Jambalaya is a Creole Cookery hallmarks. See what Oregon coast chefs can create at this annual event. Free admission, with small fee for tasting-sized portions. 801 SW Hwy 101. Info at: 800.452.2151 February 9-10 10am-5pm Winter Art & Chocolate Festival Seascape Center, 97904 Benham Lane. Call 541.266.7687 Newport Crescent City January 26 7-10pm 22nd Annual Chocolate Classic “A Night At The Oscars!” Come enjoy the red carpet lifestyle with chocolate tasting, a silent auction, and a celebrity look alike - Best Dressed Contest presented by RSVP of Lincoln County! Lead Judge is Dave Dahl, of Dave’s Killer Bread! All proceeds go to the Friendly Visitor Program to help match a home-bound senior to a friendly visitor who will provide them with a meaningful social connection to their community. $30/2 for $50 Oregon Coast Aquarium. Info: rsvpoflincolncounty.org January 11 7:30pm Keola & Moanalani Beamer - Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar /Dance Enjoy the sound of the islands with this husband and wife duo. He is a master of the Hawaiian slack key guitar and she is a hula master who sings background vocals, chants & plays ancient Hawaiian percussion instruments. Admission by season ticket; individual tickets $18 general, $15 seniors. Crescent Elk Auditorium, 994 G St. Info: 707.464.1336 January 26 & 27 7:30pm Newport Syphony Orchestra An unforgettable evening of operatic works and selected arias and a welcome home to Dominque Moralez, who spent his childhood on the Oregon Coast. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes prior to show. Tickets: $34/$20 adult, $10 student. Newport PAC. newportsymphony.org Yachats January 19-20 10 am-4 pm Second Annual Yachats Agate Festival Featuring spectacular displays and family friendly learning opportunities for all ages. Presented by Planet Yachats and the Yachats Area Chamber. Yachats Commons, Hwy 101 & W 4th. Call 541.547.4449 (Donna), 541.547.4547 (Mary), or 541.547.3697 (Garth). Florence January 26-27 11th Annual Winter Folk Festival Enjoy two days of music, arts, crafts, pie contest and two concert performances. Proceeds from the festival go towards providing a folk music curriculum in local schools, free Kids Koncerts, and to support the Events Center. Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St. Info: 541.997.1994 or 888.968.4086 or visit winterfolkfestival.org/ North Bend February 2 Burns Night Celebration & Dinner Traditional Burns’ Night Program brought to you by the Coastal Celtic Society. Entertainment includes bagpipers, harpists, Guitar & Scottish Folk Music, and Burns’ poetry. Tickets $35, on sale at the KoKwel Gift Shop at the Mill Casino, 3201 Tremont Ave. 541.756.8800 Charleston February 2 8am South Slough Birding Join a South Slough interpreter and venture into the Reserve in search of winged wildlife. $1 per birder. 61907 Seven Devils Rd. 541.888.5558 January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 9 Brain Fitness Put Brain Exercise in Your Planning Plan to try something new this year Your brain is a thinking organ that learns and grows by interacting with the world through perception and action. Mental stimulation improves brain function and actually protects against cognitive decline, as does physical exercise. The human brain is able to continually adapt and rewire itself. Even in old age, it can grow new neurons. Severe mental decline is usually caused by disease, whereas most age-related losses in memory or motor skills simply result from inactivity and a lack of mental exercise and stimulation. In other words, use it or lose it. Our brain’s fitness depends on how much it is used. Every time you do something new or different, you create new neural pathways. The best brain exercising activities break your routine and challenge you to use and develop new brain pathways. The activity can be virtually anything, so long as it meets the following three criteria: It’s New. No matter how intellectually demanding the activity, if it’s something you’re already good at, it’s not a good brain exercise and won’t build new brain connections. The activity needs to be something unfamiliar and out of your comfort zone to give you the most benefits. It’s Challenging. Anything that takes some mental effort and expands your knowledge will work. Examples include learning a new language, instrument, or sport, tackling a challenging crossword or Sudoku puzzle or spend a day doing things with your non-dominant hand. It’s Fun. Physical and emotional enjoyment is important in the brain’s learning process. The more interested and engaged you are in the activity, the more likely you’ll continue doing it and the greater the benefits you will experience. The activity should be challenging, but alson fun and enjoyable for you. Make an activity more pleasurable by appealing to your senses - playing music while you do it, or rewarding yoruself afterwards with a favorite treat. You Might Like It and It’s Good for You! How Do You Rate? Below is a somewhat humorous way to gauge your intelligence level. Take the test to see if you are losing it or are still a MENSA candidate. Don’t look at answers. . . . . give your answer spontaneously. Ready? Relax, clear your mind and begin. 1. What do you put in a toaster? The answer is bread. If you said, “toast,” give up and go do something else but don’t hurt yourself. If you said, “bread,” go to #2. 2. Say “silk” five times. Now spell “silk.” What do cows drink? Answer: Cows drink water. If you said, “milk,” please do not attempt the next question. Your brain is obviously overstressed and may even overheat. If you said, “water” then proceed to question three. 3. If a red house is made from red bricks, a blue house is made from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a greenhouse made from? Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass. If you said “green bricks,” what the heck are you still doing here reading these questions? If you said “glass,” then go on to question four. 4. If the hour hand on a clock moves 1/60th of a degree every minute - how many degrees will the hour hand move in one hour? Answer: One degree. If you said “360 degrees” or anything other than “one degree,” you are to be congratulated on getting this far, but you are obviously out of your league. Turn your pencil in and exit the room. Everyone else proceed to the final question. 5. Without using a calculator - You are driving a bus from London to Milford Haven. In London, 17 people get on the bus. In Reading, six people get off the bus and nine get on. In Cardiff, 11 people get off and 16 get on. In Carmathen, six people get off and three get on. You arrive at Milford Haven. What was the name of the bus driver? Answer: Oh, for goodness sake! It was YOU, Read the first line!!! Of course this wasn’t a scientific test so don’t worry about the results! 10 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 A favorite movie lately is The Bucket List - a story about two terminally ill men with cancer who decide to embark on a road trip with a large to-do list. The movie inspired a generation of adults to go out and live their dreams, or at least to try something new while it was still possible. The Franklin Institute and other studies find that the benefits of trying new things go beyond personal fulfillment. The brain has the ability to continually adapt and rewire itself, even in advanced age. It learns and grows by interacting with the world through both perception and action. New interactions of mental stimulation and physical exercise improve brain function and actually protect against cognitive decline. Severe mental decline is usually caused by disease, but most age-related loss of memory or motor skills results from inactivity and a lack of mental stimulation. Studies indicate that intellectual enrichment may even help compensate for some forms of physical brain damage. Exercise Your Brain: As we age, it’s important to challenge our brains to learn new and novel tasks - things we’ve never done before. Studies suggest reading, crossword & Sudoku puzzles, games like Quiddler, learning a new language, starting a hobby or visiting a new destination - all can stimulate the brain to think and rebuild. If you have turned into a couch potato, cut back on TV, which shifts the brain into neutral. Exercise Your Body: We don’t get smarter by sitting in front of the computer; it takes moving our feet to keep our brains fit. Physical exercise has a protective effect on the brain and its mental processes, and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that people who exercise are less likely to lose their mental abilities or develop dementia. Even light or moderate exercise significantly lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s and mental decline. Exercise improves the heart’s ability to pump and increases the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen to the brain. Walking is a great exercise - it’s not as physically demanding and doesn’t require special equipment - other than a good pair of shoes. Challenge yourself beyond activities typically associated with age - try cross-country skiing, cycling, kayaking, or horseback riding. What’s Stopping You? Most of us don’t have financial resources like Jack Nicholson’s character in the movie. In a tough economy, it might feel self-indulgent, irresponsible, or even impossible to spend time and money on pursuits that impact your bottom line. This is precisely the time when you should make room for activities you love, to help you stay clear headed, healthy, and happy. When trying something new, don’t fall into the trap of wanting to master the activity immediately and feeling dumb if you’re not instantly great at it. Don’t let self-criticism steal your joy, and don’t worry about what other people think! We are living longer than ever before. It only makes sense to do everything we can to make the quality of that life the best it can be. Staying physically and mentally fit by challenging our minds and bodies is the key to vitality at any age. Don’t wait for a dire diagnosis to begin living life to the fullest. Do it now, and do it with gusto! Source: Franklin Institute, The Human Brain - fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html It is possible at any age to discover a lifelong desire you never knew you had. — Robert Brault, author A Great Way to Remember Things Here a device to make memorization easier. Mnemonics (the initial “m” is silent) are clues, of any kind, that help us remember something - usually by helping us associate the information we want to remember with a visual image, a sentence, or a word. Mnemonic device type Example Visual image - Associate a visual image with a word or name to help you remember them better. Positive, pleasant images that are vivid, colorful, and three-dimensional will be easier to remember. To remember the name Rosa Parks and what she’s known for, picture a woman sitting on a park bench surrounded by roses, waiting as her bus pulls up. Acrostic (or sentence) - Make up a sentence in which the first letter of each word is part of the initial of what you want to remember. The sentence “Every good boy does fine” to memorize the lines of the treble clef, representing the notes E, G, B, D, and F. Acronym - An acronym is a word made up by taking the first letters of all key words or ideas you need to remember to create a new word. The word “HOMES” to remember the names of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. Chunking - Chunking breaks a long list of numbers or other types of information into smaller, more manageable chunks. Remembering a 10-digit phone number by breaking it down into three sets of numbers: 555-867-5309 (as opposed to5558675309). Method of loci - Imagine placing the items you want to remember along a route you know well or in specific locations in a familiar room or building. A shopping list might be bananas in the entryway, a puddle of milk in the middle of the sofa, eggs going up the stairs, and a loaf of bread on your bed. Phraseology Where did that come from? Mighty Oaks from little acorns grow Get down to Brass Tacks Meaning: Great things may come from small beginnings. Origin: The word acorn doesn’t come from ‘oak’ and ‘corn’, as is popularly supposed, but from the Old English ‘aecern’, meaning berry or fruit. The tree genus Acer comes from the same root. Before oaks were mighty they were first either great, tall, sturdy or even just big. Examples of early variants of ‘mighty oaks from little acorns grow’ are found in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde, 1374, “as an ook cometh of a litel spyr” [a spyr, or spire, is a sapling] Meaning: Engage with the basic facts or realities. Origin: The figurative expression ‘getting down to brass tacks’ isn’t very old - its first print appearance was in a Texas, January 1863 newspaper, The Tri-Weekly Telegraph: “When you come down to ‘brass tacks’ - if we may be allowed the expression - everybody is governed by selfishness.” Thomas Fuller’s Gnomologia, 1732: “The greatest Oaks have been little Acorns.” and in an essay by D. Everett in The Columbian Orator, 1797: “Large streams from little fountains flow, Tall oaks from little acorns grow.” The ‘mighty’ version is known, in the USA at least, from the middle of the 19th century. It appeared in A. B. Johnson’s The Philosophical Emperor a Political Experiment, 1841. A Watched Pot never boils Meaning: Time feels longer when waiting for something to happen. Origin: ‘A watched pot never boils’ is one of the homely and improving proverbs that is ascribed to Poor Richard, the pseudonym that Benjamin Franklin used when publishing his widely popular annual almanac. Franklin was fixated on such improving aphorisms and published numerous under Poor Richard between 1732 and 1758. Franklin was also a noted diplomat and during his time as American minister to Paris he was directed by the King of France to write a report on Franz Mesmer’s controversial theory of ‘animal magnetism’. In the report, published in 1785, Franklin included this text: “Finally another Breakfast is ordered. One Servant runs for fresh Water, another for Coals. The Bellows are plied with a will. I was very Hungry; it was so late; ‘a watched pot is slow to boil’, as Poor Richard says.” As a scientist, Franklin would have been aware that watching a pot has no effect on how long it takes to boil. Like many proverbs, this one is poetic rather than literal. All other known early citations either originate in, or refer to, Texas; so it is assumes part of the phrase was coined there, around the 1860s. The derivation of ‘getting down to brass tacks’ is not as certain. Brass tacks are real as well as figurative items and the most repeated derivation refers to actual tacks. This explanation comes from the haberdashery trade where, in order to be more accurate measuring a yard of material by holding it out along an arm’s length, cloth was measured between brass tacks set into a shop’s counter. Back to the Drawing Board Meaning: Restart a new design after the failure of an earlier attempt. Origin: This term has been used since WWII as a jocular acceptance that a design has failed and that a new one is needed. It gained popularity quickly and began appearing in US newspapers by 1947, as here in the December Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, Washington: “Grid injuries for the season now closing suggest anew that nature should get back to the drawing board, as the human knee is not only nothing to look at but also a piece of bum engineering.” It was well-enough known by 1966 to be used as a title for an episode in ‘Get Smart’ TV series, and has been used as a title of several books. A drawing board is, of course, an architect’s or draughtsman’s table, used for the preparation of designs or blueprints. The phrase appeared as a cartoon caption by Peter Arno for the New Yorker magazine, in 1941. The cartoon shows various military men and ground crew racing toward a crashed plane, and a designer, with a roll of plans under his arm, walking away saying, “Well, back to the old drawing board”. January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 11 IN GOOD TASTE More Potato The Potato Potatoes were first cultivated by the Indians of Peru. The Incas grew and ate them and also worshipped them. They buried potatoes with their dead, they dried them and carried them on long journeys to eat on the way (dried or soaked in stew). Ancient Inca potatoes had dark purplish skins and yellow flesh. The Incas called the potato “papas,” as they still do today. Potatoes were eventually transported to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors who first encountered the potato when they arrived in Peru in 1532 in search of gold. The potato was carried on to Italy and England about 1585, then to Belgium and Germany by 1587, to Austria about 1588, and to France around 1600. Potatoes returned to popularity in the Americas in the 16th century with the British colonists. They were introduced to the U.S. several times throughout the 1600s but were not widely grown for almost a century until 1719, when they were planted in Londonderry, New Hampshire by the Scotch-Irish immigrants and then spread across the nation. Folklore in a variety of cultures held different healing beliefs about potatoes. They were eaten by 19th Century English and Spanish sailors to fend off scurvy. In Ireland, the potato became a favorite food but was also used for various ailments-e.g., a potato boiled with a stone had healing power and the water helped with aches, pains and sprains. Other cultures believed that tying a potato to the neck in a stocking would ward off a sore throat; carrying a potato in the pocket would ward off rheumatism and pockets were especially sewn into clothing for this purpose; rubbing a potato on the skin would soothe a burn, etc. Europeans believed that potatoes should be planted on a starry night so they would have many eyes. The Potato Plant The potato is actually a tuber which forms as the swollen end of an underground stem. The buds of aborted leaves form the “eyes” of the potato and potato chunks containing these “eyes” are planted to grow genetically identical potato plants. Potatoes have skin in colors from light brown to purple and the inside flesh varies from white to purple. The average American eats about 140.6 lbs of potatoes each year. That average diet is broken into the following proportions: 49.8 pounds fresh potatoes 58.8 pounds frozen - French fries, hash browns, etc. 16.9 pounds potato chips 13.4 pounds dehydrated - mashed potato flakes, mixes, etc. 1.7 pounds canned Little Known Facts Potatoes are grown in all 50 states and in about 125 countries. The sweet potato belongs in the same family as morning glories while the white potato belongs to the same group as tomatoes, tobacco, chile pepper, eggplant and the petunia. The potato is about 80% water and 20% solids. The world’s largest potato chip (exhibited at the 1990 Potato Expo) was produced by the Pringle’s company from Jackson, TN and measured 23” x 14.5” In 1974, Eric Jenkins grew 370 lbs of potatoes from one plant. Thomas Jefferson is credited for introducing “french fries” to America when he served them at a White House dinner. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest potato ever grown weighed 7 lbs 1oz and was grown by J. East and J. Busby of Great Britain. 12 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 Purchasing, Storing and Preparation Picking a Potato - Don’t buy potatoes that are soft or that have excessive cuts, cracks, bruises, discoloration or decay. Avoid green potatoes - they have been exposed to light which means they are coming out of dormancy. If you do buy green potatoes, peel away the green portion, which sometimes can be bitter. Storing potatoes - Store potatoes in a cool, dark place. They store very well at about 50 degrees but should not be refrigerated because temperatures cooler than 45 converts potato starch to sugar - this changes the taste and causes the potatoes to darken when they’re fried. Keep the skin - Cook with the skin on as much as possible to preserve all of the potato’s abundant nutrition. Keep the water - Save the water used to steam or boil potatoes because some nutrients have leached into it. Use the water for gravy or to moisten mashed potatoes. Boiled potato chunks release some of their starch in the water, which can be used for bread making. Frying - The high solids content of Idaho potatoes decreases oil absorption, which means you get crispier potatoes. High solids also result in less shrinkage when fried, so you get more to serve and eat. Also, previously steamed or baked potatoes only need to be heated and browned, so frying at a high temperature helps minimize sticking. Baking - Potatoes are done when a fork easily slip in and out. If microwaving, poke a few holes into the skin with a fork, and place them about an inch apart. Turn potatoes once during cooking. Never bake potatoes in aluminum foil! This seals in moisture and steams the potato, making a pasty texture instead of dry and fluffy. Foil can be applied after baking, however, to hold the serving temperature longer. Skewers - If you use skewers to hasten the baking time of large potatoes, heat the skewers first. This seals the potato and prevents the center from turning dark. Becoming a connoisseur - You can tell an Idaho potato connoisseur because he or she will never open a baked potato with a knife. Instead, the connoisseur will poke a zigzag pattern into the top of the potato with a fork, then will press the ends of the potato together to open and “blossom” the potato. The connoisseur recognizes that the blade of a knife flattens the surface and alters the premium fluffy texture of the properly prepared Idaho potato. (Source: Idaho Potato Commission) More on Potatoes Health Benefits of the Potato This is an American favorite for many good reasons. Begin with their nutritional benefits - a perfect example of fuel food or complex carbohydrates. They supply vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C, as well as calcium, potassium, iron, folic acid and phosphorus. Potatoes are 11% protein - at the highest end of the scale recommended by nutritionists! Carbs: The sugars in potatoes break down and enter bloodstreams slowly which provides energy over a period of time. They provide the body with an essential source of fuel and energy, which you need even when dieting. A study showed that, after sugar, carbohydrates such as potatoes are one of the first things dieters cut out. Yet, a cooked new potato has only 26 calories and is packed with nutrients. Remember a key to lasting weight loss is eating foods that make you feel full longer. You should eat complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, rather than simple carbohydrates like sugar or biscuits which give a short energy boost followed by hunger pangs. This way, potatoes can help you reduce binge-eating. Stress: Potatoes are exceedingly rich in Vitamin B6, a substance needed for cellular renewal, a healthy nervous system and a balanced mood. Just 100g of baked potato contains 21% of the daily value of the vitamin. It is used to make neurotransmitters --substances that deliver messages from one cell to the next. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are needed for the regulation of mood and Vitamin B6 is needed to make them. It is also used to make adrenaline - hormones that help us respond to stress, and GABA - a substance linked to relaxation and a general feeling of well-being. The bad calorie rap for potatoes actually belongs to the toppings and preparation methods we often use to turn potatoes from a healthful food to a fatty, salty snack. The health-conscious will want to bake, not fry, and be conscious of the nutritional value of the oils, toppings, and condiments that touch our spuds. Keep in mind the health benefits (on this page and check out the nutritional values for a white potato – fresh and baked (with skin) Serving Size: 1 large baking potato (3-4”) Calories Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol Carbohydrate Protein Dietary Fiber Sodium Vitamin C Vitamin Booster: Rich in immune-boosting Vitamin C, a medium potato with skin provides 27mg-almost half the daily recommendation. As Vitamin C leaches into water, bake your potatoes if you want to get the most of this vitamin. Potatoes are also a rich source of Vitamin B, folate and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron. Potatoes are underground tubers, meaning they store all the vitamins and minerals needed for growing new potato plants in spring. Blood Pressure: Researchers have found blood-pressure lowering molecules in potatoes called kukoamines. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses a plant, Lycium chinense - which also contains kukoamines - as a tea to lower blood pressure. The precise quantity of potatoes needed for a therapeutic effect has still to be measured, it is thought a few good servings daily would have blood-pressure lowering activity. Cardiovascular Disease: The Agricultural Research Service found 60 different kinds of phytochemicals and vitamins in potato skins. Many were flavonoids, which help protect against cardiovascular-disease by lowering levels of bad LDL-cholesterol and keeping arteries fat-free. 278 <1 g <1 g 0 mg 63 g 6g 6g 21 mg 37 mg Thiamin Niacin Vitamin B6 Copper Iron Magnesium Manganese Phosphorus Potassium <1 mg 5 mg 1 mg <1 mg 2 mg 81 mg <1 mg 224 mg 1,627 mg Potato Poem Potatoes on the table To eat with other things Potatoes with their jackets off May do for dukes and kings But if you wish to taste them As nature meant you should, Be sure to keep their jackets on And eat them in a wood A little salt and pepper A deal of open air And never was a banquet That offered nobler fare Edward Verall Lucas, 1868-1938 Let the sky rain potatoes; let it thunder to the tune of ‘Greensleeves’ ~ William Shakespeare The Merry Wives of Windsor (1599) What I say is that, if a man really likes potatoes, he must be a pretty decent sort of fellow. ~ A.A. Milne Not that It Matters (1920) B vitamins in potatoes also protect arteries and the B6 reduces levels of a molecule called homocysteine which is involved in inflammation and the furring up of arteries. High homocysteine levels are associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Intestinal Health: A single baked potato provides nearly 12% of the daily recommended amount of fiber, giving similar levels to whole grain breads, pastas and cereals. High levels of dietary fiber and ‘bulking agents’ support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, while giving a protective effect from colon cancer. While most potato fiber is found in the skin, some of the starch in potatoes is indigestible - instead it passes through the intestine intact, adding bulk. If you suffer from sluggish bowel movements, eat cooked potatoes that have been cooled. The cooling process increases the amount of indigestible starch from 7-13% January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 13 Your Crockpot - especially in the winter! Adapting favorite recipes to a Crockpot You may have discovered how you loved the “extra help” in the kitchen when using a crockpot to prepare a holiday meal. Or maybe you received one as a gift and are ready to open the box to learn how this great kitchen standby can make your life much easier. Once you have used it, you might decide to have 2 or 3 on hand especially when preparing a meal for a crowd - one for a hot drink to greet guests coming in from the cold; one to hold flavorful appetizers; and one to keep a hearty stew simmering until ready to serve. The more experienced host/ess will have crockpots of different sizes: a 1½ quart is perfect for a hot dip and a 4 qt will handle the large volume dishes. Free up your stove for the main dish by using crockpots for side dishes. A pot of appetizers will keep guests busy munching - giving you time for finishing touches in the kitchen. Keep it handy to prepare a one-dish meal to greet you when you come home from a busy day. √ Liquids do not boil away in a crockpot so recipes will take less liquid (about 1/2). If a recipe asks for 2 cups, only use 1 cup. There may be some rice or pasta dishes that need more than half the required liquid, depending on whether you precook them. If a recipe calls for “cooked” pasta/rice do not over cook before adding to crock pot. The Basics Low Heat in a slow cooker = Approximately 190 degrees F. High Heat in a slow cooker = Approximately 300 degrees F. Regular Recipe: 15-30 min = Slow Cooker 4-8 hours on low OR 1 1/2-2 1/2 hours on high Regular Recipe: 35-45 minutes = Slow Cooker 6-10 hours on low OR 3-4 hours on high Regular Recipe: 1- 3 hours = Slow Cooker for 8-18 hours on low OR 4-6 hours on high If you’re new to slow cooking, definitely read through the user manual so you know any quirks or requirements of your particular cooker. General guidelines to follow when using your crockpot include. 1. Clear Some Counter Space - It’s safe to walk away and leave your slow cooker unattended while it does its job, but a few precautions never hurt. The sides generate moderate heat, so position the cooker six inches or so away from any walls or other appliances so the heat can dissipate. The bottom is made to be safe on any counter, but set it on a cooling rack if you’re concerned. 2. Prepare the Recipe - Many slow-cooker recipes require only some basic prep work like cutting vegetables or trimming meat before everything gets dumped into the slow cooker. You’ll get better flavor in your final dish if you also brown the meat and sear the vegetables. 3. Putting Ingredients in the Crockpot - It should be between half and three-quarters full for best cooking. If your recipe uses liquid, it should come about halfway up the ingredients (or less). 4. Put the Lid On - Which should fit snugly with no gaps for steam to escape. Slow cookers depend on bringing your food up to a stable temperature (usually around 210°) and keeping it there. If the lid isn’t snug, the cooker won’t work as efficiently. If your lid has been dropped on the floor one too many times and has some gaps, wrap a sheet of aluminum foil over the top of the cooker to seal everything in. 5. Set Cooking Time - The cooking temperature is the same on all settings (again, about 210°), so the setting you choose merely dictates how quickly the slow cooker gets to that temperature. The lower settings (usually 8 hour and 10 hour cooking times) heat food gently, whereas the higher settings (4 hour and 6 hour cooking times) will heat it more quickly. Modern slow cookers are designed to bring food to temperature within a safe window of time and hold it there. 6. Walk Away and Let It Cook! - This is the true luxury of the slow cooker: being able to walk away and not think about. You don’t need to stir the contents or check it’s progress - in fact, this will let heat escape and can disrupt the cooking process. Some recipes will have you add quick-cooking ingredients (like tender vegetables, pasta, or seafood) in the last hour of cooking, but other than that, nothing further is needed. 7. The End of Cooking - Like any other dish, crockpot dishes need to be eaten, cooled, and stored within a safe time period, so make sure you’re around when the cooking cycle ends. Most modern models will automatically switch over to a “warming” cycle at the end of cooking if you’re not right there. This should keep the food hot enough to prevent it from spoiling, but it can overcook your food if used for too long. 14 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 √ Most uncooked vegetables and meat combination recipes will need to be cooked about 8 hours on low - which is perfect your for dinner meals. √ Add dairy items (sour cream, milk . etc. ) during the last hour. √ It takes time to build up heat and moisture, and you want that for thoroughly cooked food, so avoid taking the lid off too often. General temperatures and timeline for adapting recipes: January is National Soup Month Raise your spoons to salute this timeless meal that keeps us warm and nourished during winter! From Neolithic times, soup was consumed in the Mediterranean. Soup has been so popular throughout time that it’s actually considered one of the first “fast” foods - records show that, as ear early as 600 B.C., Greeks sold soup on the st street as a fast food (main ingredients w were peas, beans and lentils). Before ssoup broth was the staple, which people p poured over a piece of bread in a bowl. Th That bread was known as “sop” and from sop came c the word soup. There h are a llot of variations on the basic soup, each offering a wide range of nutritional benefits, from one end of the scale to the other. Cream soups such as chowders and bisques are often high in calories and fat due to the cream or milk content. Chunky meat-based soups include Borscht, goulash, and pozole nutritional value is high or low depending on ingredients, amount of water, salt, and additional vegetables (or not). Broth-based soups such as consommés will typically be lower in calories because of the high water content. Soups loaded with beans and vegetables, such as minestrone, chili and gazpacho are great sources of fiber and phytochemicals (like lycopene). Canned and condensed soups typically contain large amounts of sodium to enhance the flavor and your body does need some sodium to keep body fluids in balance. However, most people eat much more sodium than needed. According to 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines, most Americans consume about 3,400 mg of sodium per day instead of the recommended guideline amount of less than 2,300 mg for healthy adults and 1,500 for adults over 51, those with diabetes or those at risk for high blood pressure. Check the soup’s label for the amount of sodium (from 750 mg for 1 cup serving (31% of daily recommendation) to 1,600 mg, (far exceeding one day’s recommended intake). Processed soup may offer convenience over homemade soup, but you pay a high sodium price for that benefit. Homemade soup gives you more flexibility and, if you omit fatty meat and use low-sodium broth and tomatoes or tomato juice, you’ll keep the sodium at low (healthier) levels. Recipes Potato Broccoli Tarragon Soup Ingredients 2 Tbl. Olive Oil 1 Medium Onion-diced 3 Garlic cloves-minced 1/2 Teaspoon Tarragon-dried 1 Teaspoon Salt 6 Cups Vegetable Stock 2 Pounds Potatoes (3 or 4 med)-diced 4 Cups Broccoli-chopped 1/4 Cup Fresh Dill (or 1 tsp. dried) 1/4 Cup Fresh Mint (or 2 tsp. dried) 1/8 Teaspoon Black Pepper Preparation Fry onions in oil in large pot 5-7 min. Add garlic and fry 30 seconds. Add stock, tarragon, salt, potatoes, pepper and bring to boil. (If using dried mint and dill, add to the soup pot, otherwise add at the end if using fresh). Turn heat down to simmer and cook for 15 min, covered. Roasted New Potatoes & Green Beans Total Time: 40 minutes Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds new or baby potatoes, scrubbed and cut in half 8 ounces green beans, trimmed 5 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar or white-wine vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 3 tablespoons crumbled Gorgonzola or other blue cheese 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallion greens Preparation Add broccoli and cook another 15 min. Position rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 450°F. Blend 1/3 of the soup in a blender and when done add to remaining soup in the pot. Toss potatoes and green beans in a large bowl with 2 teaspoons oil, salt and pepper. Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring once or twice, until the potatoes are tender and golden and the green beans are tender and browned in spots, 25 to 35 minutes. Add fresh mint and dill. Serves 6. Note on Tarragon - There are two varieties used in cuisine. French tarragon is a perennial that rarely produces viable seeds, and is the most sought after by chefs for its sweetly pungent taste. Common Russian tarragon is a similar herb grown as an annual from seeds and contains less of the pungent plant oil with less flavor, especially dried, so use more to equal the flavoring of French tarragon. Whisk the remaining 3 teaspoons oil, vinegar and mustard in a large bowl. Stir in cheese and scallion greens. When the vegetables are done, toss with the dressing in the bowl. Serve warm. Serves 6, about 3/4 cup each serving Crock Pot Comfort Vegetable Soup Last year, archaeologists found a 2400 year old soup in Asia - giving more evidence it’s the ultimate comfort food! Try this easy soup full of antioxidants to give you some healthy comfort this winter. Ingredients 1 ½ cups coursely chopped red skinned potatoes 1 ½ cups chopped roma tomatoes 2 carrots cut into ½ in pieces 2/3 cup chopped leeks 1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed ½ tsp dried sage, crushed ½ to ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups vegetable broth ½ cup enriched whole wheat pasta 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves Combine first 4 ingredients in crockpot, then sprinkle with fennel, sage, and pepper. Pour broth over mixture. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8 to 9 hours or on high heat setting for 4 to 4½ hours. After cooked, if you used low heat setting, turn to high heat and stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook another 20 to 30 min until pasta is tender. Just before serving, stir in spinach. Serve with roasted garlic spread on toast. Health Benefits: Potatoes are high in potassium and contain acidophilious which aids in promoting beneficial intestinal flora. Tomatoes serve to detoxify and are rich in the antioxidant, Vitamin C. Carrots are digestive aids that can help with acid indigestion as well as diarrhea. Leeks are part of the allium family which are known for their antimicrobial, antiviral, and immune boosting powers. Fennel can be helpful in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. Sage helps lower blood sugar and aids in lactation. Spinach has some antiviral properties and aids in digestion. Crockpot Roasted Potatoes With Garlic & Herbs Ingredients 2 lbs small waxy boiling potatoes (Yukon Gold, baby new red or white potatoes work well) 4 -5 garlic cloves, peeled 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt 1 pinch dried thyme Preparation Scrub the potatoes and drain them. Put them in the slow cooker with the garlic. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the rosemary, salt, and thyme. With a spoon (or hands), toss the potatoes and garlic to coat them lightly with the oil and herbs. Spread out the potatoes as evenly as possible in the crock. Cover and cook on High until the potatoes are tender withen pierced with a sharp knife, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. Serve immediately January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 15 AT THE CENTER Community/Senior Center Activities Don’t miss the manyy benefits of the senior/communityy centers that provide p a varietyy of services for little or no cost. costt. Visit a center to learn about the activities and resources that will enhance your life. Ashland Senior Center 1699 Homes Ave, Ashland 541.488.5342 ashlandseniorcenter.org Wed 9:30-10:30am Gentle Yoga $15 (4 lessons); $5/class for drop-in Mon 9am Tai Chi Basic Class; Thurs Advanced. $4. 1st class is as guest. Mon & Tues Line Dancing $1 donation to the Senior Center Mon & Wed 11am-12:30pm (by appointment): Computer Instruction Free (donation to the Senior Center is appreciated) Thurs 1-4pm: Hearts & Spades. Pre-registration not required. ------------------Central Point Senior Center 124 N 2nd St, Central Point 541.664.4933 Senior Center Thrift Store: Mon-Sat, 9am-1pm Lunch 11:30am-12:15pm. All welcome - $3.50 Wed 9:30am: Exercise Thurs. 3pm Strength Exercise 2nd & 4th Wed 1-3pm: Bingo ------------------Chetco Activity Center 550 Chetco Ln, Brookings 541.469.6822 Senior Center Thrift Store: Mon-Sat, 9am-1pm Lunch 11:30am-Noon, all welcome, $3.50 Tues-Fri: 12:30 - Games-Cribbage, Pinochle, Rummy & more Tues, Thur: 8:30am Fitness classes Wed, Fri Tai Chi) Mon-Wed: 10am Computer Classes (PC & Apple) Fri: 1pm Old-Time Music Jam 1/8 AARP Driving Class. 1/18-29 Diabetes Health Class 1/20 Shared Meal: Bring a Dish to Share 1/30: SeaView Birthday Lunch ------------------Del Norte Senior Center 1765 Northcrest Drive, Crescent City, CA 707-464-3069 Lunch hour: 11:30am-12:30pm (Wed. 11am: Boon Dock Band) Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30-9:30am: Exercise, 10-11am: Chair exercise Tues 2-4pm Crochet/Knit; 7:30pm: Folk Dancing Wed (2nd and 4th) 10:30am: Blood pressure Checks Thurs 1:30 Tap Dancing; 1/17 11am Foster Grandparents Fri 12:39 Pinochle 1/25 11:30 Birthday Lunch ------------------Illinois Valley Senior Center 520 River Street, Cave Junction, OR. 541.592.6630 Library, weight/work-out room, line dancing, pool tables, and card room. 1st Saturday of the month: All you can eat breakfast Eagle Point Senior Center 121 Loto St, Eagle Point, OR 541.826.9404 M-F Food & Friends Lunch: 11:30am-12:30pm $2.75 Mon 10:30-11:30am Country Music Trio Mon 12:30: Bingo Last Saturday: Noon Potluck, main course provided Tues 12-2:30pm: Quilting Circle ------------------Gold Beach Senior Center 29841 Airport Way, Gold Beach 541.247.7506 Tues 12:30pm: Bingo 1st & 3rd Saturdays 8-11am All You Can Eat Breakfast $7 ------------------Medford Senior Center 510 E Main St. Medford, OR. 541.772.2273 medfordseniorcenteror.org Thrift Store Hours M-F 9am-3pm Lunch served 11:30am-12:30pm, Mon & Wed 1:30pm, Sat-12:30pm: Bingo (great for brain functions) Thurs 1pm: Jog Your Memory Mon 8:30 Beginners 9:30 Line Dancing $3 donation Join in our new weekly women’s sharing group. Call center for details. ------------------Rogue River Community/Senior Center 132 Broadway, Rogue River, OR. 541.582.0609 Thrift Store Hours M-F 10am-5pm Lunch Served: Mon-Fri. 11:30am-12:30pm Mon, Fri 8:15am: Yoga Class Tues, 7pm, Sun 2pm: Dance Sat, 5pm: Bingo Monthly Sat Breakfast 8-11. All You Can Eat. $3 kids, $6 adults Monthly Dinner $6 per person Call for Dates and Menu. ------------------Upper Rogue Community Center 22465 Hwy 62, Shady Cove 541.878.2702 www.country.net/~urcc/ Thrift Store Hours M-F 11am-3pm Lunch served: Wednesday, Noon Mon, Thur 8:30am: Aerobics Tues 8:30am: Yoga; Thur 5:30pm: Zumba DON’T MISS THE ONLY OREGON PERFORMANCE OF THE FANTASTIC TEN TENORS FROM AUSTRALIA! Coming Saturday, February 16th at 730pm! As part of their 2013 Double Platinum World Tour, THE TEN TENORS bring their lavish celebration of vocal power to Medford for a rousing musical tribute from the land down under. The power of The Ten Tenors has brought rock and classical music together, kicking and screaming, creating a sound that is uniquely theirs. Audience favorites include: Hallelujah, Close To You, Nessun Dorma, Ave Maria and medleys of hits by Michael Jackson, Elton John and Queen; performed with a full live band and spectacular new stage set! Over 90 million people have now enjoyed the internationally acclaimed sensation that is The Ten Tenors across four continents. At their sell-out shows, they capture audience’s hearts with their unmistakable charm and vocal power in a blend of rock, pop and opera. In Warsaw, Poland, they performed in front of a live audience of 65,000 people and a T.V audience exceeding 50 million people as the concert was beamed across Europe. The Ten Tenors recently appeared on Oprah’s Australian Adventure and ABC-TV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition season finale. They also performed alongside Lionel Ritchie, Rod Stewart, Andrea Boccelli, Alanis Morissette, Willie Nelson and Christina Aguilera, just to name a few. More information at www.thetentenors.com. Ginger Rogers Theatre, 23 So Central Ave, Medford. Tickets $24-$40 - available at the box office on online at www.craterian.org/events/the-ten-tenors/ 16 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 GARDEN Planning Your Spring Garden A cold, overcast January day is a wonderful time to relax with your favorite hot drink in front of the fire and plan your spring garden. Planning your garden could be as much fun as planting it. Begin with a pad of paper or garden journal and a pile of the latest seed catalogs by your side. Whether you have an established garden or are creating a new one - consider the layout first. For renewing gardens, remember that crop rotation helps enhance production and also reduce pest problems. Drawing a map can also help you place plants by others that help reduce pests (companion planting). If your garden is smaller, you might plan on more vertical crops. Make a list of what grew well last year and which plants need to be re-planned or replaced. Check your existing seed inventory for those saved seeds that have been kept dry and could be planted this year. It is prudent, however, to plan on some backup in those varieties in case they don’t have high yield. All these strategies will help you choose the right seeds for your garden. Now for the pleasure of leafing through many colorful catalogs with beautiful photographs of blossoms & fruit, which helps make a dreary winter day much more acceptable. Seed catalogs also offer valuable information on varieties that are naturally pest-anddisease-resistant, fabulously prolific, or full of flavor and nutrition. Some catalogs present an introduction to many under-appreciated but fun-to-grow fruits and veggies - like kohlrabi, bok choy, and mouse melons. For garden planners in a hurry, online catalog versions are available. If possible, order garden seeds from companies based in your area. Their varieties are more likely to be well adapted to your soil and climate. There are some out of the area seed companies which also sell seeds specific for your area. Here are a few suggested companies for starters: Horizon Herbs (Williams, OR) Organic Medicinal Herb and Vegetable Seeds & gifts. (541) 846-6704. Catalog available online or order paper copy at: www.horizonherbs.com/price_list.asp Protecting your plants from cold weather You will need to take extra care of your plants that are outdoors during the cold and snow season. Most potted plants should be brought inside; but many in-ground perennials and shrubs benefit from protection . 1. Put a layer of straw over shorter plants; You might place straw bales in a square and cover the entire square with a blanket or plastic. Put burlap covers on others - when you cover a plant, shrub or small tree, make sure your cover will not blow away in the wind. Weight it down with bricks, rocks or stake it in place. 2. Layers of leaves can help protect plants and, as they decompose, they can give nutrients to the plants as weather warms. 3. Plastic milk bottles filled with warm water placed around your plant and covered with a blanket will keep temperatures warmer overnight. 4. Snow will also act as an insulation; let them get covered if you are having abundant snow and they are sturdy perennals. Siskiyou Seeds (Williams, OR) Farm Direct Co. 1-888-555-5555. Online: siskiyouseeds.com/ftproot/Siskiyou_Seeds_Catalog-2010.pdf Territorial Seed Co. (Cottage Grove, OR) Seeds, garden supplies, & more. Online or paper copy at: territorialseed.com/catalog_request Abundant Life Seeds (Saginaw, OR) Vegetable, flower & herb seeds, garlic & potatoes; garden supplies & tools. Online or order paper copy at abundantlifeseeds.com/catalog_request Nichols Garden Nursery (Albany, OR) Seeds, plants & garden products. Catalog: downloadable, online ordering or paper copy at nicholsgardennursery.com/store/catalogRequest.php Springhill Nursery (Ohio) offers online & printed catalogs. The How to Videos on topics relating to gardening are very educational. Online or order a paper copy at springhillnursery.com/catalog_ request_qas.asp Great Reason to Grow Your Own! The average distance that supermarketbound vegetables or fruits travel to the store is 800 miles. A gardener’s fruits and vegetables move from garden to the table within minutes, with every ounce of nutritional value intact. February 5 7-8pm FREE Seed Swap Planning your garden? Before you order a long list of seeds from catalogs, you might try acquiring seeds locally at this seed swap to save money, grow plants that are adapted to the local climate, and exchange information with other gardeners. It’s fun and simple - just bring seeds saved from your garden and some bags or envelopes for taking seeds with you. The Nature Center also will be selling low-cost seed, harvested at the park by volunteers. No pre-registration. Call North Mountain Park Nature Center at 541-488-6606. January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 17 GREEN CORNER Let a snake keep out the drafts.. A door draft stopper, or door snake is basically a tube ube sewn from a durable fabric and filled with a heavy, y, granular filling. It’s placed on the floor and pushed d up against the bottom of a door, used between the e main door and a screen or storm door, or pushed against the line where the window meets the windowsill. Fillings like sand, dried beans or kitty litter make the draft stopper flexible and able to mold to the shape of the bottom and edges of the door or window. The draft stopper is kept in place by its weight and effectively keeps drafts from creeping in. Draft door stoppers can be plain, they can be made as cute animals or they can be very decorative. They are fun and simple to make. The following instructions are given to fit a 36 inch wide door, but you can measure your door or window, and add or subtract the length to make a draft snake for any door way or windowsill. Supplies Tightly woven fabric: Approximately 9”x 38” & matching thread 5 - 6” x 4” Dense or fluffy rags (pieces of towel, wool or felt) 5 - Small plastic bags (Newspaper bags work well) Filler: Kitty litter, sand, pea gravel, dried beans, corn or rice Step One - Make the Tube 1. Cut your fabric to measure 9” x 38” in the shape of a rectangle. 2. Lay it smoothly on the table with the decorative side facing down. 3. Fold one of the 9 inch end edges over about half an inch. 4. Pin the edge to hold the fold in place. 5. Sew down the middle of the folded edge, back stitch, remove the pins and set them aside 6. Turn the fabric over and fold it in half lengthwise with the decorative, right sides facing together. 7. Pin the edges of the 38 inch side together to form a 4-inch tube. 8. Pin along the shorter end that you did not sew before. 9. Sew a half inch seam along the 38 inch pinned side the of material making a tube, back stitch. 10. Sew a half inch seam along the pinned short edge, and back stitch. Remove the pins, set aside, again keeping them safely together. 11. Trim the raw edge corners in a diagonal. This helps to reduce extra bulk inside the corner when it is turned right side out. 12. Turn the tube right side out. 13. Ensure that the corners are square and nice and sharp by sticking a yardstick inside the tube. This clears a path to the sewn end and makes sure fabric in the corners is not rounding the corner points. Step 2 - Prepare the Filling and Fill the Tube 1. Fill each one of your plastic bags with one piece of dense or fluffy rag and 1/5 of the filling material of your choice. 2. Tie the bags shut by tying a knot in the end with the excess plastic. 3. Open the end of your draft stopper which has not been sewn shut. 4. Push one of the plastic bags containing the rags and filler into the door draft stopper and continue to add plastic bags full of rags and filler into the tube of the draft stopper until you have them all inside. 5. Make sure you have 1 inch unfilled at the top. Do not overfill tube. Step 3 - Finish the Door Draft Stopper 1. Shake down the filling before sewing to make it easier to manipulate. 2. Pin opening closed, taking care to tuck in the raw unfinished ends and top stitch the pinned end seam with small stitches. Back stitch. Optional: Use ribbon, fabric scraps, sequins, buttons, marker pens, beads, rickrack, or whatever you have to decorate the draft stopper. 18 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 Tips for Weathering Winter * Use non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace/stove ash to hazardous waste from chemicals. Chemical de-icers prevent haza can be hazar hazardous to your pets, your trees and shrubs, and the environmen environment. * Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, prevent wast, and keep you safe. * If you have a wood-burning fireplace, save your ashes in a tin instead of throwing them away. Cold wood ashes can be mixed in your compost heap to create a valuable soil amendment that provides nutrients to your garden. * If you have a manual thermostat or no thermostat at all, one way to save energy and money this winter is to install a programmable thermostat. When installed and used with the four pre-programmed temperature settings for weekend and weekdays, you can save about $100 each year while staying comfortable. * Winter storms often cause power outages. Prevent waste by keeping rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones stored throughout your house with your flashlights. * Recycle old newspapers by making rolled paper logs for your fireplace. Roll newspaper sheets around a broom stick until it is the desired size, then soak the log thoroughly in water. Dry the log overnight and use like ordinary wood. Always follow proper safety precautions when burning anything around your home. * Install ceiling fans and set them clockwise in winter, to help push warmer air down where you can enjoy it. * Seal leaks in your home with insulation, caulking, weather stripping, and draft dodgers, or make your own custom Draft Stopper Snake (on this page). * Our favorite tip: invite all of your friends over and have a winter gala. Rumor has it that each guest is the equivalent of a 175-watt heater. The more the merrier - and toastier! Can’t Find the Draft? If you are having difficulty locating leaks, try this pressurization test to increase infiltration through cracks and leaks to find them easier. 1. Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters on a cool, very windy day. 2. Shut all windows, exterior doors, and fireplace flues. 3. Turn on all exhaust fans that blow air outside, such as bathroom fans or stove vents, or use a window fan to suck the air out of the rooms. 4. Light an incense stick and pass it around the edges of common leak sites. Wherever the smoke wavers or is sucked out of or blown into the room, there’s a draft. You can also use a damp hand to locate leaks; any drafts will feel cool to your hand. HEALTHY LIVING Glaucoma Awareness Month Glaucoma - often called the “sneak thief of sight” because it can strike without symptoms - is the 2nd leading cause of blindness in the US. Over 2.2 million have glaucoma but only half know they have it. Glaucoma is where susceptible individuals suffer irreversible damage to the nerves inside their eyes. These nerves are responsible for relaying information from the retina to the brain. As the nerves suffer damage, the vision starts to deteriorate. The losses of vision from glaucoma begin in the areas around the center of vision, but with time even the very center as well as the far peripheral vision can be damaged. Glaucomatous damage is usually (but not always) related to elevated pressure inside the eye. The eye is a closed chamber, but a clear circulatory fluid is constantly being produced and then drained away from the eye. If the rate of production exceeds the rate of drainage, the eye pressure starts to increase. Often, this increased pressure bears against the fragile nerve fibers and microscopic capillaries inside the eye. Over time, this produces impairment and ultimately death of individual nerve fibers. This cannot be felt as pain or even a pressure feeling. Since you cannot feel the most prevalent form (“primary open angle”) of glaucoma, you have no way of detecting this sight damaging condition on your own. The only method of detection is via an eye examination, where pressure can be measured and the nerves observed by an eye doctor. In some cases, those with “normal” eye pressures can develop glaucomatous damage and also in some cases those with what we would consider high pressures have no damage. In these cases, other tests - stereo photography of the nerves, visual field testing or laser based scanning of the critical nerve structures - may be recommended periodically. All observations are greatly aided by the use of dilation drops, since they make those critical structures much easier to assess. It is recommended that older adults have an eye examination every two years minimum and every year for those at risk. For cases where a possible problem is detected and needs to be watched, visits should be as deemed prudent by your eye doctor. Never skip these exams. The risk? Anyone can develop glaucoma, but the more susceptible are: · Anyone over the age of 60, especially Hispanics. · African Americans over the age of 40. · Those with a family history of glaucoma. · A history of blunt trauma to the eye might pose additional risk. Treatment: The mainstay of treatment is via prescription eye drops, which reduce the pressure inside the eye - these drops must be used for life. Other treatments include laser based “opening” of the outflow channels to hopefully reduce pressure, or surgery to insert a shunt or similar operative method to release pressure from the eye. The object of all treatment is to reduce eye pressure and hopefully forestall additional nerve damage. As with many disease conditions, the earlier in the process that the condition can be identified and treatment instituted, the better the eventual outcome. National Thyroid Awareness Month According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 30 million Americans may be affected by thyroid disorders. Half of thyroid cases are currently undiagnosed. Thyroid disorders are most common amongst women. Thyroid disorders tend to run in families. Fatigue is a common complaint for those with thyroid disorders Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in America and one of the most curable. Your Thyroid Gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. Although relatively small, (the thyroid gland weighs approximately 20 grams and each lobe is approximately 4 cm (1.6 inches) from top to bottom) the thyroid gland influences the function of many of the body’s most important organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Ensuring that the thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly is important to the body’s overall well- being. The most common thyroid problems are: Hyperthyroidism: overactive thyroid due to increased levels of circulating thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism: underactive thyroid due to inability of the thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormones. Goiter: enlarged thyroid Most of the time, a goiter is caused by low iodine supply in the diet. Thyroid Cancer: most common in individuals with history of exposure of the thyroid gland to radiation, in individuals with family history of thyroid cancer and in those older than 40 years of age. Thyroid Nodules a growth in the thyroid gland 90 to 95% of these nodules are benign (non-cancerous) and the rest are cancerous. More on Thyroid Awareness Month at: thyroidawarenessmonth.com Michael W. Schwartz, OD Optometrist One Doctor Office — one professional sees you. • • • • Quality Integrity Thorough eye exams Accuracy in Vision Services Skilled, friendly staff with years of experience Complete and Accurate Vision Services • Glasses • Contact lenses - including multifocal & monovision • Magnifiers OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY WEDNESDAY OPEN UNTIL 6:00 PM 853 NE “A” Street (across from Circle K) 541.474.2788 www.docshwartz.com Contributed by Dr. Michael W. Schwartz, OD January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 19 MIND GAMES ACROSS 1. Dining room furniture 6. Start over 10. Garden tool 14. Extraterrestrial 15. Biblical garden 16. God of love 17. Einstein’s theory 19. Jacket 20. Required 21. Gender 22. Small island 23. A synthetic silklike fabric 25. Lance 26. Couch 30. Anagram of “Rental” 32. Filling material 35. An apparition 39. Suppurate 40. Veneer 41. Accord 43. Roman household gods 44. A light noise 46. In order to prevent 47. Collection of maps 50. It pumps blood 53. Violent disturbance 54. Large 55. Field day 60. Hindu princess 61. Nonsectarian 63. Chocolate cookie 64. Contest 65. Run away to wed 66. Alert 67. Killed 68. Feel CROSSWORD Answers on page 22 DOWN 1. Mountain pool 2. Away from the wind 3. Digestive juice 4. Its symbol is Pb 5. Go in 6. Race an engine 7. Invented the light bulb 8. The easing of tensions 9. Chalcedony 10. Multiplicative inverse 11. Got up 12. Australian “bear” 13. Banana oil, e.g. 18. Actress Lupino 24. Sweet potato 25. 4-door car 26. Not in danger 27. Portent 28. Quick 29. Change 31. Vitality 33. Taxonomic group 34. The products of human creativity 36. Tardy 37. Poems 38. Where a bird lives 42. Honorable SUDOKU 43. A leguminous plant 45. Vegetable 47. Shot from a bow 48. Crown 49. Hermit 51. Caviar 52. Melodies 54. Pleads 56. Scrabble piece 57. Computer symbol 58. Short sleeps 59. Delight 62. Kitten’s cry WORD SEARCH Difficulty Lever: Medium How to play: Numbers 1 through 9 appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 zone. There are 9 such zones in each grid. There is only one correct solution to each sudoku. Good luck! anger bass black blush bring chairs color compassion course 20 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 crazy irst heal indeed letter loath maiden moments months pardon pear piercing plasma please pole reason settle shadow silence since smile speak story table woman worry young Dose of Laughter Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. Kurt Vonnegut A Promise is a Promise A husband and wife sat in the living room discussing a “Living Will” “Just so you know,” the man said. “I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, promise me you will just pull the plug.” His wife got up, unplugged the TV and threw out all the beer. Hard working Planners The Chief Planner, two Deputy Chief Planners from a city Planning Department were walking through a park on their way to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out in a puff of smoke. The Genie says, “I only grant three wishes, so I’ll give each of you just one.” “Me first! Me first!” says the first Deputy Planner. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Poof! He’s gone. “Me next! Me next!” says second Deputy Planner. “I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of pina coladas and the love of my life.” Poof! She’s gone. “You’re next,” the Genie says to the Chief Planner, who quickly says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.” Financial Jokes - One Liners: The most successful investor was Noah. He floated stock, while everything around him went into liquidation. The most successful female investor was Pharaoh’s daughter. She went to the Nile bank and floated a prophet. I saw a bank that said if offered 24 Hour Banking.” But I didn’t go in. I didn’t have that much time. A long term investment is a short term investment that failed. The market is weird. Every time one guy sells, another one buys, and they both think they’re smart. If you can count your money, you don’t have a billion dollars. Distance Garden Planning An old man lived alone in Ireland. He wanted to dig his potato garden, but it was very hard work. What Blanket? A guy’s going on a business trip and he has to take his secretary with him, and she’s really crazy about him. The first night on the Amtrak, she’s in the top bunk and he’s in the bottom bunk. She says, “Mr. Forsythe! Mr. Forsythe! I’m chilly! I think I need a blanket!” He says, “Miss Schmitt, how’d you like to pretend you’re *Mrs.* Forsythe for a little while? She says, “Oh, I’d like that.” He says, “Then get you own darn blanket.” Bad Wife Corny Joke A couple gets married and the wife puts a foot locker in the bedroom. She locks it, then puts the only key on a chain around her neck. For fifty years, her husband tries to figure out what’s in there, but she always changes the subject, and avoids the issue. Finally, on the night of their fiftieth wedding anniversary, he says to her, “I’ve got to know what’s in the trunk!” She takes the key, unlocks the foot locker, and inside there’s two ears of corn and $25,000. The guy says, “What’s with the two ears of corn?” She says, “Well, umm, in the fifty years, every time I broke our marriage vows, I put an ear of corn in the trunk.” The guy considers his past and figures, “Twice in fifty years, not so bad...” Then he says, “And what’s the $25,000?” She says, “Well, everytime I got a bushel, I sold it.” One Bad Potato A man went to a restaurant and ordered a steak with baked potato. About halfway through dinner he called the waitress over and said, “Ma’am, this potato is bad.” She nodded, picked up the potato, and smacked it. Then she put it back on his plate and said, “Sir, if that potato causes any more trouble, you just let me know.” January 24 is Global Belly Laugh Day Celebrate the Great Gift of Laughter On January 24 at 1:24 p.m. (local time) Smile, Throw your arms in the air and Laugh out loud. His son, who would have helped, was in prison for bank robbery. The old man wrote a letter to his son and mentioned his predicament. Shortly, he received this reply: “For Heaven’s Sake, Dad, don’t dig up that garden, that’s where I buried all the money!” At 4am the next morning, a dozen policemen showed up and dug up the entire garden, without finding any money. Confused, the old man wrote another note to his son telling him what happened, and asking him what to do next. His son replied, “Plant the potatoes-it’s the best I could do from here.” GROAN CORNER We can’t put these in the “joke” category because our “tests” to the general population, mostly resulted in a smile and a groan; however, we thought we would include them here for your judgment. Good Advice A man walked into the doctors and said, “I’ve hurt my arm in several places?” The doctor said, “Well, don’t go there anymore!” Compliment Accepted You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a note on the windshield. It said, ‘Parking Fine’, and I thought that was nice of them. Remembering the wonderful words of Phyllis Diller: When my husband Fang was born, he was so ugly, the doctor slapped his mom DMV When I went to get my driver’s license renewed, our local motorvehicle bureau was packed. The line inched along for almost an hour until the man ahead of me finally got his license He inspected his photo for a moment and commented to the clerk, “I was standing in line so long, I ended up looking pretty grouchy in this picture.” The clerk looked at the picture. “It’s okay,” he reassured the man: “That’s how you’ll look when the cops pull you over anyway.” A Bird in Hand is Worth. . . One day a man went to an auction. While there, he bid on a parrot. He really wanted this bird, so he got caught up in the bidding. He kept on bidding, but kept getting outbid, so he bid higher and higher and higher. Finally, after he bid way more than he intended, he won the bid - the parrot was his at last! As he was paying for the parrot, he said to the Auctioneer, “I sure hope this parrot can talk. I would hate to have paid this much for it, only to find out that he can’t talk!” “Don’t worry.” said the Auctioneer, “He can talk. Who do you think kept bidding against you?” January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 21 This Day in History - Around the World Sudoku Answers History is made every day. We put the days of the month into a hat and drew out January 15th to research and report on the many historical and diverse events that happened throughout history on that one day. 0708 Sisinnius begins reign as Catholic Pope (He dies 20 days later) 0946 Caliph al-Mustaqfi blinded/ousted 1346 Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria gives Holland/Zealand to his wife 1535 Henry VIII declares himself head of English Church 1552 France signs secret treaty with German Protestants 1582 Russia cedes Livonia & Estonia to Poland, loses access to Baltic 1680 French explorer Sieur de la Salle builds Fort Crèvecoeur 1777 People of Vermont declare independence from England 1785 Mozarts string quartet opus 10 premieres 1797 1st top hat worn (John Etherington of London) 1831 1st US-built locomotive to pull a passenger train makes 1st run; Mr & Mrs Pierson of SC make 1st US railroad honeymoon trip 1833 HMS Beagle anchors at Goeree Tierra del Fuego Crossword Answers 1847 1st Swedish magazine in US, Skandinavia, published in NY 1851 General Arista replaces Mexican President Herrera 1861 Steam elevator patented by Elisha Otis 1863 1st US paper on wood-pulp paper, Boston Morning Journal 1865 Fort Fisher, NC falls to Union troops 1870 Donkey 1st used as Democratic Party symbol in Harper’s 1877 US Assay Office in Helena, Montana opens 1895 Tchaikovsky’s ballet “Swan Lake” premieres, St Petersburg 1907 3-element vacuum tube patented by Dr Lee de Forest 1907 Gold dental inlays invented by William Taggart 1915 Japan claims economic control of China 1919 2+ million gallon molasses flood in Boston drowned 21 people 1919 Pianist Ignace Paderewski becomes 1st premier of Poland 1922 Irish Free State forms; Michael Collins becomes 1st premier 1923 Lithuania seizes & annexes the country of Memel 1925 Hans Luther forms German government with DNVP 1934 8.4 earthquake in India/Nepal, 10,700 die 1934 Babe Ruth signs a 1934 contract for $35,000 (a $17,000 cut) 1935 300 Dutch ice cream salesmen protest against Italian competition 1936 1st all-glass windowless structure in US completed-Toledo, OH Palindrome - a fun brain exercise 1940 German U-Boot torpedoes Dutch trade ship Arendskerk 1944 Vught Concentration Camp puts 74 women in 1 cell, 10 die What word becomes a palindrome when viewed upside down and backwards? 2. Pronounced as one letter but written with three, only two different letters are used to make me. I’m double, I’m single I’m black, blue, and gray. I’m read from both ends and the same either way. 3. What word, when written in capital letters, is the same forwards, backwards and upside down? 4. What call for help, when written in capital letters, is the same forwards, backwards and upside down? 1945 Every Amsterdammer gets 3 kg sugar beets 1950 4,000 attend National Emergency Civil Rights Conference in DC 1953 16 car Fed-Ex train loses brakes - crashes in DC station 1955 1st official act of Princess Beatrice: launches tanker Vasum 1955 USSR ends state of war with German Federal Republic 1961 Supremes sign with Motown Records 1964 Teamsters negotiate 1st national labor contract 1969 Nuclear test at Pacific Ocean 1973 Four Watergate burglars plead guilty in federal court 1974 “Happy Days” begins an 11 year run on ABC 22 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 Palindrome Answers 3. NOON 1944 General Eisenhower arrives in England 1. 1. SWIM 1944 European Advisory Commission decides to divide Germany 4. SOS 1943 Japanese driven off Guadalcanal What is it? - a word, phrase, verse, or sentence that reads the same backward or forward. Try these palindrome riddles! 2. EYE 1942 FDR asks commissioner to continue baseball during WWII READING SUGGESTIONS Travel Yoga: Stretches for Planes, Trains, Automobiles and More! Financial Fitness Forever by Paul Merriman Paul Merriman gives you a framework guaranteed to return even the most struggling portfolio to prime health. Merriman has you focus on five critical questions: Should I use a financial advisor or go it alone? Should I try to beat the market or accept market returns? How should I manage risk? How should I diversify my investments? How should I separate my investments from my emotions? by Darrin Zeer From the author of Office Yoga, Travel Yoga offers some fundamental exercises that can help relieve both the physical and emotional stresses of traveling. Darrin Zeer studied the Eastern arts of healing in Asia for seven years. In this book, he applies some of his considerable knowledge to the stresses associated with all kinds of travel: delays, lost luggage, rudeness, the waiting lines, hotel room harmony, and the general need for civilized catharsis (i.e., methods of “blowing off steam” that do not involve physical violence and jail time). This book of 50 techniques is nicely illustrated. There is also a Quick Help Guide in the front to address immediately your sore neck, back, etc. A useful book for frequent travelers. Online and at book stores. Info at: darrinzeer.com If you don’t have solid, well-developed answers based on sound investing principles, you need to review your current strategy. Financial Fitness Forever leads you through the process step-by step. Merriman provides detailed answers to each question, all of which combine to form a powerful strategy that will ensure the kind of retirement you’re hoping for. Merriman doesn’t claim to have the “magic bullet” answer to supercharging profits in unpredictable markets. Instead, he provides a commonsense strategy anyone can use to secure his or her finances now and in the future. The economy is racing forward at breakneck speed, and no one knows where it will end up. By applying the lessons learned in Financial Fitness Forever, you can design a portfolio that will thrive in the long run. More information at mhprofessional.com/ Books also online & at bookstores. Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker by Robin Robertson For the millions of home cooks who swear by the ease and convenience of the slow cooker, this book provides a whole new array of healthy, delicious recipes that don’t rely on canned soup for flavor! Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker proves that these cookers can be used for more than just meat. They are also perfect for vegetarian and healthy cooking because it is a foolproof way to make beans, grains, root vegetables, stuffed vegetables and even desserts and these fantastic recipes prove it! From Spicy White Bean and Sweet Potato Stew with Collards or Bell Peppers Stuffed with Couscous and Lentils to Boston Brown Bread or Chocolate Fantasy Fondue and Brandy-Laced Pear Brown Betty – sensational! Chapters on appetizers, soups, stews, beans, vegetables, condiments, breakfasts, desserts, and beverages ensure that nothing is overlooked. A complete introduction provides information on all the latest advances in slow cooker models and accessories that provide healthy meal choices using this amazing appliance. Available wherever books are sold - or online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Indiebound. 101 Best Outdoor Towns: Unspoiled Places to Visit, Live and Play by Sarah Tuff, Greg Melville A unique guide for the millions of American urban dwellers and suburbanites seeking quick getaways to small, breathtaking locales where there are pulse-quickening activities but a slower pace of life. Grab your gear; pack your bags and beat the developers to 101 of the greatest places left for living, visiting and playing—outdoor towns where you can still eat breakfast at a local diner; play all day in a gorgeous, natural setting; find microbrews and comfort food; and flop yourself into bed at a family-run lodge. Tuff and Melville look far and wide to identify these places that have fresh vitality without having been overrun with fourth-home buyers and resort developments. These are places where you’ll want to visit and just maybe stay on. 101 Best Outdoor Towns includes information about the towns, their history and all the things there are to do—as well as lodging and dining information. You’ll even find each town’s ‘stay’ factor for just how livable and affordable the place might be for the long-term. Available online & at book stores January 2013 YOUNG AT HEART 23 £¦£¤န¡ ¡ ¡ ႀŶႁ ¡¡ ¡ £¤¡ ¦¤ £¦£¤¤ ¤£¨¡¤¤¡ £¤¨£££ဖၩၹၸဖၻၸ££ၹႀ¦¡¡ ¦¤¤£¤ª£¡¤ ¡ထ¡ ¡ ႁ £¤ဖ¤ ¡¤ ¡ £¡¡¤ ¡ ၹၺဖၹ £¡£ ¡ £ £ ¤¡ ¬ ¡£¤¡¤ ¡¨£¤¦ ¡ ¦ ¡ £ ¡£¡ ¦£¡££ ¡£ ၹၸၸၸ¡£¡ ¦¤¡ ¡¨¦¤£ ¦£¤ ¡ ¡ £ ¤ £ ¡ ¤ £ ¡ ££¨¤ ¡£ 24 YOUNG AT HEART January 2013 ůďĞƌƚŽůůŝŶƐ͕D͘͘