jackie

FEBRUARY 2011� JACKIE

Independence“THE MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL TIME MACHINES,”

demonstration organ recitals, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays. Even Sundays at the Community of Christ Temple, odd Sundays at the Auditorium, Walnut Street and River Boulevard, Independence. Free. Visit www.CofChrist.org/dome_spire.

GATHER INN – open to all ages, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Stone Church Community of Christ, north entrance, 1012 W. Lexington Ave., Independence. Spend time in Bible study, receive free blood pressure testing, learn about the community, and a different guest speaker each week. Optional lunch cost, $3.50. Call 816-254-2211 or visit www.stone-church.org.

GALLERY WALK: Presidents and the West, 2 p.m. Feb. 3, 20, 17 and 24, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Free with regular museum admission, $6 for adults; $5 for ages 62 and older; $3 for ages 6 to 17. Call 816-325-7575.

ORGANIC GARDENING STUDY GROUP, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 3, St. Paul United Methodist Church, 3601 S. Sterling Ave. Learn the basics of growing food with an understanding of nature. Free. To register, call Sara, St. Paul Community Garden, at 816-356-6986.

FRIDAY STEAK NIGHT, 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 4, American Legion Post 21, 16701 E. U.S. 40. KC Strip, $9.50; shrimp, $8.50; chicken, $6.50. Includes baked potato or french fries, salad and roll. Open to the public. Call 816-373-0221.

INDEPENDENCE SHEPHERD’S CENTER “Adventures in Learning,” 8:30 a.m. registration/free blood pressure checks, Feb. 4 and 18, Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th St. Workshops begin at 10 and 11 a.m., lunch is at noon. Workshop registration, $1; lunch is $4. For lunch reservations, call 816-254-0521.

POWER PALOOZA, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 5, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Includes indoor carnival, puppet shows, inflatables, games, face painting and more. Cost, $1 game tickets. Call 816-325-7370.

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL, sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Independence, 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 5, Westminster Hall, 417 W. Lexington Ave. There will be a children’s craft corner, chocolate fountain, silent auction and sales room. Free will offering for entry and taster’s plate.

CHANTICLEER, presented by Friends of Chamber Music, 8 p.m. Feb. 5, Community of Christ Temple, River Boulevard and Walnut Street. For tickets, call 816-561-9999 or www.chambermusic.org.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY RECITAL XII, with organist Jan Kraybill, 3 p.m. Feb. 6, Community of Christ Auditorium, River Boulevard and Walnut Street. Free will offering. Visit www.CofChrist.org/dome_spire.

CINNAMON AND STICKY BUNS sales, Feb. 6, Nativity of Mary Church, 10017 E. 36th Terrace. Call 816-353-2184 for the times when they’ll come out of the oven.

TOMBSTONE TALKS: “Glorious Monuments, America’s golden age of tombstone art,” 7 p.m. Feb. 10, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Cost, $6. For reservations, call 816-325-7575.

VALENTINES FOR PETS – for all ages, 2 p.m. Feb. 12, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. Decorate a special valentine for your pet. You may choose a valentine card or bandana, supplies provided. Cost, $2 per pet valentine. Please leave your pets at home. To register, call Independence Parks & Recreation, 816-325-7843.

CHESS TOURNAMENT, sponsored by Local Investment Commission, 10 to 11 a.m. sign-in Feb. 12, Fairmount

Community Center, 217 S. Cedar Ave. All current and former LINC student chess players and Kansas City Library patrons are welcome to participate. Beginners are encourage to participate, but they need to know how the game is played. Registration deadline: Feb. 9. To register, call Dale Lombard at 816-517-1012.

TALKIN’ TRUMAN: Young Bess in hats, 11 a.m. Feb. 12, Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. Ray Geselbracht and archivist Tammy Kelly will demonstrate through photos and artifacts, how Mrs. Truman’s personality shone through her fashion. Free with museum admission, $8; $7 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 15. Call 816-268-8200 or 800-833-1225.

DISNEY LIVE! presents Mickey’s Magic Show, 3 and 6 p.m. Feb. 12; 2 p.m. Feb. 13, Independence Events Center, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway. This fast-paced interactive show features your favorite Disney characters and live magicians. Tickets begin at $18.50. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com, call 800-745-3000 or visit the box office.

BALLROOM DANCING, 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 12, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. Dance review from 6 to 6:45 p.m. ($2). Dance cost, $8, $15 per couple. Call 816-325-7843.

BREAKFAST BUFFET, 7:30 to 9 a.m. Feb. 12, American Legion Post 21, 16701 E. U.S. 40. Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, corned beef hash, potatoes, biscuits/gravy, juice and coffee for $5.50. Open to the public. Call 816-373-0221.

BESS TRUMAN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, program begins at 4 p.m. Feb. 13, Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter will speak, followed by a book signing by Mrs. Carter and reception. For tickets, call 816-268-8200 or 800-833-1225 or visit www.trumanlibrary.org.

SLEDDING – With or without snow, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 17, Fairmount Park. Bring your own sled if there’s snow. If there’s no snow, Independence Parks & Recreation staff will have a limited number of sleds that work on grass. For

details and directions, call 816-325-7843.ROGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S “CINDERELLA,” 8

p.m., Feb. 17-19 and 24-26; 2 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27, Powerhouse Theater in the Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Cost, $12. For tickets, call 816-325-7370.

TACO NIGHT, 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 17, American Legion Post 21, 16701 E. U.S. 40. Tacos, $1.50; burrito or taco salad, $3.50; nachos/cheese, $2.50; beans or rice, $1; chili dog/potato chips, $3.50. Open to the public. Call 816-373-0221.

ENGLEWOOD ART WALK, 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 18, 10900 E. Winner Road. Seven galleries in the Englewood Station Shopping District, Winner Road and Sterling Avenue, open their doors to art lovers. Free. Call 816-252-3372.

“HELLO DOLLY” Santa Fe Trails Doll Club doll exhibit, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 19 and 21, 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 20, Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave. There will be a professional doll appraiser on hand ($5 per item appraisal fee). Admission, $6, $3 for ages 6 to 17. Call 816-461-3491.

“THE DOLL’S PUPPET SHOW – LITTLE RED RIDING

{EDITOR’ S P ICK}

Ron Magill, with a cheetah. SUBMITTED PHOTO

KISS & TaIl fundraiser, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 5, Kansas City Zoo. Do you “Kiss & Tail,” animals do, find out how and some tales as to why. Ron Magill

of the Miami Metrozoo will present, “Love and the Animals,” which focuses on the strange and interesting methods of animal courtship and mating through a variety of images. Event includes music, raffle drinks and heavy appetizers.

Visit the polar bear Nikita from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Must be 21 and older. Cost, $25 for Friends of Zoo members; $35 for non-members.

Register online at www.kansascityzoo.org or call 816-513-5800.

AnImAl courtshIp progrAm Is FundrAIserFor KAnsAs cItY Zoo

Kiss & Tail

calendar

JACKIE �FEBRUARY 2011

HOOD,” by Wit and Whimsy Puppets, 2 p.m. Feb. 19 and 21, Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave. Cost, $5. For reservations, call the Puppetry Arts Institute at 816-833-9777.

CINNAMON BREAD sales, Feb. 19, Nativity of Mary Church, 10017 E. 36th Terr. Call 816-353-2184 for the times when they’ll come out of the oven.

PRESIDENTIAL DAY CELEBRATION Feb. 21, Truman Library. Fresh-baked “presidential” cookies will be served from 10 a.m. until gone, and visit with Truman from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission, $8; $7 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 15. Call 816-268-8200 or visit www.trumanlibrary.org.

ANIMALS BEST FRIENDS FUNDRAISER, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 23, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, 1531 E. 23rd St., Independence. ABF will receive 25 percent of the purchase of food products when no coupon is used. Be sure and mention ABF when ordering, whether in person or on the phone.

“ALICE IN WONDERLAND” MYSTERY DINNER THEATER, 5 p.m. Feb. 26, Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific Ave. Enjoy fabulous food, exciting entertainment by the Renaissance Festival troupe of actors and more for $45 per person. For tickets, call 816-461-3491.

“A WILD GOOSE CHASE,” a shadow puppet show, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Feb. 26, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. The $5 cost includes seeing the museum and a finger puppet for children. For reservations, 816-833-9777.

ORGANIST TOM WINPENNY recital, 3 p.m. Feb. 27, Community of Christ Temple, River Boulevard and Walnut Street. Visit www.CofChrist.org/dome_spire.

PUBLIC SKATE, Independence Events Center, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway. Public sessions are open to skaters of all ages and skill levels. These sessions take place at various times and are usually two hours. Cost, $5; $3 for 12 and under and 55 and older, non-residents add $1 to each price. Skate rental, $2. For times, call 816-795-7577.

“TALKIN’ TRUMAN,” 11 a.m. daily, Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. Program explores the life and times of President Truman. Free with regular admission. Call 816-268-8200 or 800-833-1225.

“DOLLS FOR DEMOCRACY,” through March 6, Truman Library. Twenty-five handcrafted dolls, created in the images of world figures, such as Mahatama Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Florence Nightingale, etc., will be on display. Free with regular admission. Call 816-268-8200 or 800-833-1225.

“IT IS NOT NOISE, IT IS MUSIC: TRUMAN’S RECORD ALBUMS” exhibit, through May 30, Harry S. Truman Home National Historic Site Visitor Center, 223 N. Main St. Exhibit features more than 250 albums and will highlight the importance of music in the lives of the Trumans. Free. Call 816-254-9929.

“HAZELLE’S COMPETITORS,” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through Aug. 31, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. Exhibit of puppets made by other companies that competed with the Hazelle Rollins Kansas City factory. Cost, $3, $1.50 to age 16. Call 816-833-9777.

MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING has grief survivors meeting second Monday in Independence. Help for bereaved or injured victims, volunteers accepted. For time and location, call Michelle Fordemwalt, 816-295-1545.

LA LECHE LEAGUE, Jackson County A.M. Group, 10 a.m., second Thursday, Trails West Public Library. For breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 816-254-5992.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT GROUPS, sponsored

by the Child Abuse Prevention Association, 6:30 to 8:30 Mondays. For locations, call Karen Costa, 816-252-8388, Ext. 16.

WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 816-404-6460 or 257-2335.

Blue sprIngsDADDY/DAUGHTER VALENTINE DANCE, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Feb. 4 or 5, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Girls ages 4 and older, along with their fathers, are invited to an evening of entertainment, DJ music, dancing and a catered dinner. Cost, $20 per person. Call 816-228-0181 to register.

TRACKING – for families with children 7 and older, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 5, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center. Join naturalist to learn simple tracking techniques that will help your family figure out who has been visiting. Call 816-228-3766 to register.

AARP TAX ASSISTANCE (easy form only), Mondays Feb. 7 through April 18; or Thursdays Feb. 10 through April 14, Vesper Hall. For an appointment, call 816-228-0181.

BOONVILLE ISLE OF CAPRI CASINO DAY TRIP, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 7, departs from Vesper Hall. Receive $5 to play the games and a free lunch buffet. Cost, $19. Call 816-228-0181 to register.

COMPUTER CLASSES, computer basics, 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 9-10; beginning Windows XP, 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 15-16; beginning Microsoft Word, 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 17-18; intermediate Windows XP, 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 22-23, Vesper Hall. Cost, $35 per class, or take three different classes for $90. Call 816-228-0181 to register.

CHOCOLATE LOVERS TOUR DAY TRIP, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10, depart from Vesper Hall. Enjoy lunch on your own at the Andre Rivas Tea Room, tour the Amore Chocolate Pizza Company and receive a free dessert. Cost, $32. Call 816-228-0181 to register.

CREATE AND DECORATE VALENTINE COOKIES – geared toward the special needs population, 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10, Vesper Hall. Take home all the cookies you decorate. Cost, $10 per person. Call 816-228-0181 to register.

NATURALLY FROM THE HEART – for families with children 6 and older, 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 12, Burr Oak Woods. Create a Valentine’s Day card from natural materials. Call 816-228-3766 to register.

BIRD HIKE – for all ages, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Feb. 15, Burr Oak Woods. Marvel at the survival skills of winter birds on a hike (weather permitting) or at the nature center. Call 816-228-3766 to register.

BASIC BELLY DANCING, 8 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 16 through March 23, Vesper Hall. For beginners who are learning the moves for the first time or advanced students who want to perfect their moves. Cost, $60. To register, call 816-228-0181.

WOMEN, POWER AND MONEY, 12:30 p.m. Feb. 24, Vesper Hall. Carolyn Pittsenbarger, financial representative and an endorsed local provider with Dave Ramsey, will offer straight answers about money and how you can keep more of it for yourself. Free. Call 816-228-0181.

PRE-ARRANGEMENT PLANNING, sponsored by D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Funeral Home, 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 25, Vesper Hall. Receive one-on-one basic information pertaining to pre-arrangement of final plans. Call 816-228-0181.

BASIC BELLY DANCE TECHNIQUE – Mini session, 5 to 6 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 25-March 11, Vesper Hall. Recommended

for experienced belly dancers. Cost, $30. Call 816-228-0181 to register.

TRACKS ON T-SHIRTS – for all ages, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Feb. 26, Burr Oak Woods. Bring a T-shirt, all other materials provided. Call 816-228-3766 to register.

FEED THE CRITTERS on exhibit at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center at 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call 816-228-3766.

WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 816-220-1007.

TOUGH LOVE Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit support group, for families dealing with unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m. Tuesdays, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200.

MOM TO MOM LUNCH CLUB, a support group for new moms, 1 to 2 p.m., first and third Tuesday of each month, St. Mary’s Medical Center Professional Building, 300 Mock Ave. Call 816-655-5585.

LA LECHE LEAGUE of Blue Springs, 7 p.m., third Tuesday of each month, Parkview Church. For breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 254-5992 or Stephanie, 816-833-0250.

KAnsAs cItYFAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT – Fantastic foods, 5:30 to

7:30 p.m. Feb. 3, Kansas City Zoo. Explore and discover where food comes from, what causes food to spoil or to be dangerous to eat, how much do you need to eat, how much do Zoo animals need to eat and much more. This event is free and no registration is necessary. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 816-513-5800 or visit www.kansascityzoo.org.

AUTHOR CHARLES TODD, presented by National World War I Museum and Rainy Day Books, 7 p.m. Feb. 3, Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W. 47th St., Kansas City. The writing team of Caroline and Charles Todd will discuss their latest novel, “A Lonely Death,” featuring a World War I veteran. Call 913-384-3126.

powell gArdensFEATHER YOUR NEST CONSERVATORY EXHIBIT, 9

a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 6. A variety of indoor garden “rooms” will be created by local designers within the conservatory. These inviting spaces will feature benches, chairs or other seating to accommodate at least four people at a time.

FEBRUARY CLASSES, Feb. 5, supersuet feeder; Feb. 12, Bluebird house; Feb. 19, bird banding sculptured head planter; Feb. 27, cedar cold frame. To register, call 816-697-2600, ext. 209.

VALENTINE’S DINNER, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. seatings Feb. 12. Enjoy romantic classical guitar by Jim Lammers, a 5-course gourmet dinner with wine throughout, house-crafted chocolates and dessert. Cost, $115 per person. For reservations, call 816-697-2600, ext. 209.

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT AND HIKE, 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 20. Bring binoculars and help track the bird population around the visitor center. Free with garden admission.

WINTER HIKE, 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 20. Late winter brings the chance to see raptors like the Bald Eagle beginning to migrate back north. Register by Feb. 14. The fee includes

garden admission, $19; $12 for Garden members. To register, call 816-697-2600, ext. 209.

LOVE IN BLOOM GARDEN WEDDING PLANNING FAIR, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 26. Visit with 30 vendors from cake decorators to photographers to florists, plus enjoy live music and a 1 p.m. fashion show. Cost, $9.50. To register, call 816-697-2600, ext. 228.

Powell Gardens is at 1609 N.W. U.S. 50, about 30 miles east of Kansas City. Winter admission, $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for ages 5-12. Visit www.powellgardens.org.

lee’s summItJUST BETWEEN FRIENDS CONSIGNMENT SALE, noon

to 7 p.m. Feb. 20; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 21, 22 and 23, The Pavilion at John Knox Village, 520 N.W. Murray Road. Feb. 22 is 25 percent off sale, and Feb. 23 is 50 percent off sale. Admission is $2 Feb. 20, but free the remainder of the days. For details, visit www.leessummit.jbfsale.com.

LANDSCAPING WITH MISSOURI PLANTS WORKSHOP – Landscape design with Missouri in Mind, Feb. 25 and 26, Metropolitan Community Colleges-Longview Campus. Each workshop will provide practical, in-depth information on landscaping with native plants to create beauty and to support biodiversity. Presenters, Missouri Department of Conservation resource experts and native plant professionals. Registration is $25 if received by Feb. 9; $35 after. Registration deadline, Feb. 16. To register, visit www.grownative.org and click on the events link. For more information, call the MDC at 573-522-4115, ext. 3833 or 3370.

– Jillayne Ritchie

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Cover photo by karen haCker at the portrait Gal-lery, 124 S. Main St., indepen-denCe, 816-461-5400.

� JACKIE FEBRUARY 2011

the shooting rampage in Arizona that killed six Americans and critically injured Congress-woman Gabrielle Giffords along

with 13 other bystanders sent shock waves through the nation and added the word “vitriol” to all of our vocabularies.

The tragedy proves that we are still capable of being affected by acts of rage and violence. As a country known for its unity and resiliency, the latest disaster once again challenged us to come together in mourn-ing for our fellow Americans and in prayer for the recovery of the wounded. Far too frequently bloodshed has given our nation a rallying point, and the memories of Colum-bine high school, Virginia Tech, Fort Hood, an Omaha shopping mall and 9/11 come flooding back.

Watching the inspiring recovery of Con-gresswoman Giffords gives us hope. Her strength of spirit is our symbol that yes, we

will survive. The grief, however, particularly for a 9-year-old child who was born on the most horrific day in our history, is slow to fade.

The senseless murder of a child causes pain enough. But even more shameful is that the country she loved was in a terrible state throughout the entirety of her brief life. Not a moment of that little girl’s life was spent in a nation that was at peace.

The civil war of ideologies wages on as we cope with the consequences of the Tucson shooting and aimlessly seek to understand that which is incomprehensible. Striving to tidily wrap up the reasons and motivations that caused a young man to go-

ing on a shooting spree has brought about accusations against our political environ-ment, our mass media, our laws and our Constitution. Could this unspeakable event have been prevented if we had stricter gun laws, less cable news programming and greater civility on Capitol Hill?

There is no doubt that something has gone horribly wrong here in the land of the free. The average American has endured a prolonged period of stress, and we are all starting to crack under the pressure. We are constantly reminded that our liberty and personal safety are under attack.

Our economic stability has been shaken, putting in jeopardy all the plans we had for our future and the future of our children.

Our political process is stagnated by fear and arrogance. Our entertainment has degraded into over-exposing ourselves to the 24-hour news cycle. We all forgot how to disagree without being disagreeable and

that how we say something is as important as what we say.

I maintain that we don’t need more politeness in our public forums but less. We respond to the stress of daily life and the vulgarity of politicians and the press by becoming more isolated and complacent. We observe and analyze without engag-ing. Staying well within our comfort zone, we remain part of the problem rather than part of the solution. We fail to demand accountability from our local, regional and national elected officials and fairness from the media.

We need to stop being afraid to offend those who represent us and start speaking up in the name of a civil union.

Jackie

you can’t look away in a dialoguewritten by

Jackie

a word from jackie


i always see people swirling and sniffing wine before they drink it. What is the purpose of that?

A: the purpose of swirling your wine is to aerate it and release the aromas. the purpose of smelling the wine before we drink it is so that our brain, our nose, our taste buds and our soft palate can all get in sync with each other. our taste buds only allow four tastes, sweet, sour, bitter and salty. When someone says that tastes “just like chicken,” it’s not a true state-ment. What happens is, our brain remem-bers what chicken tastes like, so with the smell of the chicken and the taste buds capabilities you come up with a blend that makes our brain say “oh, chicken!” it’s sort of like when you go outside and you say it smells like spring, or how tanning lo-tion smells like summer, it’s a conditioned response.

With wine, you will smell a lot of differ-ent smells. red wine will almost always carry the aroma of cherries, and white wine will almost always carry the aroma of apples. Smelling the wine will give you a perception of what the wine will taste like. put your nose deep into the glass and take a big sniff. then taste. Softly breathe in a little bit of air into your mouth while you pour the wine slowly onto your tongue. this will aerate the wine in your mouth and also let all of your taste buds experi-ence the flavors. Sometimes what we smell and what we taste don’t match, so don’t just shudder and say you don’t like it. try it again and this time it may taste different, because you gave the brain and taste buds time to get into sync. you may even find flavors in the wine that you didn’t perceive on the initial taste.

there are many “rules” about wine, but let’s face it, wine is a beverage that is meant to be enjoyed. if you aren’t enjoying it, you haven’t found one that suits you yet. keep trying to find a wine that you like by going to wine tastings or going to small shops or wineries where people can help

you find a wine that fits. don’t be sur-prised however that in as short as a few months, the wine you love isn’t as good as it first was. this doesn’t mean that the wine has changed, it means your palate is changing, and that can be a good thing.

When you hear people talk about dry or sweet, do you wonder what that means? it’s the perception of sweetness in the wine according to your palate. Most people in america like sweet wine first. Most of our beverages are full of sugar and served ice cold, so it is completely normal that you would want a cold, sweet wine. the less sugar there is in a wine the drier it feels in your mouth, so much so that it feels like you have no saliva left in your mouth. eventually you will like the drier wines. the way to learn to like them is to keep trying different wines. Soon you will want to taste more flavors than just sugar and a single fruit. you will look for complexities that please your palate. Maybe you will love the taste of the oak in some wines, or smokiness, maybe you will like the earthy flavors, or the sour citrusy flavors. don’t count wine out because of all rules you hear or because it seems stuffy or snobbish. let the rules fly out the window. drink what wine you love with what food you love, period. Wine is sup-posed to be enjoyed!

to learn more about wine don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. if you get stuffy answers, ask someone else or better yet ask us. Send your questions to [email protected], and we will do our best to unhinge the mysteries of this delicious beverage for you!

Cheers! Dawn

Why do peoplesniff their wine?

written by

Dawnbrooks

wine 101

dawn Brooks is owner of cork & Barrel at 16920 e. u.s. 24 in Independence. You can reach her at 816-257-7911 or [email protected]

tee up your best taglinefood

BY KAthrYn rem | Gatehouse news Service

here’s something president George Washington once said: “it is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.”

and this bit of inspiration came from educator booker t. Washington: “Success is to be measured not so much by the posi-tion that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”

the Greek philosopher aristotle uttered these words of wisdom: “it is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

these quotes all have been printed on the teabag tags of Good earth tea, an herbal and specialty tea company that makes products with names such as tea for Sleep, pomegranate Superfruit tea and Ginseng Green tea.

one of the hallmarks of the new Jersey company, in fact, is the inspirational quotes printed on the tags. the idea is to share a bit of enlightenment along with a satisfying spot of tea.

now Good earth tea is widening its search for suitable quotes.

it’s sponsoring a contest called “tag, you’re it!” it asks the public to submit their own pithy remarks. the 25 best ones will be immortalized on the Good earth teabag tags, along with the names of the winners.

entries can be submitted at www.Goo-dearth.com, by posting at www.Facebook.com/Good earthtea or by tweeting to http://twitter.com/Goodearthtea. the original quotes cannot be more than 60 characters; the deadline is Feb. 21.

here are a few of the entries that have been posted on Facebook:

-- “every moment is precious potential.”-- “taking is joy for a moment, but giving

is joy for a lifetime.”-- “no matter how dark the night, the sun

will always rise.”-- “it’s a shallow life that doesn’t give a

person a few scars.”-- “to dream of who you wish to be is to

waste who you are.”-- “health is the truest form of wealth.”-- “Wisdom lives in silence.”


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lessons in life | lesson 5

remember the days before parenthood when you were on time for events – church, work, dinner with friends?

Somehow, somewhere in the space/time continuum, those days are gone. It’s almost as if the moment the doctor placed that per-fect, screaming bundle of goo-covered joy on your chest, you forgot how to tell time, or your watch was secretly moved back a good hour.

Even if you give yourself enough time to make it to whatever major outing you’ve planned with Baby, you will most likely be late. There is no way to judge the mishaps that will happen as you’re trying to scoot your happy new family out the door.

There is always a missing shoe, a foul smell from the diaper region – never mind you changed her less than 15 minutes ago. She’ll find the can of Diet Pepsi you ac-cidently left within her reach and spill it all over herself and the carpet you just paid to

shampoo. Bet you’re wishing you’d paid the extra $30 for the stain protectent, huh?

Even if everything with Baby goes smoothly, you still have to wrestle her into her winter hat, which she now thinks is funny to take off. Then you have to chase her around the house while trying to zip her coat. Remember when you couldn’t wait until the day she started walking?

And of course, there’s the biggest stressor of them all – getting Baby in the car seat. It is a complete myth that car seats are sooth-ing for babies. Maybe they are for babies who enjoy sleeping. But in my experience sleep ranks right up there with the worst thing ever for Baby J, and I think seeing the

car seat makes her think of sleep, therefore she hates it. Few things in the world are more difficult than wrangling a flailing 1-year-old in a bulky winter coat into the car seat she hates.

So, let’s just suppose by some strange twist of fate the clouds align and you get the baby wrangled, winterized and in the car seat with enough time to make it to your destination. You have not considered the other factor – the pets.

The cats who like to hide in every nook and cranny of the nursery. The cats who still need to be fed and watered because you were just too tired to do it last night – and mind you they’re crawling around your leg while you’re working with Baby just to remind you that they might eat someone’s arm if they don’t get some Fancy Feast soon.

Now the cats are under control, but you still haven’t thought about the dog. The dog, who by the way is a little jealous that this

screaming, pooping being has taken much of the attention you used to pile on her. The dog will be barking, and even though she’s been out twice in the last hour will suddenly decide that the minute you get to the garage is the minute her bladder will burst. She goes out and comes back as you’re getting the baby situated in the car and thinks, “They’re getting in the car. I wanna go.” Good luck trying to coax her back in the house.

I’m still trying to manage my time with all the fiascos, but I’ve learned a really valu-able lesson in all of this – people are really patient while new parents try to master all these new learning curves.

Stephanie

on time is in the eye of the baby holderwritten by

sTePHaniebooTHe

health watch

while new parents look forward to milestones in their infants’ lives, teething can sometimes feel more like a millstone. here are some common questions and some common-sense solu-tions about teething.

QuIcK FActs* baby's first teeth generally arrive between six and eight

months. Most children will have all 20 of their primary teeth by the age of three.

* teeth frequently appear in sets of two: the two lower incisors will usually appear first, followed by the top front incisors. Molars and canines come afterwards.

* babies vary in their development, so while many chil-dren develop teeth around the same time, each child is unique. if you have concern, consult your pediatrician.

how do I Know mY BABY Is teethIng?Signs of teething include drooling and loss of appetite, as well as irritability and sleeplessness. it's un-

derstandable that babies are fussy while teething because their first teeth must push through the gum tissue, which causes tenderness, soreness and inflamed gums.

how do I eAse mY BABY's teethIng pAIn?there are several things you can do to make teething a little easier.* Chill a teething ring in the refrigerator for some cooling relief. the temperature will help to numb ba-

by's gums and the counter-pressure helps to alleviate soreness. a wet washcloth can also be soothing.* you might also try a topical anesthetic. it works immediately, unlike acetaminophen, which may

take up to 30 minutes to relieve pain.For more information about easing teething pain, visit www.orajel.com

teething tips for baby


cover

merIdeth pArrIshFroM bad ChoiCeS to Good, a liFe in tranSitionBY JeFF mArtIn | [email protected]

betty Neal was taking an early walk that morning.

It had become a routine, a quiet moment in which she could pause and think and

view the picture of her life up to that point. She and her daughter, Merideth, were liv-ing in a home off Blue Ridge Boulevard in Kansas City. It was the mid-1980s and, like most mothers, Neal had a lot on her mind.

Returning home, Neal was surprised to find Merideth, then 6 years old, outside, holding onto the railing.

“Merideth liked to sleep,” her mother said. “So I was surprised to see her out-side. I asked her what was wrong, and she looked at me and said she’d thought I’d left her.”

Assuring her daughter that she had not, that she would never leave her, Merideth turned around and went back inside.

“I asked her where she was going and she said she was going to call the police back and tell them her mother was home.”

The story, which brings out laughter in Betty each time she tells it, seems simple, but it’s not. Like many children, Meri-deth had unknowingly shown her mother, through words and actions, the future.

“It showed me that she could work things out,” she said. “I could see she was a good thinker.”

n n n

For Merideth Neal – now Merideth Par-rish – it is difficult to determine where the story of her life should start.

Should she start with Hope, Ark., on July 25, 1981 – the day she came into this world? Evelyn Burdette, her biological mother would, when Merideth was only 6 weeks old, place Merideth in adoptive care with Betty Neal, Evelyn’s sister.

So aunt became mother, and mother be-came aunt.

“We all joke that I have two mothers who are very pleased with the outcome of my life,” Merideth said recently from her home in Grain Valley.

Or should she start in 2003, the day she discovered broken windows at the home she was sharing with her future husband, Tikko, at 44th and Montgall in Kansas City? At the time, she and Tikko were car-ing for their twins Evan and Evelyn, strug-gling to find their way in life.

Where to start? Merideth considers the question, one of the most difficult to an-swer.

“It’s a very intriguing question. It gives you the chills.” she said. “It’s almost as if God asked you, ‘If there’s any point or any-thing in your life you would do over, what would it be?’ ”

She said it would be easy to go back to a moment, when she had just finished her first year at the University of Missouri, and reconsider her decision to give birth to twins, even though she wasn’t married. It could change the course of her life perhaps. But she knew, even then, that God had a plan for her.

Since they weren’t married, Merideth and Tikko lived separately. Placed on bed rest because her pregnancy was high risk, Merideth lived with her mother in Lenexa, who had moved from Merideth’s childhood home years before because she wanted a better education for her daughter.

“During the time I was on bed rest, I continued taking courses through MU’s academic extension,” Merideth said, but after the twins were born, she stopped tak-ing classes altogether and started looking for work.

Odds and ends.

The reality of motherhood and work-ing was difficult. Her presence waned at church, and accepting God into her life served as partial explanation for her strug-gles, she said.

Her relationship with Tikko lacked direc-tion. She was drifting, much as she must have drifted onto the front porch when she was 6, looking for her mother.

“We had no plan,” she said. “We had no drive to get it together.”

Where to start? She thinks now that if she could restart

her life it would be when the twins were 2 years old, a time when she felt she was put-ting her wishes and life’s pleasures before their needs.

One of the the most difficult times Me-rideth has come to terms with (and rarely confesses) was when she left the twins with her mother for a little under a year. The twins were nearly 3 at the time. Merideth and Tikko were living together, renting the house on 44th and Montgall, trying to find stable, reliable jobs.

When someone broke into their home, smashing windows and stealing personal items, Merideth knew a change was needed. So she did it for everyone who loved her, including herself.

“I found out what it was like to be stripped of everything,” she said.

Betty offers few words about that time, only that she was there for her daughter.

“I just wanted to give them the care they needed,” Betty said about that time. “She was just young... what do young people know about those kinds of responsibili-ties?”

Betty, who spent her career as a statisti-cian, understood that pushing children could yield unfavorable results.

“You can’t make anyone do anything,” she said. “All I could do was keep her in my prayers.”

Renting the home on 44th Street was the right thing to do. It allowed them to regroup and plan. The twins moved back in and, a year later, the couple was pregnant again, with Erika.

Before Erika’s birth, Merideth had se-cured a job as a senior administrative as-sistant with the Kansas City Urban League.

There she met Gwendolyn Grant, president and CEO of the organization, and the ex-perience taught her more than just how to type: it taught her self-awareness and that, with the obvious talents she had, she was ignoring who she really was, the person she could become.

“I learned that I was doing myself and my family a great disservice because I hadn’t finished school and wasn’t looking for a serious, long-term career,” Merideth said.

The job was rough and exposed some of her weaknesses, specifically the profes-sional skills needed to perform in a profes-sional setting.

“There were struggles, but I was young and had that young, cocky attitude,” she said.

“Gwendolyn really focused her atten-tion on me. I learned a lot from her, but it wasn’t easy. A lot of times I felt over my head.”

Seeing her potential, Grant encouraged Merideth to enroll in Park University, which she did with much trepidation in January 2004. She began working eight to 10 hours a day at the Urban League, at-tending classes at night. She did this for two years, completing her undergradu-ate degree in communications theory and human relations development in 2006.

Grant said her approach toward Meri-deth was not unlike how she approached many employees and clients and the orga-nization.

“For me, my basic style with employees is to provide guidance and support,” Grant said, adding that she remembers Merideth quite well.

n n n

As Merideth pushed forward, there were still questions about her relationship with not only her boyfriend, Tikko, but with God. She had yet to make the ultimate commitment to both.

Pastor Darryl Davis of the Christ Temple Church of Christ Holiness USA in Kansas City remembers Merideth and Tikko. The church where Merideth had grown up be-

contInued on pAge 11

“They took such a big chance. I had most of the skills, but I’d never managed a department before. It must have been divine.”Merideth parriShon working for the city of Blue Springs


SPECTRUM/Meridith Parrish

cover

hIghest hIghBirth of four beautiful, healthy children. Although I’ve endured many challenges from high risk pregnancies to poverty and food stamps, the Lord saw us through it all. My children are the outcome of God’s favor and my perseverance.

lowest lowEarlier this year I learned that a close family member was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The cancer has since spread throughout most of her body and the outcome is bleak. But trusting God is my main source of strength. I refuse to believe the doctor’s report, and am claiming victory, knowing that God has the final say.

AchIlles’ heelI have a sweet tooth that is seemingly out of control. Through Weight Watchers and channeling my hunger pains into a more productive activity – like exercising, I’m learning to gain control over it!

moment oF epIphAnYWhen I realized that the life I was living was not what and who God called me to be. I wanted something different for me and my family. I call it my “ah-ha” moment.

smArtest thIng I’ve ever doneSurrendered my life to Jesus Christ.

dumBest thIng I hAve ever doneI have done so many it is hard to narrow it to one.

whAt I thought I would Be doIng wIth mY lIFeIf I look back on the choices I made as a child and young adult, I never would have imagined that I would be able to accomplish all that I have. I never imagined that I’d have a successful career, a beautiful family, and a stronger, healthier position in life. It just proves that no matter how bad we think we’ve messed things up, God can clean it up!

whAt I stIll reAllY wAnt to doI would love to fall into the ministry that God has called me to. I have always loved to sing and to speak to children and young adults. And I don’t mean just sing anything; I’ve always wanted to be a gospel singer, sharing my testimony and the saving power of Jesus Christ. I don’t know if I’ll ever get there, but if the Lord calls, I’m ready to go, wherever, however He chooses to use me.

merideth parrish lost 100 pounds with weight watch-ers late last year. | the eXAmIner/Adam vogler

10 JACKIE FEBRUARY 2011

Prearrange online from the privacy of your own home.

Funeral and Cremation

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JACKIE 11FEBRUARY 2011

fore leaving in her early 20s had become the place, the sanctuary, to which she re-turned once again. Davis remembers her well.

“It was a rough, edgy time when she came back to the church,” Davis said. “They were both going through a lot of struggles.”

But Davis and his wife took special inter-est in the couple. They visited with them and, by example, showed them the power of God and that there were, in spite of the examples surrounding them, good mar-riages. Davis and his wife approached them as other family and friends approached them: with a bit of caution.

“We talked with them and showed them they had choices, that there were pros and cons to what they were doing,” he said. “I’ve always tried to give both sides of every situ-ation because everyone is unique. And ev-eryone has to make their own choices.”

In November 2005, Pastor Davis married Merideth and Tikko.

Like Pastor Davis, encouragement and inspiration came from elsewhere. Her older brother, Sam Moore, played a vital role in her life, and continues to play a large role. An ordained minister and high school prin-cipal, Moore is about 20 years older than Merideth and was raised by Merideth’s grandmother in Louisiana.

“Sam has always played a vital part in being my life’s role model, even from a long distance,” she said. “As long as I can remember, I can recall always hearing how Sam was excelling in athletics, his course work and in life, period.”

Moore would call her his ‘little sis,’ and she remembered even as a teenager, when they would get together, how he would have stern talks with her, telling her of the importance of education and how no one would go anywhere without a good educa-tion.

And to “respect your mother, because she’s all you have in life.”

n n n

After she left the Urban League, Meri-deth was hired at the Kansas City Health Department, a contract position where she led secretarial work and public relations. New skills in emergency preparedness (specifically the pandemic flu scare) would open a door she would walk through later

in her journey.Her career finally out of the harbor, she

was on open seas, her sails filling.And then Merideth took another leap,

venturing further out into open waters. After hearing about the position from a friend, she applied for a position with the city of Blue Springs as its public relations director. It was a long shot, she said, but the city hired her after only one interview.

“I was shocked, couldn’t believe it.”Now she was really sailing, crediting the

opportunity and the skills she learned to the city’s administrators, Eric Johnson and Todd Pelham.

“If they hadn’t given me the chance and the opportunity to learn some skills…I don’t know where I’d be,” she said. “They took such a big chance. I had most of the skills, but I’d never managed a department before. It must have been divine.”

A little over a year after starting, Meri-deth found herself coordinating one of the city’s biggest events: David Cook’s victory on “American Idol” – a PR nightmare if one isn’t properly prepared. When Cook arrived home to Blue Springs for a special con-cert, Merideth and her office were largely responsible for coordination and requests from local and national media.

n n n

It was during this time that Merideth, having given birth to her and Tikko’s fourth child, Ethan, saw a picture of herself. She was shocked, but not that surprised. With a busy life (she was working on her master’s in public affairs and emergency manage-ment and balancing a new home life in Grain Valley), she admits the temptation of snacking and a fast food diet was too strong. She weighed 258 pounds.

But coincidence would present itself. At the time, the city was supporting a grass-roots effort to encourage residents to stay fit. Called Blue Springs FIT, Merideth was inspired by a close friend, Annette Small, CEO of St. Mary’s Medical Center, who had lost a significant amount of weight.

“I got up at an event and promised ev-eryone I’d lose 50 pounds, which I thought was very reasonable,” she said.

She began her journey, keeping a close eye on her diet and working out at the Grain Valley Community Center, a practice she continues to this day throughout the

week. She began losing weight almost im-mediately, gaining more confidence. Even-tually she lost twice her goal, dropping 100 pounds.

At the same time she was hired for what she calls now “her dream job” – a public af-fairs specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region VII.

“It’s what I was working for, my dream job,” she said.

In late 2010, Merideth was notified by Weight Watchers that they had chosen her and her story for a success profile, one that was recorded for television. She has yet to see the commercial.

n n n

For now, Merideth is content. She says she’s at peace with where she is – a long way from where she was: drifting in a sea of obstacles. What she went through is not unlike what many African Americans go through, she admits, but it concerns her when they use such stereotypes to essen-tially limit, defeat, themselves.

“Basically, I’m tired of seeing my people view themselves as defeated or without hope, simply because they are not as ‘ad-vantaged’ as others.”

She continued:“I lost my element when I was in high

school,” she said, “but I struggled until

I found the answer, and that was God. (Back in college), He already knew I would choose to become a mother at an early age – and He molded me into a nurturing men-tor, something I was not.

“He knew that I would choose to hang out late at night instead of reading bedtime stories to my 2-year-old twins, He gave me a mother who loved and cared for my chil-dren when they needed it most. She was there when I was not.

“He also knew that I would seek happi-ness in all the wrong sources and places – challenging jobs that I was not equipped for and unhealthy foods that eventually led to my obesity. For this, He sent my Savior, the forgiver of my wrong choices and my bad decisions, He gave me Him, His hope, His peace, and an eternal promise that He would never leave nor forsake me.”

n n n

So where should Merideth begin her story?

“If I had to choose a specific time and place in my life, where I would begin my life story,” Merideth said thoughtfully, ”it would be Saturday July 25, 1981, in good ‘old Hope, Arkansas, born to Evelyn Bur-dette, soon to be raised by Betty Neal.”

So the story should begin in Hope?Don’t all stories?

cover

contInued From pAge 8

opportunities to grow came her way

merideth parrish works out at the grain valley community center. parrish was notified by weight watchers late last year that she had been for a success profile that was recorded for television. | the eXAmIner/Adam vogler

1� JACKIE FEBRUARY 2011

save on degree programs through monster learning. sign up for a free account at radarFrog.com and search for it today.

college

Why the ColleGe traCkCan beGin aS early aS

eleMentary SChoolBY mollY logAn Anderson

Gatehouse news Service

SChool

photo by StoCk.XChnG

JACKIE 1�FEBRUARY 2011

But the truth is that preparations should begin long before junior year, and experts even recommend getting elementary-age kids on the right track.

According to Lance Millis, assistant director of Student Academic Services for the College of Education at Oklahoma State University, folks can ease this long process by accepting a few things.

“The two most important components are the knowledge that this will

be a lengthy process and a shared responsibility between student and parent,” says Millis, who advises families daily through his website www.collegeprep101.com. “Open, constant communication helps prevent an expectations gap that can make everyone unhappy.”

Keep those components in mind as you travel through our college planning timeline.

college

aGeGrade adviCe

When it comes to middle schoolers, kids should be encouraged to dig deep into all of their interests. the best way to do this, Millis says, is to have them read everything they can get their hands on. encourage them to think about their interests in terms of a future career, or seek out volunteer opportunities within those areas of interests. “it’s not too early to start visiting colleges, either,” says Millis.

Millis advises that now is the time to start building a resume, through extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities and even taking jobs that fall within your interests. Students should be registered for a college preparatory curriculum, focus and study hard, as grades will count toward college beginning now. once sophomore year commences, kids should take the plan and pSat tests and devote time to internet research on schools. parents should assist kids with attending on-campus events whenever possible, while ensuring they maintain good grades and work or volunteer.

during junior year, school research, including the internet and campus visits, is a must. Millis advises to maintain a strong course schedule and explore different careers by talking with professionals or working in their areas. “Strengthen your resume with increasing responsibility and a record of accomplishment,” says Millis. “build a scholarship information collection to be used next year.”

early in the school year, students should maximize test scores for application purposes. “Continue to maintain a challenging curriculum and fine-tune your resume,” says Millis. “narrow down choices and apply to several colleges in the fall.” if possible, make second visits to serious-contender schools and seek valued opinions from family and trusted friends. lastly, Millis recommends becoming “best friends” with guidance counselors to ensure timely scholarship notifications.

13-14

15-16

17

18

it’s never too early to start preparing today’s youth for college, says Millis, who suggests that creating “college ideation” for children is imperative. “in my mind, one of the most important things you can do toward this end is to make college a part of their life, one of their expectations and something they learn about, talk about and hear about throughout their young life,” says Millis. now is also the time parents should begin making regular monthly contributions to a college savings account.

6-12elementary school

middle school

high school: Freshman and sophomore years

high school: Junior year

high school: Senior year

For Many ColleGe JuniorS, SprinG iS teSt tiMe. takinG the aCt or Sat or preparinG For FinanCial aid appliCationS takeS tiMe and eFFort.


real estate

BY KAren cAFFArInI


efore you put your house on the market this spring, make sure it’s picture perfect.

More than 90 percent of home buyers go to the Internet first to peruse what’s available, and they choose the houses they want to see in person from there, says Cheryl Bare, an agent with Century 21 Comstock Earnest in Waldorf, Md.

With a huge inventory to choose from, Bare says, it’s important to take lots of photos (at least 20) to get to the top of the listings and to stage the house to make yours stand out from the rest.

take the stagetips to help you put yourhome's best foot forward

other tips for sellingno need to spend: you don’t have to rent new furniture or hire a professional stager. Staging could mean making a fireplace and large windows the focal point of the room instead of an entertainment center, bare says. “Focus on the selling points,” she says.

declutter and depersonalize: bare says you don’t want clutter in front of a sliding glass door leading to a beautiful deck. it’s distracting. nor do you want family photos, doll collections or any other personal items on display. the national association of realtors recommends stowing away most small decorative items, putting excess furniture in storage and removing out-of-season clothing that is cramping your closet.

toy storage: if you have young kids, bare suggests keeping a couple of large plastic bins in the garage where their toys can be stored during a showing and then easily retrieved. “you don’t want to take the toys away from them altogether if you only have one showing every three weeks,” she says.

no pets allowed: Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside during showings, advises the nar. if that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room, ideally in the basement, and let the real estate agent know where they’ll be. bare also urges eliminating pet odors by bathing them more frequently.

get rid of wallpaper: it’s out of favor. neutral colored walls are best, but bare says this doesn’t mean they have to be antique white or beige. “you need to look at the big picture. if you’re in an area where young professionals live, color may work. young people love color. … blues are out, but a sunroom in soft blues may work,” bare says. “it just has to be tastefully done and it has to fit the whole house.”

get curb appeal: trim bushes, mow the lawn and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle. put one or two pots of bright flowers on your porch. also, install new doorknobs on your front door, advises nar.

sweat the small stuff: don’t disregard minor repairs, says the nar. Sticky doors, torn screens or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression the house isn’t well-maintained.

Keep it clean and bright: a clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for, according to the realtors association. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. polish your doorknobs and address numbers. Wash windows to let the light in.

B

illuStratio

n by G

atehouSe neW

S ServiC

e


Ingredients for polenta:• 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided• 3 cups chicken broth• 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal or polenta, ground or prepared• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese• Salt and pepper

Find great deals on food at radarFrog.com

Ingredients for chicken:• ¾ cup flour• 2 teaspoons salt, divided• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, more as needed• 1 tablespoon canola oil, more as needed• 4 tablespoons finely sliced green onion, white and green parts (optional)• 1 ¼ cups chicken broth, divided• ½ cup medium-dry white wine (optional)• Salt and pepper

chicken Breasts with rosemary-cheese polenta

food

a family affaireveryone can get in on this valentine’s dinner

storY, recIpes And photogrAphY BY mArgAret mAples


o you and your Valentine have kids who like to join in your favorite romantic holiday. Great! You can all show your love by cooking for each other. Keep the menu fairly simple, and divide the courses

among your family members.

starter: Hearts of Palm Salad is elegant but quite doable for a young kitchen hand. Canned hearts of palm, mixed greens, diced tomato, black olives and vinaigrette dressing are available at supermarkets.

main event: The entrée requires knife skills and the stove, so grown-ups will work on Chicken Breasts with Rosemary-Cheese Polenta, served with bright vegetables.

sweets for the sweets: Our finale is a delightful Chocolate-Strawberry Sundae. The ingredients can be found at supermarkets. Start by swirling a little chocolate syrup on a dessert plate. Arrange a chocolate brownie on the syrup, and crown the cake first with whipped cream and then a beautiful scoop of strawberry sorbet. Garnish with more whipped cream and syrup — really, can you have too much? — and finish with a dazzling strawberry and dots of strawberry jam.

s

1. the night before the dinner, prepare the polenta. Coat a 10 X 15-inch pan with 1 teaspoon butter; set aside.2. in a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. add cornmeal a little at a time, stir-ring rapidly. turn down the heat and let the cornmeal simmer, covered, stirring occasion-ally until the mixture thickens. Whisk rapidly to smooth out any lumps. Stir in remaining butter, rosemary and cheese. add salt and pepper to taste.3. Spread the polenta into the prepared pan. let it cool. Cover with plastic wrap and refriger-ate.4. For the chicken, preheat the

oven to 350 degrees. in a large pan, mix flour, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. dredge the chicken in the flour, shake off the excess and set the pieces aside to dry.5. into a large skillet over me-dium heat, place butter and oil. add floured chicken. brown the pieces on each side. add the re-maining salt and pepper.6. add ¼ cup chicken broth and green onion, if using, to the skil-let. Cover and move it into the oven to finish cooking (5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces).7. use a cookie cutter to make polenta hearts. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat,

and lightly fry the hearts. (Wrap and freeze extra polenta.)8. remove chicken from the oven. keep the pieces warm on a separate plate. Set the skil-let over medium heat. add the wine, if using. While it sizzles, use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the skil-let. pour in remaining chicken broth. let this mixture reduce by half (boil until reduced and thickened by evaporation).9. arrange polenta slices on each plate. top with chicken. Spoon on sauce according to your taste.makes four servings.




book priCe deSCription

First published in 1813, austen's story of a woman in pursuit of love in an era when manners and upbringing take precedence has become one of the most popular books ever written. an intricate plot involving protagonist elizabeth bennet as well as her four sisters and a host of other characters combines wit and remarkable insight in telling one of the world's most beloved love stories.

"pride and prejudice," by Jane austen

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"gone with the wind," by Margaret Mitchell

"the notebook," by nicholas Sparks

"A certain slant of light," by laura Whitcomb

"criss cross," by lynne rae perkins

one of the greatest american love stories ever written takes place in and immediately after one of the most trying american experiences, the Civil War. First published in 1936, it follows Southern belle Scarlett o'hara as she battles the hardships of war and the following reconstruction, as well as her love for a married man and a series of other relationships that lead her to tough decisions.

Sparks has made a career out of drawing tears from his readers, and he makes no exception in "the notebook." Main character allie must decide whether she should follow through on her engagement to a successful, prosperous man as her family and society dictates, or if she should pursue her childhood sweetheart in this tale that follows the consequences of that decision through entire lifetimes and beyond.

Supernatural romances are hot these days, but rather than relying on vampires or werewolves to interject the unusual, Whitcomb focuses on the disembodied spirits of a pair of teens who died long ago and have latched onto modern host people, through whom they attempt to court in this book that School library Journal calls appropriate for readers in ninth-grade and up.

Winner of the 2006 newbery Medal, this book, for kids in grades six to nine, is about four 14-year-old friends in a small town who are each facing dilemmas in "their quest to find the meaning of life and love," says the newbery listing. in telling this story, perkins uses some innovative techniques, like incorporating poetry and question and answer formats that will appeal to younger readers and make this book a modern classic.

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timeless loveenduring tales of romance can warm the heart during the coldest month

BY pAul eIsenBerg


good reads


�0 JACKIE FEBRUARY 2011

i thought it might be fun to write about really cool things you should know about your hair. I am hoping that this information will empower

you, to make a more knowledgeable deci-sion, when it comes to your lovely locks.

The following are things you should know in order to do just this.

Know what type of texture your hair is. Knowing your hair texture will allow you to made better choices when it comes to what styles your hair texture will actually look good in. The easiest way to explain texture is to describe your hair is by diam-eter, and liken it to fabric.

Hair texture can be fine, like silk. It can be medium, like cotton, or coarse, like wool. The fabric of your hair related to each strand, and how fat or skinny each one is, not just how many strands you have. You can also have different texture on different parts of your head.

How many strands you have on your

head relates to density. This is usually described as thin, medium, or thick. Most people think they have thin hair, when they actually have a whole bunch of hair that just happens to be fine, or skinny.

So, follow me know, I will try not to lose you, but here it goes...Your hair can be: fine and thin, fine and medium, fine and thick, medium and thin, just plain medium, or medium and thick.

Whew!Do you see what I mean? Finally, let’s

not forget movement. Movement can be described as bend as well. Do you have straight hair, with no bend at all? Or per-

haps, is your hair wavy, with soft, flowing open waves, or bends? Are you the one with the tight kinky curls, or really bendy hair with lots of movement? So now the combinations of hair texture get really in-tricate: fine, thin and wavy; fine, thin and curly; fine, thin and straight; thick and curly; thick and straight, etc., etc., etc...

Yikes! Well, now if I have not confused you,

or put you to sleep of boredom, I will be a happy girl. Try to keep all of these bits of information in mind, and if you have any questions, just ask your stylist.

They may describe it in a different manner, but your knowledge will help you communicate your hair wishes, because you will have a better idea of what you have to work with. How fun! Have a beautiful day! Mary

written by

MarycosTanzo-scHwaller

neat things about your hairthe cutting edge

JACKIE �1FEBRUARY 2011

With you. Every step.

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faith

who was st. valentine?at least three saints go by that name, all of them martyred in the third century, accord-ing to the Catholic encyclopedia. historians believe the one associated with the holiday may have been killed by the roman emperor Claudius around 270. apparently, the em-peror believed men who were unmarried made better soldiers, and thus, mandated that young men not be allowed to wed, ac-cording to research done by the history Channel. valentine defied the decree and secretly performed marriages for young couples.

Is valentine’s day celebrated everywhere?no. the countries where it has become cus-tom are the united States, the united king-dom, France, Canada, Mexico and australia.

why Feb. 14?Some believe that is the date on which valen-tine died or was buried. others believe it may have been the “Christianization” of the pagan holiday lupercalia, a fertility festival dedi-cated to the roman god of agriculture and to romulus and remus, the founders of rome.

how did it become associated with lovers?the customs of “writing love letters and sending lovers’ tokens” are believed to have started in the Middle ages, the Catholic encyclopedia says. appar-ently, the general belief in england and France at the time was that birds begin to pair in the middle of Febru-ary. legendary english author Geof-frey Chaucer makes reference to St. valentine’s day as the date upon “every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.”

why give valentines?the oldest known valentine was a poem written by Charles, duke of orleans, for his wife while he was imprisoned in the tower of london in 1415, the history Channel says. but it didn’t become a custom to send notes or gifts until the 17th century, research shows.

a history of valentine’s dayBY KAren sorensen


ast year, Americans spent more than $14 billion on

Valentine’s Day gifts, cards and flowers for their significant others, according to the National Retail Federation. In the midst of this retail bonanza, it’s easy to forget that this holiday has deep religious roots.

l

photo by StoCk.XChnG

�� JACKIE FEBRUARY 2011

EvEnt SponSorEd by:

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FEaturing: amoré bridal & tuxedos,bridal Extraordinaire

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JACKIE ��FEBRUARY 2011

pets

Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, science advisor for the Ameri-can Society for the Prevention of cruelty to Animals, says your relationship with your pet is like your relationship with another person, and that often

after a “honeymoon period,” your relationship starts to settle and will have some rough spots.

He says there are several options for dealing with “pet regret."

pet regretWhat should you do if your pet doesn’t fit your family?

BY KAthrYn sucIch


any people buy pets over the holidays, but what do you do a couple of months later if the pet isn’t working out? Maybe your kids who were begging for

a puppy suddenly become disinterested when they realize all the work that goes into taking care of a dog, or a family member suddenly starts sneezing around the cat.

mphoto by StoCk.XChnG

save on pet meds and more at radarFrog.com. sign up today for a free account.

The first stepFirst, you should take a step back and think about why the relationship isn’t working out. after several months, a pet may be in its ado-lescent stage and start acting out by chewing or soiling. these behaviors can be corrected and managed with appropriate techniques, and they do not last forever. if it’s more an issue of commitment to the pet, Zawistowski says, you need to take a hard look at why you bought the pet in the first place. Many times you just need to recommit yourself to the relationship and stick it out through a chal-lenging time.

Allergiesif a family member starts to develop an al-lergy, find out if it really is the pet causing it. pets can often track in other allergens like pollen, which may be the true culprit. Go to your doctor to determine the source of your allergy; if it is the pet causing it, the doctor may be able to prescribe medication.

Financial troublesif you’re finding that the finances of owning a pet aren’t working out, figure out exactly what you’re spending. there are some es-sentials, such as good pet food and a yearly vet exam for vaccinations. after that, do you really need to buy a new toy for the pet all the time? or do you really need the expen-sive pet treats?

Last resortif you do need to give away your pet, ask friends and family first if they’d be willing to take the pet in. Zawistowski says he’s see-ing a lot of people who lose their job and home who can no longer care for their pets. if no one will take the pet in, look to animal shelters or pet rescues. however, many are overburdened and might not be able to take your pet. Sometimes, after going on a waiting list for a shelter for a few weeks or months, you’ll find that you really can keep the pet after all.

�� JACKIE FEBRUARY 2011

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