Issuu

F E AT U R E S

12 | KEC Backs Your Co-op Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. provides coordination of many activities vital to your local cooperative including education and training for co-op staff and board members, and government relations activities that help maintain strong representation at the Kansas Statehouse.

D E PA RT M E N T S

4 | 6 | 8 |

20 | Journey to Better Health Are you ready to start improving your health and the health of your family? Discover how this couple transformed their lives using similar changes suggested by a former “Biggest Loser” finalist who says skip the fad diets and make gradual changes you can follow daily for the long term.

10 |

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

February packs a punch A RO U N D K A N S A S

Learning opportunities CO M M E N TA RY

Demands on directors substantial E N E RGY W I S E

Low-cost energy tips for renters Stop energy wasters and save.

18 |

YO U R P L AC E I N T H E G A R D E N

Garden with your pet in mind The potential dangers of plants.

24 |

CO O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E

Brownies: A love story

Fudge-y or cake-y, what’s your preference?

26 | 28 |

M A R K E T P L AC E

Find products, services you need SAFETY

Generate safety

Know the risks of using portable generators.

29 |

M O N T H LY R E C I P E S

GET TYIMAGES/KIKOVIC

ON THE COVER Four Kansas electric cooperatives sponsored an educational booth at the Topeka Farm Show in January. The interactive Tesla static ball is a big hit with kids of all ages. Pictured is Mike Tweedy, Lyon-Coffey Electric Cooperative, with three curious visitors. P H OTO BY K E V I N H E P T I G , B L U E S T E M E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E

FEBRUARY 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

GETTYIMAGES/HAILEY DEAN

FEBRUARY

“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook.

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Don’t Underestimate the Shortest Month of the Year

(ISSN 0091-9586) FEBRUARY 2019 VOL. 69, NO. 2 ©KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC., 2019 WWW.KEC.COOP

Bruce Graham

Chief Executive Officer

Vicki Estes

Director of Communications, Editor

Carrie Kimberlin

Manager of Creative Solutions

month of the year, we get a lot out of February—Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day and a calendar full of reminder days like National Organ Donor Day, National Freedom Day and World Cancer Day. February also boasts some not-so-famous celebrations like Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day, Do a Grouch a Favor Day, and my favorite—Random Acts of Kindness Day celebrated on Feb. 17. For the latter, I have a deck of cards with each noting an inspiring message to share or fun deed to complete for someone. The idea is to leave a card in a public place for someone to find and pass along. So, if you happen to find a card that says “Buy a cup of coffee for a stranger” there’s a chance I left it for you. Be sure to pass it on. Kansas State University continuing education also packs a lot of events into the month of February. Around Kansas, beginning on Page 6, includes several conferences focusing on the business aspects of farming and ranching. Fees are minimal and you can register online or by phone. Also in this issue, we continue our February tradition of including information about healthy living and tips FOR THE SHORTEST

from those who have made the journey to improved health. The couple we feature explain how they made lifestyle changes to set a better example for their family and others who count on them. Their story begins on Page 20. And just as we have loved ones who count on us, your electric co-op depends on Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. to help coordinate vital activities including education and training for co-op staff and board members, and government relations activities to maintain strong representation at the Kansas Statehouse. Learn more about KEC and how it supports your electric co-op on Page 12. Until we march into the next month, enjoy your 28 days of February. KCL

VICKI ESTES , EDITOR

SHARE WITH US! ff events@kansascountryliving.com ff letters@kansascountryliving.com ff photos@kansascountryliving.com ff editor@kansascountryliving.com ff recipes@kansascountryliving.com

Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Keith McNickle President

Terry Hobbs

Vice President

Craig Kostman

Secretary

Teresa Miller Treasurer

You receive Kansas C ountry Living as a service of the following electric co-ops as a cost-effective way to share important information about services, energy savings, electric safety, director elections, meetings and management decisions. It also contains legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost: Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale Doniphan, Troy DS&O, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove FreeState, McLouth & Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton Lyon-Coffey, Lebo Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Radiant, Fredonia Rolling Hills, Beloit Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington Tri-County, Hooker, OK Twin Valley, Altamont Victory, Dodge City Western, WaKeeney Wheatland, Scott City Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Kansas Country Living on behalf of the membership at a cost of $5.88 per year. Individual subscriptions are $10 per year (tax included).

Co-op Members: Please report address changes to your local electric co-op. Postmaster: Send returns to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267. Kansas Country Living is published monthly by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS, and additional entry offices. Editorial offices: P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267; 785-478-4554. Advertising: Kansas Country Living is a member of American MainStreet Publications (www.amp.coop), collectively reaching more than 27 million readers monthly. Advertisers call 512-441-5200. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2019

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FEB. 1-28 Magna Carta, Clay Center.

THROUGH MARCH 3 leeding Kansas B

C ome see the traveling exhibit hosted by the Clay County Museum. Hours Tues.-Fri. noon to 7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2- 5 p.m. FEB. 1-10 Depot Theater Production: Exploding Love, Dodge City. A n uproarious tale of love, divorce and marriage. No matter how nuts you think you are, someone will love you. Thurs.-Sat. 5 to 9:30 p.m. Sun. noon to 4 p.m. Depot Theater Company. 620-225-1001. FEB. 2-3 Young Guns Timed Event

Extravaganza, Dodge City. F orms available on website. Email entries to younggunsentry@ gmail.com. Held at Western State Bank Expo Center. Find us on Facebook: Young Guns, younggunsinfo@gmail.com or 620-338-8284. FEB. 2 Letters from Home: Reviving

Patriotism, Dodge City. 6 :30 to 8 p.m. held at the American Legion. FEB. 2-3 Rural Urban Art Invitational,

Alma. N oon to 5 p.m. Freewill offering. Beer, wine and soda available for purchase. Held at The Volland Store. 24098 Volland Road. FEB. 4 Historic Tax Credit Seminar,

Topeka. G ain knowledge on application basics and tips for a successful project review. Include a Kansas Dept. of Revenue panel discussion, individual sessions for various property types and one-on-one questions with staff members. Registration fee includes box lunch. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Kansas Historical Society. Visit kshs. org/14644. FEB. 5 K-State’s Winter Ranch Management Series, Minneapolis. Learn strategies to mitigate environmental factors impacting reproduction. Will feature presentations by extension educators on profitenhancing strategies. 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Minneapolis Grade School (North Gymnasium entrance). RSVP by Jan. 29. Contact Cade at 785-392-2147, crensink@ksu.edu., or visit KSUBeef.org.

FEB. 5 K-State Swine Profitability Conference, Manhattan. W ill focus on the business side of pork production. Learn ideas from leading producers, veterinarians and economists to improve your business. Register at the door. Lunch included. Program 9:30 a.m.3 p.m. at Stanley Stout Center. 2200 Denison Ave., call Lois at 785-532-1267, email lschrein@ ksu.edu or visit KSUSwine.org. FEB. 5&7 Kansas Dairy Days, Whiteside

and Seneca. T his annual event hosted by Kansas State University provides new research findings and hot topics relevant to the industry. From 9:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Register by calling 785336-2184 or email jholthau@ksu.edu for the Whiteside meeting and 620-662-2371 or email darrenbusick@ksu.edu for Seneca meeting. FEB. 8 Night to Shine, Dodge City. A n

unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs. 6-9 p.m. at the Dodge City Church of the Nazarene. 620-2273119. FEB. 8 Jeff Foxworthy & John Crist, Dodge City. 7 -11 p.m. United Wireless Arena, 620-371-7390. FEB. 8 Local Food Producer Entrepreneurship Workshop, Wichita. Learn skills to make your local food business thrive. Topics include financing, social media, diverse marketing channels and more. Early

T R AV E L K S .CO M

Program Series, Lecompton. J oin us at 2 p.m. on Sundays for our annual program series featuring talks and dramatic interpretations on the violent territorial and civil war of Kansas and the nation. $3 donation suggested. Held at Constitution Hall State Historic Site. Seating is limited.

registration by Feb. 1. Workshop held from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, 21st and Ridge. 316-660-0100 or visit sedgwick.ksu.edu. FEB. 9 Afternoon Delight, Garden City.

A retail shopping, eating and entertainment event focused around Valentine’s Day. Win a grand prize romance basket! Downtown Garden City, contact Downtown Vision 620276-0891. FEB. 9 Farmer’s Day, Vesper. C ome join

the mini farm show from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Vesper Community Center, 1247 N. 120th Rd., call Sharon 785-577-0650 or email dohefarm@ wtciweb.com.

FEB. 9 Annual Spaghetti Dinner,

Junction City. E njoy a tasty spaghetti meal, chili or chicken noodle soup. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Active duty military and families eat free. Freewill donations appreciated. St. Paul Lutheran Church, 9719 Clarks Creek Rd., 785482-3213. FEB. 9 A Chocolate Lover’s Affair,

Lindsborg. M ake the rounds, snap a commemorative photo, taste the chocolates and beverages at the local venues, pick up a fine art piece from the auction and support the arts and the artists of our community. J.O. Sundstrom Conference Center, 888-227-2227. Continued on page 14

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2019

C O M M E N TA RY

Co-op Directors Accept Big Responsibilities on Your Behalf BY B R U C E G R A H A M

months past the Nov. 6 election and a few weeks into the 2019 session of the new Kansas Legislature. We are also a few weeks away from the beginning of another election cycle—this one is for your electric cooperative’s leadership. Most of the electric cooperatives in Kansas hold their annual meetings between February and May. During those meetings, the members have an opportunity to learn more about their cooperative, its finances, how it engages with the community, supports area youth and enhances economic development. The cooperative membership also elects several of their fellow members to the board of directors. Because cooperatives are not-for-profit, they may be perceived by some as small operations. Far from it. The largest electric cooperative in the state has $507 million in assets and 273 employees. The median size for cooperatives in Kansas is $38 million in assets and 30 employees. Cooperative board members oversee the operation of a business that is most critical to the quality of life in rural Kansas. They establish policy and set goals for organizations that collectively deliver electricity to approximately 300,000 homes and businesses across Kansas. Each director brings different skills and experiences to the boardroom but they all have one thing in common—a recognition that the responsibility to serve you is significant, particularly at a time when the electric industry is undergoing major change. The demands are substantial and for that commitment, all of the approximately 900 electric co-ops across America have established a system to compensate directors for their work at monthly board meetings. Many cooperatives meet during times that could be productive for employed or self-employed individuals. Some directors may have to take vacation time or sacrifice other responsibilities to meet this priority. It is important to note that while compensation is for a monthly meeting, the director’s roles and responsibilities go far beyond

WE ARE A FEW

Bruce Graham

I believe it’s a wise investment to cover the cost of continuing education and training for your directors.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2019

that agenda. Dedicated directors volunteer many hours responding to member questions, preparing for board meetings and keeping up to date on prevailing industry trends in order to be an effective representative of the membership. Directors may also receive per diem to fulfill education expectations and for other important industry meetings. Ongoing director education is encouraged to enhance utility knowledge and board leadership skills. Education sessions include day-long courses that are part of a comprehensive certification program, webinars, online opportunities and industry updates provided at affiliated organization events. The electric cooperative-endorsed director certification program requires a minimum of 13 different full-day sessions to reach the top level. Those courses are usually taught in conjunction with state or national meetings, which are also important opportunities to keep current on a complicated and changing industry. I believe it’s a wise investment to cover the cost of continuing education and training for your directors. That investment helps expand their knowledge base and keep them abreast of both industry and political developments that have a direct impact on the price that every member pays for electricity. Nearly 70 percent of the co-op directors in Kansas have earned their Credentialed Cooperative Directors’ Certification (CCD), a designation that gives directors a broad base of training that helps them effectively direct the affairs of the electric co-op. As your annual meeting approaches, members will receive advance notice of the meeting and director election. Your cooperative welcomes and will appreciate your participation in the annual meeting and the election process. If you are interested in learning more about serving as a director, please call your cooperative or one of your fellow members who represents you on the co-op board. KCL BRUCE GRAHAM is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. in Topeka.

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E N E R GY W I S E

7 Low-Cost Energy Tips for Renters

BY PAT K E E G A N A N D B R A D T H I E S S E N

the ways energy efficiency improvements to the home can save money, but what about folks like me who are renting or don’t have a lot of money to spend? Are there things I can do to reduce my energy bills? – Chelsea DEAR CHELSEA: That’s an excellent question. Not everyone can replace their furnace with an air-source heat pump, whether they’re renting, or their budget won’t allow it. Here are seven lowcost efficiency tips that can help you reduce your energy bills. ffMIND THE THERMOSTAT. You might be able to trim your energy bill by carefully managing the temperature in your home. The Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68 degrees on winter days. If that’s too cool, try other ways to stay warm like layering with an extra sweater. You can save more energy by turning down the thermostat even lower at night or when no one is home. The same principle works in reverse during summer months. Just set the thermostat higher to reduce your energy use for air conditioning.

SCOT T AKERMAN

DEAR PAT & BRAD: It’s great to read about all

Setting your water heater to 120 degrees will save energy and keep the water at a safe temperature.

model. In the right situation, set correctly, programmable thermostats can save $150 a year. Some programmable thermostats can be managed from your smart phone or other devices. Before you purchase one, make sure your landlord approves.

ffGO PROGRAMMABLE. If you don’t always

ffTRY ZONE HEATING. If you don’t mind less-

GETTY IMAGES/JODIE JOHNSON

remember to adjust your thermostat manually, you could benefit from a programmable

A draft stopper or “door snake” helps keep out cold air during winter months.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2019

used rooms being colder, you might be able to save energy (and money!) by zone heating. Electric baseboards make it easy because they typically have thermostat settings on the units or in each room. Portable electric space heaters can also be a good tool for zone heating if they are used safely and wisely in the area you spend the most time. Keep in mind, if you’re using space heaters, you’ll need to reduce the heating you’re supplying to the rest of the home. Space heaters that are used incorrectly can be dangerous and increase energy costs. If your heating system needs to be replaced, you can talk to your landlord about installing a mini-split system, which is perfect for zone heating and Continued on page 16

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KEC’s Got Your

Co-op’s Back KEC supports your electric co-op in coordinating activities that provide more meaningful results when addressed through collective action.

of locally owned electric cooperatives are the consumer-members living and working in the rural areas and communities they serve, and when those co-ops are connected, their collective energy gives them statewide reach. That’s the role Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC) and other electric cooperative statewide associations play in supporting the goal of ensuring co-op members always have safe, affordable, reliable energy. “Our main objective is to complement what Kansas electric co-ops do at the local level,” said Bruce Graham, CEO of KEC. “We aggregate all of their great work so we can talk about it collectively to the interested parties in the state who potentially have an impact on co-op members through laws, regulations or public policy.” At the direction of their affiliated electric cooperatives, statewide associations are regularly involved in education and training, legislative affairs, communications, tax and regulatory matters, economic development and regional planning. They also provide a framework for coordination of many activities that provide more meaningful results when addressed through collective action.

THE TRUE POWER

Capitol Concerns • • •

It’s not unusual for Kansas’ lawmakers to deal with as many as 3,000 bills and amendments during a legislative session. While many never advance

beyond committees, hundreds of bills will be up for hearings and require groups like KEC to review, comment, and advocate for or against. Just reviewing and keeping track of the legislative proposals is no small feat. Besides members of the Kansas Legislature, there are also regulatory commissions and other agencies that have multiple responsibilities affecting utilities and other businesses. They may not always be familiar with the unique structure of member-owned electric cooperatives and how we might be impacted. “It’s all about making policymakers aware of who we are, what we do and why we do it,” said Leslie Kaufman, director of government relations and legal counsel for KEC. “We need to do whatever we can to help them understand what cooperatives are and most importantly that we’re all reaching for the same goal—to assure the electric cooperatives are part of the broader goal to keep rural Kansas as an attractive place to live, learn and prosper,” Kaufman said.

Leveraged Learning • • •

KEC Government Relations staff and Legislative Committee members met with Gov. Jeff Colyer (second from right) in 2018 to discuss topics of interest to co-ops.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2019

When it comes to safety, operating efficiency and governance, skills and training can help an electric cooperative run more successfully and serve its members better. But when co-op employees are spread across several locations and committed to maintaining 24/7 operations, getting true value for training dollars can be challenging. KEC develops and organizes educational opportunities for

its member-cooperative directors and employees throughout the year. KEC is involved with peer group meetings and training for cooperative professionals in Member Services, Communications, Accounting, Materials Management, Line Supervision, Information Technology and Human Resources. KEC also helps coordinate education and training for board members of Kansas electric cooperatives (read more on Page 8.)

Informing & Empowering Co-op Members • • •

Through its broad communication efforts, KEC is the statewide voice of Kansas electric cooperatives and works to educate co-op consumer-members, policymakers, the media and the general public about the cooperative difference and the important role electric cooperatives play in the sustainable development of rural Kansas communities. Through this monthly magazine, Kansas Country Living, your local electric cooperative communicates topics that impact rural electrification and rural Kansas, ensuring you—their consumer-member—has access to the latest on co-op news, energy efficiency tips, emerging technology and electrical safety. In addition, KEC’s staff provides assistance with media communications during major storm events so co-op employees can focus on power restoration and member communications.

Engaging Future Co-op Members • • •

Electric cooperative statewide associations also take a leadership role in many of the youth outreach programs supported by local electric cooperatives. KEC and other statewide associations coordinate the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, sending more than 1,800 high school students from 46 states to Washington, D.C., every June. “As cooperatives, we understand our student leaders of today are our community leaders of

Board members and managers of Kansas electric co-ops attend a Credentialed Cooperative Director course at KEC’s 2018 Summer Meeting.

tomorrow,” said Shana Read, director of education and training for KEC. “What better time to teach these students about the cooperative business model and co-op careers than through our youth programs?” For many Youth Tour participants, the co-opsponsored trips are the furthest they have ventured from their home communities without their families. They also provide exposure to state and federal government operations, and offer opportunities to learn and practice skills that will serve them for a lifetime. “We promote the life skills that today’s generation value, like building relationships, developing leadership skills and enhancing their resumes,” said Read.

Lending a Helping Hand • • •

Neighbors helping neighbors not only defines how your electric co-op works in your community but also its relationship with other co-ops when disaster strikes. When a co-op is confronted with destruction of power lines and equipment from a storm on a scale that overtaxes its manpower, the Loss Control, Safety and Compliance department at KEC coordinates mutual aid to assist stricken cooperatives in Kansas and across the country. “Time matters when members are in the dark,” said Larry Detwiler, director of Loss Control, Safety and Compliance for KEC. “Coordinating the requests for assistance by our member-co-ops— and other states during large-scale natural disasters—results in additional resources for a more rapid response to the outages.” These are just a few ways that KEC supports Kansas electric cooperatives, and everything they do is aimed at one goal: bettering the communities they serve. KCL FEBRUARY 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Continued from page 6

FEB. 11 Harlem Globetrotters, Dodge City. G reat family entertainment featuring elite basketball skills. 7 p.m. at United Wireless Arena. 620-371-7390, harlemglobetrotters.com. FEB. 13 Southwest Kansas Live on Stage, Garden City. S axsational to perform a repertoire of swing era classics along with a trendy pop, rock and R&B songs. Contact Nancy at 620-275-2878. FEB. 15-17 Winter Spirituality Retreat,

Concordia. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost includes lunch. Held at Manna House of Prayer. Contact retreatcenter@mannahouse.org, 785-243-4428. FEB. 15-17 Bread Making Retreat, Concordia. F ri. 5 p.m. to Sun. 1 p.m. Held at Manna House of Prayer. Contact retreatcenter@mannahouse.org, 785-243-4428. FEB. 15-16 6A Regional Wrestling Tournament, Garden City. 1 8-team tournament including all 6A’s from Gardner West. C all Drew at 620-805-5430. FEB. 15 Gary Allen, Dodge City. 7 :30 p.m.-11

p.m. United Wireless Arena, 620-371-7390.

FEB. 16-17 Valentine Murder Mystery,

Dodge City. A wedding, interesting guests, many secrets and a party crasher with some grudges. Join the fun. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Depot Theater Company. 620-225-1001.

FEB. 19 K-State’s Winter Ranch Management Series, Rush Center. Learn strategies to mitigate environmental factors impacting reproduction. Will feature presentations by extension educators on profitenhancing strategies. Includes a meal. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Township Hall. RSVP by Feb. 12. Contact Alicia at 620-793-1910, aboor@ksu.edu, KSUbeef.org. FEB. 20 Pianist Frederic Chiu, Dodge

City. 7 p.m. at the Dodge City Civic Center. 620-225-4404, dodgecityconcerts.com. FEB. 22 2019 Shrine Circus, Dodge City. 4 -7 p.m. at the Dodge City Civic Center. 620371-1000. FEB. 22 Mountain Oyster Fry, Canton.

T his fundraiser for Canton Post 192 begins at 7 p.m. and will feature a raffle for a Traeger pellet grill. Tickets available at the door or in advance at the Legion. 620-628-4315. FEB. 24 Bridal & Women’s Day Expo,

Dodge City. E njoy a trade show with vendors featuring items for weddings, receptions, anniversaries, and proms. Also shop for jewelry, makeup, clothing and beauty products. Noon-4 p.m. at United Wireless Arena. 620-371-7390.

FEB. 16-17 Annual Borderline Gun Show, Phillipsburg. S at. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Phillips County Fair Building. 2 1/4 miles north of Phillipsburg on Highway 183. Contact Howard at 785-543-4223 or kingpin@ ruraltel.net.

FEB. 26 K-State’s Winter Ranch Management Series, McPherson. Learn strategies to mitigate environmental factors impacting reproduction. Will feature presentations by extension educators on profitenhancing strategies. Includes a meal. 12:45-3:45 p.m. in the McPherson County Extension Office. RSVP by Feb. 19. Contact Terra 620-241-1523 or tregehr@ksu.edu, KSUbeef.org.

FEB. 19 K-State’s Winter Ranch

MARCH 1- 30 Parade of Quilts, Yoder.

Management Series, Jetmore. L earn strategies to mitigate environmental factors impacting reproduction. Will feature presentations by extension educators on profitenhancing strategies. Includes a meal. Noon3:30 p.m. RSVP by Feb. 12. Hodgeman County 4-H Building, contact DeWayne at 620-357-8321 or dcraghea@ksu.edu, KSUBeef.org.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

S pend a day in the community and browse among dozens of hand-stitched creations of various patterns and sizes throughout participating local businesses. Parade route brochure available. 620-465-2220, yoderkansas.com. MARCH 1-2 105 Counties, 105 Stories, Topeka. E xperience the stories of all 105 Kansas counties collected and preserved

FEBRUARY 2019

in thousands of artifacts, documents, photographs and other records. Presented by the Kansas Museum of History. 6425 SW 6th. St., 785-272-8681. MARCH 2 Grandma’s Memories: Leaving

a Legacy, Concordia. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost includes lunch. Held at Manna House of Prayer. Contact retreatcenter@mannahouse.org, 785243-4428. MARCH 5 Community All Gospel Jam, Sedan. Bring your instruments, come play and sing or come enjoy fellowship and music. Finger food provided. 6:30 p.m. 123 E. Main St. Contact Jim 417-499-4110. MARCH 5 Southwest Kansas Live on Stage, Garden City. R ussian pianist, Ilya Yakushev will perform classics for pianist enthusiasts. Call Nancy 620-275-2878. MARCH 7- 10 Quilting Retreat,

Concordia. T hurs. 5 p.m. to Sun. 1 p.m. Fee. Held at Manna House of Prayer. Contact retreatcenter@mannahouse.org, 785-243-4428. MARCH 9 Southwest Kansas Antiques

Appraisal Fair, Garden City. L ive, all-day entertainment event in the style of “Antiques Road Show.” People from Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma bring heirlooms and keepsakes for evaluation by a panel of antique dealers and collectors. Finney County Historical Museum, contact Steve 620-272-3664. MARCH 9 Flea Market, Syracuse. B eat

the winter blues with a little treasure hunting. Vendors may bring new, used, handmade, maybe even home-raised animals. Held at Hamilton County Fairgrounds. Call 620-384-5433 or visit hamiltoncountyfairgrounds.com. KCL Kansas Country Living publishes events free as space allows. Send event information by the fifth of the month prior to publication to events@kansascountryliving.com. Include name and date(s) of event, brief description, city and address of the event, and contact information for readers (website, Facebook, phone number or email address.

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A $10 door draft stopper (also known as a “door snake”) is a simple way to block gaps underneath exterior doors. Sealing air leaks around your home could shave up to one-fifth of your heating and cooling bills. Continued from page 10 cooling, and easier to install than a new duct and furnace system. ffSTOP AIR LEAKS. Small gaps around windows,

doors, wiring and plumbing penetrations can be major sources of energy loss. This problem can be alleviated with a little weather stripping and caulk, but you should check with your landlord before you get started. Better yet, convince the landlord to do the work! A $10 door draft stopper (also known as a “door snake”) is a simple way to block gaps underneath exterior doors. Sealing air leaks around your home could shave up to one-fifth of your heating and cooling bills.

ffMANAGE YOUR WINDOWS AND WINDOW COVERINGS. Your windows may be letting heat

out during the winter and letting heat in during the summer. Window coverings like medium or heavy-weight curtains and thermal blinds can help. On cold winter days, window coverings can keep warmth inside and improve comfort. Opening up window coverings when you’re receiving direct sunlight is a passive solar technique that can help cut your heating costs. You can also cover windows with clear plastic to reduce heat loss and air leaks. During the summer, keep window coverings closed to block the sun and to keep windows from heating the cooler indoor air.

ffLOOK FOR ENERGY WASTERS. There are also

small steps you can take every day to reduce your energy use. Water heaters should be kept at the warm setting (120 degrees). Wash dishes and clothes on the most economical settings that will do the job and always wash full loads. Use the microwave instead of the oven when possible.

ffLANDLORDS (AND OTHERS) CAN HELP. Hope-

fully these tips will help you reduce your energy bills and increase your comfort, but consider talking to your landlord about additional ways to save, like installing better insulation, energy

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2019

Get the most out of your hot water use by only washing full loads of dishes.

efficient windows or heating systems. Many landlords make these types of investments to add appeal to their rental properties, which ultimately improve the value of the property. A home energy audit is the best way to identify areas for energy efficiency improvements. Contact your electric cooperative to see if they offer energy audits or if they can recommend someone local. An audit would be a great way to start a conversation with your landlord about potential improvements. KCL This column was co-written by PAT KEEGAN and BRAD THIESSEN of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on low-cost energy-saving tips, please visit: www. collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.

Costly Joint-Pain Injections Replaced By New $2 Pill

New pill boosts the same lubricating joint fluid as expensive and painful injections - without using a needle. Users report dramatic relief from swelling, pain and stiffness without side effects and expense. Health News Syndicate HNS—A popular needle injection for people with joint pain is now available in an inexpensive nonprescription pill. The breakthrough came when researchers discovered a way to deliver the injected “relief molecule” through the digestive system. Top US clinics have used these needle injections for years because they deliver powerful relief. Unfortunately, the shots are painful and expensive. They also only work on the joint being treated. The new pill, called Synovia, delivers the same “relief molecule” as the injections. However, it has some impressive advantages. First, it’s inexpensive and nonprescription. Also, relief is delivered to every joint in the body because it enters the bloodstream through the digestive system. This gives it the ability to reduce a much wider variety of pain. Users report greater flexibility and less stiffness in their knees. Hands and shoulders move pain-free for the first time in years. Even neck and lower back pain improve dramatically. All this without spending over $600 on needle injections and taking trips to the doctor every week. The medical community is very excited about this new breakthrough. Dr. Jacob Moss says, “Synovia is a great option for those suffering from joint pain. Injections are usually a last resort because of the pain and expense. However, Synovia should be taken at the first sign of discomfort.”

New Discovery

The needle injection procedure has been given to hundreds of thousands of patients over the last several years. Doctors use the shots to boost a critical element of the joint called synovial fluid. This lubricating fluid is found between the cartilage and bones of every joint. According to the firm’s head of R&D, Mike McNeill, “Researchers have been working for years to find a way to boost this fluid noninvasively. The problem was the molecule used in the injections was too large to absorb into the bloodstream.” Top scientists conquered this obstacle by finding a smaller form of the same molecule. This new glucose form is easily absorbed by

Synovia’s UNHEALTHY: No lubricating BEFORE: No lubricating fluid or fluid HEALTHY: AFTER: Synovia’s activeactive ingredients and or cartilage to painful bone- ingredients cartilage lead toleads pain bone-on-bone lubricate jointslubricate and nourishjoints cartilage so it nourish cartilage on-bone rubbing. rubbing. can re-grow!

your stomach and intestines! Now those who suffer from joint pain can get relief without painful injections. At less than $2 per day, early users like Steve Young are impressed. He says, “I’ve tried more pills than I can count, without any luck. Synovia is different. My knees and hands haven’t felt this good in years!”

Impressive Clinical Results

Leading clinics use injection therapy because it works. Recent clinical trials show the pill form also delivers major relief. One example is a landmark study out of Europe. In the study the active ingredient in Synovia was compared to a popular NSAID pain reliever. The goal was to see if it could reduce pain and swelling around the knee. The results were incredible! After just 30 days, more than 8 out of 10 people who took Synovia’s active ingredient had NO swelling. However, only 2 out of 10 people who took the NSAID experienced reduced swelling. The study also looked at cases of severe swelling. Amazingly, zero cases of severe swelling were detected in the group taking the active ingredient found in Synovia. This means it was 100% effective for the cases of severe swelling! In contrast, 9 out of 10 people taking the NSAID still had severe swelling. McNeill points out, “The impressive thing about this study is the active ingredient wasn’t tested against a fake pill. It was up against one of the most popular NSAIDs people use every day. It’s easy to see why people in pain are excited to get relief without an injection.”

The New Way It Delivers Relief

Getting relief without injections has big advantages. The most obvious is avoiding being stuck by a large needle every week for 5 weeks. Another downside of injections is the doctor can “miss”. The needle needs to be inserted into a precise spot in the joint to work. Otherwise, you risk the treatment being ineffective. However, boosting your lubricating joint fluid by taking a pill delivers relief to all your joints, not just one. There’s an additional reason the active ingredient in Synovia works so well – it nourishes the cartilage. McNeill says, “This is vital because cartilage does not have blood vessels. The fluid in the joint serves two very important pain-relief roles: lubrication and giving the cartilage the nutrients it needs.”

Approved By Leading Doctors

The new delivery system for this molecule has caught the attention of leading medical

NO MORE NEEDLES: A popular needle injection pain-killer for joint pain is being replaced. The key molecule in these injections can now be delivered by taking a new low-cost pill called Synovia.

doctors. “Needle injections for joint pain have been around for years because they work. Being able to get the same relief molecule through a pill is amazing. Injections may be a last resort, but I’d recommend Synovia at the first sign of pain,” said Dr. Marie Laguna. Dr. Moss adds, “The research behind the active ingredient in Synovia is very exciting. This product is a great choice for those who haven’t had success with other joint pain treatments.”

110% Money Back Guarantee

Amazing feedback from users of Synovia has generated a wave of confidence at the company. So much so that they now offer Synovia with a 110% money back guarantee. The company’s president, Michael Kenneth says, “We’ve seen how well it works. Now we want to remove any risk for those who might think Synovia sounds too good to be true.” Simply take the pill exactly as directed. You must enjoy fast acting relief. Otherwise, return the product as directed and you’ll receive 100% of your money back plus an extra 10%.

How To Get Synovia

Today marks the official release of Synovia. As such, the company is offering a special discounted supply to everyone who calls within the next 48 hours. A Regional Order Hotline has been set up for local readers to call. This is the only way to try Synovia with their “110% money back” guarantee. Starting at 6:00 am today the order hotline will be open for 48 hours. All you have to do is call TOLL FREE 1-800-995-9713 and provide the operator with the special discount approval code: SYN18. The company will do the rest. Current supplies of Synovia are limited, and callers that don’t get through to the order hotline within the next 48 hours may have to pay more and wait until more inventory is produced. This could take as long as 6 weeks.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. ALL DOCTORS MENTIONED ARE REMUNERATED FOR THEIR SERVICE. ALL CLINICAL STUDIES WERE INDEPENDENTLY CONDUCTED AND WERE NOT SPONSORED BY MAKERS OF SYNOVIA.

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Gardening with Your Pets in Mind

BY C Y N T H I A D O M E N G H I N I , P H . D .

pets are members of the family. Pets share our space indoors and out and we go through great efforts to protect them with secure fencing, healthy foods and regular veterinary check-ups. Pet owners should also be aware of the potential dangers within many plants common to our homes and yards. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) proudly announce the impending arrival of spring. They also have a chemical known as lycorine that can induce vomiting if consumed. Symptoms can be more severe including effects to the heart and respiratory system. Some true lilies (Lilium spp.), including tiger, Asiatic and Easter lilies, as well as day lilies (Hemerocallis spp.), can be fatal if ingested. Cats are particularly at risk if they consume any part of these plants and can experience kidney failure within a few days. Other types of lilies, such as peace (Spathiphyllum wallisii), Peruvian (Alstroemeria spp.) and calla lilies (Zantedeschia spp.), can cause symptoms of reduced appetite, lethargy and vomiting if consumed. Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are plentiful in spring gardens and should be monitored particularly if you have a pet who likes to dig. Tulip bulbs have the highest concentration of toxins, though other parts can cause vomiting and diarrhea if consumed. Some other plants with toxic properties that are common to the landscape include azalea (Rhododendron spp.), hostas (Hosta spp.), English ivy (Hedera helix) and morning glory (Ipomoea spp.). A more complete list of plants potentially unsafe for pets can be found via multiple sources online and may give gardeners the impression that nothing is safe to plant. I will add a disclaimer that my family has had several dogs and cats over the years and many of the plants identified to be harmful are present in my home and landscape. My pets have not become ill by cohabitating in an environment where these plants grow. However, if I notice my pets eating any plant, I will relocate the plant not only to protect it from further damage, but to also ensure my animals stay healthy. An alternative plant that can be offered as a deterrent for your pets is wheatgrass. This grass, sometimes called “cat grass,” originates from Asia and can be grown quickly and easily indoors. Seeds can be purchased at some pet stores, grocery stores

IN MANY HOMES

Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.

I will add a disclaimer that my family has had several dogs and cats over the years and many of the plants identified to be harmful are present in my home and landscape.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2019

or online and will germinate within a few days of planting. Cats and dogs can nibble on the grass right out of the container. Place the container in an area where your pets can access it but away from other plants they shouldn’t be eating. As we consider safe and unsafe plants we should also consider the products we use. Animals will commonly munch on grass in the lawn so be mindful of what fertilizers you are using and the effect they can have on your pets if ingested. Ensure pet bowls are not left out while fertilizing the lawn as the residue may collect and contaminate the food and water. Being informed regarding the decisions you make in your garden is essential. You know the behavior of your pets and can evaluate the risks of the plants you select. If your pet tends to nibble on plants in the garden and household, it would be wise to limit their access to plants and monitor their visits to the garden. KCL CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coordinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy online certificate program.

Charlie enjoys being outside in the sunshine. Though toxic plants may exist in the landscape, our pets can be kept safe through careful monitoring.

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Inside OUT BY L I S A T E M P L E TO N R I G O N I

No way! Spending time in the gym? Yeah, right! Eating food for fuel? Seriously? I was the girl who hated physical education and didn’t play sports. Junk food was the only food category I wasn’t picky about, and I had no health concerns or weight issues.

RUNNING FOR FUN?

Keeping SECRETS

How things can change. Fast-forward a decade or so. I gained weight, was tired all the time and tried to make light of it. I used to laugh it off and say, “At 5 feet 2 inches and 174 pounds, I’m under tall, not overweight.” Guess the joke was on me. The scale tipped closer to the 200 line than the 126 pounds still on my driver’s license. That was in 2009. I wore clothes to camouflage the rolls. I found out later the big, bulky shirts and stretchy pants served as a way for me to hide myself, and it was more than extra pounds. I added layers to help cover my sadness, anger, resentment, food addiction, and financial woes. Few people knew any of that. Most saw me as healthy, happy and confident. Like drug and alcohol addiction, food addiction is a serious problem. I know firsthand. You could call me a junk Lisa and Mike Rigoni before they embarked on their journey to change their lifestyle. food junkie, chocoholic and

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2019

sugar addict—names usually spoken whimsically. However, for the food-addicted person who stuffs bags of chocolates or cookies in the nightstand for binging or stops at the drive-thru for a double cheeseburger and a shake on the way home from work before dinner, and also eats the full dinner, it’s no joke. Mental, emotional and spiritual issues can become prevalent for someone with weight-related issues. Depression, feeling unworthy. These breakdowns in our minds and hearts can lead to isolation and withdrawal from others, even the positive relationships. But, there are resources to help you move forward.

Leading by EXAMPLE

My husband, Mike, a physical education teacher and a basketball coach at the time, went through his own health crisis. He was overweight, run-down, taking three blood pressure medications and often barely had the energy to get through the day. He also had issues with sugar. Diabetes and hypoglycemia run in his family. We ate fast food. Most of our meals came from a box, a bag or the freezer. It was mostly processed food, full of sugar and fat. We loved it. Plus, it was easy and cheap. When Mike and I met in 1990, he was active, playing softball. Later, he played men’s recreational basketball until his legs and ankles got the better of him—too much wear and tear. His weight had also increased, which led to surgeries—knee, both Achilles’ heels and the removal of a bone spur. Overweight, his doctor scolded him about

GETTYIMAGES/KARANDAEV

his blood pressure and warned he was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Then another year, another physical and a new doctor with a fresh approach. The doctor asked him directly, “Are you leading by example?” referring to how he was living in front of his students and players—those he was teaching and coaching toward healthy lifestyles. That question clicked in his head, and the answer was an emphatic, “No!” His transformation began that night. He joined a gym and cleared our kitchen of junk food, replacing it with healthier, whole foods. Subway became our fast-food choice. We started eating at home—more salads, fruits and vegetables, lean meat. There was no magic formula or pill. It was hard work, discipline and an intentional new mindset.

Reality CHECK

That single question was his reality check. It was hard to swallow, as are the national statistics. The U.S. has one of the highest percentages of obesity in the world. According to reports from the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40 percent (almost 94 million) of adults and 18.5 percent (13.7 million) of children and adolescents are obese. The CDC estimates if things don’t change by 2030, there will be a new reality, and it will affect younger generations, too. Half of U.S. teenagers will be overweight or obese. One third of kids between 6 and 11 years old will fall into the same category. In fact, more than 57 percent of today’s children will be obese by the time they are 35. Mike and I had fallen into the unhealthy category. He stepped up first to make the necessary changes. I was still on the fence. At a dinner with my co-workers, someone asked Mike how much weight he had lost. I was busily chatting with someone else when I heard him respond, “About 50 pounds.” I spun around, shocked. “You’ve lost 50 pounds?” He smiled. I knew he had made changes, but seeing him every day, I hadn’t truly noticed the physical results. I begrudgingly started going to the gym with him, but only in a neighboring town so I wouldn’t run into people I knew. I was afraid I’d make a fool

of myself. At that time, the machines were intimidating. I was sure I would fly off a treadmill, drop a dumbbell on my head or something worse. What we worry about or envision as obstacles often get in the way of what is possible.

Change Your MINDSET

Healthy starts from the inside out. It starts with small steps and changing your thought patterns. Start by writing down your health goals. Make them SMART—Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time-based. (i.e., I will lose 15 pounds by Easter, exercise three to five days a week and eat healthy based on the ChooseMyPlate model for my specific health profile. Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov for details.) Sonya Jones, former “Biggest Loser” finalist and outreach representative for HSHS Medical Group in Springfield, Ill., spent six months on “The Biggest Loser” show and four months on the Biggest Loser Ranch learning about healthy living. While we don’t all have that option, Jones advises, “Don’t just view health and wellness as weight loss. Weight loss is part of it, but true health and wellness is being healthy in body, mind and spirit. Work on the spiritual. Work on the emotional. Work on the mental. And, of course, work on the physical as well. As I shrunk physically, I grew emotionally, mentally and spiritually, and that’s where the real win came for me. Get healthy in all areas of your life!”

Rewards for HEALTHY LIVING

That’s what I did. Finally, in 2012, I was making huge strides in my own health journey. I began enjoying my workouts and made healthier food choices and created good habits. I lost 40-plus pounds and kept it off. My energy levels climbed. My attitude shifted from negative to positive. People at the gym started asking for my help.

Continued on page 27 FEBRUARY 2019

Lisa and Mike Rigoni after they committed to healthier lifestyles. KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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C O O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E

Brownies: A Love Story month of hearts and flowers and chocolate ... and chocolate ... and chocolate, I decided to write a little about (what was that again?) chocolate. February is National Chocolate Month, and despite my preference for vanilla flavor, I—like many—need my occasional chocolate fix. And one of the goodies I consider to best represent (and deliver) what we love most in chocolate is the brownie. These beloved humble cookie bars, dense and intensely chocolate, have been around for ages and are a very American creation. Like cake, but not (more like cake concentrate) and cookie-like, but not, brownies have their own unique character and a number of origination stories. One is that at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, chefs at

THIS BEING THE

Rebecca Howard

Deep-Dish Fudge Brownies This holy grail of a brownie recipe I’ve played with over the years is a perfect mix of moist fudge and cake-like chewiness. Some strong coffee enhances the chocolate to make these very flavorful. ff 3 Tbs. unsalted butter

ff 2 large eggs

ff 2 Tbs. canola oil

ff 2 Tbs. cold brewed coffee

ff 4 ounces semisweet chocolate

(chips or chopped) ff 3/4 cup dark brown sugar ff 1/4 cup granulated sugar ff 2 tsp. vanilla extract ff 1/2 tsp. salt

ff 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ff 3/4 cup all-purpose flour ff 1/4 tsp. baking soda

ff Pinch of cinnamon (optional) ff 1/2 cup toasted walnuts,

coarsely chopped (optional)

Heat oven to 325 F. Line an 8- by 8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil (or parchment paper) so the edges of the foil hang over the sides of the pan slightly, and spray generously with cooking spray. In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, salt, soda and cinnamon. Toss in the walnuts to coat them and set bowl aside. In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine butter, oil and chocolate. Heat in the microwave to melt (one minute or less). With a wooden spoon, stir in sugars, vanilla and salt until well-mixed. Blend in eggs and coffee, beating the mixture by hand until it is thick and glossy. Add the dry ingredients, stirring just until all is combined. Pour into pan and bake 35 to 40 minutes (depending on your oven), or until just a few crumbs stick to a toothpick inserted in the center. Makes 16 2-inch squares.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2019

BY R E B E C C A H O WA R D

Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel created a particular kind of chocolate cake that could be cut in squares for ladies’ box lunches, writes Anne Byrn in “American Cookie,” (Rodale Books; 2018). According to “The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink” (Oxford University Press; 2007), Fannie Farmer shared a recipe in her 1896 cookbook for petite, molasses-flavored cakes baked in individual molds that earned the name “Brownies,” for the little elves popular at the time in the poetry and cartoons of Palmer Cox. The 1905 revised version of Farmer’s “Boston CookingSchool Cook Book” included the first recipe for chocolate brownies baked in a square pan. But another theory credits Maine’s Mildred Brown Schrumpf as the creator of the cookie bar known as “Bangor Brownies” in the early 1900s. Wherever and however they started, their popularity has inspired thousands of recipes and spinoffs, from caramel-laced turtle brownies to raspberry cheesecake swirl brownies to brownies that are not really chocolate at all, such as the blondie. Brownies are fairly easy to stir up from scratch, but boxed mixes have made them even more simple to achieve (even children can make them). I had a roommate with questionable cooking skills who could somehow manage to conjure up a beautiful pan of brownies, resplendent in chocolate chips sprinkled over the top before baking. If there is anything up for debate about brownies, it might be the issue of texture. My mother doesn’t like brownies (she doesn’t like muffins, either, but that’s another story) because she says they taste raw. Many of them in fact, do and are. Sometimes, a promising-looking chocolate square on the potluck table ends up tasting like under-baked sugary goo. I’m not as squeamish about raw dough as my mother, but I believe a brownie should be cooked enough that it doesn’t give one pause. So the two camps—or classifications—for brownies (and the preference of those who love them) have always been most notably fudge-y and cake-y. One could also argue that this boils down to liking either “wet” or “dry”-(ish), or as in the category of one rare person I know—who shall remain nameless—preferring his brownies aged. “Cake-y” brownies (a less-wet, puffier texture)

The 1905 revised version of Farmer’s “Boston Cooking-School Cook Book” included the first recipe for chocolate brownies baked in a square pan. usually have leavening (or more eggs—boxed brownie mixes even advise using an extra egg to achieve this texture) and flour. “Fudge-y” brownies have very little flour and little to no leavening, relying on eggs, butter, sugar and chocolate to provide an extra dense, moister (even soggier) structure. A famous brownie recipe by the late, great Katherine Hepburn calls for a mere 1/4 cup of flour for a supremely gooey rendition. Really, “gooey” and “chewy” are more the fitting names for brownie styles. There’s a reason special maze-like brownie pans that produce all “edge” pieces have been created for those who fall into the chewy camp. My preference for a brownie that was both chewy and fudge-y had me for years searching for The One. I made boxed mixes to see if they might fill the bill, and fromscratch recipes that had me melting vats of dark chocolate into which copious amounts of white sugar, eggs, flour and flavorings were stirred. I discovered a couple of things in my years of “research”: the best recipes (to me) included some brown sugar (enhancing chewy structure) and, in addition to melted chocolate, also included really good cocoa powder. I also learned it might be challenging to determine doneness in brownies—it’s tempting to pull them out of the oven earlier than one should, which might be why there are so many pans of goo. One should wait out the baking time and test with a toothpick. They are done when just a few fudge crumbs stick to it. I found what I feel is the best brownie recipe, chewy and fudge-y, with all the best deep chocolate flavor, a bit of coffee and toasted walnuts (not required, but should be). I share it here, for the first time, with you. Because that’s what love is. KCL REBECCA HOWARD grew up in Kansas and has written for the Los Angeles Daily News, the Los Angeles Times and LA Parent Magazine, and currently writes the food blog, “A Woman Sconed.”

FEBRUARY 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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FEBRUARY 2019

Influence the NEXT GENERATION

Before being on “The Biggest Loser,” Jones spent 19 years in education. She taught elementary physical education, and coached junior high sports. While she personally knows the effects of being overweight, she has also noticed it in our younger generations. “Get your children involved,” says Jones. “Encourage them to be active with their friends. Get on a team. Do activities with them—that’s huge. Don’t just demand that kids go outside and play— go outside and play with them.” That is one of the things Mike and I have done. Our three adult children have watched us learn to make healthy choices and have made changes themselves. We also make sure our grandson and granddaughter, both toddlers, see

zoo, playing at the park, bike riding or walking. � Do create simple, fun adventures. When you go for a walk, have the younger children yell out “march, walk, hop, skip, run!” You can call out the moves and do them, too.

Change is POSSIBLE

Are you ready to move forward? Jones says the best thing to do is, “Start! Start now! And believe in yourself. If you think you can, you’re right. If you think you can’t, you’re right. Believe you can make a change, develop a plan and go get it. Don’t make a hundred changes at once ... just make some changes you can incorporate into your daily life. Do something you can do forever. Don’t go on some fad diet to lose a lot of weight ... it always comes back on. Do something you can continue to do throughout your life.” Yes! It’s a matter of choice. Change your mind. Change your habits. Change your life. KCL

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GETTYIMAGES/KARANDAEV

Continued from page 21

fitness as fun. We want to help them create a life-long love for it. One of our favorite activities with them is to grab our bright yellow bucket and go on a nature walk to collect treasures: an acorn, yellow flower, red leaf, round rock, whatever is plentiful. It activates their minds and bodies and allows quality time together without the distraction of toys and electronics. You can do the same. Help your family change the trajectory for future generations. Be cognizant of the choices you help them make. Be intentionally active. We have had success with the following suggestions. � Don’t allow kids to mindlessly snack while watching TV. � Don’t reward children with unhealthy foods. � Don’t allow teens to spend all their time playing video games or texting. � Do sit down at the table together for family meals. � Do reward smart choices with ageappropriate activities: a trip to the

SAFETY

Generate Safety

Avoid the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock unpredictable, but February has a history of bringing winter storms with ice and snow creating widespread—and sometimes long-lasting—power outages. A portable generator can power a few household essentials, like a water pump, heater, refrigerator, and a few lights, but it’s important to know the potential dangers associated with using portable generators, such as their production of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless poisonous gas that is called the “silent killer” because it is virtually undetectable without the use of technology like CO alarms. Follow these tips to generate power— and safety—when using a generator.

MOTHER NATURE IS

By the Numbers: ffStorms account for many of the fatalities asso-

ciated with generator use, with ice and snow storms accounting for 46 percent and hurricanes accounting for 29 percent.

ffSixty-seven percent of the fatalities occurred

when a generator was placed in the living area or basement of the home.

ffNEVER connect generators directly to household

wiring without having a certified electrician first installing a transfer switch. This prevents backfeeding which could electrocute utility workers making repairs.

ffMake sure your generator is properly grounded

and used with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

ffUse only extension cords that have a three-

pronged plug and are rated for the intended load.

ffYour home generator should be installed by

a qualified electrician and bear the mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL, Intertek or CSA.

ffInstall battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms

or plug-in CO alarms with a battery backup.

ffDo not overload the generator. ffThe Consumer Product Safety Commission

recommends generators be positioned at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home. KCL

ffTwenty-six percent of fatalities occurred when

a generator was used inside an attached garage or shed.

ffBetween 1992 and 2012 nearly 80 percent of the

931 carbon monoxide deaths were associated with generators.

Used with permission from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace. Learn more at www.esfi.org.

ffFifty percent of generator-related deaths

occurred between November and February; 30 percent occurred from March through April and September through October; 20 percent occurred during other months.

Tips for the Proper Installation and Use of Generators: home or in other enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, including garages.

ffA generator is a temporary power source and

should never be used as a permanent solution.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2019

GETTYIMAGES/LISAFX

ffNEVER operate a generator INSIDE your

FEBRUARY 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Bitter Chocolate & Pistachio Cream Dessert

Buffalo-Style Beef Bites

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, FEBRUARY 2019

In 15 minutes you can have this dessert chilling in the fridge for a Valentine treat.

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, FEBRUARY 2019

Bite-sized pieces of country-style ribs are slow-cooked until tender then “buffaloed.”

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, F E B R U ARY 201 9

didn’t someone think of this sooner?

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, F E B R U ARY 201 9

This creamy dish takes less than 45 minutes using a programmable pressure cooker.

Bacon & Peanut Butter Cookies Bacon in a peanut butter cookie. Why

Pasta and Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce

ff 4 cloves garlic, minced ff 1 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning ff 1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper ff 1 cup heavy cream ff 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ff 3 cups baby spinach leaves ff 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, for garnish

Pasta and Chicken in Garlic Cream Sauce ff 4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide pieces ff 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces ff 10 ounces (about 4 cups) farfalle (bow tie) pasta

ff 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

COURTESY MILK ME ANS MORE

Place removable pan inside programmable pressure cooker. Using sauté function, cook bacon, uncovered, until crisp. Use slotted spoon to remove bacon from pan. Drain bacon on paper towels. Leave 1 Tbs. drippings in pan; discard remaining. Add chicken to bacon drippings in pan in two batches. Using sauté function, stir-fry chicken 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through. Use slotted spoon to remove chicken from pan. Repeat until all chicken is cooked. Press cancel. Stir pasta, broth, garlic, Italian seasoning and pepper into drippings in pan. Secure lid and set pressure release to sealing function. Select high pressure setting and cook 5 minutes. Press cancel. Allow pressure to release naturally 5 minutes. Move pressure release to venting function to release any remaining steam. Remove lid. Stir cream into pasta mixture. Using sauté function, cook and stir, uncovered, until boiling. Boil, uncovered, about 4 minutes, or until sauce generously coats pasta, stirring frequently. Press cancel. Stir in chicken and Parmesan cheese. Place spinach and bacon in large bowl. Pour pasta mixture over top. Toss until combined. Ladle into serving bowls. Top each serving with tomatoes. Stir cream into pasta mixture. Using sauté function, cook and stir, uncovered, until boiling. Boil, uncovered, about 4 minutes, or until sauce generously coats pasta, stirring frequently. Press cancel. Stir in chicken and Parmesan cheese. Place spinach and bacon in large bowl. Pour pasta mixture over top. Toss until combined. Ladle into serving bowls. Top each serving with tomatoes.

ff Turbinado or raw sugar

ff 2 large eggs ff 1 Tbs. vanilla extract ff 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts finely ground in a food processor

Bacon Peanut Butter Cookies ff 1 pound bacon ff 2 1/2 cups flour unbleached ff 1/2 tsp. baking soda ff 1/2 tsp. baking powder ff 1 tsp. salt

ff 8 Tbs. butter (1 stick), cubed and softened ff 1 cup brown sugar packed ff 1 cup sugar ff 1 cup peanut butter smooth (not natural)

COU RT ESY RAIN A BIE N ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL P ORK BOARD

Preheat oven to 375 F. Arrange bacon on jelly roll pans and bake for about 20-30 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through cooking. When all the fat has been rendered and the bacon is very crispy, drain the strips on paper towels. Reduce oven to 350 F. Pour the rendered grease into a metal bowl and chill in refrigerator (or freezer) until cool and solidified–stirring occasionally to speed cooling process. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Chop bacon or crumble by hand into small pieces, about 1/4” square. Using mixer beat butter until creamy. Mix in 8 Tbs. of the cool bacon fat. Add sugars and beat until creamy, about 3 or 4 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl with rubber spatula. Beat in peanut butter until thoroughly combined. Add eggs, one at a time; add vanilla. Scrape sides of bowl, and on low speed, mix in dry ingredients. Stir in ground peanuts and bacon until mixed. Form dough into golf ball-sized rounds and place on a sheet pan, about two inches apart. Dip fork in water and press tines into surface of dough two times, to slightly flatten cookie and to form crisscross pattern. Sprinkle cookies with generous amount of turbinado sugar. Bake two sheet pans at a time, for 10-12 minutes, rotating pans midway through baking. The outer edges of the cookies should only just begin to turn golden while the center of the cookie will still look a bit pale. Cool 2-3 minutes on the sheet pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 48.

ff Carrot and celery sticks (optional)

ff 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles

ff 2 tsp. onion powder

ff 2 tsp. garlic powder

Buffalo-Style Beef Bites style ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces

ff 1 1/2 to 2 pounds beef countryff 1 Tbs. vegetable oil ff 3/4 cup beef broth

sauce for Buffalo wings, divided

ff 2 Tbs. plus 1/4 cup cayenne pepper

Heat oil in large stockpot over medium heat until hot. Brown half of beef ribs; remove from stockpot. Repeat with remaining beef.

Return beef to stockpot. Add beef broth, 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce, garlic powder and onion powder; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until beef is fork-tender.

Remove beef from cooking liquid to large bowl; discard cooking liquid or reserve for another use. Toss beef with remaining 1/4 cup buffalo sauce. Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles. Serve with carrot and celery sticks, if desired. 12 servings.

CO URTESY BEEF. IT ’S WHAT ’S FOR D INNER

Cook’s Tip: Beef ribs can be served on 6-inch wooden skewers or with wooden toothpicks.

ff 1 1/2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for pistachio cream

ff 1 1/4 cups shelled pistachios

ff 4 ounces dark chocolate

Bitter Chocolate and Pistachio Cream Dessert ff 1/2 cup, plus 1 Tbs., sweetened condensed milk ff 1/2 cup brown sugar

In saucepan, combine condensed milk and sugar; cook over low heat, stirring until mixture takes on toasted color.

Add olive oil and dark chocolate; continue to stir until fully combined.

Line 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spread mixture into pan. Refrigerate until fully set.

To make pistachio cream: Blend pistachios and olive oil until smooth paste forms.

Remove dessert from pan and cut into slices. Serve with pistachio cream on top.

COURTESY BERTO LLI O LI VE OIL

FEBRUARY 2019

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Chicago Doctor Shakes Up Hearing Aid Industry

ADVANCED HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY... For Less Than $200!

Chicago – A local board-certiﬁed physician has done it once again with his newest invention of a medical-grade, aﬀordable hearing aid. This new hearing aid is packed with all the features of traditional hearing aids found at clinics for a mere fraction of the cost. Now most people with hearing loss are able to enjoy crystal clear, natural sound — in a crowd, on the phone, in the wind — without suffering through “whistling” and annoying background noise.

The doctor evaluated the high priced hearing aids on the market, broke them down to their base components, and then created his own aﬀordable version, called the MDHearingAid, for less than $200.

Nearly Invisible! SAME FEATURES AS EXPENSIVE COMPETITORS

FDA-Registered MDHearingAid® Outperforms Expensive Competitors This sleek, fully programmed, light-weight, hearing aid is the outgrowth of the technology revolution that is changing our world. While demand for new technology caused most prices to plunge (consider DVD players and computers, which originally sold for thousands of dollars and today can be purchased for less), the cost of a medical-grade hearing aid remains out of reach. The doctor knew that many of his patients would beneﬁt but couldn’t aﬀord the expense for these new hearing aids. Generally they are not covered by Medicare and most private health insurance plans.

Behind-the-ear for a nearly invisible proﬁle Accommodates Mild, Moderate, and Moderately-Severe hearing loss Ampliﬁes the critical frequencies of the human voice, without amplifying background sounds Multiple sized ear domes allow for the perfect size 2-Programs for customized hearing. Decrease background noise and choose the best program for your hearing loss.

Compare MDHearingAid to High-Priced Store-Front Clinics

FEATURES

Hearing Aid Clinic

FDA-Registered Hearing Aid

Yes

Feedback Cancellation

Yes

Speech Enhancement Noise Reduction

Yes

None

3-4

Appointments Needed Phone Support and 24-7 Email Support

Yes

45-Day Risk Free Trial

Yes

Rarely

100% Money Back Guarantee

Yes

Rarely

1-Year Supply of FREE Batteries

Yes

Rarely

Just 1-5 DAYS

3-5 WEEKS

Under $200

$2,250+

Time to Receive Your Hearing Aids Hearing Aid Price

Buyers Agree, “MDHearingAid is the Best Digital Value!” “I am hearing things I didn’t know I was missing. Really amazing. I’m wearing them all the time.” — Linda I., Indiana “Almost work too well. I am a teacher and hearing much better now.” — Lillian B., California “I would deﬁnitely recommend them to my patients with hearing loss.” — Amy S., Audiologist, Indiana

Affordable Hearing Aid Technology Using advanced technology, the MDHearingAid adjusts to your listening environment — prioritizing speech and de-emphasizing background noise. Experience all of the sounds you’ve been missing at a price you can afford. This doctor designed and approved hearing aid comes with a full year’s supply of longlife batteries. It delivers crisp, clear sound all day long and the soft flexible ear domes are so comfortable you won’t realize you’re wearing them.

Can a Hearing Aid Delay or Prevent Alzheimer’s & Dementia? A study by the National Institute on Aging suggests older individuals with hearing loss are signiﬁcantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and dementia over time than those who retain their hearing. They suggest that an intervention — such as a hearing aid — could delay or prevent this by improving hearing!

Try It Yourself at Home 45-Day Risk-Free Trial Of course, hearing is believing and we invite you to try it for yourself with our RISK-FREE 45-day home trial. If you are not completely satisﬁed, simply return it within that time period for a full refund of your purchase price.

For the Lowest Price Plus FREE Shipping Call Today!

45-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL

Proudly assembled in America!

Call: 1-800-476-2089 or Visit: www.GetMDHearingAid200.com

Use Offer Code JF29 to Get FREE Shipping and FREE Batteries for a Full Year!