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Kansas Country Living February 2022

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AROUND KANSAS Enter events online

KCLONLINE.COM is an online community for Kansas electric co-op consumer-members to interact by sharing photos, videos, recipes, comments and story ideas.

KC L O N L I N E . C O M

CO-OP COMMUNITY COMMITMENT Demonstrating the co-op difference in our communities “MY CO-OP” Linking you to your co-op PHOTOS Sharing of co-op member photos and recipes VIDEOS Safety, lifestyle and cooking videos


FEBRUARY F E AT U R E S

D E PA RT M E N T S

10 | Relax & Rethink

4 |

Give up the busy-ness! Taking a break from technology and outside demands will create time to focus, identify any stressors and help you take positive action. Katie Sandler, The Impact Coach, also offers steps to taking back control of your life.

5 | 6 |

14 | Winter Crappie Fishing in Kansas

7 | 8 |

Kansas has a reputation for its excellent crappie fishing and limited fishing pressure. Outdoor writer Kenneth Kieser spent some time fishing with Crappie Kirby — a top guide, fishing electronics expert and radio personality — fishing Hillsdale Lake.

12 | 12A| 16 |

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

New online community A RO U N D K A N S A S

Pancake feeds and other food CO M M E N TA RY

Hall of Fame inductees C RO S S W O R D

Healthy habits

E N E RGY W I S E

Double-hung window tips T H E P R E S I D E N T ’S P E N

Farewell column

YO U R LO C A L CO - O P N E W S CO O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E

Smoothie moves

Well-being through a glass half-full. KENNETH KIESER

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

Succession planting

Maximize your upcoming harvest.

19 | 20 |

M A R K E T P L AC E

Please support our advertisers! L E T ’S D I S H

Awaken your taste buds Recipes with major flavor.

22 |

SAFETY

Detector upgrades Improvements increase safety.

ON THE COVER

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Technology can both help and hinder your well-being. See Page 10 for steps to get back in control. P H O T O I L L U S T R AT I O N G E T T Y

TAKE A BREAK

Rethin Outsidk

Give up the e Demands busy-ness

Get a

Line Wet Fishing Hillsd ale Lake FEBRUA RY

FEBRUARY 2022

2022 | BROUG HT

TO YOU BY ROLLIN G

President ’s Pen Farew

HILLS ELECTR IC

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

ell column

CO-OP | WWW. KEC.CO

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OP


E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Visit the Kansas Country Living Online Community

(ISSN 0091-9586) FEBRUARY 2022 VOL. 72, NO. 2 ©KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC. 2022 WWW.KEC.COOP

Lee Tafanelli

Chief Executive Officer

Vicki Estes

Director of Communications, Editor

Carrie Kimberlin

Manager of Creative Solutions

Shaylee Arpin

is cause for celebration. Anyone and anything thriving for seven decades deserves accolades and freshening up — the things, not people. As we ramp up our celebration of Kansas Country Living’s 70th anniversary this year, the magazine staff and Kansas electric cooperatives are excited to announce the launch of Kansas Country Living’s online companion, kclonline.com. The site has been created keeping in mind two important facts: f parts of rural Kansas, those areas that make up a majority of our readership, still do not have access to reliable broadband internet; and TURNING 70

f 96% of readers in our most recent

readership survey prefer to receive the magazine and their co-op information in print. Although most readers prefer the printed magazine, changing membership demographics and the desire for interactivity and visual content dictates we meet those needs too. kclonline.com is an online community for Kansas electric co-op consumer-members to interact by sharing photos, videos, events, recipes, comments and story ideas.

The signature section of the site is Co-op Community Commitment. Each month staff gathers and posts stories from our electric co-ops that demonstrate the cooperative difference in our communities. We believe what happens every day in your communities with co-ops and co-op members as the driving force, are stories to be told beyond your co-op’s local magazine pages. Other site exclusives include: f the ability to enter Around Kansas

events on the website for publication in the magazine and online.

f “My Co-op” section that links to

each co-op’s website.

f safety, lifestyle and cooking videos. f sharing of co-op member photos

and recipes.

f pasteboard photos (background

behind the website) will be updated with reader-submitted photos.

I hope you will check out kclonline.com and participate in this online co-op community by sharing photos, recipes, comments and events. KCL

VICKI ESTES, EDITOR

Multimedia Communications Specialist Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Terry Hobbs, President Teresa Miller, Vice President Kirk Thompson, Secretary Jim Christopher, 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: 4 Rivers, Lebo Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale Doniphan, Troy DSO, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove FreeState, McLouth & Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Rolling Hills, Beloit Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington TCEC, 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 $6.18 per year. Individual non-member subscriptions are $12 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 an audited circulation of 9,378,177 monthly. Advertisers call 512-441-5200. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.

“LIKE” us on Facebook Kansas Country Living

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2022


FEB. 5 United Methodist Church Groundhog Feed, Osborne. 105 N. Third St., osborneumc.churchtrac.com.

FEB. 12-13 Gun and Antique Show, Phillipsburg. S aturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with a shotgun raffle and concession stand. Event sponsored by the Border Line Gun Club. Phillips County Fairgrounds, Toby Griffith 785-533-1069.

FEB. 6 Knights of Columbus Pancake

Feed, Downs. 5 -7 p.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1312 Prentiss St.

FEB. 6 St. Mary’s Altar Society Bake

Sale, Downs. 5-7 p.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1312 Prentiss St.

FEB. 13 Super Bowl Party,

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

Enter your event for immediate online publication. KCLONLINE.COM/ AROUND-KANSAS/SUBMIT-AN-EVENT

Osborne. K ickoff the game with food and prizes. Bible Baptist Church, 119 S. Second St., search Bible Baptist Church of Osborne on Facebook.

FEB. 10 Alton Youth Valentine Party, Alton. B egins at 4 p.m. Alton Community Room. FEB. 12 Haskell County Historical Society Annual Dinner and Meeting, Sublette. T he evening will include a social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. catered by John Ross Catering Co. The program will include Women on the Santa Fe Trail presented by Marla Matkin. Purchase tickets from any board member or museum curator. Haskell County Museum, 605 Watkins, 620-675-8344.

gmail.com. Workshop begins at 6 p.m. 785-3455130, 109 W. Main St. KCL

FEB. 17 Alton United Methodist Church

Family Pancake Supper, Alton. E njoy a delicious pancake supper beginning at 5:30 p.m. 408 Mill St., 785-984-8035. FEB. 21 Grant Writing Workshop, Osborne. J oin the Osborne County Community Foundation to learn tips and tricks for writing a successful grant. A light supper will be provided. Please RSVP to osborneccf@

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 or enter your event for immediate online publication at kclonline.com/around-kansas/submit-anevent. Acceptance of events does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.

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5 11/29/21 3:27 PM


C O M M E N TA RY

Hall of Fame Inductees Embody Core Behaviors, Cooperative Values

BY L E E TA FA N E L L I

a positive difference in their communities and in the world share core behaviors that include: f giving of themselves in their time and expertise. PEOPLE WHO MAKE

f using their influence well.

Lee Tafanelli

f committing to continually bettering themselves, which in turn influences others to do the same.

f advocating for what they believe in.

Pioneer Electric CEO Steve Epperson said Floyd’s vision for change, transparency and planning has been the focal point of his presidential term. “Martie works hard to ensure that we stay committed to our cooperative values,” said Epperson. “His leadership and commitment to the communities we serve helped us maintain our mission of providing world-class service and reliable power.” Those inducted into the KCC Hall of Fame are honored for going “above and beyond the call” to further the cooperative philosophy. Inductees are nominated and meet the criteria set forth by the Hall of Fame Committee. Floyd’s nomination was a joint effort between Pioneer Electric and Skyland Grain, LLC. Vern May of Wichita, was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside Floyd for his 40 years of service to the cooperative industry. He began his cooperative career in the early 1970s with the Wichita Bank for Cooperatives, what is now known today as CoBank, a terrific partner to the electric cooperatives that provides financial services to vital industries across rural America. May was nominated for being instrumental in helping managers and board members successfully navigate the everchanging landscape in Midwest agriculture. To date, 51 cooperators from all types of cooperatives have been inducted into this elite group. Floyd’s and May’s biographical information will be placed alongside other honorees in the Kansas Cooperative Hall of Fame showcase display at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. This permanent display, located in the Pride of Kansas building, educates the public about the cooperative business model while highlighting the achievements of these inspirational co-op leaders. KCL

K A N S A S C O O P E R AT I V E COUNCIL

Those are the types of individuals you will find advocating for cooperatives and the business model that puts its members first. Martie Floyd, board president of Pioneer Electric Cooperative in Ulysses, Kansas, is one of those individuals. I had the great privilege of witnessing the induction of Martie Floyd and Vern May into the Kansas Cooperative Council Hall of Fame in Wichita on Dec. 13. The Kansas Cooperative Hall of Fame was established in 1999 to honor individuals in Kansas who have been instrumental in developing and spreading the cooperative philosophy. Floyd and May received these honors for 2021. Floyd is a lifelong resident of Johnson, Kansas, and was recognized by the KCC for his decades of service to the electric cooperative industry and the agriculture sector in Kansas. His nomination for the Hall of Fame praised his advocacy, innovation, and vision “that has ensured the cooperative’s relevancy, value, and ability to lead.” Floyd’s “sense of community” began early in his career as a LEE TAFANELLI is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, county commissioner and it has defined his life. Truly a servant Inc. in Topeka. leader, Floyd and his wife have worked tirelessly in their community to improve the lives of others, instrumental in opening a thrift store and K A N S A S C O O P E R AT I V E food pantry as well as a safe 2 0 2 1 H A L L O F FA M E place for battered women and their children. Floyd has served on Pioneer Electric CooperaMartie Floyd is a genuine servant leader in tive’s Board of Trustees since the cooperative world. Throughout his career, 1999. In addition to his Martie has demonstrated the cooperative spirit work on the Pioneer board, both personally and professionally. He leads by Floyd has served honorably example with his dedication to service and the on the boards of directors cooperative business model, not just for our community but for all of southwest Kansas. of Farmland Industries and Skyland Grain.

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2022


Healthy Habits Across 1

Taking a walk or going to the gym

5

Happy expression

8

Physician for short

9

Important meal

11

Scenic view

13

Fuzzy fruits

15

Plant-based protein

18

One a day keeps the doctor away, in the saying

20

Basic hygiene habit, 3 words

24

Not lacking water

27

Leafy green

31

Historic period

33

Honey maker

34

Makes clean and hygienic

Down 1

Healthy salad vegetables

2

And so on, abbr,

3

Healthy leafy vegetable

4

8 hours a night is best

6

Make contact with

7

Mosquito protection

10

Cuddly bear

12

Blue expanse

14

Radiance

24

Rooster's mate

16

"Put ___ Happy Face" (2 words)

25

Time period, for short

17

Drowse

26

Do lunch, e.g.

19

Avocado's middle

28

Stomach muscles

21

Drinks to avoid due to sugar content

29

French for the

22

Once more

30

Sushi fish

23

Landscape grass

32

Island nation in the Pacific, abbr.

ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 19 FEBRUARY 2022

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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E N E R GY W I S E

Make Your Double-Hung Windows Easy to Open and Close BY J A M E S D U L L E Y

springs may have broken and the sash will still stay open. Slide the lower sash up a little to clear the window frame at the bottom. Push in the two latches at the top and tilt it in just as if you were going to clean the glass. Look in the channel on each side for the plastic pivot block at the bottom and the long spiral spring above it. Wipe the channel and pivot block clean. Spray some solvent, such A tilt-in doubleas WD-40, on a rag and wipe it hung window over the long spiral springs to clean sash may need off all the old grease and dirt. It will spring adjustment be pretty black and dirty. It will be to stay up. apparent if one of the two springs per window has broken. Apply some white lithium grease to the spiral spring. Spray some silicone lubricant on the channel and on the pivot block. The window sash will definitely be easier to open after this maintenance. If it still is more difficult to open than when it was new or it won’t stay up, you should replace both springs in the window. You can try to just adjust them tighter, but chances are these old weaker springs will break after more openings.

D E AR J I M : I like natural ventilation spring

and fall, but my vinyl tilt-in double-hung windows are hard to open and do not stay up. How can I make them operate like new again? — Cathleen H. D E AR CATH LE E N : Although double-hung vinyl windows, particularly newer replacement ones, are practically maintenance-free, they can gradually become more difficult to open and close without some fresh lubrication. You may also find once they are lubricated again that they may not stay up when opened. Correcting both problems is a simple DIY project. Most vinyl tilt-in double-hung windows have a plastic pivot block at the bottom of the lower sash. A pin at the bottom of the sash fits in a hole in the pivot block and this allows it to pivot open for cleaning. The plastic pivot block slides up and down with the sash in a channel inside the window frame. There is a counterbalance spiral spring to hold it up when opened for ventilation. Over years of use, dirt collects in the channel causing more friction against the pivot block when you slide the sash up. As the sash slides up, the spiral spring twists as it moves up in the center of the rod. These are greased when new, but dirt and time can also create excess friction there. The spiral counterbalance springs do not have an indefinite life and can weaken and break after many openings. When this happens on a newer window with good lubrication, the window sash does not stay up. If there is too much friction from dirt and old lubricant in the channel, one of the

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

JAMES DULLEY

JAMES DULLEY

Far left: Once the plastic spring cover is snapped off, remove the top spring mounting screw.

FEBRUARY 2022

Left: Using the spring charging tool, give the spring a couple of turns before snapping it into the sash tilt block.


Lift the sash a few inches and put the wood block under it. Release the sash tilt latches and tilt it in until it is horizontal. Rock one side upward so the sash pin slips out of the blocks and place the sash on the floor. The plastic sash stops and spring cover snap off easily from the window frame. Weigh the sash. Unscrew the spiral springs and remove them. The strength of spiral springs is indicated by the color of the plastic tip of the spiral spring. The colors are white, red and blue and they can handle sash weights of 4 to12 pounds, 6 to18 pounds and 10 to 26 pounds, respectively. Use the same color new springs or the next stronger one if your sash weighs near the spring upper limit. Measure the diameter and length of the old spring aluminum tube only, not including the tip, and order this length. New spring tube diameters are either 3/8 inches or 5/8 inches. The nominal 5/8-inch-diameter springs actually measure 9/16 inches. Screw the new springs into the frame at the top again. Push the spiral spring rod up into the tube. Hook a charging tool (costs a few dollars at a hardware store) to the rod end and pull it down. You will feel the spring tighten. Give it an extra one or two turns and hook it into the pivot block. Put the sash back into the blocks, push it level and snap it back into the frame. Follow the same procedure without unscrewing and removing the springs if you prefer to try to just twist the old weak spring tighter. Use the spring charging tool to give the springs a couple extra turns for more strength. This should hold the windows open. KCL

D E AR J I M : Whenever I take a shower and

someone flushes a toilet or turns on cold water, I nearly get scalded. I keep my water heater set at 120 degrees to save energy. Should I set it even lower? — Steve W. D E A R ST E V E : The problem is caused by a pressure imbalance when cold water is being used elsewhere causing the shower mixture to get more hot water. Setting the hot water temperature lower will help. Your best solution is to install a new pressurebalancing, anti-scald shower valve (about $100). It senses a cold water pressure drop when another faucet is opened and automatically compensates to also reduce the hot water flow.

Send inquiries to JAMES DULLEY, Kansas Country Living, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or www.dulley.com. FEBRUARY 2022

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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RELAX Take a break from technology and outside demands BY PA M E L A A . K E E N E

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

FEBRUARY 2022

EACH PERSON ONLY HAS 24 hours in a day. Experts say how you use that time is ultimately determined by one person: you. By taking steps to find time to relax and unplug, you’re taking the first step to better care for others and opening the door to newfound happiness. “Although it can often feel like we have no control over our lives, scientific research on well-being shows that small steps can make a profound impact on our mental health and emotional well-being,” says Cortland Dahl, Ph.D., chief contemplative officer at Healthy Minds Innovations, a nonprofit organization at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Yes, you have family and work obligations, but in reality you can begin to set limits and schedules to first take care of yourself. I’m not saying to completely abandon your responsibilities, but learn to be discerning about when you can make yourself the priority — at least part of the time.” It’s easy to fill time with demands of others and responsibilities to family, work or friends, but when it comes down to it, life’s busy-ness and stress could be holding you back. Technology adds to the equation, replacing real-time human interactions with quick, sometimes terse, messages. “The constant presence of computers, laptops, smartphones, instant-messaging, texts and emails can be allconsuming and can provide an excuse for being too busy to be human,” Dahl says. “Twenty or 30 years ago, people knew how to ‘just be,’ enjoy time with friends or simply pass time without accomplishing a task. “Now, we’re all judged on our accomplishments and activities, and we’ve become compulsive doers,” he says. “Rather than reduce commitments to give yourself some breathing room, the human response is to replace the void with more activities. We are filling our lives with technology, devices and an endless stream of activities. “Think about what happens first thing in the morning. Most people reach for their phone and scroll through their news feed and messages,” Dahl says. “People are getting lost in doing or constantly being busy as a way to measure their success,” says Katie Sandler, The Impact Coach. “Chilling out, just taking a break, goes against our programming to be going nonstop to prove our value.” Sandler offers her clients ways to unplug. “Be present in the here and now, and be aware of your mood and surroundings,” she says. “If you feel stressed, it’s time for a break to slow down — just take a walk or sit quietly. It will be difficult at first, but the more you practice, the better you’ll feel.”


Unplugging from technology will create time to focus, identify the stressors and take a positive action. Unplugging from technology will create time to focus, identify the stressors and take a positive action. “I call this process ‘setting the intention,’ committing to break the cycle of stress by taking time to formulate your thoughts and decide what you want the outcome to be,” she says. “You have the control, but you must set the intention to make the change happen.” Sandler’s word for making time for yourself is to “steal” it. “Literally grab that time for you, which will mean taking it away from someone or something else,” she says. “At first, when you schedule that 10 minutes on Tuesdays and Fridays, you may not keep the appointments. But you’ll see it on your calendar as a reminder that you made a decision. The following week, you may switch the days or only make one of those appointments, but you’ll get closer to giving yourself this time. By the third week, you’ll begin to appreciate that appointment and maybe even anticipate what you want from it. “After a while, it will become a habit, and you’ll schedule other obligations around your ‘me time.’ You’ll be surprised how much better you will feel once you’ve recognized that you are important and deserve your own time each day.”

When Technology Can Help

Technology has its benefits, particularly in accessing positive tools. Healthy Minds Innovations has researched the effects of unplugging on people’s moods and has developed a free app to lead participants through practice sessions and meditations that can help reduce stress, increase focus and put unplugging into practice. Based on practicing various types of meditation, the app walks participants through practical ways to learn connectivity with other people, turn down the noise of life’s demands and learn to periodically unplug — except for the audio of the app. Most of the sessions are brief, 10 to 15 minutes, and can be accomplished anywhere — at work, at home or even on the go, during a short walk or simple chore. Dahl recommends tapping into the app daily.

“Our studies have shown that when people prioritize their own well-being, they’re happier,” Dahl says. “The world will never stop giving you things to do. It’s up to you to create time to recharge your battery, take a step back or do nothing. It will revitalize you. Just give yourself permission to let go.” KCL PAMELA KEENE writes for more than a dozen publications across the country, specializing in travel, lifestyle, features and gardening. Based in Atlanta, she is a photographer and an avid life-long gardener.

GIVE UP THE BUSY-NESS Katie Sandler, The Impact Coach, suggests five steps to get life back into control: BE MINDFUL. Keep yourself in the present moment to lower stress, anxiety and even depression. CONNECT WITH OTHERS. Spend time with people who make you happy, laugh and feel connected. BE IN NATURE. A 10-minute walk outside, gardening, biking or even getting a better view of the outdoors from a big window can elevate your mood and help you feel better. SCHEDULE FREE TIME. Put an appointment with yourself on your calendar. Even if it’s just for 15 minutes, you’ve made a commitment to focus on your needs and address them. Start slow: 15 minutes three times a week, then when you’re comfortable, increase the time or the frequency. Soon it will become natural and open the door to a less hectic and stressful week. SET THE INTENTION. Commit yourself to chilling out, taking a break, unplugging from screen time, solidifying your thoughts, then make a plan with specific steps and a timetable. Once you’ve set the intention to chill out, you will follow through. “Make the commitment to give yourself regular breaks from technology and the demands of others, making yourself a priority, unplugging from screen time and changing your pace,” Sandler says. “We can’t show up for other people if we don’t take care of ourselves.”

FEBRUARY 2022

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

11


THE PRESIDENT ’S PEN

Farewell Column as KEC Board Term Ends it’s been serving as a trustee, as an officer, and ultimately as president of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. The greatest honor, however, comes from serving and representing rural electric cooperative members statewide and nationally. While I’ve always been quick to accept new ideas and challenges, I never forget the pioneers of our industry who laid the Terry Hobbs groundwork for the betterment of rural life. Their vision was remarkable in the planning and development of electric cooperatives. Yet today, we still have the same leadership, the same mission, and the same purpose handed to us from generations prior. It’s also been a tremendous honor and privilege to write The President’s Pen column in Kansas Country Living. When the editor and her staff approached me about the idea and concept of a monthly column, being the good sport I am, I agreed. I have honestly been overwhelmed by the number of people that tell me they read my articles and enjoy a little tongue-in-cheek humor. I have two thoughts on writing. WHAT A GREAT HONOR

BY T E R RY H O B B S

The greatest honor, however, comes from serving and representing rural cooperative members statewide and nationally. For those who were big fans of the TV show Seinfeld, it was basically a show about nothing. Their writers admitted it was about nothing and turned it into one of the top TV shows of all time. I used this technique considerably. Another of my own personal writing rules for this column has been to avoid writing about politics, the pandemic and paradiddles. I chose not to write about politics or the pandemic because nearly every media outlet has plenty of that. Many people have told me they appreciated the absence of those issues. I never wrote about paradiddles because I know nothing about them. That very well could have been a great idea for my next column! Have a Happy Valentine’s Day! KCL TERRY HOBBS is the board president for Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. He is also a member of Western Cooperative Electric’s Board of Trustees in WaKeeney.

CONTACT YOUR CO-OP REGARDING

ELECTRIC-POWERED ESSENTIAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

It is the commitment of your electric cooperative to PROVIDE YOU SERVICE, but uninterrupted power at all times cannot be guaranteed due to weather events, planned outages, vehicle or equipment accidents, or other power outage causes. If a member, spouse or child depends on life-sustaining medical equipment that requires power at all times, please consider the following: f Notify your local electric cooperative of your medical f A medical necessity designation DOES NOT guarantee necessity BEFORE an outage. priority service restoration as power is restored in a f Consider obtaining an EMERGENCY STANDBY safe, systematic manner. However, by communicating GENERATOR. Ensure the generator is installed safely by your situation in advance, your co-op can prioritize

a qualified technician.

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

needs when possible.

FEBRUARY 2022


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Crappie Kirby shows off a fine winter crappie taken from Hillsdale Lake.

BY K E N N E T H L . K I E S E R

Kirby Ham, top crappie guide, fishing electronics expert and radio personality, studied those lights that were actually crappie suspended around and below the submerged wood. We were fishing Hillsdale Lake, located in northeastern Kansas. This sometimes-overlooked lake is 4,358 acres of great fishing possibilities, often noted for walleye and catfish. Yet, crappie anglers love this fishery with a 10-inch-size limit that is seldom hard to fill — when you can locate the large, sometimes roving schools. A good stock of gizzard shad and thread fin minnows provide plenty of forage for nourishment and good crappie growth rates. Many consider Kansas fishing to be one of America’s best kept secrets with 10- to 15-inch crappie adorning its reservoirs. “Watch the screen,” Ham said. A strange shape on the graph started dropping down the screen, his 1/32-ounce Crappie Magnet jig with silver glitter, a chartreuse tail and hot pink jig head. I was amazed to watch the show of crappie surveying his jig. One of the lights rose and took the jig, small fish on and quickly returned about 10 yards from the boat. “I never just lay a crappie back in the water,” Ham said. “I gently toss the smaller crappie a few feet away. We have

14

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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KENNETH L. KIESER

Watching what seems to be a strange video game in the middle of a lake has become the norm for serious anglers. Lit up blips on the Echomap Garmin Graph screen were actually tree stumps with a few limbs about 26 feet below the surface, covered with unusual lights. watched crappie released by the boat that dove down and scattered the school. That fish was stressed and chances are other crappie sensed it and scattered. A fish released away from the boat seems less likely to upset the school.” The graph showed exactly that. The released fish dropped away to nurse its sore mouth and the school’s bite continued, but not to Ham’s satisfaction. “We’re moving; too many small crappies here,” he said. “I often find a smaller school of larger fish hanging together, what we’re looking for.” The next spot laid about 300 yards toward a wooded bluff, showing plenty of fish on the graph but no big ones. The boat maneuvered several yards and immediately stopped as Ham threw on the water brakes. The graph plainly showed big images around a submerged log. An arrow shape on the trolling motor pointed to the exact spot to drop the jig. Ham dropped his weighted jig off the end of a 14-foot B&M crappie rod straight down to the bigger fish, about 24 feet below the surface. These crappies were more aggressive feeders and soon a 13-incher was hooked and doubling over his rod. Within minutes another big crappie hit and then another before they wised up and moved away.


K I R BY H A M

had a stand installed to provide them electronics, a welcome addition to their fishing trip. Wheelchair bound anglers are helped into the boat at the marina. “Winter fishing can be dangerous, so wear your life jacket,” Ham said. “Put on your life jacket before your boat is launched. Many have fallen in the lake at boat launches and could not get out. Make sure someone is notified where you plan to fish. More importantly, don’t fish alone, especially this time of year. Remember to dress heavily in layers. I have a couple of heaters in my boat to keep my hands warm. I seldom wear gloves when fishing to feel the bites.” Reservoirs like Hillsdale, Pomona, Perry, Clinton, El Dorado, Tuttle Creek, Melvern and most others are fishing winter hot spots. Give it a try this winter and you might enjoy a mess of fresh crappie fillets. For more information about fishing with Crappie Kirby, call 913-461-3752 or check his website at crappiekirby.com. Kansas has a reputation for its excellent crappie fishing and limited fishing pressure. Check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website for more information on crappie fishing these numerous reservoirs. KCL

“Very important to drop your jig in front of the crappie’s face in the winter,” Ham said. “Their metabolism is slower and they are less likely to chase after a minnow and use up life-sustaining energy. I prefer to slowly raise the jig. A crappie’s eyes are toward the top of its head, so it will watch the jig and then slowly come up and take it. Then let it drop and slowly raise it again. I believe that 80% of the time crappie are looking up.” Watching Ham’s graph was an education in crappie behavior. The graph showed crappie moving up, but never down on the jigs. Most suspended in the deep, cold water, but a few moved around and did not seem interested in the jigs. Most of the bites came from suspended crappie and almost all were light, sometimes only a tap felt though the rod, but that is not unusual for winter fish. “During winter the crappie school together in large numbers,” Ham said. “They are easy to find and securing a

limit is generally not difficult. Kansas has some of the nation’s best winter fishing.” Ham suggests that winter anglers slow down retrieves and use smaller baits. Crappie love an easy meal this time of year and larger minnows tend to run away. Smaller minnows are more likely not to move as often, providing crappie with a seemingly easy meal. Dual jigs or two jigs tied on a line work well in the winter. This is a great time to try exceptionally small jigs generally used for trout. Marabou jigs in the 1/80 to 1/100-ounce sizes are good winter baits. Many are tipped with euro larva or Crappie Magnet slab bites with great success. “I love guiding parents with children,” Ham said. “They seem fascinated watching submerged fish on my electronics and how they react to jigs or minnows, a true outdoor video game. The adults, too, enjoy this and ask a lot of questions.” Ham’s boat is stable and large enough to accommodate wheelchairs. He

Parents and children seem fascinated watching submerged fish on my electronics and how they react to jigs or minnows, a true outdoor video game. KIRBY HAM

KENNETH L. KIESER

The author caught several nice crappie using Crappie Kirby’s technique.

Crappie Kirby studies structure on his graph while cruising down winter lakes. FEBRUARY 2022

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

15


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

Smoothie Moves: A Way to Well-Being Through a Glass Half-Full BY R E B E C C A H O WA R D

THE TERM “SELF-CARE” gets bandied about a lot these days. I find it puzzling. Should there really be a need for a term and reminder to take care of oneself? It’s been 20 years since I walked into my first yoga class. I continue to unroll my mat — at home now due to COVID-19 — to wring out my muscles and tissues and woes as I know the practice of yoga does. Yoga brought me to weightlifting, first attending a rigorous strength-training

class some 10 years ago to secure my spot in the yoga class following. The weightlifting stuck, and I do that at home, too, with a set of weights upstairs, congratulating myself regularly for not only finishing the workout, but not coming through the floor. I share this to dispel any misconceptions that all a food writer does is cook, eat, write, eat some more and repeat. Even after lapses (that we all have), I can generally count on myself to return Rebecca Howard to the mat and the weights. I do believe (soreness aside) that what’s good for you is also good to you. So I share, too, another simple nudge to get started with something that’s good for/to you. I got into smoothies more than a decade ago, when the When it comes to smoothies, there are endless possibilities. Try these concept that much of the body’s nutrismoothie combos, adjusting ingredients and proportions as you like. You tional needs for a daybreak meal could can also substitute low-fat dairy milk for the nut milks, if desired. Each of be easily met by whirring healthy ingrethese makes about two servings. Just combine ingredients in a blender, dients in a blender and serving them in blend until smooth and serve! a single glass. Berry Extra Going Green A smoothie, at its most basic, is a f 2 cups almond milk f 2 cups coconut water drink that combines a liquid, fruit and/ f 1 cup chopped spinach f 2 cups fresh spinach, or other mildor veggies and maybe some protein, flavored leafy green, such as chard f 2 cups frozen or fresh berries blended until smooth. Some recomf 1 stalk fresh celery, chopped f 1 small cooked (cooled) beet mended proportions are two parts (peeled), chopped f 1 cup fresh or frozen avocado, chopped (cups) liquid, two parts fruits and f 1 cup frozen banana or 1 f 1/2 banana, chopped veggies and 1/2 part (or 1/2 cup) thickbanana, chopped f 1 green apple, peeled and chopped ener, like yogurt or even ice for frostif 1/2 cup Greek yogurt f 1/2 cup frozen or fresh pineapple ness, but there really are no rules. If f 1 Tbs. chia seeds f 1/2 cup Greek yogurt you’ve never had or made a smoothie, f 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar here are some ideas for ways to create f 1 Tbs. nut butter f Honey or sweetener, to taste (optional) wellness by the glass. f 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar f Honey, to taste (optional)

Smoothie Talk: Some Basic Blends

Tropical Take

f 1 cup coconut milk

Wake-Up Call

f 1 cup coconut water f 1 cup chopped mango (fresh or frozen) f 1 cup chopped pineapple

(fresh or frozen) f 1 banana, chopped (or 1 cup frozen banana) f 1/2 orange, peeled

f 2 cups oat or cashew milk f 2 bananas chopped (or 2 cups

frozen chopped banana)

f 1 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder f 1/2 cup. strong, brewed coffee

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f 2 Tbs. quick oats f 2 Tbs. nut butter (peanut,

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f 1/2 cup chopped, pitted dates

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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Liquids

Many smoothie recipes call for regular dairy milk, but nut or grain milks — almond, cashew, oat, rice — work well for dairy-free options. GIVE THESE LIQUIDS A TRY: Coconut water, low-calorie and containing electrolytes, is ideally hydrating for smoothies. Also, consider a splash of apple cider vinegar for tart flavor and a nutritional boost.


R E B E CCA H OWA R D

Fruits and Veggies

Smoothie ingredients — fruit like berries, bananas, sliced peaches and mango — can be conveniently kept in the freezer. Frozen veggies, like spinach or even broccoli, can be blended into smoothies, too. Don’t resist the veggie component. Their subtle flavor is there, but doesn’t take over when combined with fruits. Try anything from leafy greens to beets, zucchini, peas and carrots. Give green a go, from parsley to green apple. A FRUIT TO CONSIDER: Besides being loaded with vitamins and nutrients, fresh or frozen pineapple contains enzymes that help with digestion, ease inflammation and also help the body recover from exercise. STICK THIS VEGGIE IN: Celery — this subtlyflavored powerhouse veggie provides fiber and liquid and an astounding array of body-healing antioxidants.

Proteins, Fats and Thickeners

Some people add processed protein powders into smoothies, but it’s easy enough to take a natural approach. While milk and nut milk contain protein for a smoothie, plain Greek yogurt is very high in protein and lends thick body, as does plain tofu (just give it a try). Nut butters, like almond butter, not only provide protein, but contain the “good fats” that help the body absorb iron-rich leafy greens, like spinach. A FAT TO FIT IN: I recently discovered chopped avocado in the freezer section at the grocery (a way to avoid the quick expiration of a fresh avocado). Avocado is loaded with good fat and adds creaminess to the drink.

Other Smoothie Add-ins

For natural, healthful add-ins, consider turmeric, cocoa powder, cinnamon, oats and seeds like chia, flax and pumpkin. Add a splash of vanilla for a flavor boost.

Sweeteners

A smoothie should not be a milkshake or a Slurpee. The fruit in smoothies usually provides enough sweetness, and you may want to take the less-is-more approach with sweeteners (or hidden sugars) in smoothies to lower calories. Avoid using fruit juices, milks and yogurt with added sugars; keep fruits and veggies natural (fresh or frozen, not canned in syrup) and choose natural sweeteners such as raw honey and maple syrup, agave, powdered stevia and even nutrient-rich dates to sweeten the pot. KCL 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.” REBECCA HOWARD

Smoothies serve up a colorful array of healthy — and tasty — ingredients by the glass. Clockwise from top: BERRY EXTRA – An array of berries, beet and more make up this fruitful smoothie. TROPICAL TAKE – Mango, pineapple

and banana, along with coconut milk and coconut water turn smoothie tastes tropical.

WAKEUP CALL – A perfect breakfast

smoothie combines coffee and cocoa with oat milk, oats, nut butter and banana, with sweetness from dates.

GOING GREEN – A glassful of green

smoothie comes from spinach, celery, green apple and avocado blended with banana and coconut water.

FEBRUARY 2022

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

17


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

Succession Planting

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

for a way to maximize your harvest without increasing your garden size? If space is a concern, succession planting is a strategy to consider. Start planning now and avoid running out of radishes, carrots or any other crop mid-season.

ARE YOU LOOKING

What is succession planting? Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.

Put together a plan for how you can use succession planting to maximize your harvest from the upcoming growing season.

Succession planting can follow a few different protocols. One model uses repeated plantings of determinate vegetables. Determinate crops are those that produce one harvest in a season. The remainder of the plant will not produce additional fruits/vegetables and can be composted. As an example of this type of succession planting, you could plant a crop of radishes week one and then additional plantings of radishes at regular intervals weekly or every other week depending on your needs. This ensures a steady supply of radishes throughout the season. Succession planting can also be done with entirely different crops. This could entail planting a crop of leafy greens in the early spring followed by a planting of zucchini after your lettuce harvest. The goal with this model is to maximize space in the garden. A third option is to plant the same vegetable of different varieties based on their temperature tolerances. For example, plant early season tomatoes, followed by mid- and late-season varieties. By planting these in succession you can have fresh tomatoes throughout the growing period. Succession planting isn’t limited to vegetables. Flowers can be grown this way too. Some annual flowers will become ragged and spent after blooming for a couple months. By seeding a new crop partway through the season, you can have a fresh supply of flowers to get you to your first frost date. This is a common method for growing such flowers as zinnias in the cut flower market.

Tips and Tricks

Knowing your first and last frost dates can help determine when and how long to follow a sucBeets are a great option for succession planting and can be re-seeded every two weeks for a repeated harvest.

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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cession planting schedule. The seed packets give information such as days to harvest, which you can use to figure out when your first and last crops should be planted to avoid being damaged by the frost. You should also consider the quantity of produce you will need. If you typically use three bunches of lettuce a week, your succession planting should reflect that. As the weather changes throughout the growing season, the plant varieties may need to change as well. Identify early, mid- and late-season varieties and time their plantings accordingly. This information can be found in seed catalogs.

Ready to get started?

Experimenting with new techniques is a great way to grow as a gardener. To give succession planting a try choose a cool season veggie with a quick turnaround time from seed to harvest, such as lettuce. Follow planting guidelines for your zone. Upon harvest, seed a later season crop such as peppers in the same location. Depending on your harvest date and first frost date you may be able to squeeze in one more planting in the early fall. Choose another veggie that tolerates cool temperatures such as spinach. Planning is an important task for a successful garden. If you don’t already have a garden calendar, it may be time to start one. Put together a plan for how you can use succession planting to maximize your harvest from the upcoming growing season. KCL CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coordinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy online certificate program.


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let’sdish Strawberry Breakfast Pastries

Baja Fish Taco Bowls

Cuban Chicken with Salsa Fresca

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Pastries f 1 package (17.3 oz.) puff pastry, 2 sheets f 1 cup halved and sliced fresh strawberries f 4 Tbsp. strawberry preserves f 1 large egg f 1 Tbsp. water Icing f 1 cup powdered sugar f 1 tsp. vanilla extract f 3-4 Tbsp. whole milk f Coarse decorator sugar, optional

f 2 bags tri-color quinoa

Chicken f 1 cup grapefruit juice f 2 Tbsp. olive oil f 2 tsp. garlic powder f 2 tsp. cumin f 2 tsp. paprika f 1 tsp. crushed red pepper f 1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts Salsa Fresca f 1 cup grapefruit segments f 1/2 jicama, cubed f 1/2 red onion, chopped f 3/4 cup grapefruit juice f 4 Tbsp. olive oil f 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped f 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a large baking sheet with silicone mat or parchment paper. Thaw puff pastry as directed on package. Once pliable, unfold each sheet and cut vertically along the fold lines, creating three pieces. Then cut in half horizontally to make six rectangles from each sheet. Arrange six of the rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. In a medium bowl, mix the strawberries and strawberry preserves. Evenly divide the strawberry mixture among the six rectangles, leaving a ½-inch margin along each edge. Prepare the egg wash by beating together the egg and water. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg wash. Take a second rectangle and place on top of the first, pressing down firmly on the edges to seal. Crimp the edges using a fork. Prick the top of the pastry to create vent holes. Brush the top with egg wash.

f 2 Tbsp. olive oil f 4 white-fleshed fish fillets (5-6 oz. each) f 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning f 1/2 tsp. salt f 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt f 1 Tbsp. lime zest f 1 tsp. lime juice f 1/4 tsp. ground cumin f 4 cups packed baby kale f 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted,

peeled and thinly sliced

Prepare quinoa according to package directions. In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season fish with Cajun seasoning and salt. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, or until fish is lightly browned and starts to flake. Set aside. In small bowl, stir yogurt, lime zest, lime juice and cumin. In medium bowl, toss quinoa with kale. Divide between four bowls. Top each with fish, sliced avocado and dollop of yogurt and lime crema. SUBSTITUTIONS: Taco seasoning or

chili powder can be used in place of Cajun seasoning. Arugula or baby spinach may be used instead of kale.

Bake for 26-30 minutes, until pastries are fully puffed and tops are golden brown. While pastries bake, prepare icing in a bowl. After removing pastries from the oven, allow them to cool 5 minutes. Then drizzle with prepared icing and sprinkle with decorator sugar, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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Heat oven to 400 F. In large bowl, mix grapefruit juice, oil, garlic powder, cumin, paprika and red pepper until combined. Add chicken to bowl and turn to coat. Refrigerate 30 minutes or longer. TO MAKE SALSA FRESCA: In medium bowl,

mix grapefruit segments, jicama, red onion, grapefruit juice, olive oil, cilantro and jalapeño pepper until combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Remove chicken from marinade. Place chicken in baking dish. Bake 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Serve chicken with salsa fresca.


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alarms. Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and outside of sleeping areas. CO detectors are designed to sound the alert before carbon monoxide reaches life threatening levels.” Design improvements are another great reason to consider replacement of older units. Ionization smoke alarms made their debut in the consumer market in 1970. Photoelectric smoke detectors were first patented in 1972, and the first 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarms hit the market in 1995. Since then, units using the best features of all three technologies have become popular. Many states have upgraded building codes to require hardwired smoke alarms with battery backup power, and carbon monoxide detectors in all new residential construction. As fire codes have evolved to require smoke alarms in close proximity to cooking appliances, manufacturers have improved the technology, said Mahoney. “They can distinguish between an actual fire event in the home and cooking fumes, reducing the incidence of nuisance alarms.” Features for residential alarms and detectors are also available to enhance the safety of the hearing impaired, said Nye, adding that those include bed shakers and strobe lights offering another level of alert to fire or carbon monoxide danger. KCL writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.

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IF THAT OLD SMOKE DETECTOR, discolored, stained with paint or years of household grime, could send you a message silently, it might say “please replace me.” Those lifesaving warning devices designed to alert us to smoke and fire were never meant to last forever. “The National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories suggests replacing smoke alarms every 10 years,” said Nicolette Nye, a public affairs specialist with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Both organizations cite sensor degradation rates of 3% per year for their replacement recommendations. “After 10 years, there would be a potential of a 30% failure rate,” said Nye, who also cited a CPSC recommendation that consumers look for smoke alarms rated or certified by Underwriters Laboratories designated by the symbol “UL” or the Electrical Testing Laboratories, marked with the “ETL” logo. Both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are designed with a time frame or useful lifespan of 10 years, said Shawn Mahoney, a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical services engineer. “Once they start to reach their end of life, consumers may notice alarm signals — typically a chirping sound that is either a low battery or an indication of the device’s end of life, meaning that it’s time the unit was replaced,” said Mahoney. The NFPA not only recommends that batteries be replaced once a year, but also urges you to test the unit once a month as an added precaution against failure. Chirping, prompted by a drained battery will typically stop within seven days and when that happens, the unit stops functioning. “If you’re just waiting to hear the sound and not testing regularly, there’s a possibility that you’re going to miss that, especially if you have battery-only systems,” Mahoney said. According to the CPSC, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors represent good investments in your family’s safety, said Nye, emphasizing that both types of devices should be replaced after 10 years. “Consumers who have working smoke alarms in their homes die in fires at about half the rate of those who do not have

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Common ailments often associated with aging — such as memory problems, heart issues, blood sugar concerns and vision and hearing difficulties — can all be connected to a decrease in mitochondria.

Dr. Sears and his researchers combined the most powerful form of CoQ10 available Taking CoQ10 is not enough — called ubiquinol — with a unique, “There’s a little-known NASA nutrient newly discovered natural compound called that multiplies the number of new power PQQ that has the remarkable ability to generators in your cells by up to 55%,” says grow new mitochondria. Together, the Dr. Al Sears, owner of the Sears Institute for two powerhouses are now available in a Anti-Aging Medicine in Royal Palm Beach, supplement called Ultra Accel II. Florida. “Science once thought this was Discovered by a NASA probe in space dust, impossible. But now you can make your PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline quinone) stimulates heart, brain and body young again.” something called “mitochondrial biogenesis” “I tell my patients the most important — a unique process that actually boosts the thing I can do is increase their ‘health span.’ number of healthy mitochondria in your This is the length of time you can live free of cells. disease and with all your youthful abilities In a study published in the Journal of and faculties intact.” Nutrition, mice fed PQQ grew a staggering Medical first: Multiply the “power number of new mitochondria, showing an increase of more than 55% in just eight generators” in your cells weeks. Al Sears, M.D., recently released an energyThe mice with the strongest mitochondria boosting supplement based on this NASA nutrient that has become so popular, he’s showed no signs of aging — even when they were the equivalent of 80 years old. having trouble keeping it in stock.

Science stands behind Dr. Sears is the author of over 500 scientific the power of PQQ papers on anti-aging and recently spoke at the WPBF 25 Health & Wellness Festival Biochemical Pharmacology reports that featuring Dr. Oz and special guest Suzanne PQQ is up to 5,000 times more efficient in Somers. Thousands of people listened to Dr. sustaining energy production than common Sears speak on his anti-aging breakthroughs antioxidants. and attended his book signing at the event. “Imagine 5,000 times more efficient Now, Dr. Sears has come up with what his energy,” says Dr. Sears. “PQQ has been a game peers consider his greatest contribution to changer for my patients.” anti-aging medicine yet — a newly discovered “With the PQQ in Ultra Accel II, I have nutrient that multiplies the number of tiny, energy-producing “engines” located inside energy I never thought possible,” says the body’s cells, shattering the limitations of Colleen R., one of Dr. Sears’ patients. “I am in my 70s but feel 40 again. I think clearer, traditional CoQ10 supplements. move with real energy and sleep like a baby.” Why mitochondria matter

It works right away

A single cell in your body can contain Along with an abundance of newfound between 200 to 2,000 mitochondria, with the largest number found in the most energy, users also report a sharper, more metabolically active cells, like those in your focused mind and memory, and even younger-looking skin and hair. Jerry M. from brain, heart and skeletal muscles. Wellington, Florida, used Ultra Accel II and But because of changes in cells, stress and was amazed at the effect. poor diet, most people’s power generators “I noticed a difference within a few days,” begin to malfunction and die off as they

NASA-discovered nutrient is stunning the medical world by activating more youthful energy, vitality and health than CoQ10. says Jerry. “My endurance almost doubled. But it’s not just in your body. You can feel it mentally, too,” says Jerry. “Not only do I feel a difference, but the way it protects my cells is great insurance against a health disaster as I get older.”

Increase your health span today

The demand for this supplement is so high, Dr. Sears is having trouble keeping it in stock. “My patients tell me they feel better than they have in years. This is ideal for people who are feeling or looking older than their age… or for those who are tired or growing more forgetful.” “My favorite part of practicing anti-aging medicine is watching my patients get the joy back in their lives. Ultra Accel II sends a wake-up call to every cell in their bodies… and they actually feel young again.”

Where to find Ultra Accel Il

Right now, the only way to get this potent combination of PQQ and super-powered CoQ10 is with Dr. Sears’ breakthrough Ultra Accel II formula.

To secure bottles of this hot, new supplement, buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-830-3478 within the next 48 hours. “It takes time to get bottles shipped out to drug stores,” said Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship the product directly to the customer.” Dr. Sears feels so strongly about this product, he offers a 100%, money-back guarantee on every order. “Just send me back the bottle and any unused product within 90 days, and I’ll send you your money back,” said Dr. Sears.

The Hotline will be taking orders for the next 48 hours. After that, the phone number will be shut down to allow them to restock. Call 1-800-830-3478 to secure your limited supply of Ultra Accel II. You don’t need a prescription, and those who call in the first 24 hours qualify for a significant discount. To take advantage of this great offer use Promo Code UAKS0222 when you call in.

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. RESULTS MAY VARY FROM PERSON TO PERSON. NO INDIVIDUAL RESULT SHOULD BE SEEN AS TYPICAL. OFFER NOT AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS OF IOWA


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Kansas Country Living February 2022 by American MainStreet Publications - Issuu