Issuu

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Veterans Deserve Our Full Attention this Month We dedicate this month’s issue to the brave men and women of our military. We salute those who serve or have served, those who have paid the ultimate price, and military family members who also sacrifice in the name of freedom. Veterans Day on Nov. 11 is but one day in which we can show our gratitude for the sacrifices of our veterans. Kansas communities will be saluting veterans throughout this month, and I urge everyone to attend at American Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 members Mary Murphy (second from least one event, contribute left) and Laah Tucker (second from right) help Fellowship of Christian Athletes students Terran Homburg, Sonny Gridley and Shayla Griffin install to at least one organization that benefits veterans, hire a their first green light for Vietnam War veteran Ron Murphy. Green Light a Vet is a national campaign to show visible support for military veterans. veteran, or look for veteran made products when shopping. Let them know veterans. You can share your support by posting we care. a picture of your green light using the hashtag One simple yet significant way to show your #greenlightavet. Visit www.greenlightavet.com. support is to join with more than 3.7 million (at I’m supporter number 3,734,302. KCL press time) Americans to Green Light a Vet. The campaign’s goal is to show visible support for veterans by changing one light to green in a visible location, like on your porch, and keep it burning as a symbol of appreciation and support for VICKI ESTES, EDITOR

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

NOVEMBER 2016

(ISSN 0091-9586) NOVEMBER 2016 VOL. 66, NO. 11 © KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC., 2016 WWW.KEC.COOP

Bruce Graham

Chief Executive Officer

Doug Shepherd

Vice President, Management Consulting

Shana Read

Director of Communications

Vicki Estes Editor

Carrie Kimberlin

NOVEMBER

Manager of Creative Solutions

Jackie Moore

Communications Specialist

Blake Miller Intern

Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Kathleen O’Brien President

Keith McNickle Vice President

Patrick Riley Secretary

Terry Hobbs Treasurer

Cooperatives You receive Kansas Country Living as a communications service of these electric cooperatives: Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale DS&O, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove Kaw Valley, Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton LJEC, McLouth Lyon-Coffey, Burlington Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Radiant, Fredonia Rolling Hills, Mankato Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington Tri-County, Hooker, OK Twin Valley, Altamont Victory, Dodge City Western, WaKeeney Wheatland, Scott City Kansas Country Living (ISSN 0091-9586) is published monthly for $10 per year (tax included) by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS and additional entry offices. For members of Kansas rural electric systems, subscription cost is $5.88 per year. This cost is part of your electric service billing. Editorial offices: P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267. Phone 785-478-4554. Fax 785-478-4852.

12| Quilts of Valor

“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook.

Quilting to honor and comfort

14| Veteran Workforce

D E PA RT M E N T S

Veterans key to cooperatives’ future workforce

20| Gift Guide

Great Kansas-made gifts for giving

Your Utility Bills 10| Cut Efficient bathroom venting Place in the Garden 18| Your S.A.V.E. changes lives

My Way Home 24| Cooking Not your typical fruitcake

26| Marketplace 28| Safety Holidays in the kitchen 29| Monthly Recipes

Postmaster Send address changes to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267.

Kansas Country Living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Submissions must be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes with sufficient postage to be returned. The publication does not guarantee publication of material received and reserves the right to edit any material published.

6| Commentary Time to prioritize Talk 8| Guest Serving Kansas veterans

Address Changes Please report any change in address to your local electric cooperative.

Advertisers Contact National Country Market: 512-441-5200, or see www. nationalcountrymarket.com. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives of the product or services advertised.

Kansas 4| Around Holiday happenings

NOVEMBER 2016

ON THE COVER Quilts displayed at the Emporia Public Library will be awarded to veterans on Nov. 5.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

T H I N G S TO D O

NOV. 11 V eterans Salute, Natoma. American

Legion Auxiliary Unit 109 and Natoma USD 399 will host this 7th annual Veterans Salute at the Natoma Elementary gymnasium. The event will honor veterans with special guests, “Every Hero Has a Story” memorabilia display, high school panel discussion, all school musical salute, free veterans luncheon (must RSVP). For more information contact Laah Tucker at 785-885-4116.

THROUGH NOV. 13 Virginia Holocek Oil Paintings and Quilts, Ellsworth. Oil paintings and quilts made by Virginia Holocek of Ellsworth will be on display at the Ellsworth Area Art Center, open Monday-Friday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. 223 Douglas Ave. NOV. 1-30 Schuyler Museum Military

Collection, Burlingame. Museum features a military collection to honor all veterans Oct. 1 through Nov. 30, 2016. Admission Free, donations accepted. Hours are Wed., Fri., Sun. from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed some holidays. 117 S. Dacotah, 785-654-3561.

Music: Gospel Night, Emporia. Performances at the Flint Hills Arts & Crafts Store from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. 620-273-8301. NOV. 4 Kids Klasses: Nature Art,

Emporia. Held at the Emporia Arts Center from 4 to 5 p.m. 815 Commercial St., 620-3436473. NOV. 5-6 Music of Maximus, Emporia.

The Brickyard 20 Ale House presents Maximus from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 402 Merchant St., 913522-8690. NOV. 5 Fall Vendor Fair, Almena.

NOV. 1 Boozy Tuesdays, Emporia. Knit

Your Heart Out at 6 p.m. at the Emporia Arts Center. Only 21 and older allowed. 815 Commercial St., 620-343-6473.

Vendors will be selling jams, soups barbecue items, plants, wreaths, clothing and more. Fair located at the Community building. Food available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 468 Main St.

NOV. 4-6 Gathering in the Grove Art

NOV. 5 Daniel Hoyt, Harper. Daniel

Show and Sale, Council Grove. Artists from around the Flint Hills gather to show and sell their original artwork in a juried art show starting Friday evening at 5 p.m. Saturday hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The historic Carnegie Building on Main Street is the venue. Small antiques will be displayed and sold along with the artwork. 303 W. Main St., www. gatheringinthegrove.com. NOV. 4 Creative Play Fridays: Paint-a-

Pot, Emporia. Located at the Emporia Arts Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Ages 6 and up. 815 Commercial St., 620-343-6473.

NOV. 4 Emma Chase Friday Night

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

NOVEMBER 2016

Hoyt, who teaches fiction writing and literature, including the Literature of Rock and Roll at Kansas State University, will present a writing workshop as part of the Pulitzer Centennial program at Harper Public Library. Begins at 1:30 p.m. 708 W. 14th St., 620-8962959. NOV. 5 Tisdale Country Holiday

Extravaganza, Winfield. This holiday in the country offers activities for everyone plus a craft fair, rides in a wagon drawn by a Clydesdale horse, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, delicious food and more. Event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For booth information, email jbrothers5846@yahoo.com. Like our

Facebook page at Tisdale Country Holiday Extravaganza for more information. NOV. 5 Lincoln Business Women

Holiday Craft Fair, Lincoln. Shop from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lincoln Grade School. Great finds! Great fun! For more information, call Mary Jo at 785-524-4075 or Ethel at 785-5312157. NOV. 6-JAN. 15 The Annual Holiday Gift Show, Lindsborg. This show has become a holiday favorite of many shoppers. More than 30 artists are represented in the show, which includes paintings, prints, handmade cards, small quilts, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, blown glass, Swedish inspired folk art and woodcarvings. Birger Sandzen Memorial Art Gallery, 401 N. First St. NOV. 6 The Charlie Daniels Band, Emporia. The Charlie Daniels Band will perform at 7 p.m. at the Emporia Granada Theater. 807 Commercial St. 620-342-3342. NOV. 8-JAN. 31 Christmas Toys

Exhibition, Lindsborg. Lester Raymer began the tradition of giving his wife, Ramona, a handmade toy every year for Christmas. This tradition continued for 30 years and became a collection of more than 50 carved and costumed gifts known as “The Christmas Toys.” Red Barn Studio , 212 N. Main St. NOV. 8 Design with a Splash of Wine: KC Chief Pride, Emporia. Design with a Splash of Wine theme will be KC Chiefs. Event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Emporia Arts

Center. Ages 21 and up only. 815 Commercial St., 620-343-6473. NOV. 8 Book Discussion, Emporia. Page Turners will have a book discussion at the Emporia Public Library from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 110 E. 6th Ave. 620-340-6462. NOV. 11 Kids Klasses: Science Art,

Emporia. Kids Klasses will be held at the Emporia Arts Center from 4 to 5 p.m. 815 Commercial St., 620-343-6473. NOV. 11 Veterans Day, Belleville. The

day begins at 6:30 a.m. with breakfast at Golden Bell Haven followed by the raising of 200 flags on the Courthouse Square at 9 a.m. The parade kicks off at 2 p.m. with the Fireman’s Chicken & Mountain Oyster supper at 4:30 p.m. Visit bellevilleks.org for more information. NOV. 12 Ellsworth County Medical

Center Auxiliary fundraising event, Ellsworth. One-stop-shop for holiday needs. Arts and crafts, homemade goodies and baked items, 50/50 raffle, antique sales and more. 1706 Aylward Ave. Call 785-472-3111 ext. 314 for vendor sale or participant information. NOV. 12 BLAST of Bluegrass, McPherson. Our popular fundraiser, BLAST is back featuring the Smoky Valley Boys with special guests The Treblemakers & The McKinney Sisters at 7:30 p.m. at the McPherson Opera House. All proceeds benefit the Opera House. Tickets available online at mcphersonoperahouse.org. 219 S. Main Street, 620-241-1952. NOV. 12 Brown Grand Theater Ghost Tour, Concordia. Adventure Tours of Kansas hosts this event at the Brown Grand Theater; 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Call 785-425-7350 or go to www.adventuretoursofkansas.com. NOV. 12 Denmark Dames Fall Bake

Sale, Lincoln. The Denmark Dames Service Club hosts this sale from 9 a.m. until sold out at the Denmark Hall and will feature pies, cakes, cookies, peppernuts and breads.

Proceeds benefit various Lincoln County organizations. Seven miles west of Lincoln on Highway 18 and three miles north on 120th Rd. Call 785-524-5352. NOV. 12 Holiday Shop, Rose Hill. Shop

the craft venders, cookie sales and other items at Rose Hill United Methodist Church. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls, soups and pies. 19551 S.W. Butler Rd. NOV. 12 Holiday Open House, Lindsborg. Start your holiday season with fun and shopping in Little Sweden, USA. Enjoy this all-day experience as businesses will open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enter to win Lindsborg gift certificate shopping sprees. Plus, there will be in-store drawings and refreshments. visitlindsborg.com. NOV. 12 Pheasant Day Soup Luncheon, Lincoln. Come to Denmark Community Hall between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and enjoy chicken noodle soup, chili, ham sandwiches, pimento cheese sandwiches, pie and drink. Proceeds benefit maintenance of the hall. Seven miles west of Lincoln on Highway 18 and three miles north on 120th Rd. Call 785-524-5352. NOV. 12 Tallgrass Prairie Documentary Premiere, Emporia. A project by Kansasbased documentarian, Dave Kendall, the film focuses on the historical, environmental and social significance of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Chase County. You’re invited to watch the film and meet the filmmakers at 7 p.m. at the Granada Theater. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is strongly encouraged. Register online at PrairieHollow.net or by phone at 785-587-2729, ext. 211. NOV. 15 Masterworks: Beethoven and

NOV. 18 Anansi the Spider, Junction City. Mesner Puppet Theater presents humorous folktales from Africa and the Caribbean about a trickster spider who sometimes gets tricked himself. Held at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. 135 W. 7th St. For more information call 785-238-3906 or visit jcoperahouse.org. NOV. 19-20 Boothill Model Train Club Show, Dodge City. Visit the show at the Western State Bank Expo Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. 11333 Highway 283; call Claude at 620-253-3037 for more information. NOV. 19 50th Annual See ‘N’ Sell Holiday Market, Salina. More than 200 vendors will be selling a variety of gift items, crafts, home décor, clothing, jewelry, food, floral, children’s items and more. Proceeds benefit Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. Children 12 and under are free. Salina Bicentennial Center, 800 The Midway. 888686-6468 or seeandsellshow.com. NOV. 19 Christmas Craft Festival and Gift Annex, Burlington. More than 150 booths of handmade arts and crafts will be at Burlington High School and 100 booths of crafts and direct sales gift items will be set up at Burlington Middle School. Begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Call 620-364-8484 or email sallistew@hotmail.com. NOV. 19 Garden of Eden Ghost Tour, Lucas. Tour from 7 to 10:30 p.m. For more information and tickets, call 785-425-7350 or go to www.adventuretoursofkansas.com. NOV. 19 Holiday Market, Junction City. Enjoy breakfast and then shop for gifts. Booths will have antiques, florals, baked goods, baskets, candles, stained glass, crafts, jewelry, wood crafts, ceramics, health products, ornaments, scrapping, embroidery, and more. 700 Wildcat Lane, 785-224-5260.

Wagner, Emporia. This exciting concert will feature “Overture to Meistersinger” by Wagner and “Symphony No. 6” by Beethoven. NOV. 20 Z eta Mu Annual Holiday Join us at Albert Taylor Hall located on the Show, Russell. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Emporia State University beginning at 7:30 p.m. Russell 4-H recreation buildings. 1 Kellogg Circle, 620-341-6378.

Continued on page 22  NOVEMBER 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

C O M M E N TA RY

Time to Recalibrate Schedules, Priorities & Lives BY B R U C E G R A H A M

While I’m not yet eligible for the senior discount at many restaurants, a

Bruce Graham

If you spend all of your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are most important.

benchmark that means I’m getting older has been recurring too often lately. More people I know are passing away—some far too early and with much life left to enjoy. We all have these unfortunate stories of friends and family who take sudden leave from our lives. We reflect the loss and pledge to spend more time with meaningful people, participate in activities that bring us joy, pursue our inspiration, share our blessings, and keep faith foremost. During a recent conversation with my mother, I was reminded of the professor and the pickle jar story—one that has been posted to hundreds of websites and no doubt popped up in your email inbox before. This story is a perfect prompt to recalibrate our schedules, our priorities and our lives—and there’s no better time than the holidays ahead.

The Professor and the Pickle Jar

The professor cleared off his desk and placed on top of it a few items. One of the items was an empty pickle jar. He proceeded to fill up the jar with golf balls until he could fit no more. He looked at the classroom and asked his students if they agree that the jar is full. Every student agreed that the jar was indeed full. The professor then picked up a box of small pebbles and poured them into the jar with the golf balls. The pebbles filled all of the openings in between the golf balls. He asked the students if the jar was full. Once again, they agreed. Now the professor picked up a bag of sand and poured it into the pickle jar. The sand filled in all of the empty space left between the golf balls and pebbles. He asked the class again if the jar was

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

NOVEMBER 2016

full. The students agreed it was technically full. Finally, the professor pulled out two beers from under his desk and poured both of them into the jar filling the empty space between the sand. Now the students began to laugh wondering how far this was going. The professor waited until the laughter stopped. “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life,” he started. “The golf balls represent the important things: your family, children, health, friends and passions. If everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles represent the other things in life that matter such as your job, house and car. The sand—that is everything else. The small stuff. If you put the sand in first, there is no room for the pebbles or golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all of your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are most important. Pay attention to the important things in your life. Enjoy time with family. Go to dinner with your spouse. Play games with your kids. There will ALWAYS be time to clean the house or take yourself shopping. Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter. The rest is just sand. You are dismissed.” Before the students left, one shouted out. “You never mentioned what the beer represents!” The professor smiled and said, “Well I’m glad you asked. The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room to have a beer with a friend.” KCL BRUCE GRAHAM is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. in Topeka.

As a U.S. citizen, one of our most important rights is electing our public ofďƒžcials. Use it November 8.

Delivering Energy for Life

G U E S T TA L K

Agency Privileged to Serve Kansas Veterans

Gregg Burden

We are the greatest country in the world because we have the greatest people in the world defending us.

BY G R E G G B U R D E N

Veterans Day is November 11, and I hope everyone honors those men and women who have served or continue to serve. Please say “thank you” to all the veterans for protecting and defending our freedom and way of life. We are the greatest country in the world because we have the greatest people in the world defending us. It’s important that we recognize our veterans because as President Coolidge once said, “The Nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.’’ Nothing is more important than remembering and honoring those who gave of themselves so that we can continue to be the home of the free because of the brave. The State of Kansas has always valued our military and its service members, and the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs Office (KCVAO) is privileged to support the quarter million veterans who live in the State of Kansas. The KCVAO provides a multitude of resources but our main focus is in three areas: long-term nursing and assisted living care to eligible veterans and dependents at our two veteran nursing homes; interment options at our four state veteran cemeteries; and our Veteran Services Program, which ensures Kansas veterans and their families receive all the services and benefits they have earned. The Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield and the Kansas Soldiers Home at historic Fort Dodge are our two nursing home facilities. These facilities provide nursing home care and domiciliary care to eligible veterans and eligible dependents. This care includes a primary care physician, pharmaceuticals, restorative services, and the necessary direct care staff to meet federal and state codes and our residents’ needs. Both facilities offer a dynamic activity program providing social, spiritual and recreational activities to meet the needs of elderly and disabled members, as well as younger residents. The KCVAO also operates four beautiful state veterans cemeteries located at Manhattan, Winfield, Fort Dodge and WaKeeney. We believe that veterans deserve to be interred with dignity, respect and honor for their service. In that regard, the state cemetery is not only a burial site but also a fitting memorial for service to our

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

NOVEMBER 2016

country. The state veterans’ cemeteries are geographically distributed across Kansas for optimal access for all concerned. The Veteran Services Program functions as the outreach arm of the KCVAO on all aspects of veterans’ benefits for the State of Kansas. The program promotes the interests and welfare of veterans, their dependents and survivors through counseling, education, claims assistance, and advocacy. This outreach is accomplished through 13 field offices located throughout the state, the Veterans Claim Assistance Program offices located at the three Veterans Administration Hospitals in Wichita, Topeka and Leavenworth, and through the Enhanced Services Delivery Program, which comprises our three mobile vans that travel throughout the state. It’s an honor serving our Kansas Veterans, and I encourage anyone with questions concerning state veterans’ benefits or services to call our office at 785-296-3976 or review all our programs at our website, www.kcva.ks.gov. is the director of the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs Office.

GREGG BURDEN

Santa visits veterans at the Kansas Soldiers Home at Historic Fort Dodge, one of two Kansas nursing home care and domiciliary care facilities supported by the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs Office.

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C U T YO U R U T I L I T Y B I L L S

Bathroom Vents: Selecting & Sizing for Efficiency

Dear Sandi: With the proper selection of a new bathroom vent fan, there can be significant improvement in overall efficiency and reduced noise. Replacing a bath vent fan is not a difficult project. Some models are designed with multiple duct adapters and brackets for simple installation. Before running out to the home center store to get a new one, you may be able to improve the function and lower the noise level of your old one. Often just a thorough cleaning of the inside, especially the blade surfaces, increases its air flow and decreases the noise. To be extra safe, switch off the circuit breaker to the vent fan. Unscrew the grill and the motor mounting screws to get full access. Clean every surface you can reach including up into the duct as far as possible with an alcohol wipe. Even if the motor bearings are a little worn, cleaning may bring it back into balance and reduce air flow resistance. Another option is to get a lower-cost fan rebuilding kit with just a new motor and blade. This will bring it back to its original efficiency and sound level, but not as good as a brand new one. The sound level of a vent fan is rated in “sones” and is listed on the packaging. The quietest fans are only 0.3 sones, but any under 1.0 are very quiet. At this level, you can barely

THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES OFFER BATHROOM VENTING PRODUCTS:

ffBROAN/NUTONE, 800-558-1711, www.broan.com; ffCONTINENTAL FAN, 800-779-4021, www.continentalfan.com; ffFANTECH, 800-747-1762, www.fantech.net; ffHUNTER, 888-830-1326, www.hunterhomecomfort.com; and ffPANASONIC, 800-405-0652, www.panasonic.com.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

NOVEMBER 2016

This is an upgrade kit for older noisy bathroom vent fans. It includes a new modern grille, motor and two motor mounting plates.

BROAN

Dear Jim: My old bathroom vent fan is noisy and does not remove humidity well. Is there any difference in new fan efficiency and how do I find a quiet one? Can I install a new one myself?—Sandi T.

hear it running. A smaller (meaning less air flow) fan is typically quieter than a large one of equal quality. To determine the size vent fan you need, the Home Ventilating Institute (www.hvi.org) recommends 1.1 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of air flow for each square foot of bathroom floor area. When installing a multispeed fan, make sure the maximum air flow rating meets this. There are differences in the efficiencies of bathroom vent fan designs. To be Energy Starcertified, a small fan must vent at least 1.4 cfm/ watt-used and a larger fan (90 cfm and larger) must be twice that efficient. Although the above fan efficiency is somewhat important, the type of fan control has a much greater impact on your utility bills. If a fan runs longer than necessary, it obviously wastes electricity and draws out excessive conditioned air. If the fan runs too little or is too small, excess moisture builds up indoors. This can make the air conditioner run longer, affect your comfort, exacerbate allergies, and damage

The best sensors detect a rapid rise in moisture level and automatically switch the fan to high speed.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Kansas Country Living, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

C O N T I N E N TA L F A N

windows and building materials. A combination motion-sensing and moisture-level-sensing control with a multispeed fan motor and a LED light is by far the best. If the moisture level is not excessively high, the motion sensor will start when you enter the bathroom and stop when you leave it (you may adjust the stop delay.) When showering and creating moisture, the moisture sensor keeps the fan running after you leave the room until the level drops. The best sensors detect a rapid rise in moisture level and automatically switch the fan to high speed. It goes back to quieter low speed and then stops. Another super-quiet option is an efficient inline vent located in the attic. Ducts from the powerful fan can run to two separate inlet grills, such as one over the sink and one over the bathtub. It is compatible with any type of sensor and control. KCL A single quiet inline fan can vent a large bathroom from multiple inlets for more effective removal of moisture.

DOES DUSTING LIGHT BULBS SAVE ELECTRICITY?

Dear Jim: My neighbor is a cleaning nut. She even cleans off the light bulbs in her lamps and claims it saves electricity. Is there really any point to dusting light bulbs?—BRIAN G. DEAR BRIAN: Your neighbor may not be the nutty one in your neighborhood. A layer of dust on a light bulb can reduce the light output by up to 20 percent. This may force you to switch on an additional lamp. Gently wipe off each light bulb with a damp cloth every several weeks. Unplug the lamp before wiping it. Make sure the bulb has been off for at least five minutes so that it is cool or the glass may crack.

NOVEMBER 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Quilts of

Valor The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

Every stitch represents a hug. Each yard of fabric a gesture

of compassion and gratitude. The quilts, about 50 in all this year, will be awarded to Emporia-area veterans on. Nov. 5 as part of the Quilts of Valor project. The Emporia and the Flint Hills regional quilt guilds, as well as independent quilters, contribute finished quilts to the program in which veterans are awarded patriotic-themed quilts in hopes of providing comfort and healing. The Emporia program, now in its sixth year, mirrors the national program established by the Quilts of Valor Foundation in 2003, which has awarded more than 146,000 quilts to date. Rosaetta Fields, who chairs the Emporia Quilts of Valor project, has been involved since the beginning when the finished quilts were originally taken to the Eisenhower Library in Abilene for distribution. The Emporia quilters, many of whom have spouses, other family members and neighbors and friends who currently serve or have served, decided to award their quilts to veterans in the Emporia area. “Since Emporia is the founding city of Veterans Day we thought ‘why don’t we work with our local veterans,’’’ Fields explained. The Emporia Quilts of Valor has awarded more than 200 quilts to area veterans, including Ron Whitney, a 2013 recipient. Whitney, who joined the Army in 1968 and served in the Vietnam War, said while other returning servicemen and servicewomen faced the rancor of protestors, his return home to the states came without fanfare. “When I came back it was almost like my arrival never existed,”

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Before a standing-room-only crowd, each quilt is unfolded to reveal its patriotic pattern.

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

he said. “We never came back as a unit we just came back, split up, went on home, got out of our uniforms, put on our civilian clothes and that was it.” The show of support for veterans through Quilts of Valor and other events that take place locally and nationwide is a big change that Whitney said he’s noticed since his time in the service. “It’s so commendable that they are doing all this work for us and recognizing us and making such a big deal out of us—it’s really cool.” To receive a Quilt of Valor, veterans, or their family members or friends, complete a simple application, which Fields makes sure are available at the American Legion and the Emporia Chamber of Commerce, plus she keeps some on hand. All living veterans are eligible for the program. Some years they have more applicants than quilt makers but Fields assures that eventu-

ally the applicants will be awarded a quilt. “If they didn’t get one last year we try to make sure they get one the following year,” Fields said. The quilt presentations take place at the American Legion a week prior to Veterans Day. Before a standing-room-only crowd, each quilt is unfolded to reveal its patriotic pattern. A label affixed to the back is read aloud identifying the recipient, the recipient’s military service, the quilter and the person who pieced it. The quilt is then carefully folded and handed to a Boy Scout who then presents it to the veteran. As past commander of the American Legion in Emporia, Whitney has attended each of the presentations, oftentimes rummaging through storage to find every last chair available for the overflowing crowds on hand. Whitney said the solemn event inevitably produces tears among the recipients and those in attendance. “Some of them are World War II guys in their 90s who are just blown away by this,” Whitney said. “And then there’s the Korean war veterans, the forgotten war that nobody ever recognizes, and it’s a special deal for them, too, that they are getting some sort of recognition and a gift of a quilt that was handmade by these folks.” The quilters, who donate their time and their own money and supplies to make the quilts, participate for varied reasons, some

Ron Whitney, right, receives his Quilt of Valor from a young Boy Scout in the 2013 award ceremony at the American Legion in Emporia.

Continued on page 17  NOVEMBER 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

BY J U ST I N L A B E R G E

next generation workforce America’s electric cooperatives have long enjoyed a strong relationship with the nation’s armed forces. Most military bases are located in rural areas, and the power systems at some bases are operated by electric cooperatives. A disproportionately large percentage of our nation’s troops—some estimates suggest as high as 40 percent—come from rural America. Even the organization responsible for representing electric cooperatives in Washington, D.C., the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), was once led by a retired Army general. Last year, America’s electric cooperatives began a new chapter in their long history of support for the military with the launch of Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country, a nationwide initiative to honor and hire military veterans and their spouses. The program was developed to help electric cooperatives address a genera-

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tional turnover in its workforce. Over the next five years, NRECA estimates electric co-ops will need to hire approximately 15,000 new employees to replace retiring baby boomers. Those new workers will fill roles in every department, from lineworkers climbing poles to member service representatives answering questions to engineering and IT experts designing and managing a smarter electric grid. In addition to the technical skills these jobs require, electric cooperative employees must be hard-working, disciplined, loyal, safety-conscious and team-oriented—qualities that are common among military veterans. This summer, Serve our Co-ops; Serve Our Country celebrated a major milestone when former Air Force Captain Jeremiah Sloan became the first veteran officially hired through the program.

This summer, Serve our Co-ops; Serve Our Country, a nationwide initiative to honor and hire military veterans and their spouses, celebrated a major milestone when former Air Force Captain Jeremiah Sloan became the first veteran officially hired through program.

The story of how Sloan landed his new job as an electrical engineer at Craighead Electric Cooperative in Jonesboro, Ark., reads like the plot of a Hollywood movie. For several months, Craighead Electric CEO Brian Duncan had been working to fill the position. Duncan advertised the opening in local papers and national job sites and attracted a number of highly qualified candidates. Sloan’s application was among those strong candidates, but he wouldn’t be available to start for six months when his Air Force service ended. Duncan, hoping to fill the position sooner than that, made offers to two other well-qualified applicants, but was unable to come to terms with either.

NOVEMBER 2016

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Continued from page 15 

Shortly after the second candidate fell through, Duncan attended a national conference for electric cooperative CEOs. One of the sessions featured two fellow co-op CEOs, one of whom was a 25-year Air Force veteran, discussing the newly launched veteran hiring initiative. “The whole time they’re talking I’m thinking about Jeremiah; we probably need to look at this guy. For these guys coming out of the military, what better way to say ‘thank you’ than to give them a job,” Duncan said. They scheduled an interview and it didn’t take long for Duncan to realize the co-op had found its next engineer in Sloan. “He was extremely professional. It was straight down the line. ‘Yes sir.’ ‘No sir.’ Very detailed in his answers to all of the questions. Very thoughtful in his answers. It was the perfect interview, you might say.” Sloan brings more than a strong résumé and professional demeanor to his new position at

Brian Duncan (right), CEO of Craighead Electric in Arkansas, hired Air Force Captain Jeremiah Sloan (left) as the newest engineer on the Craighead team. Duncan says, “Sloan brings more than a strong résumé and professional demeanor to his new position. He also brings a love for the community and a desire to return to his roots.”

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For these guys coming out of the military, what better way to say ‘thank you’ ... Craighead Electric. He also brings a love for the community and a desire to return to his roots. “I grew up in northeast Arkansas,” Sloan said. “My family is a long line of farmers, and they’re actually on Craighead Electric’s lines. The whole reason my wife and I decided to separate from the Air Force was to return home and be close to family.” Though Sloan is the first veteran hired through the initiative, he won’t be the last. Several other veterans have been hired through the program. In addition to nationwide outreach through NRECA, approximately 50 electric cooperatives across the country have already taken the pledge to join the effort on the local level. The support of veterans and reservists extends far beyond the scope of the formal Serve Our Co-ops; Serve our Country program into the routine operation of many electric cooperatives. Kansas electric co-ops lead in the efforts to assist veterans and those who have served in the armed forces. Several co-ops sponsor veterans to take part in honor flights each year or donate funds and food to veteran organizations. Other Kansas co-ops have sponsored “The Moving Wall” exhibit, the traveling half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, while other co-ops assist veterans in wild game hunting or help with home improvement projects. Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country is another way America’s electric cooperatives can show concern for community while building a next generation workforce that will deliver the exceptional service co-op members expect and deserve. To learn more about the program and career opportunities for veterans at electric cooperatives, visit www.ServeVets.coop. KCL CATHY CASH

article.

and DENNY GAINER contributed to this

Quilts of

Valor

Continued from page 13 

because they have spouses, family or friends who have served in the military and others who can merge their patriotism and passion for quilt making to benefit others. “What motivates me is the love of my country,” Fields shared. “My father was a vet, my brother was a vet, my husband is a vet and most of the people that make the quilts either know a veteran or are married to a vet.” Susan Stone, a member of both quilt guilds who, with the help of Renee Bass, made a quilt for the project this year, understands the impact that the quilts can have on veterans. Her father served in World War II, her son served in the U.S. Air Force and her husband works closely with veterans each day. “Something moved me about this project, plus my husband works at the VA hospital and that really brings it close to home. He sees the need for healing every day.” Rita Dingman, a member of the Emporia Regional Quilt Guild who also volunteers her quilt making skills and resources for the project, views her efforts and those of the other quilters as a vital responsibility as an American. “We feel like we need to help our servicemen and show our respect for what they’ve done for our country. They put out so much more than what we are doing.” Recipients, or those who completed an application on their behalf, receive a phone call or letter informing them they’ve been awarded a quilt. Fields shared that sometimes the veteran is reluctant to accept the award. “We’ve had a couple who don’t think they are entitled to a quilt, and we’ve had to talk them into it,” she said. The Quilts of Valor project has been a highlight of the Emporia Regional Quilters Guild’s activities for several years, according to Vickie Vaughn, the guild’s president. One of the particularly touching things she said the guild has learned over the years is that some of these

Pat England, left, and July Wild help hang one of the quilts that will be awarded to a veteran on Nov. 5. Both women make quilts for the Quilts of Valor project.

presentations have been a complete surprise to the veteran. “The family makes up some reason to get them to the American Legion on time and we do the rest,” said Vaughn, who has made two of the “surprise” quilts. “The tears flow, and smiles break open as they hug those quilts to their chests.” Richelle Birk, who served in the U.S. Air Force, received her Quilt of Valor three years ago and displays it over the banister in her home. Her dad, Charles “Rick” Lemm, who completed two tours in Vietnam, is one of the surprise quilt recipients. “We told him we were going to breakfast at the Legion, and when he walked in he wondered what was going on,” Birk said. “He got really emotional. The quilts mean a lot to the guys in the Vietnam and Korean wars.” She shared that her dad proudly displays his quilt on his bedroom wall. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in the service two years or 30 years, they treat you the same,” Birk said of the Quilts of Valor project. “It’s very heartfelt, especially knowing they make these from money out of their own pockets.” For those interested in attending the Quilts of Valor award ceremony, Fields recommends tucking a supply of tissues in your purse or pocket. “When those little Boy Scouts, who are so proud, present those quilts, some of the veterans will give them a salute,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of veterans who sit there and the tears just run down their cheeks. There’s not a dry eye in the room. That’s what keeps you going.” KCL NOVEMBER 2016

We feel like we need to help our servicemen and show our respect for what they’ve done for our country.

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

S.A.V.E.—A Veterans Garden Changing Lives

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

Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.

An important part of the education is therapy that will be integrated into the students’ daily living.

others it’s labor, but there is a group of men and women to whom gardening is where they will find their new purpose in life. Our country is home to 1.5 million veterans and 800,000 service members preparing to transition back into civilian lifestyle. Many of these service members are returning home with physical disabilities, PTSD and anxiety disorders that disrupt their quality of life. Vietnam veteran Gary LaGrange believes, “these service members deserve to be welcomed back into our society with meaningful programs that can help them find purpose,” which is what inspired him to start the nonprofit organization, S.A.V.E. (Service member Agricultural Vocation Education). LaGrange shared that over the next 15 years our country will need 1 million new farmers. Many transitioning service members have shown interest in farming. S.A.V.E. bridges this gap. In partnership with Kansas State University, the Senate Appropriations Committee for Agriculture, USDA, the State Department of Agriculture and others, LaGrange has designed S.A.V.E. as a working farm to train veterans and their families to fill the growing need for farmers in our country, while helping them transition into life after military service. The S.A.V.E. Farm will be situated on 540 acres 7 miles northwest of Manhattan, Kan., and will include 10 acres of orchards, 15 acres of produce gardens, a greenhouse, and 10-acre plots of wheat, corn, soy beans, grain sorghum and alfalfa. There will be cows, sheep, goats, hogs, horses and poultry. Five-hundred bee colonies will be located in the vicinity. A commercial kitchen on site to teach culinary skills, a honey production facility and a robust selection of equipment will be available for student training. Kansas State University’s Colleges of Agriculture, Architecture and Global Campus are developing programs and leading the farm design effort. Programmatic parts of S.A.V.E are currently operational including beekeeping, workshops at the KSU student gardens and farm tours. The farm’s design will be completed in December with groundbreaking in spring 2017. The agriculture training will allow students

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to gain experience in all aspects of farming. An important part of the education is therapy that will be integrated into the students’ daily living. Clinical psychologists, specialists, and family and marriage counselors employed onsite will assist students with visible and invisible disabilities. While in the program, the farm will be home to students who have access to the clinic, chapel and dining room where they can eat meals with their family. Once the S.A.V.E. farm is fully operational it will house and train 100 students and their families, at one time over an 11-month period. Incorporating the families into the training and therapy reflects the reality that farming is a family effort, according to LaGrange whose family has been farming since 1652. When students leave the farm they will remain a member of the S.A.V.E. family, and staff will follow-up with the graduates to ensure a healthy transition. There is room for others to help our veterans through advocacy and assistance supporting S.A.V.E. Visit www.thesavefarm.org to get involved. KCL CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coordinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy online certificate program. GARY LAGRANGE is a retired Army Colonel who served 28 years with multiple tours to Vietnam. His service to our country continues today by helping fellow veterans provide for their families and maintain a healthy life.

G A RY L AG R A N G E

To some, gardening is a hobby; to

Students in the S.A.V.E. program spend a half day at various farms learning the operations.

Kansas Jayhawks Cuckoo Clock

Hand-crafted clock is hand-painted with Kansas team colors Proudly displays a full-color image of the packed arena on game day Features an accurate batteryoperated quartz movement which powers the swinging pendulum bearing the official Kansas Jayhawks® logo Each edition is hand-numbered and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity

Earliest orders receive the coveted low edition numbers!

Over 1½ Feet High!

On the hour, the doors swing open and the sound of a cheering crowd accompanies a jersey-wearing cuckoo bird that chirps!

Shown much smaller than actual size of 21” high x 4” deep including swinging pendulum and weights.

Visit us online!

Requires two C batteries and one AA battery, not included. Product subject to change.

Only 10,000 will be made— order now! Strong demand is expected for the edition which is strictly limited to only 10,000 worldwide. Act now to acquire your Kansas Jayhawks® Cuckoo Clock at the issue price payable in five convenient installments of $39.99, for a total of $199.95*. Your purchase is risk-free, backed by our 365day money-back guarantee. Send no money now. Just complete and mail the Reservation Application today so you don’t miss out!

bradfordexchange.com/kuclock RESERVATION APPLICATION

9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393

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01-22863-001-E08692 *Plus $24.99 shipping and service. Limited-edition presentation restricted to 10,000 clocks. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

Kansas Give the Gift of

From the Land of Kansas encourages you to shop Kansas this holiday season.

The From the Land of Kansas program invites you to give the gift of Kansas this holiday season. There are many opportunities to incorporate Kansas into the holidays, from the gifts you give to the meals you prepare. Kansas products make thoughtful hostess gifts, offer a unique way to say “thank you,” and make great gift baskets. KETTLE CORN

BY THRILL’S KETTLE CORN, BURLINGAME

Named best kettle corn at the 2016 Kansas State Fair, Thrill’s Kettle Corn is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. Thrill’s is a family-owned business and sells at 55 stores including Hy-Vee. Veteran owned.

NO-ROLL PIE CRUST MIX BY ELSIE GRACE’S, FRANKFORT

Elsie Grace’s creates hand-crafted mixes that are great for your home or as gifts. The no-roll pie crust is easy to work with and creates a flaky crust like grandma used to make.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

NOVEMBER 2016

The From the Land of Kansas Online Marketplace provides secure online shopping with more than 20 different companies all on one site.

ALMOND TOFFEE

BY TONJA’S TOFFEE, MODOC

Rich, buttery, whole almond toffee topped off with a thin layer of chocolate and a dusting of almonds. Now available in three sizes and three seasonal toppings in addition to the milk chocolate: dark chocolate, white chocolate and butterscotch. Tonja’s Toffee is always fresh and never sticky.

PIE FILLINGS

BY GRANDMA HOERNER’S, ALMA

Loaded with whole fruit, fabulous pecans and premium ingredients only! Each jar makes a 9-inch pie. Free of all artificial colors and flavors and no high fructose corn syrup. Grandma Hoerner’s showcases nothing but the best in each jar. Available fillings include: apple pie, caramel maple pumpkin pie, cherry pie and pecan pie.

The products are Kansas made and can be shipped straight to your door or the door of your gift recipient this holiday season.

SPOON LOV’N FUDGE BY MOM & I’S CANDY, EVEREST

Enjoy it straight from the cup, stir into hot drinks, or microwave a few seconds for a hot ice cream topping. Mom and I’s Candy fudge comes in a pack of four 2.4-ounce jars. Two pack options: chocolate, peanut butter, rocky road and praline pecan or hot fudge, cookie dough, sea salt caramel and cherry smash.

“IN THE HEARTLAND” BY KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) enlisted the help of Jerry Thomas to paint “In the Heartland.” The KACD Endowment is selling prints of the painting to raise funds for conservation education and resource development.

Visit Shop.FromtheLandofKansas.com to incorporate Kansas products into your holiday season. NOVEMBER 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

T H I N G S TO D O

Continued from page 5 

NOV. 20 Tallgrass Prairie Documentary Premiere, Manhattan. A project by Kansas-based documentarian, Dave Kendall, the film focuses on the historical, environmental and social significance of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Chase County. You’re invited to watch the film and meet the filmmakers at 1 p.m. at the Wareham Opera House, reception to follow at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is strongly encouraged. 410 Poyntz. Register online at PrairieHollow.net or by phone at 785-5872729, ext. 211. NOV. 21 KHC Speaker, Harper. This 6

p.m. presentation at Harper Public Library will look at the reasons free speech is protected and provide current examples of how people in authority dissuade the public from speaking up. Events of today can be connected to William Allen White’s famous editorial, the work of Joseph Pulitzer, and the history of journalism in the U.S. 708 W. 14th St., 620-8962959. NOV. 22 Walnut Turkey Day Dash,

Emporia. The event begins at Walnut Elementary School on Thanksgiving Day at 7:30 a.m. Costumes and/or hats are encouraged. This is a community family, group or individual fun event! For more information visit www. usd253.org, www.active.com or call Walnut School at 341-2288 for a registration form. NOV. 25-DEC. 31 Rocky Pond Christmas

Lights, Belleville. Christmas Lights will be illuminated in Belleville Sundays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. See Rocky Pond Christmas Lights on Facebook, call 785-527-5524 or email mainstreet@nckcn.com. NOV. 25 Christmas on the Square,

Belleville. Enjoy the lighted parade at 6 p.m. and stay as shops will be open late with guessing games and refreshments, plus Santa will make an appearance and there will be horse and wagon rides. Visit bellevilleks.org.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

NOV. 25 Christmas Parade, Junction

City. Celebrate the opening of the Christmas season with floats, bands, lights and the arrival of Santa Claus to turn on the lights in Heritage Park. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage Park. Visit junctioncitychamber.org for more information. NOV. 25 Christmas in the Country,

Oxford. Tour homes decorated for the Holidays and enjoy old-fashioned horse drawn wagon rides. There will be plenty of shopping for vintage and hand crafted goods at the Little Town Square Market. Join us for lunch at Historic Old Mill, the Oxford Christian Church and Angie D’s cafe. For information call Kaye Dee at 620-455-3636. NOV. 26 Lighted Horse Parade, Barnes. Soup supper begins at 5 p.m. at the firehouse. Parade begins at 7 p.m. Riders and any horse drawn conveyance always welcome to participate. Downtown shops will be open. 785-763-4310 or www.barnesks.net. NOV. 26 Cody Jinks, Emporia. The Emporia Granada Theatre is proud to present Cody Jinks in concert at 7 p.m. 807 Commercial St., 620-342-3342. NOV. 26 Downs Chamber Turkey Trot, Downs. The Chamber hosts this fun run. After you kick off the morning enjoy our great business district for Small Business Saturday shopping. To pre-register, visit www. downschamber.com. Call Mandy at 785-4546670 with questions. NOV. 26 Small Business Saturday, Lindsborg. Shopping, coffee, warm Swedish pastries, cozy dining. Sound good? Please come out and support our local merchants as we enter the Christmas Season. Find that special one-of-a-kind gift for your friends and loved ones. Enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride in downtown from 1 to 3 p.m. as you delight in all that Lindsborg has to offer. NOV. 29 Christmas Parade, Emporia. This year’s theme is “Candy Canes & Cookies.”

NOVEMBER 2016

Deadline for Christmas Parade entry is Nov. 4, 2016. Visit emporiakschamber.org/christmasparade or call 620-342-1600. DEC. 1-4 A Christmas Carol, Junction City. A stage play version of the holiday classic about a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation after several ghostly visits. Performances will be at the C.L. Opera House at 137 W. 7th St. Thurs., Fri., and Sat. shows will be at 7:30 p.m. and the Sun. show will begin at 2 p.m. For tickets or more information, call 785-238-3906 or visit jcoperahouse.org. DEC. 2-3 Festival of Nativities, Palco.

View displays of Nativity scenes from around the world, enjoy a cup of warm cider, and get in the Christmas spirit at this two-day festival held at the Palco United Methodist Church. Displays will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The festival is a joint effort of several area churches. All are welcome, especially senior citizen vans! 804 E. First St. For more information contact tsteeples@ hotmail.com or call 785-737-4536. DEC. 3 Winterfest Bazaar and Craft

Fair, Derby. The 18th Annual Winterfest will be held at the Woodlawn Methodist Church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes: Snowflake Café, silent auction, bake sale, and 100 craft booths. All proceeds benefit missions. 431 S. Woodlawn, 316-788-1507. DEC. 3 C hristmas Bazaar, Wakefield

e offer shopping for handcrafted items; W homemade cakes, pies, candy, “white elephant” shopping area, lunch, over 7,000 square feet of displays and more! Raffle drawing at 4 p.m. 604 6th St., 785-463-5321, wakefieldmuseum@eagle.com.net. DEC. 3 C hocolate Festival, Alton.

on’t miss this annual event at the American D Legion Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. Prize money for cookie and bar cookie baking contests. There will be music, games, free coffee and hot chocolate and a bake sale. For details contact dcarswell@ruraltel.net or call 785-984-2341.

DEC. 3 T our of Homes, Fort Riley.

T ransport yourself to days gone by as you tour some of Fort Riley’s beautiful historic homes. The homes showcased will be fully decorated for the holidays. This is a self-guided tour and you may begin at your leisure. This event will be at the U.S. Cavalry Museum from 1 - 5 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 and tickets bought the day of will be $12. Call 785-239-2737 for more information. DEC. 3-4 C hildren’s Small Mall,

Leavenworth. C .W. Parker Carousel Museum hosts this event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Elves help children ages 3-13 holiday shop and wrap selected gifts. Shoppers get a free ride on the 1913 carousel, reindeer food and movies. 320 S. Esplanade. www.firstcitymuseums.org, email cyndi1536@yahoo.com. DEC. 3-4 F estival of the Nativities,

Lincoln. Get in the spirit of the season with nearly 250 nativities on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Denmark Community Hall. Each adult will have a chance to win a nativity. Seven miles west of Lincoln on Highway 18 and three miles north on 120th Rd. Call 785-524-5352. DEC. 4 Burlington Holiday Homes

Tour, Burlington. Five homes will be decorated for the holidays from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information contact Burlington Recreation at 620-364-8484 or contact sallistew@hotmail.com. DEC. 4 Holiday Homes Tours, Great Bend and Ellinwood. From 1 to 5 p.m. tour the homes decorated for the holidays. For more information call 620-797-FAIR or visit bartoncountyfair.com, click “Yearly Events” and look for Holiday Homes Tour. DEC. 10 Christmas Festival, Wilson.

Enjoy vendors, food stands and Santa from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 785-658-2272 or “Czech” our website at wilsonkschamber.com for more information.

DEC. 10-11 J ourney to Bethlehem, Jetmore United Methodist Church will be hosting this play telling of the events that took place leading up to our Savior’s birth, acted out with stunning cast, vibrant costumes, and even live animals! Please join us as we take a Journey through Bethlehem. All are welcome. This is a family event. Special needs tours begin at 5 p.m. 204 Highway St., 620-357-6237

leaders, chamber representatives, legislators, government officials, and local workforce board members to take action to address employment, workforce and economic development issues in Kansas. Visit www. kansasworkforcesummit.com or call 620-2278082. KCL

Send items for your free listing in Around Kansas to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604 by the fifth of the month prior to publication. Or send an DEC. 10-11 The Nutcracker, McPherson. email to events@kansascountryliving.com. Ballet Wichita will present this magical Please include a contact phone number. Christmas classic at the McPherson Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and on We publish Around Kansas events as a Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets available at courtesy and as space allows and cannot guarantee publication of your event. To mcphersonoperahouse.org . 219 S. Main Street, guarantee placement of your event in the 620-241-1952. magazine, contact ad sales at 785-478-4554 or advertising@kansascountryliving.com. DEC. 16-17 I nfantry Division Band and Holiday Concert, Junction City. The 1st Infantry Division Band will captivate you, performing a variety of Christmas music. A S U B S C R I B E TO holiday concert full of jolly classics and the traditional sounds of the Christmas season. This event will start at 7:30 p.m. and is free to the public at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. For more information, call 785-238-3906. DEC. 17 P ost Rock Country Christmas, Lincoln. Lincoln County celebrates the holidays with a day of local shopping, pictures with Santa, Chamber Buck giveaway, dance recital, a free movie at 1 p.m. and more activities for the family. 916-645-2035. www. lincolnchamber.com. DEC. 18 Sammie King and InsideOut, McPherson. Sammie King and his InsideOut big band will swing you into Christmas at 7 p.m. at the McPherson Opera House. Michelle King will be featured on vocals. Tickets available online at mcphersonoperahouse.org . 219 S. Main Street, 620-241-1952. JAN. 18-19 2017 Kansas Workforce

Summit, Topeka. The 16th Annual Kansas Workforce Summit will be held at the Topeka Capitol Plaza. The Summit is a forum for employers, educators, community

Only $10 a year. Clip this form and mail with your check or money order payable to: Kansas Electric Cooperatives, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604

NAME ADDRESS 1 ADDRESS 2 CITY STATE ZIP

NOVEMBER 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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

Going a Little Nuts for Fruitcake

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

Every year, as the holidays approach,

me started making it a number of years ago. He himself I would have voted one least likely to make fruitcake. Frank McHugh was a family friend, a shy man, a mechanic and “fixit” type, who was always dressed in coveralls and did cook some but baked rarely. When he visited my parents and began obsessively paging through a quirky cookbook I got them, “White Trash Cooking,” by Ernest Matthew Mickler (Ten Speed Press, 1986), Rebecca Howard I purchased him his own copy. Within a year, he had cooked through a lot of it and even made the fruitcake recipe he had been studying in the book, a buttery and pecanladen creature baked in a large tube cake pan. He claimed to have spent $28 on the ingredients. I was lucky enough to be visiting my parents and got to sample some of Frank’s cake from the few slices he had wrapped in foil to share. Unlike the flavorless blocks many bought fruitcakes can be, this was rich, lemony, juicy with plump raisins and tender with sweet pecans. Upon sampling my ff 5 large eggs cherries, cranberries, dates) first homemade fruitcake, I realized ff 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, ff 1 cup orange juice how good fruitcake could be. ff Fine zest of one orange and one lemon softened to room temperature In this same time period, the ff 1 cup granulated sugar ff 4 cups pecans, chopped writer Truman Capote also nudged me ff 1-3/4 cups flour ff 1 Tbs. vanilla extract toward fruitcake making. I read his ff 1/2 tsp. baking powder ff 1 Tbs. lemon extract ff 1/2 tsp. salt ff Additional whole candied cherries and story, “A Christmas Memory,” which ff 1/2 tsp. cinnamon pecan halves for decoration recounted his days as a young boy in ff 2 cups candied cherries (red Optional glaze: Alabama during the Depression, where ff 1/4 cup apricot jam and green), chopped he and his great friend, his much older ff 3 cups dried fruits of choice (raisins, ff 1 tsp. lemon juice or water eccentric cousin, the sixtysomething pineapple, chopped apricots, sour Sook, pooled their meager resources Combine orange juice and dried fruits in a saucepan. Heat to a simmer, turn off heat and and gathered ingredients over a cover pan to steep fruit. Let cool. In a very large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until period of days every late November fluffy. Add well-beaten eggs and blend well. Toss nuts, candied fruit and cooled plumped during “fruitcake weather,” to make 30 fruit that has been drained with part of the flour (about ½ cup). Combine remaining cakes to send out, even to President flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Fold into butter-and-egg mixture. Add zests and Roosevelt. extracts and mix well. Stir in fruits and nuts, mix well by hand. Spread batter in a greased 10-inch tube pan or two 8-inch loaf pans and decorate top with whole cherries and pecan “The black stove, stoked with halves. Place in a cold oven. Bake tube pan for 2-1/2 to 3 hours (loaf pans for 1-1/2 to 2 coal and firewood, glows like a lighted hours) at 275 degrees, until cake tester inserted comes out clean. Remove cake and let pumpkin,” Capote wrote. “Eggbeaters stand until cool. Remove from pan. Heat jam in a small saucepan with lemon juice or water. whirl, spoons spin round in bowls of Brush top of cake for a shiny finish. butter and sugar, vanilla sweetens the and I see a wide array of candied fruits, like cherries, pineapple and citrus peels, sitting rainbow-like in very specific displays at the grocery store, I wonder: Does anyone else make fruitcake, or am I the only one who is nuts? Someone else must make it, or those items would not be there, prominently showcased. People seem to either love or hate fruitcake, but it seems more people hate it than not. It’s the butt of many a holiday joke, and reviled as one of the worst gifts ever. Yet there are those tubs of “fruitcake mix,” yearly. Call me crazy, I make fruitcakes, but I have yet to run across a single other soul who does, save for the man who got

Fruit and Nut Cake

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

NOVEMBER 2016

air, ginger spices it; melting, nose-tingling odors saturate the kitchen suffuse the house, drift out to the world on puffs of chimney smoke.” The story is now my annual tradition, as is making fruitcakes. While I don’t make 30, I have made as many as four at a time (no easy feat given one batch of the recipe must be stirred up in a washtub-sized mixing bowl), and I only send out one or two, including to my parents. The cakes are sturdy and keep well, flavors enhancing over time. One year, visiting my parents during the holidays, I made a cake fresh while I was there, my mother noting as we shopped for dried and candied fruit, nuts and extracts, that the list of ingredients was as long as my arm. She, ever frugal, will admit that any expense is worth it for this beloved cake, particularly since chewing on a slice keeps my dad quiet during TV time. Frank McHugh is no longer with us, but I have continued to shape and adapt the recipe he was so taken with. Each late November, though not always exactly, as Capote wrote, “leafless birdless,” where I am living, is fruitcake weather to me. For inspiration, I pop in the DVD of the 1966 movie version of “A Christmas Memory,” starring Geraldine Page and narrated by Capote himself. Always moved by the story, I am inspired toward my giant mixing bowl. I use less of the alarmingly unnaturally colored candied fruits that are a signature fruitcake ingredient, instead opting for loads of dried fruits—pineapple, apricots, sour cherries, cranberries, raisins—that I plump up in heated orange juice. And I do not skimp on the pecans—a whopping four cups makes them the primary ingredient. At times I’ve changed up the nuts and fruits, or added coconut or crystallized ginger. In the end, there is but a wee bit of batter—though potent in vanilla and lemon extracts—that is a mere

binder of all those fruits and nuts. The cake bakes very slowly in a low-temperature oven, the perfect prolonged holiday perfuming that shouldn’t be so rare. Are there so few of us fruitcake makers out here? The grocery store says otherwise, and I have found companies who sell paper “pans” shaped in rings, ready to hold those weighty cakes, so I am convinced I am not alone. Fruitcake weather may be leafless and birdless, but I know I must not be peerless in pulling these holiday traditions from the oven and sending them home. KCL grew up in Kansas and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Kansas State University. Early in her publishing career, she was a newspaper food editor and later worked as a reporter, newspaper page designer, copy editor, proofreader and fact-checker. She 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

NOVEMBER 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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SAFETY

Holiday Kitchen Safety The kitchen is the place to be during

the holidays. Everyone congregates here, or nearby, to join in the activities of preparing meals or to follow fascinating conversations with loved ones. Unfortunately, the kitchen can also be a dangerous place. U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 162,400 home fires per year involving cooking equipment. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, Thanksgiving Day in 2013 (November 28) was the leading date for home cooking fires that year with 1,550—230 percent above the average number of fires per day. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Unattended cooking is a contributing factor in 34 percent of fires related to cooking equipment and is responsible for 46 percent of the associated deaths and 46 percent of the associated injuries. It’s important that you never leave the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must step away, ask one of your guests to keep an eye on things until you return. Children under 5 are more likely to be hurt by touching hot cooking equipment or scalded by hot liquids than by

actual fire. For children who love to help in the kitchen, preparing the meal alongside the adults can be fun, but it’s important they remain safe. Use the following age-appropriate guidelines to help prevent injuries of your kitchen helpers this holiday season.

Ages 3-5 can safely:

ffGet ingredients out of the refrigerator ffMeasure and mix ingredients together in a

bowl

ffPour liquids (preferably cooled) into a bowl ffWash fruits and vegetables off under cold

water

ffUse a cookie cutter to cut shapes out of

cookie dough or sandwiches

ffLick the cake batter off of a spoon (yum!)

Ages 6-8 can safely:

ffOpen packages ffUse a butter knife to spread frosting, cream

cheese, peanut butter or soft cheese

ffPeel vegetables ffMeasure ingredients ffStir ingredients in a bowl ffSet the table

Ages 9-12 can safely:

ffBegin to follow a recipe ffOpen cans ffUse electrical kitchen appliances, such as a

microwave oven, when a grown-up is present

ffUse a grater to shred cheese and vegetables ffTurn stove burners on and off and select

oven temperature when an adult is present

ffHelp plan the meal ffMake a salad

Ages 14+ can safely:

ffOperate the stove or oven without an adult

present

ffHeat food in the microwave without

supervision

ffDrain cooked pasta into a colander ffTake a tray of food out of the oven Source: NFPA’s Fire Analysis & Research Division

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

NOVEMBER 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Spiced Caramel Apple Cider

Turkey Tetrazzini with Cheddar and Parmesan

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, NOVEMBER 2016

Hot apple cider gets kicked up a notch with the addition of caramel and seasonal spices.

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, NOVEMBER 2016

Love your Thanksgiving leftovers with this easy and cheesy pasta dish.

Grape and Wild Rice Stuffing

Glazed Autumn Leaf Cookies

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, N OVE M B E R 201 6

Elevate your Thanksgiving meal with this unique twist on a traditional favorite.

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, N OVE M B E R 201 6

Bring autumn colors and flavors, including maple, to these leaf-shaped cookies.

ff 1-1/2 cups sugar ff 1 egg ff 2 tsp. vanilla extract ff 2 tsp. maple extract

Glazed Autumn Leaf Cookies ff 2-3/4 cups flour ff 1 tsp. salt ff 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ff 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg ff 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

COURTESY MCCORMICK SPICE

Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl. Set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and maple extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Roll dough on generously floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out leaves with 2- to 3-inch leaf-shaped cookie cutters. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges start to brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Decorate cooled cookies with glazes. To glaze cookies, hold a cookie by its edge and dip the top into the glaze. (Or spoon the glaze onto cookies using a teaspoon.) Place iced cookies on wire rack set over foil-covered baking sheet to dry. (The foil-covered baking sheet will catch drips.) Let stand until glaze is set. Makes 3 dozen. Glaze Variations: Maroon Cookie Glaze: Use 1/2 tsp. berry color, 3 Tbs. water (plus additional to dissolve color), 2 cups confectioners’ sugar and 1 tsp. cocoa powder. Forest Green Cookie Glaze: Use 1/2 tsp. blue color and 1/4 tsp. yellow, 3 Tbs. water (plus additional to dissolve color), 2 cups confectioners’ sugar and 1 tsp. cocoa powder. Pumpkin Cookie Glaze: Use 1 tsp. yellow color and 1/4 tsp. berry color, 3 Tbs. water (plus additional to dissolve color) and 2 cups confectioners’ sugar.

ff 1/2 cup chopped apple ff 1 Tbs. butter or margarine ff 1 tsp. minced fresh sage ff 1/4 tsp. pepper ff 2 cups seedless red grapes ff salt, to taste

Grape and Wild Rice Stuffing ff 1 can (14.5 ounces) vegetable broth ff 1/2 cup water ff 1/2 cup brown rice ff 1/2 cup wild rice ff 1/2 cup chopped onion ff 1/2 cup chopped celery

Heat oven to 350 F. Bring broth and water to boil; add brown and wild rice. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 45-55 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Sauté onion, celery and apple in butter; add sage and pepper. Add prepared rice and grapes; mix well. Adjust seasoning with salt, if necessary. Place in 1-quart covered baking dish and bake 20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Serving suggestion: Serve with roasted poultry or meats.

COU RT ESY CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPE COMMISSION

ff nonstick cooking spray

fat cheddar cheese

ff 1/2 tsp. pepper ff 2 cups sliced white button mushrooms ff 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ff 2 cups diced cooked turkey breast ff 1 cup frozen peas ff 1 cup shredded reduced-

Turkey Tetrazzini with Cheddar and Parmesan wheat penne pasta

ff 1 package (12 ounces) whole-

tional chicken broth)

ff 2 Tbs. butter ff 1/4 cup flour ff 3 cups low-fat milk ff 1 cup fat-free low-sodium chicken broth ff 1/2 cup dry white wine (or addi-

Heat oven to 350 F. Spray shallow 2- to 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions. In large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour. Stirring constantly, cook about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk, chicken broth, wine and pepper; bring mixture to a boil. Stir in mushrooms, reduce heat and cook about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, or until mixture thickens and mushrooms are softened.

Stir Parmesan cheese, pasta, turkey and peas into milk mixture; spoon into prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and cover loosely with foil. Bake about 45 minutes, or until bubbling at edges and heated through. Serves 6.

CO URTESY MIDWEST DAI RY A SSOC IATI ON

ff 1 tsp. apple pie spice ff 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Spiced Caramel Apple Cider ff 4 cups apple cider ff 1/4 cup caramel topping

Bring apple cider, caramel topping and apple pie spice to simmer in medium saucepan. Stir in vanilla. Pour into serving cups. Serve topped with whipped cream, additional caramel topping and apple pie spice, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Flavor Variations: For the variations below, use the following extract in place of the vanilla: Spiced Caramel Orange Cider: Use 1/4 tsp. orange extract Spiced Caramel Maple Cider: Use 3/4 tsp. maple extract Spiced Caramel Rum Cider: Use 3/4 tsp. rum extract

COURTESY M CCOR MICK SPI CE

NOVEMBER 2016

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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