Mount Vernon Town Money Saver | March FOM 2022

Consider Donating Blood to The American Red Cross in March

Manypeople I talk with about Mount Vernon have a favorite organization for which they volunteer— whether the PTA, band parents, Kiwanis, Rotary, Exchange Club, Scouts, or the YMCA, just to name a few. One in particular that I have decided to support, takes up less time than the others, and may make the most CONCRETE, MEASURABLE IMPACT of all -- the Central Ohio Chapter of The American Red Cross.

Once every six weeks or so, I get a text message, phone call or email reminding me that there is a blood drive taking place that I should put on my calendar. Every 56 days, or roughly two months, I then invest about one hour of my time donating blood. The American Red Cross is the world’s most prolific “first responder,” and one of their biggest ongoing needs is blood donation. Nothing impacts more people than donating blood, and one never knows when they, or a family member, might need the resources of a hospital, first responder, or doctor and need a blood donation.

These days, the American Red Cross goes out of its way to make donating blood quick, easy and accessible. There has never been a more critical time to donate than now, due to world-wide and local need, and when you download the app to your phone, you will be notified of the most convenient and timely blood drive in your area. The Red Cross also allows you to choose a specific time, finish your questionnaire(s) and prepare to increase the effectiveness of your donation by taking part in the new POWER-RED option! It allows you to donate twice as many red-blood cells while returning the plasma and platelets back to you.

Many businesses have stepped up to entice the public to give blood too — sometimes tickets to area attractions and sporting events, or dining coupons are made available. All you need to do is give the “GIFT OF LIFE”by donating blood. It’s easy. I frequently plan ahead and give a donation over lunch! If you have not made this a part of your regular routine, I certainly

hope you do, as there is no way of knowing when you are going to need the resources of this extraordinary organization.

The Red Cross provides important services that no one else can provide. From blood services, education and emergency preparation, military notifications, local, national, and international disaster relief and much more. They are saving lives, including my own. I owe the Red Cross a debt of gratitude after reviving 33 blood transfusions in 2016. Without their efforts and coordination of blood, I would not be alive today.

March is Red Cross month! Our mission wouldn’t be possible without our community donors and heroes. During our annual Red Cross Month celebration in March, we honor their commitment to support individuals and families in need.

• This tradition began nearly 80 years ago when President Franklin Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation.

• Today, our work is powered by 90% volunteers, along with generous financial and blood donors, community partners, and people trained in vital health and safety skills.

• Visit redcross.org to get involved.

Just one donation can save up to three lives...

Good

Kid-friendly Leprechaun Punch

1 quart lime sherbet, softened

1/2 cup thawed limeade concentrate

2 tablespoons sugar

2- 12oz cans lemon-lime soda, chilled

1 to 2 cups crushed ice

In a large bowl, beat sherbet, limeade & sugar until blended. Stir in soda & ice.

Serve in chilled glasses.

Oven Roasted Jiggs Dinner

Corned Beef & Cabbage

A New Spin on a classic dish- Baked instead of Boiled!

2 cups Low Sodium Beef Broth or Stock

1 bottle Guinness Stout

1 corned beef brisket (3-4 pounds)

w/ seasoning packet

2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard

2 large onion, peeled and cut in quarters

3 medium carrot, peeled & cut crosswise

6 small red potato, cut in quarters

1 head green cabbage, cut in wedges

Irish Cheese Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 small onion, sliced

1 tbsp of butter

2 tbsp of Guinness beer

Pinch of sugar

1 cup of sharp cheddar, shredded

1 tsp of honey

1.5 tsp of brown mustard

1 tsp of dried thyme

2 tbsp of Jameson Irish Whiskey

Salt and pepper

Cayenne pepper (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place the beef, fat side-up in roasting pan. Spread the mustard on the beef and sprinkle with seasoning packet. Pour the beef stock and Guinness into the pan. Back for 2 hours. Arrange the onions, carrots, potatoes and cabbage around the beef. Bake uncovered for another hour, basting periodically, or until the beef and vegetables are for-tender. Let stand 10 minutes. Strain the broth mixture and serve with the beef and vegetables.

Place the the sliced onion, beer, sugar, and butter in a pan over medium heat about 15 minutes.

While the onions are cooking, place cream cheese, honey, brown mustard, thyme, grated sharp cheddar, and beer in a bowl and mix together. Add the carmelized onions to the cream cheese mix and stir to blend.

Return the pan that the onions cooked in to the heat and deglaze with the Whiskey. Scrape the bottom well. The alcohol will boil o and you will be left with a small amount of syrupy liquid. Add to the cream cheese mixture.

Place in an oven proof ramekin (can be prepared ahead and kept in the fridge until you are ready to serve). When you are ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the cheese dip for about 20 to 25 minutes (middle oven). It will begin to bubble and color. Serve warm with pita/naan or corn chips.