October 21, 2021
Page 5
October
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BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Tips To Carve The Perfect Jack-O-Lantern Jack-o’-lanterns are one of many indelible symbols of Halloween. It’s hard to pinpoint the precise origins of jacko’-lanterns, but many historians trace the tradition to 19th century Ireland. In fact, this instantly recognizable staple of Halloween decor actually gets its name from an Irish folk tale character named “Stingy Jack.” Jack-o’-lanterns are ubiquitous in October, but a refresher course on carving one can help those who haven’t dusted off their carving skills since last fall. • Don’t carve too early. Though it can be tempting & fun to carve a jack-o’-lantern once the calendar turns to October, it’s unlikely the finished product will make it all the way to October 31. Horticulturists indicate that jacko’-lanterns have a shelf life of roughly five to 10 days, though an especially cold October could shorten that life expectancy even further. If you want your jack-o’-lantern to greet trick-or-treaters on Halloween, wait to carve it until a few days before the big day. • Use a dry-erase marker to outline the design. It’s easy to make mistakes when carving a jack-o’-lantern, especially if this is your first time using a carving knife since last year. Use a dry-erase marker to trace the design onto the pumpkin before you make a cut. • Avoid severing the stem. When many people envision jack-o’-lanterns, the image in their minds is one in which the top of the pumpkin is removed so candles or lights can be effortlessly placed inside. However, removing the top cuts off the vine, which supplies the pumpkin with nutrients & moisture, even after it’s been cut. A whole in the back of the pumpkin can provide easy access when placing candles or lights inside, & cutting here won’t cut off the nutrient & moisture supply a pumpkin needs to avoid drying out. • Scoop everything out. The interior of a pumpkin will be loaded with seeds, which can be removed & later roasted to make a savory snack. In addition to removing the seeds, be sure to get all of the pulp out. Pulp left in the pumpkin will soon get moldy & that can shorten the life span of the jack-o’-lantern. In addition, when removing the interior, try scraping the front inner wall of the pumpkin thin, which may make it easier to carve. • Avoid candles when lighting the interior of the jack-o’-lantern. Candles might seem like the most authentic & even spooky way to light the interior of the pumpkin, but the heat produced by a burning candle can shorten the life expectancy of the jack-o’-lantern. An LED light won’t give off much heat & will provide ample illumination. A few simple tips can help Halloween celebrants ensure their jack-o’-lanterns make it all the way to the big day at the end of October.
Trunk Or Treat & Pumpkin Contest
• Private Senior Apartments • Restaurant Style Dining • Housekeeping & Laundry • 24 Hr. Personal Care Assist. • In-House Emergency Response System • Medication Reminders & Assistance • Daily Activities & Transportation 4730 Squaw Prairie Rd. Belvidere
815-544-9495
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WE HAVE LIFT CHAIRS! 315 S. State St. Belvidere 815-547-6672 HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-4; Closed Sun. FURNITURE
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Ida Public Library’s Halloween program is back! Friday, October 29th, 4-7 PM. Register to host a trunk in the parking lot for children to trick or treat, or bring your costumed grand kids out for a fun, sugar-filled night! Don’t forget to drop off your decorated pumpkins that morning so you can vote for your favorites on the way out. Check the library Facebook TRUNK -orpage for more information. Ida Public Library, 320 N. State Street, Belvidere. To see a full TREAT list of fall programs offered, visit idapubliclibrary.org.
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Open Enrollment for Medicare is Now - December 7th You must look at your plan to see if it is still the best plan for your medications.
Our Family Is Here For Yours.
Our mission is to celebrate one’s life and help families navigate the journey of loss with a sense of hope. One of the most painful events we experience in life is the loss of a loved one. We believe that finding an appropriate and meaningful way to celebrate your loved one’s life while giving thanks to God for their life is the necessary foundation to healing. - Stephen Anderson
218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere 815-544-2616 www.AndersonFCS.com
Whether you call it a funeral service, memorial service, or commemoration service. Whether you choose burial or cremation, whether your budget is large or small. Whether you invite friends and community, or journey simply with your closest family members. We will help you design a unique and special ceremony.