Quincy Area Family Magazine Issue 1 | Autumn

HELPFUL

WAYS TO TREAT OUCHYS + BOO BOOS

MEET OUR LOCAL Difference Makers

SWEET & SALTY TREATS FOR FALL

LOCAL DAY TRIPS

a note from the editor

Oh my gosh, it’s here, published, and official. The Quincy Area Family Magazine is something that I have been working on since spring, and I am so excited to share it with you. Although this is not a brand-new publication, it has been rebranded, taking a bit of a different path from the first publications in 2019. So, a big shout out to Kirstin with Rae Design for her patience and speedy work, as I know my timeline request was a bit tight. I also want to thank my advisory board, who you can read more about on page 4, for helping me, guiding me, and busting butt when I requested changes or assistance in a rapid turnaround. Everyone has contributed in one way or another, and I am forever grateful they decided to join me.

QAF will be a seasonal publication, and we are kicking it off with our Autumn issue. You will find some yummy, sweet & salty seasonal treat ideas in our food talk section and some tips on how to stay healthier this season in our health & wellness section. There are some great local stories and a fun day trip idea all within this first issue.

I’m excited about our difference-maker section. So many people, just in the Tri-States area, make a big difference within our communities or even make a difference for one person struggling in life. The Difference Maker section highlights these fantastic people and explains why someone considered them a difference maker.

Our media today is good at showing us the bad or unhappy news of the world and even within our local community. My hope for QAF is to bring to our communities the feel-good stories. The ones that make us happy and smile as we read them. Stories and articles that help connect community members in new ways. I also want QAF to provide informative and

relatable pieces about family, life, and our overall well-being.

We want this publication to grow and need your help doing just that. Anyone within the local communities is welcome to submit content to the magazine. In fact, we strongly encourage it. We want to hear from you! Remember that not all content may be chosen for the magazine, but all content will be read and reviewed by myself and my advisory board.

I am so excited to share this new magazine with you and would love any feedback you have. Enjoy, readers, and Happy Autumn!

Brandy Owens Editor in Chief

COVER PHOTO BY: Sabrina Smyser Photography

Meet the QAFBoard Members

My name is Allison and I am a board member and content creator for The Quincy Area Family Magazine. I moved to Quincy in 2015 with my husband Mitch and we now have two boys ages 4 and 1. I am passionate about The Quincy Area Family Magazine because I grew up in a broken family with parents who focused on their addictions and not their children. Being a parent is a privilege I am always working at improving upon and not something I take lightly. I am striving to raise good humans who know they are valued and will always be supported. They are my “why” and I am thankful to get to parent and grow in such a wonderful community.

I am Nicole Eddy and I’m an Advisory Board Member and Writer for Quincy Area Family Magazine! I grew up in Quincy and graduated from Quincy Senior High School, I moved away for college and the beginning part of my career and moved back to the area about 10 years ago. I have an amazing husband, Nick and two beautiful kids, Piper and Keagan. I am excited to share my experiences and thoughts with you, the readers of QAF and learn a lot along the way too.

My name is Lisa Freed, and I am an insurance agent who is enthusiastic about protecting families when circumstances happen. My wonderful husband, Sterling, and I have combined, four amazing adult children: Timothy, Jessica, Samantha, and Josh. Having spent ten years in the U.S. Navy, becoming an award-winning writer and public speaker, I joined the QAF team aspiring to share my experiences about family life, military parenting, travel, single mom life, women dealing with trauma, and sharing the loving advice from my parents. I enjoy spending time with my family and pets, visiting with other veterans, learning from other parents and grandparents, spending time with friends (especially their children,) strengthening my relationship with God, and sharing His message with others.

Family picture courtesy of J. Ashley Photography

Photo credit Stacey Milks Photography

My name is Sarah Nolinwinkler (Garriga) and I am honored to be working alongside Brandy Owens (Editor of QAF) and the QAF Board as we begin this journey to bring a little more “family” back into your home. I am a mother of two beautiful tiny humans (Harrison Gray 6, Abigail Mae 3) whom are my true purpose in life and are also the very reason why I consume coffee in the mornings and perhaps a little occasional wine in the evenings. We all strive to be better today than we were yesterday because let’s face it there’s no rulebook or “How To” guide for life/parenting and the best thing we can do is try again tomorrow. That right there is my reason for joining the Quincy Area Family Magazine. It is to help families find their groove even if it’s only for that one moment where core memories are captured or to encourage parents that it is totally normal to have those guilty feelings at the end of the day but use those for inspiration to do better in your tomorrows.

HI, I’m Jessica Speckhart, a Venue Manager and Coordinator at Pointe D’Vine Venue & Vineyard, the home and property of my in-laws. I’m a business graduate with extensive corporate experience and have been a part of the venue management team since the family began hosting events almost 12 years ago. I enjoy serving others and making the most of life’s special celebrations. My husband, Aaron, and our 3 children inspire me daily. I enjoy traveling, playing board games, and staying active in my free time. I decided to join the QAF board to give helpful advice and guidance to new moms and those with special needs while teaching acceptance of neurodiverse individuals.

Photo credit J. Ashley Photography

“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”

- Robin Williams

Entertaining Children

My childhood years were filled with stories from my father. He didn’t tell stories about characters or animals. No. He told stories about himself, my mother, or us children. They were all so funny or odd, the kind of things that would make you wrinkle your eyebrows and stare in wonder. Like, what? His stories were so entertaining. Occasionally, he’d come clean and tell us he was only kidding. Sometimes, he didn’t. It wasn’t until later in life, as I’m sure it happens to all of us, that I learned that some of his tales were made up. He had a flair for fables, and it certainly kept us children amused. As my siblings and I had our children, Papa continued regaling his grandchildren with his silliness. There are so many stories that I still remember. The grandkids still laugh here and there as they share Papa’s tall tales, long since his passing. These memories will one day be gone.

Ron Kinscherf chose to preserve and share his stories. The “Papa Tell Me a Book” series of stories that engage the imagination of chil-

dren and adults all started with a grandson’s request for an impromptu story. Little did Ron know it would launch him into being a published author of children’s books.

Ron shares that his grandson started asking him for naptime stories a very short time ago. He requested stories about helicopters, squirrels, medicine bottles, whatever object that came to mind. Ron begins to spin stories in freestyle fashion, securing his grandson’s full attention. The stories are left open for the grandson to finish in his dreams.

“Papa Tell Me a Book” brings us stories that lead to further discussion about the challenges we face in life. What happens to the ants if it rains? What if the ant gets stuck in a spider web? What do the ants do when one of their buddies gets stuck in a spider web? How do the ants deal with difficult situations outside of the ant world?

Among the eight books currently in print, the Bakers Patio Series is the most popular. It takes us through the life and times of an ant colony. The ants have families. They have jobs and responsibilities. They have leaders. They have police ants to protect the colonies. We follow their journeys with life-threatening situations, learning leadership skills, recognizing the differences in characters, understanding the values of each other’s perspectives, being lost and afraid, working together to achieve goals, and the importance of loving yourself. Each book invites readers to think about how it can assist us in our own lives. They open the door for conversation starters with children and adults alike. “They provide teaching moments that were intentionally written that way. When you have things pop up in life, there are mes-

sages to be taught in the way life is actually lived,” Ron states. He adds, “It’s always a compliment when I hear about a story that brings up further discussion. It’s very humbling.”

Often, you will find the author sharing his journey in libraries or school classrooms, typically grades K-2; however, the content provides character development for classes up to 8th grade. “Going into classrooms is sheer enjoyment. It’s indescribably satisfying when I see non-posed smiles when I share with children. I have partnered with local libraries. I love the speaking aspects of this, and I love telling my story in front of groups. You could just wind me up and let me go.”

“He really knocked my shoes off. I think I sat with my mouth wide open the entire time. He was amazing!” shares Laura Williams, Baldwin Elementary School in Quincy.

“The first time he came to the classroom was amazing. He didn’t read one of his stories. He asked the teachers to read one of his books to their classrooms before his visit. He talked to the children about how it all

happened, how the process was for him. They were working on narratives. He talked about the process and how many times he had to rework, redo, fix, and the illustrations. Then he asked for someone to tell him their favorite animal. He asked someone else to share what they really like to do, and then they wrote a story together in class. He went home and typed it and sent it back to the class. It’s fun because he’s almost like the kids. The kids are trying to learn and he’s sharing all he’s gone through, and you see it being reflected in their work. More kids were redoing illustrations than we’ve ever had, and it was related to him and how he had to redo his work. It’s been really fun to see how he comes to the classroom and works with the kids and the effects it had on them.”

Laura added, “The second time he visited was even better. We were working on fiction fantasy. Ron talked about his illustrations and how important the setting is and, knowing who your character is and setting the story. It’s almost like he’s not teaching it; he’s living it and learning it himself and able to share with the kids. His editor made him change

continued on page 6

so many things. The kids became editors. Someone said a different word and he said, ‘Oh, I like that word better. Let’s use that one.’ So they used that word, and he described how that is editing.”

When asked how it’s going with his books, Ron shares, “My professional background was in sales for 30-some-odd years, and I was successful with a capital S. From a business standpoint, I’m not successful at all. I’m not making money. I’m currently looking for a publicist. However, I’m extremely satisfied with the content. Going in classrooms is incredibly satisfying.”

Regarding giving books to the classes he visits, Ron shared, “There’s nothing cooler than to hand a child a book, and I get to see their smile, but financially, I can’t give them away. There are very generous people in this community who have supported me by sponsoring classrooms with book sales.”

Kinscherf says it’s still hard to believe that he’s created something so popular, “The first time I picked up one of my books, to me, it’s like the closest thing to having a baby. I created this thing. I started crying. This is mine. When I interview a musician, ‘What was it like the first time you heard your song on a radio?’ That’s me when I see my books in the bookstore or online, where someone can actually buy something I created. The feeling is very humbling that I have created something that people like and are looking forward to the next one.”

While visiting with Ron, I couldn’t help but wonder how the early stories unfolded. Did the medicine bottles have faces, arms, and legs? Did they talk? Without knowing the early stories, I couldn’t help but be captivated by my own imagination and wish I had been there to hear them. We may never know what happened to the medicine bottle, but we do know that these stories led to the suggestion for Ron to write stories for all children to experience.

Kinscherf says two more books will be released this year, “Yummies” for Halloween and another for Christmas. I can honestly say that I am counting the days before release dates, which have not been confirmed at this time. I’m sure we’ll all be on the lookout.

To experience the journey, you can visit www.papatellmeabook.com/

Story submitted by Lisa Freed.

Digital Safetyfor Children

Summer break is over, and students are back in full swing with connected devices, apps, and many websites that open all kinds of online safety concerns. This brings a great deal of challenges to parents these days. In today’s digital world, we are continuously worried about our children’s online safety. The pandemic has brought us to a new age with the requirements and enticements of screen time. We relied on our screens for everything from church, school, or work to ordering food.

Toddlers use their parents’ phones to access their favorite games and videos. Elementary children are learning to research and complete assignments online, and middle school children are starting to use the ever-evolving apps to connect with their peers. Our teenagers now have computer skills that have surpassed many parents. Children are having more online relationships

than ever before. The world is experiencing persuasive technology, cyberbullying, online scams, plagiarism, sexting, pornography, etc.

Children feel pressured to post content that will receive many likes or comments. They feel pressured to share posts that make them look good. They believe screen time brings people who will support them when they are going through rough times.

According to a report from We Protect Global Alliance, a study of 18-20-year-olds in North America found that 71% experienced at least one online sexual harm during childhood. Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) detailed that nearly one in four 9-12-year-olds reported having had an online sexual interaction with someone they believed to be an adult.

This is what we know:

It’s occurring younger than most of us think. Children have shared that they are being asked for nude photos online as young as 9, and nearly 40% of teens believe it is “normal” for people their age to share nudes. Our children are naturally interested in exploring their bodies and emulating older kids and adults. This is normal, healthy behavior – but using devices with cameras and unlimited access to individuals of all ages online can put them in unsafe situations. Online relationships have different boundaries. Children regularly connect with people they know only online through mutual friends, shared interests, and games — which, for young people, categories like “stranger” and “friend” don’t translate online as parents would expect. They don’t consider them strangers. When connections heighten from innocent to inappropriate, kids can feel overwhelmed and alone.

Shame is one of the significant barriers to seeking help. FOSI also reports that 85% of children who had their intimate images used

as extortion online said they did not seek help due to humiliation.

As parents, we can mistakably shame or blame them for the harmful actions of others, saying things like, “If your picture gets out there, it will be your fault for sharing” or “You should never have sent it in the first place.” This can intensify the potential for harm and lead children to try to manage situations beyond their control.

Parents need to make significant efforts to be more tech-savvy. There are steps we can take now to protect our children. Build trust early on by talking to your kids about key safety topics to prepare them with skills before they run into risky situations.

Here’s what you can do today:

Talk to your children about online scams. Kids are very naive when adults make promises. Scam artists could very well be telling our children that they are celebrities and requesting that they send credit card

continued on page 12

information for autographed photos. Others could be predators who ask to meet your child. Continually stress to your children that they should never speak to anyone online without your permission and should not reveal personal information.

Set up your child’s computer so they cannot download software without a password. Kids have started downloading Tor to access the ‘dark web’ and search the internet because it is untraceable. This could be extremely unsafe as they could be exposed to terrifying websites and predators.

Chat about cyberbullying. An article on Web Purify states, “41% of children report that social anxiety is a result of cyberbullying.” Parents need to open the lines of communication with their children about this issue. It’s not being a tattletale or a snitch. It’s about safeguarding our children and protecting them from the mental pressures that can sometimes have tragic consequences.

Allow your kids to explore the internet. Refusing to allow your children to access the internet is not wise in today’s tech-driven world. They need to have these skill sets. Schools are now requiring online homework and blogging. Reward them with suitable screen time for getting an A on a test or an assignment.

Bookmark your child’s favorite sites and become computer savvy. We need to be aware of what they are up to. Take an introductory computer course if necessary. Bookmark all your child’s favorite sites so they can easily access what they need without using search engines.

Additionally, stay well-informed of what your children can access or who has access to them. Research AI detections and parental controls for your child’s favorite websites, devices, or platforms, and choose settings that work for your family. Turn on two-factor authentication and limit data collection when possible. Keep the software updated on all your devices and platforms. Turn on automatic security updates.

Monitor your children’s dispositions and temperament before, during, and after screen activities. If something feels different with your child, don’t overlook it; talk with them about their feelings and seek professional support if needed.

Consider downloading location-tracking apps such as Find360, My Location, Life360, and Find My Kids. Snapchat is an exceedingly popular tracking app.

The best way to protect your children is to talk to them and be involved.

Submitted by Lisa Freed

differencemakers

up in the country, just outside Marblehead, IL; she went to Payson Seymore High School and graduated in 2007. Kim started her nursing career, as many nurses do, as a CNA at Blessing, and she was hooked. She went to Truman State University for her Bachelor’s degree; she was a floor nurse once she graduated. Her mentor told her she would be great in the Critical Care Unit, and she was right; Kim loved it right away.

Kim Runquist

Mother, Wife, Nurse, Hero

Imet Kim at an engagement party for my sister, Kim’s husband Andy is good friends with my brother-in-law, and immediately I knew I liked her. She has this amazing bright smile, a bubbly personality, and a sweet, disarming demeanor. We’d chat over the next few pre-wedding get-togethers, and the more I got to know her, the more I loved hanging out with her. She is one of the most sincere and kind people. She makes you want to open up to her and makes you feel like you’re the only person in the room. It’s easy to see why she makes a fantastic mother and nurse.

Kim sees caring for others as her calling from God. She was drawn to nursing because her grandmother was a nurse. Her grandmother was a knowledgeable woman with a passion for caring for others, and Kim knew that was what she was also born to do. Kim is a local girl who grew

Kim is astounded every day by how people can come into the Unit in a dire state in which they should not logically survive, and she and the team can support them to eventually recover. She says seeing them finally wheel out the door is extremely uplifting. She loves the trust she garners with her patients and that she is able to connect with them about things they wouldn’t even tell their own family, no doubt partly due to her warm smile and soft voice that facilitates their openness. In 2017 she became Director of the Critical Care Unit and started a Master’s degree at Western Governors University. She graduated in 2019, just in the nick of time before the COVID pandemic rocked the world.

Kim and Andy have two lovely children, Cooper (9) and Hadley (6), but they were always “adoption curious.” They felt a strong pull to Foster because they wanted to honor God by caring for His children. In 2019 Kim received a difficult diagnosis that meant that not only would she have trouble getting pregnant, but staying pregnant could be life-threatening for her. The week of her diagnosis, the family went to church, and one of the weekend’s messages was about becoming Foster parents for children in need. Kim says, “We had an Epiphany that we needed to share our blessings. God wanted us to do this, to bless others.” And so, they started Foster Parenting classes through the Marion County Children’s Division, 10th Circuit, and then COVID hit our communities. Classes were then

moved to Zoom, which made it more challenging to connect, but were well worth the effort.

Soon after completing their classes, Kim and Andy accepted their first Foster Child, a severely neglected four-month-old girl who needed a lot of love and care. She ended up spending 18 months in physical therapy, but since being with her new family is thriving and is now named Ava. Soon after taking in Ava, they discovered that Ava’s Mother was pregnant again. After much prayer and discussion, the new family of 5 soon became a family of 6! Baby Ema was born just seven months after bringing little Ava home. After 887 days of fostering Ava, she and Ema were adopted on May 3, 2023! Kim says that fostering these two girls was the best thing she and Andy have done; they are the funniest and sweetest kids and have made their home complete. In Missouri, please consider following Coyote Hill Hannibal on Facebook to learn more about Fostering classes. In Illinois, please consider following Connect Child and Family on Facebook to learn more about Fostering classes and how you can help support the cause.

It’s hard to imagine anyone more affected in our community by the COVID pandemic than doctors and nurses. Kim was the Director of Nursing in the Critical Care Unit of Hannibal Regional Hospital at the beginning of 2020 when a “mysterious” disease started to make the news. She was very candid with me in discussing how strange the whole experience was for her and her colleagues. She said it was a lot of preparation and getting supplies, running models, and planning how the influx of patients would be handled, and then it was eerily calm. As we all saw the big cities being inundated with patients, Kim’s team was able to use that to help plan for our community’s wave. As the different waves or variants hit our local area, her unit had to work 18-20 hours shifts dealing with staffing issues when nurses were also getting sick. They could not let family members of the patients into the rooms for visits in an effort to keep them safe, so they did what they called “window visits.” Kim said, “We ended up having to be their loved-one as well as their nurse and care for them,” which took an emotional toll on her team along with the physical toll the long shifts were taking on them. “It was unlike anything I’ve done be-

fore,” she said, “we didn’t have a playbook for this virus. You’d see cancer patients on active Chemotherapy do ok, but then you’d see runners in top shape die; it just didn’t make any sense. “

While the pandemic work schedule was grueling, Kim and Andy also were fostering Ava and Ema, and caring for their biological children, Cooper and Hadley. Kim says she could not have done any of it without Andy’s support, “He was amazing, he took the brunt of the childcare challenges while I had to be at work. He would likely say that he got pretty good at cooking and putting the kids to bed by himself, but he is very grateful that it is over.”

Now that life is mostly back to normal, Kim is so grateful for all the help and support her family, daycare, and friends were able to give them during all the pandemic waves. She admits that what has kept her going through it all is Andy’s love and support. Kim and Andy met through family in high school; he was friends with her cousin. They got married on her grandfather’s farm in Quincy in 2011. “Andy is my rock; he is the most laid-back and understanding man. He is so wonderful; he will do anything for anyone. He supports all of my crazy shenanigans; he just goes along for the ride,” Kim giggles. She says what has kept her grounded throughout their wild ride of adoption and COVID is their country life. They live in a house on a farm in the “middle of the woods,” as she describes it, outside of Palmyra, MO. Kim grew up in the country, and she and Andy knew they wanted their children to grow up in the country setting too. They have goats and chickens, and they love that with all that is happening in the world, they can come home and forget about it all. Kim gushes, “At home the animals just need to be cared for, and you can’t be upset when you see a baby goat hopping around; it’s just the cutest thing!”

Story submitted by Nikki Eddy.

differencemakers

While each of these roles helped Amy grow her skill set, her goal was to work with children in an educational setting. To make this goal a reality, Amy obtained her Professional Educator License with an emphasis in School Social Work in 2019 from the University of Illinois. Amy spent the next three years working as a school social worker for Quincy Public Schools. Not only is the above an accomplishment on its own, but she did all of this while growing from a family of two to a family of seven and while bringing Quincy Children’s Museum to fruition. In 2022, Amy was able to step away from the public school system and focus her efforts on the development and future of Quincy Children’s Museum.

Amy Peters

Wife, Mother, Educator, Go-Getter

Iwould describe a difference-maker as a person who embraces their fears and hesitations to step out of their comfort zone and take risks. A difference maker is a passionate individual who can’t just sit by and hope someone else sees the need and takes the initiative. Above all, a difference maker is somebody who takes action and does the work, no matter how hard or scary it might be. When I think of these attributes, I think of Amy Peters.

Amy Peters is a Quincy Native who graduated from Quincy High School in 2010. She graduated from Western Illinois University in 2013 with her bachelor’s in social work and spent the next five years working for community non-profits, including Quanda, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and Cheerful Home, while obtaining a master’s in social work from Mizzou.

Quincy Children’s Museum is a true sweet spot for Amy as she can utilize her knowledge and background as a social worker, mom, and educator to create the ultimate atmosphere for young children. Amy states that childhood experiences matter and shape who one grows up to be. “It is safe to say many if not all, children have been exposed to trauma, stress, and just a lot, especially over the past four years. It is my hope that in having a place for children and families to connect, learn, and play, I have done my part to try to tip the scales for kiddos in our region”. If those aren’t the words of a difference-maker, then I don’t know what is.

Amy is not only a civil servant and educator, but she is also a wife, a mom, a child of God, and the Executive Director of the Quincy Children’s Museum (QCM). While she had plans to relocate out of the area shortly after high school, God had other plans when she met Jake, her now husband of over 10 years. They married in 2012, and both knew they wanted a family right away. It was on their heart to start their parenting journey through Fostering and Adoption. They became licensed on Amy’s 21st birthday and would quickly start a family both through

foster placement and pregnancy. I met Amy in 2015 when I was working at a pediatrician’s office. As you can imagine caring for multiple children can lead to multiple doctor’s appointments. Amy quickly became a routine visitor, and it was evident right away that her children were her priority. She was friendly, easy to talk to, patient, and always tried to remain positive regardless of challenges.

Amy states her drive and passion come from the Lord. She admits she has been blessed with supportive family, friends, and community. Amy describes herself as the class clown type, but she states she has always had a calling to serve others and to work with kids. Amy stated, “Becoming a mom (5x now) has solidified this calling for me. My kiddos are my world, and their joy means everything to me.” Amy further states her career steps, along with motherhood and a super supportive husband, are the driving force behind where she is today.

I personally am in awe of Amy and her tenacity and grit. She is a true example of perseverance and the no-excuses mentality in order to get the job done. Our community is so lucky to have her and her passion. Amy is building a legacy that will remain in Quincy for decades to come, and that is a true testament of a difference-maker.

Story

For more on the Quincy Children’s Museum please visit quincychildrensmuseum.org

Submitted by Allison Housewright

foodtalk

Sweet & Salty Treats for Fall

Pumpkin Oreo Balls

Pumpkin-shaped Oreo balls made with only 5 ingredients! This festive treat is easy to make and great for a fall party or Thanksgiving gathering.

Ingredients

36 Oreo cookies

8 oz cream cheese softened

12 oz orange candy melts

Bag of stick pretzels

Green Candy or Leaf Frosting Decoration

Instructions

1. Pulse Oreo cookies in a food processor until finely crumbled.

2. Mix in cream cheese until well combined.

3. Scoop into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate on a parchment-covered baking sheet for 15 minutes.

4. Use a toothpick to score lines into the Oreo balls to resemble pumpkins. Place back into the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

5. In the meantime, melt orange candy wafers over a double boiler or in the microwave according to package directions.

6. Dip pumpkin oreo balls into melted chocolate, shake off excess, and place back on lined baking sheet. Immediately decorate with a small pretzel stick and leaf icing decoration.

7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Scarecrow Crunch Snack Mix

Loaded with the perfect mix of salty and sweet treats, this “boo-tiful” blend is exactly what you need to celebrate the spookiest night of the year!

PREP TIME

5 minutes mins

TOTAL TIME

5 minutes mins

SERVINGS: 12 cups

Ingredients

6 cups caramel corn with nuts

2 cups Shreddies cereal PLAIN OR HONEY

FLAVOUR

2 cups Pretzel twists

1/2 cup Candy corn

1/2 cup candy pumpkins

1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces

1/2 cup mini Rolos

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Stir gently until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Optional: Pour 1/2 cup to 1 cup of the mix in plastic bags and tie with an orange ribbon. Enjoy!

Notes

1. If you need to make this recipe nut free, replace the Reese’s Pieces with M&M’s and use Caramel Corn without nuts.

2. If you can’t find Shreddies cereal you can substitute Life cereal or even Chex cereal.

Recipe from onelittleproject.com

Pumpkin Cake Bars

Ingredients

2 c. Flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

2 c. pumpkin

2 c. Sugar

1 c. cooking oil

4 eggs

Icing:

3 oz. cream cheese

1 Tbsp. Milk

3/4 Stick butter

1 tsp. Vanilla

2 c. Powder sugar (add according to desired texture)

Instructions

Cream together eggs, oil, pumpkin and sugar. Slowly add remaining ingredients. Bake in a greased and floured 10x15 pan (cookie sheet or jelly roll pan). Bake 25 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Ice when cooled.

Submitted by Sandy Blickhan.

Scalloped Corn/Christmas Corn

1 can white corn

1 can yellow corn

1 can cream style corn

2 eggs beaten

1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix

2T sugar

1/2 c sour cream

1/2 stick butter melted

1 t salt

1/2 t pepper

Mix ingredients together in a bowl, pour into greased 9x13” pan

Bake in preheated oven 350 degrees for 45 min

Submitted by Nikki Eddy.

Caramel Apple Bits

2 Green Apples

1 pkg. Mini Pretzel Twists

1 pkg. Rolo Candy

Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

2. On a baking sheet, lay out pretzels in a single layer and place a Rolo candy on each pretzel.

3. Put these in the oven for about 3-4 minutes, or until the candy is soft but not melted.

4. Chop the apple in small chunks. Squeeze a little lemon juice on them if you would like to help keep from turning brown.

5. Place one apple on the end of a toothpick and push into one of the Rolo pretzels. Repeat until all the Rolo pretzels have apples.

6. Ready to serve!

Local Family Day Trips:

Westercamp Rent a Horse

Westercamp Rent a Horse in Farmington, IA offers a 2.5 hour guided forest trail ride. The owners and trail guides are friendly, knowledgeable and take the time to assess riding ability/level in order to pair you with one of their well cared for horses that best suits you and your riding experience. The horses at Westercamp Rent a Horse know the trail well and take care of their rider. The trail is scenic and peaceful, especially in the Fall when the weather is cooler and the trees are changing color. You will take the trail for

about an hour to a rest stop in a neighboring State Park, dismount and enjoy a small snack before hitting the trail once more to return home. You’ll see open spaces, possibly some wildlife, small streams and a lovely view of Autumn at its best “between the ears.” It’s a wonderful experience for the whole family, and our family has made this a yearly tradition to do in the Fall to get out into nature, slow down and destress. Happy riding!

Fall is here, and you know what that means. It is time to find an entire day out of your already chaotic schedule to change out all the clothes in your kid’s dresser and closet. It is time to pack away the summer clothes that will no longer fit next year and wonder where the time has gone. It is time to throw away the clothes that do not pass the hand-me-down inspection, and it is time to tell yourself that these children have too many clothes! You will swear to yourself that you will not get them any more clothes until Christmas while knowing full well you will. You see, that is part of being a mom. When you walk into TJ Maxx, Old Navy, or any store really, you will still go straight to the kid section to check out the clearance or new arrivals. As much as you dislike all the trinkets and toys scattered around the house, you will still pick up that new Batman toy or baby doll because you know your kid will love it. As a mom, our natural tendency is to care for those around us. We remember the small details and we remember the big details, all while making sure everyone is cared for and that no one can question

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Things I Never Thought I’d

Say:

Parents Edition

Please put your penis back in your pants.

Stop licking the dog!

Please don’t bite the dog.

Do not lick the glass (while at the aquarium)!

How did you get a piece of turkey on your ankle?

Are these bite marks on the side of your crib?

Spiderman stickers don’t go in the potty, okay?

Please don’t poop in your dump truck again.

No, you may not handcuff the cat.

Stop calling your brother a poopy diaper!

No, you cannot hulk smash your brother.

Please stop eating fuzz out of the couch.

The dinosaur doesn’t go in your butt!

Please sit on the toilet if you have to poop, you cannot poop standing up.

momtalk

how much they are loved. We schedule the appointments, we pack the lunches, we make sure the laundry is done, and we read them their favorite books when we tuck them in. We keep things running smoothly (as much as possible) day in and day out, and we ask for little in return. I want you, fellow moms, to know you are not alone, and I see you. I see how exhausted you are at the end of the day because you’ve put everybody else before yourself. I see you busting your butt to make sure everyone gets your attention (including your partner), all while trying to pee by yourself. I see you trying to keep your house picked up like you don’t live there, working full-time either inside or outside of the home, and keeping a smile on your face, as society suggests. I see you. I see you questioning if you did enough at the end of the day. I see you feeling guilty that you lost your cool after repeating yourself for the fifth time. I see you making a meal you hope everybody in the house will eat. I see you. I see you, and in case no one has told you, you are doing an amazing job.

Modern Mom

Hello! I am Clara Louthan, a 19-yearold rising freshman at Illinois State University studying Musical theater. I am also a Quincy girl born and raised. I have been involved in music and theater for as long as I can remember and have been in 2 Quincy Community Theater shows.

The theater has always been a safe place for me. This past year, I was in 6 back to back shows, two overlapping, which challenged me in more ways than one. I started the year in QHS’s Hairspray playing Penny Lou Pingleton, a silly pigtailed girl who falls in love with a black man in the 60s. At the same time, I was doing my second show, QCT’s Little House on the Prairie, as Mary Ingalls, a sweet, mature eldest child who unfortunately finds herself blind at 17 due to sickness. In the morning, I would get up, go to

school, go to Hairspray rehearsal, then go to Little House rehearsal. I had many people ask me why I was doing both of these shows at the same time. I would always answer because it was twice as rewarding. In the afternoon, I got to be comedic and enjoy my last year of high school with the people around me. In the evening, I transitioned to a strong, powerful woman who never let her disability get her down. I believe that is the beauty of theater. Getting to be whoever you want to be.

Growing up in Quincy, I have always been familiar with theater in our community. But I had always wondered what theater was like outside our small town. These thoughts led me to audition for a show at the Muni in Springfield, “Beauty and the Beast.” I was fortunate to be cast as a silly girl and a featured dancer.

The Only Way to do Theater is to Simply DO IT.

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a part of a community theater? One local teen tells us how theater has shaped her future.

Going to a new place by myself was frightening. I didn’t know anyone and had to find my way around a three-story building in a town I had never been alone. I was right about my draw to the Muni. I felt so welcome, and we put on a pretty fantastic show. Many people thought I was crazy for commuting to Springfield all summer, but the only way to do theater was simply doing it.

As I enter this new chapter of uncertainty and excitement at Illinois State University, I can reflect on what a fantastic theater community Quincy has. Quincy has offered me so much and prepared me in so many ways for my future career. When I started high school four years ago, I never would have thought I would be here today. People frequently tell me that they love theater but could never do it. I’m here to say the only way to do theater is to do it! Go to the audition, take the class, and meet with other actors because you can! Quincy will welcome you as they did me.

Photo by: Rachel B Photography

Reading Fall Family

Goodbye summer, and hello to Autumn! Did you and your kids keep up on your summer reading lists? If not, it’s ok. I know summer gets busy for us, and we get away from reading regularly to our kids. Now that they are back in school, I plan to start our regular evening reading again. We have some great suggestions to jumpstart your fall reading. Check out these beautiful autumn-themed kid’s books with great messages and illustrations.

1. Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland

2. The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

3. Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White

4. Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long

5. Book of Halloween Farts by Funskill Brew

6. The Roll Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders

7. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak

8. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

9. How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow? By Wendell Minor

10. The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John

Ochy’s & Boo Boo’s Helpful Ways To Treat:

What happened to the concept of magical kisses fix everything? That went away when tiny humans no longer drink from the water hose or play outside until the light poles come on. One thing is for sure: I should have bought a stock or two in Band-Aid with the amount we go through daily.

As parents or guardians, life tends to run in the fast lane, and often, we figure it out as we go with what we have handy. Here are a few first-aid hacks to treat Ouchy’s and Boo Boo’s for those moments that catch us off guard.

Mini-Marshmallow Ouchy Pads

Put mini marshmallows in a small Ziploc bag and place them in the freezer. They are lightweight, don’t hold too much cold, and make the perfect Ouchy pads. Bonus: My tiny humans love to eat a couple out of the bag after they are “all better!”

Band-Aid for Tiny Fingers

Do you struggle with putting a BandAid on tiny fingers? Snip a slit at each end of the bandage so you can crisscross the ends for a closer, more secure fit when it’s wrapped around a finger.

Splinters Made Easy

Splinters + screaming tiny human = impossible to remove. Not anymore. Did you know you can use Elmer’s Glue for an excellent extraction method? Cover the area where the splinter is with the glue and let it dry completely. Once it’s dry, peel it off slowly in the opposite direction that it went in, and voila! The splinter will stick to the glue when you peel it off.

Boo Boo Cube

Sunburns… Ouch! We all know that aloe vera holds its own superpower regarding ailing sunburns, but how do you get your tiny humans to buy into

it? Grab some fun-shaped ice cube trays, fill it with your favorite aloe vera gel, and freeze it. Now you have ready-to-go booboo cubes!

Bug Bites Be Gone

Bug bites are the outdoor fun nemesis for us all! Here are a few tricks to help with painful side effects from those pesky little bug bites.

Bee Stings: Grab out your baking soda and make a paste using water. Then, put enough of your paste on the bite and leave it there for approximately 15 minutes. Wasp Stings: Soak some cotton balls or cloth in vinegar (apple cider vinegar works a bit faster) All other bug bites:

•Rub a banana peel over bite and then leave the peel on it for a few minutes.

•Apply a cut-up onion on the bite. Wash the area afterward (avoid if the skin is broken!)

•Apply a slice of raw potato, rub it on the bite, and leave it on until pain is relieved.

•Apply peppermint toothpaste like a paste and leave it on for about 15 minutes.

As parents and guardians, we aren’t gifted with a “How-to” book when tiny humans come into our lives. We are expected to find it within and figure it out as we go. Remember, we will fall sometimes and get our own “Boo Boo’s and Ouchy’s,” but getting back up and trying again makes YOU a great parent/guardian!

Story submitted by Sarah NolinWinkler

It’s here,

SEASONRSV

Please, do not kiss babies unless the baby is yours.

Healthy Season Tips for a

Change is in the air as we enter the Autumn season. It’s time for sweaters, comfy boots, cooler temps, and warm, crackly bonfires. As the leaves change into a rainbow of beautiful colors, we need to remember that changing seasons is not always enjoyable. New seasons come with allergies, viruses, and that annoying flu bug. So, to help yourself through this changing season, here is a list of things to do to help you physically and mentally.

Find a favorite fall accessory. Something that you love and makes you feel amazing when wearing it. A new fall scarf, a pair of boots, a fun, colorful fall shirt, or, my personal favorite, an oversized comfy hoodie or sweater. Dressing in something you love can really set you up for a great day.

Keep your immune system boosted. Eat healthy foods, frequently wash your hands, do not touch your face or eyes, drink lots of water, and be sure you are still getting enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is very important, especially this time of year, and protects the body from various conditions. It also supports heart, lung, brain, and nervous system health, improves mood, and promotes healthy teeth and bones.

Find a favorite fall drink. Tis the season for pumpkin spice everything, so if that is your jam, find a pumpkin spice drink that you love and indulge. A yummy, extra chocolatey hot cocoa is one of my favorites. Goes great with that oversized hoodie.

Get your moisturizer on. Dry skin is the worst; this is the time of year when it can get extra bad. These cooler temps can really damage our skin, drying it out and making it flakey and itchy. Drinking more water or eating food with high water content can help, as well as body moisturizer.

Go for a walk. The daily temperatures may be cooler but that makes for better walking weather. Get out there and get some fresh air and vitamin D before winter hits and it’s too cold to be outside. A crisp morning walk is great to start your day and clear your mind.

Make bedtime earlier. Fall brings the end of Daylight Savings Time and causes us to lose an hour, creating moodiness and fatigue. It’s darker earlier, so start going to bed earlier. We need plenty of sleep to refuel our bodies and mental health.

Create a “Thankful” list. Autumn brings the season of thanks, and what better way to stay positive and work on your mental health than to remember and list all the things you are thankful for. It can be as simple as “I am thankful for the roof over my head.” This can be a very therapeutic task and helps feed positivity to the brain for a feeling of satisfaction.

Submitted by Brandy Owens