Not too late for family fun

It's not too late for family fun

There still is time for summer trips. Here are some ideas to get rolling.

Camping, ice cream, beaches, and road trips. Th ese are just a few of the memories many of us have from late-summer family outings.

Maybe yours included getting together with cousins or other relatives, staying at motels or cottages, or eating at restaurants that only exist now as fond recollections.

Whether your family is just starting out — or your aff ectionate title is “Me-ma” — late summer is great for quick trips and lasting memories. If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve compiled some general ideas. We’ve also listed a dozen of the hundreds of special events remaining in 2022.

Baseball

Remember the foul ball you almost caught on Helmet Night? Or that photograph of the children with the team mascot? Th ere’s usually something special happening at America’s “green cathedrals,” even if it’s just eating those tasty hot dogs. You don’t need to live near a big city either since minor league baseball boasts 119 aff ordably priced teams of its own.

Beaches

From the borders of the Great Lakes to longer trips to the oceans, Americans love to pack the car and wiggle their toes in some warm sand. Kids will build memories while they build sandcastles, and just about everyone enjoys strolling along the shore. Get your blankets and maybe a sun umbrella and folding chairs. If you’re like most, you’ll come home tired but happy!

Greenfi eld Village to host fi nal 2022 Gleaner Family Days event

Greenfi eld Village in Dearborn, Michigan, may be America’s best museum because it not only shows the past but brings it to life. Gleaner Life’s fi nal 2022 Family Days event there Sept. 24 will provide tickets to both Greenfi eld Village and Th e Henry Ford, although you might want to save your ticket to Th e Henry Ford and return another time at your convenience because there’s so much to see and do at Greenfi eld Village. Its Fall Flavor Festival will be this weekend. Add to that everything you would fi nd in an American village a century ago: a working farm, main street, craftworks and pottery, a train, and much more. Both have child-friendly attractions, and a lunch buff et is included in the $20 per ticket price. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted for free. Th e registration deadline is Aug. 29. Learn more and register for your tickets at www.gleanerlife.org/familydays.

Camping

Waking up out in nature in a tent — or something larger — is something every family should experience. Roasting treats over campfi res, hiking, wildlife and seeing stars come out at night are unforgettable. National forests, state parks, private campgrounds or possibly even a relative’s suitable property can all be great places to set up. Make a checklist of items to bring with you.

Bicycling

A trip doesn’t need to be long. Just bicycling into town can be a lot of fun, and America has more than 40,000 miles of bicycle trails through the Rails to Trails Conservancy (fi nd some near you at traillink.org.) Grab your helmet, take the scenic route, and enjoy the exercise and fresh air.

Local fairs

Sometimes, the best events involve very little mileage. Late summer is a prime time for most county fairs, often stretching through the end of September. Kids will love the amusement rides and fair food. Adults will appreciate the livestock and craft entries as well as the entertainment and other attractions. Wherever you call home, support your neighbors at the fair.

Boating or kayaking

Cooling off in the summer makes water the place to be. If you don’t have your own watercraft, many lakes and rivers off er canoe or kayak rentals. Consider trying something or someplace new. Pack snacks, drinks, hats, and sunscreen. Don’t forget life vests. Th en paddle away or motor out to new adventures.

Fishing

Even if you weren’t raised in a fi shing family, it’s not too late to start the tradition. Equipment can be as basic as a pole with a bobber and a worm. Most states’ departments of natural resources have websites listing licensing and other rules, locations with public access, and even free fi shing days. Get out in nature, land a fi sh, and you’ll be hooked!

Museums

After two years of restrictions, most museums are welcoming back visitors. See what you’ve missed! Th e Midwest has some of the fi nest museums including the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and the Detroit Institute of Arts. In addition to sculptures, paintings and artifacts you can fi nd attractions designed for children like the models of dinosaurs at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the largest children’s museum in the world.

State parks

Th ere are more to state parks than beaches. From the stunning waterfalls of Hocking Hills, Ohio, and Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan, to the pony rides of Brown County, Indiana, or the rock formations at Starved Rock, Illinois, nature has its own shows just waiting for you to tune in. Each state has its own special attractions. So, whether you want to explore sand dunes in Indiana or man-made amenities at Nebraska’s Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, there’s a trip waiting for your family.

2022 still has special summer events to enjoy

Certain places are known for special summer festivals. In fact, a community near you probably has an event worth making a trip to see. Here are a “baker’s dozen” of destinations that might provide your family with unique experiences:

Mattoon Bagelfest, July 21-23, Mattoon, Illinois —

Hosted by Lender’s Bagels, this festival features a bagelthemed parade, concerts, carnival, and a free bagel breakfast.

Good Ole Summertime Festival, July 30, North

Baltimore, Ohio — For 42 years, this event has provided families with food, live music, kids’ games, a street market and more.

Yale Bologna Festival, July 29-31, Yale, Michigan —

Th e small town of Yale fi lls up with 20,000 visitors enjoying outhouse races, a street dance, fi reworks and a parade celebrating its rich bologna history.

Antique Fire Engine Muster, July 30, Frankenmuth,

Michigan — Frankenmuth has scores of bigger festivals, but this Saturday morning parade is a must-see for fans of old fi re engines.

Caladium Festival, July 29-31, Lake Placid, Fla. —

If you’re around central Florida and enjoy gardening, check out this free celebration of the colorful landscaping plant. Music, food, arts and crafts, a classic car and bike show and more is planned.

River, Set, Go & Dragon Boat Races, Aug. 6, Ft.

Wayne, Indiana — Inspired by the ancient Chinese, this sport holds races in several cities. Th is might be your best chance to see it in the Midwest.

Illinois Railway Museum, 31st annual Vintage Transport

Extravaganza, Aug. 7, Union, Illinois — Anytime in summer is a good time to visit, but Aug. 7 features 500 antique vehicles on display in addition to the trains and streetcars that visitors can ride.

Michigan State Fair, Sept. 1-5, Novi — Every state can sing “Our state fair is a great state fair!” Each has its unique fl avors, attractions, crafts, and vendors. Fun fact: Michigan’s state fair used to have a “Gleaner Day.”

Marion Popcorn Festival, Sept. 8-10, Marion, Ohio — Th e largest popcorn festival in the world is celebrating its 40th anniversary. More than 250,000 people annually enjoy the entertainment, rides, music and, yes, the popcorn.

Arcola Broomcorn Festival, Sept. 9-11, Arcola, Illinois —

A tribute to Amish broomcorn, Arcola’s 50th annual festival includes the famous Arcola Lawn Rangers, a precision drill team pushing lawnmowers and brooms.

Johnny Appleseed Festival, Sept. 17-18, Ft.

Wayne, Indiana — Celebrate the life and times of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. 1800s-era food, games and music are included.

Ohio Renaissance Festival, Waynesville, Ohio — Enjoy the knights, village, crafts, food and drink of a fanciful 16th-century village. Th is is one of the largest Renaissance festivals in the Midwest, open weekends and Labor Day from September through October 30.

National Night Out, Aug. 6, Bay City, Michigan —

Lots of games and free food along the Saginaw River riverwalk make this short (three hours) police-community partnership a local favorite.

Winter gave way to spring, and Gleaner arbors took advantage of fewer restrictions to serve their community families in person. So many good things were possible again like visits to assisted living facilities, school dances, church gatherings, meal-packing for hungry children, bowling parties, and even a trivia night to collect canned food. Remember to send in your arbor’s photos of its good works.

Blissfi eld Arbor (MI) arranged a special Valentine’s Day party for residents at the Blissfi eld Place assisted living facility. Due to COVID rules, only one member — Barb McHenry — was able to go into the facility but all the members helped provide balloons, antique cards, and other items. It was a hit with residents as Barb made ice cream sundaes for all the residents as well as staff employees. Th e arbor also posted its great photos to its newly set up Facebook page.

Buckeye City Arbor (OH) held a spring luncheon March 27 at the People With a Vision Church on Cleveland Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. It was the same church where, last year, the arbor had provided a free farmers market event. More than 50 people enjoyed chipotle beef, pulled chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, and other items provided by the arbor from City BBQ. John Ferrell provided a short question and answer session about life insurance and insurance in general. Th e church’s pastor, who has been a longtime Ferrell Insurance Agency customer, praised the agency and mentioned his own Gleaner Life policy and how much he liked Gleaner. After the event, arbor members were invited to come back anytime.

Chester Arbor (OH) members prepared for upcoming events while focusing on recycling. Guest speakers on March 7 were Lindsey Grimm and Angela Carbetta of Morrow and Marion County Recycling. A 4H/recycling impact event was then planned for June 14. It was to include a paper shredder, collections, and other activities. Th e arbor also is gathering nominations for its 2022 community volunteer award.

Entrican Arbor (MI) continued to support veterans, providing $1,000 on Feb. 8 to the Edmore VFW for the post’s kitchen remodeling project. It was accepted by Penny and Rollin Haag. Th e arbor also helped prepare for the Hometown Heroes project in the Edmore area by sponsoring a fl ag featuring a picture of a veteran, which will be fl own from May to October.

Good Deeds Arbor (OH) sponsored the Girl Power Glow Dance on March 19 as a fundraiser for John Glenn High School track and fi eld and cross-country programs. Th e arbor coordinated all aspects and covered expenses for the event so a DJ, balloon artist, games, fi ngernail/manicure station, snacks and door prizes could be off ered. A professional photographer also was on site. Th e event raised $1,800, which pleased many people. High school track participants will be able to attend a meet and educational trip to Washington, D.C. Young ladies had a special time with their dad, grandfathers, or other special adult guests, while also learning about track and fi eld and considering the sport for themselves. Th e event also was covered by a reporter, and an article appeared in two local newspapers.

Grand Arbor (MI) set up and packed 53 bags of food, then tore down its assembly line to assist Hand2Hand, a non-profi t group that provides food for hungry children in west Michigan. Th e food was packed mainly for Sparta Middle School students, although some also went to students at the high school. Arbor members also planned a fi eld trip to a local maple syrup farm.

Gulf Coast Arbor (FL) mixed aid and recreation. On Feb. 26, members toured the Manor Care assisted living facility in Sarasota. Th e arbor presented a tub fi lled with diff erent board games, crossword books, memory cards, dominos, puzzles, etc. that the facility needed. Th en on March 5, a total of 18 arbor members and guests joined the Gleaner Family Day StarShip Yacht cruise for lunch and dancing on the excursion around Tampa, also meeting other Florida members.

Harmony Arbor (MI) conducted a combined Arbor Day and Earth Day tree planting at St. Mary’s School in Alma. It occurred on Earth Day, April 22. An ornamental tree was planted and Caroline and Julius Sterling “visited” to speak about Arbor Day. Children from the 126-student school also presented a skit. Transplant seedlings arrived a week later for repackaging and planned distribution to the children on Arbor Day. Harrison Arbor (OH) members went shopping for the Henry County Humane Society. Th e six members split into three pairs and selected various items for both dogs and cats. Th e arbor also contributed four $50 gift cards from Pampered Pets in Napoleon. Th e Humane Society had the option of using the cards for its February fundraiser — the annual Fur Ball. Several arbor members attended the fundraiser and off ered to help with its meal, raffl e baskets and silent auction.

Mt. Pleasant Arbor (MI) hosted a bingo party for residents of Rosebush Manor, a senior assisted living facility, on March 25. Prizes were given for bingo, with cookies and conversation following. After residents left the recreation area, the arbor stayed and conducted its monthly meeting.

New Beginnings Arbor (OH) held a successful bowling event Feb. 25 to help prevent suicides in Wooster. A total of 61 people showed up, and 52 bowled in a moonlight event from 9 p.m. to midnight. Members presented a check for $1,085 to Suicide Awareness of Wooster. Th e arbor provided pizza, chips, cookies, and drinks for everyone. Th e arbor also planned a free laundry day event at a local laundromat.

North Baltimore Arbor (OH) decorated tables and helped prepare a Valentine’s meal Feb. 12 for patrons of City Mission, a group that provides emergency help to homeless and hungry people to help them make life-changing choices. Tables were decorated with candy, balloons, and decorative center pieces. After serving patrons and helping clean the kitchen, the 10 arbor members helped prepare the next day’s meal. Members noted that their eff orts at City Mission always have been greatly appreciated by the staff and guests at the facility.

Oakwood Arbor (OH) stayed busy in March. On March 28, it invited Lori Manon of the Friends of the Parks District to help with a presentation about Paulding County parks. Th e group has fi ve parks and may add two additional parks this year. Th is followed arbor members advertising their Gleaner arbor at the Senior Center Business Industry and Health Fair held March 23 at the Paulding County Extension Building. A total of 102 people signed up for information (including 43 for the Gleaner door prize). “A few people knew what Gleaners do but we told [others] as they signed in,” the arbor reported. “Some really knew what infl uence we do in the community.”

Portage Center Arbor (OH) sponsored a two-hour Sunday bowling party for people receiving services from Wood County’s Board of Developmental Disabilities and their direct support providers — 81 in all. Th e entire Al-Mar Lanes bowling alley in Bowling Green was rented and pizza, pop and cookies provided. Some participants came with family members, while others bowled with friends or made new friends. Some had bumpers on their lanes and equipment to help, while others bowl in leagues. “A whole new group of people got introduced to Gleaner and what it does,” the arbor reported.

Rolling Prairie Arbor (IN) coordinated an Earth Day event after its regular meeting April 14 at the elementary school. Sasha Burns of the Solid Waste District made the Earth Day presentation. Following it, gift bags of Gleaner items and $100 checks were presented to each of the three teachers whose students were involved.

USA Arbor (MI) purchased and delivered boxes of snacks for the Sebewaing and Unionville fi re departments, ambulance crews, and police departments — each decorated with signs on the boxes to thank the hometown heroes and explain why USA Arbor chose them. Boxes included fruit cups, jerky, pudding, packs of nuts, candy, cookies, granola bars, and a few other items. Th e project also gave members a chance to share their Gleaner knowledge with fi rst responders. “Th ey had heard of Gleaner and we were able to share more of our story and activities with them,” the arbor reported. “It was a very fun activity that was well received in the community.”

River Valley Arbor (IL) paid for a total of 37 people to watch a showing of the fi lm “King Richard” Feb. 12 at Classic Cinemas. Th e arbor also purchased eight $25 gift cards from Walmart to be given out in a drawing. Th e arbor noted that the fi lm, a biographical sports drama about the father of famed tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, also was an excellent choice for Black History Month. In addition, the arbor purchased and delivered 45 lunches for the county health department on March 14. Th e lunches were complete meals from JR’s Chicken. Vulcaneer Arbor (MI) staged a trivia night contest Feb. 22 at the Willow Springs Golf & Country Club to benefi t the Vassar Food Pantry. Members posted online and made personal phone calls to fi ll tables. Attendees were encouraged to order tacos to eat because the arbor matched each taco purchase $1 for the food pantry. Arbor Vice President Th eron Nesbitt with his friend put on the trivia questions on a large screen, and included a category about Gleaner Life. Donated canned goods and cash were collected, and members gave away small bags of popcorn to donors as a thank you. Gleaner T-shirts, bags, and Willow Springs gift cards were prizes. Th e arbor paid for tacos and sodas for volunteers, while also enjoying having three members of Bavarian Arbor attend and play.

Adrian Arbor (MI) hosted the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee and the local Young Marines for a night of ice skating. A total of 41 participated. Th e youth in attendance had fun, and the arbor paid for admission, skate rentals, and pizza and pop.

Center Township Arbor (IN) was busy with several projects. On Feb. 17, members passed out $25 gift certifi cates to Kroger supermarket to 40 diff erent families, who were very appreciative. Th e arbor also has been assisting three refugee families from Ukraine. Th e children needed clothing so the arbor donated $200 for now and will do more later. Th e arbor also contributed $500 to a local Alzheimer’s benefi t walk and, on April 2, members organized an Easter egg hunt at the St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Arizona John W. Van Lint, Scottsdale

Florida Brooke M. Fuggi, Apopka

Illinois Randy Lee Bishop, Marshall Sandra L. Gunter, Normal Richard W. Lindstrom, Joliet Roger B. Massow, Plainfi eld

Iowa Colette D. Moore, Nevada 50 yr. Michigan Dorothy M. Belanger, Mio Sara K. Heise, East Jordan Mary Ann Hudek, Reese Wilma M. Jackson, Jasper Linda A. Richards, Th ompsonville Rose Mary Ross, Comins Joy M. Spencer, Montrvose Brian G. Walkuski, Dearborn Heights

Wisconsin Krista Lynn Love, Cable

Ohio Joy Ann Crossland, New Bavaria

MEMBERS MEMBERS

Arizona Th omas W. Bronk, Tucson Tina Mae Keown, Tucson

Illinois Dorothy I. Deany, Bloomington Marvin L. Scruggs, Chicago Sandra K. Spriggs, Kankakee Arthur Staff ord, Joliet Marilyn K. Vaughn, Piper City William D. Wills, Coal City

Indiana James R. Payne, Franklin John R. Sparenberg, Fowler Georgia Ann Stadler, Clayton Alfred R. Yost, South Bend Michigan Loita Cowham, Delton Doralee Deryke, Kalamazoo Linda J. Hough, Delton Glenn E. Kebler, Six Lakes Susan V. Kizer, Six Lakes Richard K. Mericle, Romeo Carolyn Roper, Frankfort

Ohio Jennie Borton, Fayetteville Nelson Eugene Hack, Mount Gilead Ronnie Heffl inger, Liberty Center Richard E. Stedke, Lima Connie Stoll, Wauseon Doris J. Weiss, Perrysburg Steven A. Zuspan, Marion Texas Joanna K. Jones, Kingwood

Ice Cream Pie

So many family memories involve food, sharing it together, and the people who have made it for us. Since ice cream is practically synonymous with summer, many of those family moments featured ice cream in one form or another. In honor of National Ice Cream Pie Day, celebrated on Aug. 18, this easy recipe off ers the best of two diff erent desserts.

YOU WILL NEED

1 c. cornfl akes, crumbled

2 T. sugar

1/2 c. melted oleo

1 sm. pkg. instant pudding

1 c. milk

1 pt. soft ice cream, softened

1 sm. can pineapple

1 T. cornstarch Mix cornflake crumbles, sugar, and oleo to make the crust. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes. Beat pudding and milk. Add ice cream. Pour in crust (cooled), set in refrigerator. Drain juice from a small can of crushed pineapple. Thicken 1/2 c. juice with 1 T. cornstarch. Put drained pineapple in. Cook until thick and clear. Cool, pour over chilled pie. Keep refrigerated.

This summer’s Ice Cream Pie recipe was included in the Gleaner cookbook “Home Grown Recipes” in the third edition published in 2011. It was submitted by Hazel I. Williams. She became a 50-year member of West Lockport Arbor (IL) in 1984 and contributed several recipes over the decades to Gleaner publications. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years at the Christ United Methodist Church, where she also shoveled snow and handled maintenance chores. She also was known for making crafts including afghan blankets, and for senior bowling. Hazel passed away in Joliet, Illinois, in 2013 at age 99. Hazel Williams

BENNY’s PAGE

Hi, Kids!

I’ve been studying trees lately, but not the kind you see outside. I’ve been learning about my family tree. Since I was adopted as a cub, I started by talking to some lions who knew my parents and were able to fi ll out a few generations. I heard some funny stories about when my parents were cubs. It’s fun to learn about your family history.

Have you ever created a family tree? You can use the family tree outline on the next page to create your own. Start by talking to your parents and other family members like aunts, uncles and grandparents. See how many family members you can list. If you can, add pictures of your family members or draw your own!

Once you know the names of your family members, see if you can add other details like where they lived, their birth dates and any kind of fun stories that reveal a little bit about each family member.

By creating your own family tree, you’ll learn your family’s history and have something you can pass on to your own cubs, I mean children, one day. I hope you have as much fun as I did learning about your family history!

Have a fun summer!

BENNY

Th e Benevolent Lion

BENNY

5200 West U.S. Highway 223, P.O. Box 1894 Adrian, Michigan 49221-7894 Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID BOLINGBROOK, IL PERMIT NO. 594

HAPPY DAY! Independence

GROWING FAMILIES IN FREEDOM

Celebrating Independence Day and freedom is a terri c way to nurture our hopes for the future. The truth that sets us free also reminds us that freedom is not our world’s normal state. Many sacri ces gave us our freedoms. We pray that we will make the most of them and, just like we pass along the Fourth of July hot dogs, we’ll lovingly pass along this family legacy each precious day!