27 minute read
Voices
We offer Voices as a place to share a story, a memory, an idea, a comment, a criticism, or a solution. Contributors must include name, address & phone number.
Hunting Maintenance During the Summer
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By Mike E. Neilson
We welcome the voice of Mike Neilson, longtime Danville High School teacher and longtime hunting enthusiast. He’s shared his hunting experience in book form with Class Dismissed: I’m Going Hunting! (2004); We’re Gonna Need More Arrows!: Hunting Adventurs Around the Country and Around the World (2009); and Pig Tails and Other Hunting Adventures (2014)
Part II
Clothes. Did you gain or lose weight? Let’s just say you hit a growth spurt and leave it at that. Did you put a hole in your waders and forget to patch them? Be painfully honest with yourself, if things are worn out or do not fit, now is the time to replace them before the season starts. Last winter or early spring was the best time, but now is far, far better than a week before the season opens. If you are a scent-free fanatic, you are probably already doing this, but most folks are a bit less sensitive to scent management. Take the time to air out your hunting duds on a clothesline or fence. You would be amazed how musty-smelling clothes can get in a basement, so do yourself a favor and air them out at least once this summer.
Boots. If you have leather boots, summer is a great time to waterproof them again. I’m old school so I like mink oil or a synthetic substitute. Not only do you have time now, but the heat also helps the oil to penetrate the leather giving you better performance. You might be surprised just how beat up the boots got during the season. You might also need to replace laces. Better to do this now than in the field, especially if you do not carry spares. Rubber boots can and will develop a leak at some point. Maybe you poked them on a stick or barbwire, but there’s a hole and it’s no fun finding it when you are taking on water. Dry rot can develop in gear not often used and the summer gives you an opportunity to replace or repair the damaged footwear before season approaches.
Hunting gear. Batteries are cheap, walking in the woods with a dead flashlight or headlamp is no fun and potentially dangerous. Replace your batteries even if they are not dead. Keeping a fresh set in your pack never hurts either. Years ago, I picked up a bit of advice from author Craig Boddington. He had a small flashlight around his neck on a short lanyard. No matter where he went, if it got dark, he had a light source with him. I have adopted that habit when I go out on hunts. I’ve only had to use it in a couple of instances but was very happy I had it when I did need a light.
(Next week Mr. Neilson will talk about maintenance of additional gear)
A Note From Bee
I had never written much before I took Mary Sue Best’s writing classes. She had been a college professor. She chose to teach several classes at Oasis senior citizen center in Speedway.
My original thought was to write stories along with my genealogy research. We did not have many stories to go with my family genealogy. As with so many people, we did not think to ask family members questions about where they came from, how they got to America, etc. We had to research census records, newspaper records, and baptismal records to name only a few. Dates are important but stories are so much better.
The first day of class Mary Sue asked, “Why are you writing your memoirs?” The majority of us said we want our families to know these stories. In my case my sister, a few cousins and I are the only ones left in our family. If we don’t write the stories, they will be lost.
My grandfather Ed and his two brothers lost their mother when they were very young. Their father took them to live with Uncle Edward and Aunt Sophie who had eight children of their own. This poor woman had a lot to cope with. To add to her stress, her husband didn’t work and drank. His five brothers also drank at his house. Their father had left them a great deal of money and they drank and didn’t work until all the money was gone.
Fast forward several years, Ed married Marie. Ed particularly liked Aunt Sophie’s gravy. Marie tried over and over again to make gravy like Aunt Sophie. One day she burned it. When Ed tasted it he was ecstatic. “Marie, that is just like Aunt Sophie’s!”
Poor Aunt Sophie probably burned most of the food. She had 17 people to feed at least two meals a day.
As Paul Harvey would have said, “And that is the rest of the story.”
Bee Jones
Your Mental Health
By Chase Cotton The Willow Center 317-852-3690
The Ugly Reality of Stigma Against Mental Health and Addiction
Imagine this scenario: you have a cold and it’s time to go to the doctor. As you pull in, you notice folks in the lot across the road from the office leering at you as you step out of the car. The looks of silent judgment are like daggers. How would you feel in this moment?
Most of us would feel awful! It’s not your fault you had a cold, right? And what’s the big deal with colds anyways? Why are you being judged for getting the help you need for having a cold? Replace the word “cold” with “addiction” or “mental health problem” and the reality of this scenario sets in.
People who are affected by addiction or mental health problems face a steady stream of stigma towards their suffering, even when they are attempting to get the help they need. Stigma, as defined by Webster’s dictionary, is “a mark of shame or discredit” often perpetuated by other people who do not fully understand what one is going through.
In our society, stigma primarily shows up in three ways: our body language, our words, and our media. Let me give you some examples.
• Our Body Language – Think back to the last opportunity you had to visit downtown Indianapolis. It’s no surprise that the population of folks without a home is much greater in downtown Indy than in the suburbs, so likely you have had the chance to interact. Many folks who are without a home are subjected to traumas that can affect their mental health, which may result in behaviors that are hard to understand. Do you think they don’t notice when you avoid making eye contact? Do you think it doesn’t hurt them when you quickly walk past without acknowledging their existence? This is stigma.
• Our Words – Let’s face it, we have a tendency to be flippant with our words sometimes, especially when we are hoping for a laugh. When telling a funny story, we describe a particular friend as “crazy,” or we say things like “she is so OCD about everything.” When talking about our distant family member with addiction, we call them a “junkie” or “druggie.” When recalling fears, sometimes we say, “I swear (fill in the blank) gave me PTSD.” Do you think your friend who actually suffers from PTSD feels supported when you say this? Do you think your loved one who is in long term recovery appreciates being labeled by their hardship? This is stigma.
• Our Media – How many horror movies have you seen that are set in “insane asylums”? How many headlines are written in the news about folks with a substance use disorder overdosing and dying with little regard to their full personhood and story? How many times are people with depression or anxiety written off as jokes or as unfortunate colleagues in TV shows? This is stigma.
Stigma is everywhere, and it isolates those of us who may be at a low point in our lives and need help. Instead of turning a blind eye to stigma, I encourage you to think before you avoid someone, think before you speak, and think before you partake. We each have a small but meaningful role to play in ending stigma and opening the door for anyone and everyone in need of getting the services they deserve.
Improve Your Mood Support Group
Improve Your Mood Support Group meetings every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Hendricks County Senior Center.
Members have been gathering to learn about mindfulness and other coping techniques for symptoms of depression and anxiety. The Improve Your Mood Support Groupis offered at no cost to anyone 25 years of age or older wishing to participate. No reservations are required to attend.
The group is facilitated by Sharon Dora Samsell, Coordinator of Bereavement and Community Support Groups for Hendricks Regional Health.
“The group focuses on sharing situations and processing emotions, then devoting time to a specific mood enhancement activity or skill that they can put into practice when away from their group” states Sharon.
Transportation is available through Senior Services at 317-718-4474. If you would like to join us for lunch before the meeting, please call the Senior Center at least 24 hours in advance. Suggested donation is $3 for seniors 60 years old or older and their spouses.
Hendricks County Senior Services is funded in part by United Way of Central Indiana, CICOA Aging and In- Home Services and the generous donations of individuals, businesses and community organizations. Service is provided without regard to sex, race, color, religion, disability, or national origin.
ASK MR. TRAFFIC
By Chet Skwarcan, PE, President/ Founder of Traffic Engineering, Inc. Chet@TrafficEngineering.com
The Solomon Curve
Go With The Flow
In the late 1950s, the Federal Highway Administration performed an exhaustive survey of traffic accidents relative to speed. Their chief researcher, David Solomon, concluded that slow driving is every bit as dangerous as fast driving.
The study covered accidents involving 10,000 drivers and interviews with 300,000 motorists. The roadways studied had posted speed limits between 55 and 70 mph.
Solomon discovered the simple slogan to “slow down” was not the key to reducing accidents. And, in fact, could actually be counterproductive. Within the limits of the study it was discovered that low-speed drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than high-speed drivers. However, at high speeds, approaching 80 mph, the difference disappears.
It became clear that regardless of the average speed, the greater the driver’s variation (slower or faster), the greater the chance of being involved in an accident. The lowest accident rate occurred at the average speed or just slightly above it. Granted, the consequences of a high-speed accident were found to be more severe, with injury rates soaring at speeds exceeding 70 MPH.
The research resulted in what has come to be known as The Solomon Curve. It represents the collision rate of automobiles as a function of their speed compared to the average vehicle speed on the same road. I should mention these findings do not necessarily agree with those produced by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. But, as a fan of the movie Elf, “I just try to go with the flow.” Or, “I gotta get out of the flow.” Either option seems safe.
A Squirrel About Town
By Archy
I had never seen such a tiny megaphone, let alone one being used by a squirrel.
“The Squirrel Salon has a debate next week and I’m in charge of the cheer squad,” Archy said.
I wasn’t surprised to hear about the debate, but had no idea the teams had cheerleaders.
“Normally, we don’t do cheers,” the squirrel explained, “but we will be competing with the North Salem Know-It- Alls and figured it would lessen the tension.” I asked Archy how one composes such cheers. “Not as easy as you might think,” he said. “It’s a careful balance between esoteric prose and low humor. Something for everyone, you might say.” “How about an example?,” I asked. “Here’s a basic one,” the squirrel said: “Roberts Rules -
Your Team Drools” I had to agree that was an interesting combination. “Here’s another highbrow/lowbrow cheer,” Archy said. “Codified...Unified...Your Shoe’s Untied....MADE YOU LOOK!”
I felt like I was standing in a squirrel school playground at recess.
“We sometimes borrow from human high school cheer chants,” he continued. “Here’s a classic: 2 - 4 - 6 - 8 - Don’t be a such a Reprobate - Whoops! Too Late.”
He picked up his megaphone and fired off another: You may be good at arguments, You may be good at facts, But when it comes to disputation, You’d better watch your backs!
I started to wonder if I could get tickets to the debate and what to wear.
“Of course, we throw in some Latin,” the squirrel continued. “Here’s one I put together: Ipso facto, ergo sum - You’re All Losers, Thus, We Won!”
I was gaining a new appreciation for the breadth of Archy’s wit.
“This is one of my favorites,” the squirrel said with a smile, “Arcane, yet subtle: Loris ipsum, We Declare: Your Argument is Much Too Spare.”
I imagined canceling the High School Cheerleading contest at the Fair and have a squirrel debate instead.
“Archy, have you ever considered debating with humans?” I asked. He put down the megaphone and patted my hand. “Your people wouldn’t have a chance,” he said. “It would be like debating fish in a barrel.”
Joseph Joubert
Cucumber Time is Here! Keep ‘em Coming!
By Colletta Kosiba Hendricks County Master Gardener
It is fresh cucumber time for you. Darn--the rabbits ate the my plants.
We talked last summer about the types of cucumber plants: vining cucumbers and bush cucumbers.
Vining cucumbers grow fast on vigorous vines. They grow best when trained up a trellis or fence. Off the ground, they will be cleaner—often more prolific, and easier to pick. Research proves when the vines receive better air circulation and more sunlight the vines produce better. Set up trellises, fence or other supports early on to avoid damage to seedlings and vines.
Bush cucumbers good for containers and small gardens They have very short vines, only 1-2 feet long.
Remember the main requirement is water --- consistent watering—water slowly in morning, keep foliage dry. Mulch to hold in soil moisture.
HINT: I mark where root comes out of ground, so I know where to put water not on the vines themselves.
Hand pollinate: if you do not have insects to do the job The female flower will have a small fruit at the base of her stem. Using fresh male flower, roll the yellow pollen onto the stigma in the center of the female flower. Pollen is sticky. Some folks use a Q-tip or small paint brush to transfer pollen.
Can you spot the spotted cucumber beetle?
Cucumber Beetles may attack the vines and can cause disease.
There are two forms of cucumber beetle – one sporting a dozen black spots and one striped. The spotted cucumber beetle feeds on cucumbers, potatoes, beets tomatoes and cabbage. You may even find them feasting on your roses and dahlias.
The beetles transmit diseases -- mosaic and bacterial wilts.
Striped Cucumber Beetle
Bacterial wilt causes leaves to yellow and brown at the margins, completely wither and die.
Mosaic virus leaves are mottled with yellow, white, and light or dark green spots and streaks (in other words, a “mosaic” of the colors). Once plants are infected, there is no cure for mosaic viruses. (Throw plant in trash can!!)
Control:
Look for varieties that are resistant to these pests Cover young plants with floating row covers.
Knock, shake, or hand pick beetles off plants and out of flowers
Use an insect sticky lure—works for a lot of the bad bugs
Sticky lures get a lot of the bad bugs.
But if you must use poison - Dust plants with insecticides containing pyrethrum.
Where do cucumbers go for a date? The salad bar
Got Questions? Call The Home-Landscaping-Garden Help Line and Master Gardeners will answer your questions every Tuesday. May 18 to Sept 28. Hours 9:00-Noon and 1-4:00pm call 317-745-9260 (Hendricks County Extension)
philanthropy fəˈlanTHrəpē
...the desire to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
Joining Voices for a new series is Liza L. Taylor, who will be exploring the importance of philanthropy in a community.
Liza holds a master’s degree in philanthropy and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management, both from IUPUI. She has taught philanthropy at the university level and provided consulting services to Hoosier nonprofit leaders.
Her personal philanthropic endeavors include serving as a member of the Hendricks County Crisis Response Team and on the board of the Hendricks County Trauma Resource Center. She and her family have been involved over the past two decades in providing housing, medical care, and education for people in Mexico, Haiti, and Colombia. She has over 700 hours of service to US veterans and their families.
She and her family have made Hendricks County home for over 30 years.
Philanthropy, What is It?
By Liza A. Taylor
Gifts… ponder for a moment and remember a special gift you have received. It may be a treasured heirloom such as your grandmother’s wedding ring or quilt that allows you to keep her memory close at heart. Perhaps it was a shiny new bike given for your 9th birthday that opened up a whole new world of discovery for you. Maybe it was a whispered prayer from someone you loved as you struggled through a scary health challenge. Each of these memories represents a gift.
Whether gifts are formal or informal, they represent the value we humans place on the simple act of giving. Giving in a more formal sense is known as philanthropy, yet this kind of giving is quite similar to the more casual giving mentioned above. In each instance, one person or party invests their time, talent, or treasure for the betterment of another. Giving is one of the oldest and most common human endeavors. It is also one of the most enriching, both to the giver and the receiver.
Just as in the paragraph above, you considered receiving a gift, this time consider a time when you gave a meaningful gift. Perhaps it was a puppy or kitten for your child that provided love and companionship for all of you for years. Maybe you helped raise money for cancer research in honor of your best friend or served as a candy striper at a local hospital. Or, perhaps you volunteer at your church to pass along cherished values. With each given gift, bonds are built and strengthened. The capacity to give is one of life’s most precious gifts.
Philanthropy, even though often considered more “formal” giving, is broadly defined as voluntary action for the public good (Robert Payton). It is far more than just rich people giving money away. It also includes the people and activities involved with little league, fraternal organizations, theatre houses, knitting clubs, Veterans’ groups, nature preserves, animal shelters, addiction recovery, and selling Scout cookies or popcorn. Each of these involves giving and receiving. These activities enrich our lives in immeasurable ways.
Teddy Roosevelt made famous a little-known quote: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Each of us give and each of us are enriched by the gifts of others. Today we celebrate you for all of the philanthropic acts you perform, from monetary gifts to holding a door open for a stranger. Each gift matters, always. Today we celebrate philanthropy for all it does for us and our community!
A Bark From the Past: Henry
[Editor’s Note: The Republican’s first four-footed correspondent was Henry. A mixed breed rescue dog, Henry would make observations about being a dog in a small town. The articles, which ran in 2006 - 2010, have been languishing in the computer’s memory and we thought a new audience might enjoy some canine commentary.]
(This week’s column is from 15 years ago, in 2006, when the Fairgrounds at 1900 E. Main first opened.)
Dogs smell a lot better than humans do.
What I mean is, my sense of smell is about a million times better than yours – no kidding! And some really smart humans who study dogs believe that it may be at least ten times better than that.
This is because my great-great-lots-o-greatsgrandfather was a wolf and he hunted mostly by smell. So, it was a big advantage for him to have a keen schnozz! But the prey animals also had good noses, so he would roll on a Very Dead Thing to cover his own scent. (This is the same reason that some human males douse themselves with Old Spice or Lagerfeld – only the prey has changed!)
The new Hendricks County Fairgrounds is open and I can hardly wait to get out there! My nose is twitching! I can’t wait for the new construction smells, the animal smells and the greasy deep-fried food smells.
The old fairgrounds had been used for so long that too many smells are imbedded in the grounds and buildings. Humans can’t smell them, but I can smell the old fairgrounds from my house when the wind is right! So, I’m eagerly awaiting Fair Week to get a good whiff of the new facility! Maybe I’ll see you there!
Did you know Brownsburg was once the cucumber capitol of Hendricks County? At least the vicinity furnished most of the cucumbers used in Indianapolis. In 1894, over 100 acres were planted in cucumbers and the farmer could realize an average of $100 per acre.
While a large percentage of the cucumbers grown for family use would be preserved as pickles, most cooks made the most of them as a cooling salad during the hot months when they’re most abundant.
Here are three recipes from Danville’s Eight Hundred Recipes (1907), plus another (non-food) use for cucumbers.
STUFFED CUCUMBER SALAD – Pare cucumbers and cut lengthwise into two parts. Remove seeds and let stand in ice-water. Chop together the solid part of peeled tomato, one-half slice of onion, stalk of celery and sprig of parsley. Mix with French dressing or mayonnaise and fill the halves of cucumbers. Serve on cress or lettuce. - Tressie Ader
CUCUMBER SALAD – Two large cucumbers, four cold boiled potatoes, two onions, chopped fine; season with salt and pepper, and pour over it one cup of sour cream. – Kate N. Moore.
CREAMED CUCUMBERS – Slice very thin six cucumbers, add one tablespoon salt. Let stand about half and hour; then wash the salt off and drain well; add salt, pepper, Tarragon vinegar and pure olive oil to taste; mix well and at last add one-half cup cream with a dash of paprika. If desired, also add Spanish onion and parsley chopped fine. – Mrs. Sterling R. Holt.
CUCUMBER LOTION – One pint ripe cucumber juice, juice of four lemons, two ounces glycerine, one ounce alcohol. Good for sunburn and tan. Excellent hand wash. – Mrs. James E. Thompson.
There are two methods I remember my mother used for cucumbers when I was a child.
One was cucumbers and onions sliced into equal parts vinegar, sugar and water mixed together. The other (and my favorite) way was fried cucumbers. They were sliced lengthwise, about 1/4 in. thick, dipped in beaten egg, then flour, and fried in lard.
Do you have any favorite ways to incorporate cucumbers into your meals? Send them to betty@TheRepublicanNewspaper.com.
Criss Jami
Exploring Hendricks County
By Jackie Horn
Jackie Horn and her husband, John, transplanted from Warsaw to Plainfield to be near family. They have two children and nine grandchildren. An Advanced Indiana Master Naturalist, Jackie is a retired substitute teacher who continues to teach (and learn) about all things outdoors. John is a retired CNC programmer and the photographer on the team. The Horns enjoy traveling, walking, hiking, kayaking, and bicycling.]
A Family Vacation
John and I are a great team. He likes to drive and I enjoy just riding along. We’ve been at it now for 44 years.
When our two children were young, every year we’d pack them up and go on a family vacation. Two or three weeks driving across the country, visiting national parks, and exploring this amazing land. They must have good memories of these road trips because now that our grown children have families of their own, they want their children to experience “family vacation”. The astounding thing is, they ask us to join them!
For the past month or so we’ve been on the road, first with our son and his family, then our daughter’s.
While our son’s family had to wait for school let out for summer, John and I were free to leave anytime. Pulling out from Plainfield on a Tuesday, we had no firm destination in mind. We just needed to hook up with the family on Sunday at Mesa Verde in Colorado.
Knowing the road we were taking, I checked out the website, Roadside- America.com. It’s a map, listing, and description of silly and obscure roadside attractions, things like “The World’s Largest Czech Egg” in Wilson Kansas,or “Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan” in Brandon (NOTE: Not the World’s Largest. It’s in Delaware.) The stops make for fun photos and break up the long drive (and there’s usually an ice cream stand or bakery nearby.)
One of the sights along the way: World’s largest Czech Egg, Wilson, Kansas.
John and I have a National Park Passport. When visiting a national park, we “cancel” our passport with a date stamp provided at the visitors’ center. We knocked off several as we made our way through Colorado including Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site (NHS), Bent’s Old Fort NHS and the Great Sand Dunes National Park (NP), Curecanti National Recreation Area (NRA), Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP, Colorado National Monument (NM), and Yucca House NM. Besides checking off the sites in our Passport, we found places we want to return and explore. Two such places were the Great Sand Dunes (We arrived late in the day and were too tired to trudge much further than the area just inside the entrance) and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. (This rugged but beautiful park features several hiking/climbing trails and a dark sky perfect for stargazing.)
Hiking at Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
Our daughter-in-law’s itinerary for our multi-state/park trip was packed tight. This trip was meant as a sampler, just a taste to whet the children’s appetite to return, explore and discover the parks at a later date.
The route was a loop covering 18 western states in 20 days. We checked in and did at least a short hike at each of the national parks including: Mesa Verde, Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Zion, Grand Canyon, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Crater Lake, Olympic, Glacier, Mount Rushmore, Badlands, and Herbert Hoover NHS (Whew!) For this article,
I asked each of the kids what their favorite part of the journey was. Instead of a two-page travelogue, I’ll highlight “the experts” picks.
Exploring tide pools at Olympic National Park in Washington State.
Number 1: While not a national park, the hands-down favorite activity of all the participants was whale watching. This was a 4-hour excursion trip out of Port Townsend, WA. We saw Orcas and Minke whales. It was amazing to be so close to such giant beasts.
Number 2: Canyonlands NP and Capitol Reef NP. These two parks are tied for second place. While the terrain and geography are similar to Arches NP, the troops pick these parks because they loved the hiking and rock climbing opportunities without the crowds. We hiked to arches, an upheaval dome, and along a dry river bed.
Number 3: Olympic NP. The kids loved this park because of the diversity. We investigated tide pools, hiked to waterfalls in a rain forest, and enjoyed the cooler temperatures.
John and I returned home to celebrate Father’s Day, do laundry, and meet up with our daughter’s family from Virginia. And we were off again.
Biking around Mackinac Island, Michigan, was a fun part of this family vacation.
Loaded with bicycles, we headed north. This trip was only four days and one state, Michigan. We visited Whitefish Point (lighthouse/shipwreck museum), Tahquamenon Falls, and Petosky, but the ultimate destination was Mackinac Island. The seven-year-old’s favorite part of the vacation was the ferry ride to the island. The eleven-yearold enjoyed biking around the eight-mile perimeter island with no automobiles …and fudge. He REALLY liked the fudge!
Making memories, even silly ones, are the best part of family vacations.
The time spent with family, the experiences shared, and the memories made are priceless. I hope the grandkids had as much fun as we did. I guess we’ll know in 20 or so years if they take their children on an epic, summer road trip.
In the meantime, there truly is no place like home.
MASTERING THE HOUSE useful tips for homeowners
Tim Paino Owner/Inspector Heartland HouseMaster
Maintaining the Garbage Disposal
On the bulletin board next to my desk there is a quote that guides me. I wish I had recorded the author to give them credit, but it states: “Nothing improves with Neglect.”
Coming from a long line of preachers, I must say, them words can preach. They could apply to relationships, knowledge, possessions and especially our homes. Daily we flip the switch to the garbage disposal and depend on it magically flushing the kitchen garbage away. We never give it a second thought that there are some actions we can take to help improve this operation and make it last longer. Here are some helpful hints for the garbage disposal: 1. Don’t put the wrong objects down your disposal. The disposal is designed to grind food scraps and nothing more. Avoid bones, fruit pits, grease, fat, oil, glass, plastic, and food that expands such as spaghetti or rice. Potato peelings form a starch paste, banana peels are stringy and both coffee grounds and eggshells create very tiny granular waste that will stick to sludge and create a clog. Direct any of these items to the trash, not the disposal.
2. Break up large objects before grinding them. Give your unit a helping hand.
3. Use cold water when running your disposal. This helps keep any grease or oil from liquefying and clinging to the blades.
4. Keep your disposal clean. If you ever get an odor from the disposal drain, this is going to help. a. First remove the rubber splash guard. Avoid putting your hand in the disposal and pull it out using some tongs. Do a deep clean to the guard. b. Put ½ cup of baking soda in the disposal. c. Now pour 1 cup of vinegar into the disposal allowing it to fizz for 2 to 3 minutes. d. Rinse the baking soda and vinegar down the drain with 6 cups of boiling water. e. Once rinsed, fill the disposal with 2 or 3 cups of ice. f. Pour one cup of salt onto the ice. g. Turn on the cold water and run the disposal until the ice and salt combination is gone. This will help loosen any remaining grime. h. The finishing touch is to replace the splash guard, cut a lemon in to small pieces, removing all seeds, and run the lemon through the disposal to give it a good fresh smell.
5. Don’t use drain cleaners on your disposal! The chemicals can damage the disposal. Enough said.
6. Hand-crank the disposal to break up jams. On the bottom of the disposal is a hexagon shaped slot that a wrench is supplied to be able to manually turn the motor. When the blades become blocked, use the wrench to help un-clog the blades. If the disposal has not been run for some time, garbage may be hard and need that extract strength to loosen. Also, on the bottom is typically a reset button that may need reset if the motor became blocked and tripped the safety mechanism.
Safety first. Make sure the power is off before ever reaching into a disposal to retrieve something. If all else fails, call the professional.
