Northwest Montana Seniors' Scoop

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Greetings!

Wow! The months are flying by! April is now here and spring is in full bloom. What a wonderful time of year! Spring gently brings us beautiful sunshine, gardening, sounds of children playing and laughing outside, bike rides, long walks and outdoor festivities.

I look forward to participating in several of our area’s community events this month. Please visit our calendar pages for more details on our local happenings.

We LOVE hearing from our readers! Please drop us a line at info@ srscoop.com and let us know what you love most about Seniors’ Scoop. If you have any ideas or suggestions, we welcome your positive thoughts.

Enjoy a fantastic April, friends!

Live, Laugh & Love, dear friends!

Sarah Baker Publisher

CALL

406.890.9588

WRITE

info@srscoop.com P.O. Box 2458 Kalispell, MT 59903 Senior Scoop © 2013. All information in this Directory is copyrighted, including text, layout, and logos. The content of this Directory may not be copied or distributed, in whole or in part, without express written consent from the publisher.

The Publisher of this Directory does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy or reliability of the information contained herein.

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Delicious taste, beautiful colors, packed with healthy nutrients – what’s not to love about fresh fruit? And with fresh fruits available all year long, you can enjoy them in mouthwatering, healthy meals any time you want. This satisfying fresh fruit salad showcases the flavors and healthy benefits of Chilean fresh fruit. Here are some of the reasons eating fresh fruit is so good for you:

Savor a Satisfying Fresh Fruit Salad

• Adding the bright colors of fresh fruit to your plate can help lower your risk of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. That’s because the rich colors found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables indicate the presence of powerful natural protectors called phytonutrients and antioxidants.

• Scientific evidence has shown that eating whole fruit is best for optimal nutrition benefits rather than taking supplements to provide each nutrient separately.

• Fresh fruits can satisfy a sweet tooth without adding unhealthy fat or excessive calories to your diet. That’s because fruits contain naturally occurring sugars suspended in a natural healthy matrix of calorie-free plant fibers and water.

They help you fill up without filling out.

Spinach Salad with fresh Grapes, Plums, Peaches and Kiwis 4 cups washed baby spinach 1/2 cup red grapes 1/2 cup green grapes 2 plums sliced 1 peach sliced 2 kiwis sliced for garnish 1/2 cup toasted almonds

Serves 6

Place spinach and sliced fruit in a salad bowl and toss with kiwi vinaigrette. Garnish with additional fruit pieces and top with toasted almonds.

Kiwi Vinaigrette For more recipes 3 kiwis peeled and chopped visit www.fruitsfromchile.com 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 3 tablespoons orange juice 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2 - 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon agave or honey

salt and black pepper to taste Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.

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Source: Chilean Fresh Fruit Association

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3/18/13 1:04 PM

Every kid deserves the chance to be a kid. But for kids with serious illnesses, those typical kid experiences can be hard to come by. That’s why, in 1988, Paul Newman founded a camp where sick kids could just be kids. Today that vision has grown to become SeriousFun Children’s Network, a nonprofit community of camps that let children and their families discover joy and confidence – free of charge.

Serious Fun for Kids with Serious Illness

There are 29 camps and programs across the United States and around the world.

The kids that attend a SeriousFun camps have fun – but they also come away with much more. An ongoing study by the Yale School of Medicine has found that these camp experiences have a profound and longlasting impact on kids who attend. They are able to build important connections that help them become more resilient and that support their growth in the face of challenges. They get a renewed sense of childhood and a hope for the future.

Kids are cared for by trained staff members and volunteers, and there are also doctors and nurses available to provide medical care during their stay. Activities and programs are designed to let kids have fun while also challenging them. Activities vary at each camp, but can include archery, arts and crafts, boating, fishing, horses, music, nature and discovery, theatre, climbing walls and zip lines, as well as campfires, Source: Westglen Communications carnival nights, scavenger hunts and more.

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Please go to www.srscoop.com/blog/ to find the answers to this month’s puzzle.

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Natural Gifts for Baby

Whether you need a baby shower gift, a present for a newborn, or something “just because” for a precious baby in your life, these natural gift ideas will help you give a present that you can feel good about.

SKIN CARE ESSENTIALS Look for gentle products with fewer ingredients.

Purchase skin care products that are made without dyes, fragrances, phthalates and parabens. You can also find fragrance-free shampoos, washes and lotions, as well as irritant-free bubble baths. Use a gentle detergent to wash everything that touches your baby’s skin. Include some soft and stylish towels and washcloths made from natural fibers. Help protect baby’s skin when playing outside with zinc oxide sunscreens.

TEETHING KIT Teething typically starts between the ages of four and seven months. Help parents be ready with a teething kit. Include gauze pads and soft organic washcloths to wipe gums, and homeopathic teething tablets, such as Baby Orajel™ Naturals Quick Dissolve Homeopathic Teething Tablets. These teething tablets use soothing, natural Chamomilla as the main ingredient, and they do not contain benzocaine, belladonna, or dyes. Learn more at www.babyorajelnaturals.com.

FEEDING HELPERS When it’s time to introduce food to baby, parents can prepare by purchasing a baby food maker. You can find models that steam, puree and blend, as well as reheat or defrost precooked foods. Some models come with BPA-free storage containers, as well. Also consider baby plates, bowls and utensils made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, bibs and burp cloths made from natural, organic or recycled materials, and BPA-free sippy cups.

ECO-FRIENDLY DIAPERS These days you can find all kinds of diapers that are good for both baby and the environment. There are chlorine-free and biodegradable disposable diaper options, diapers free from latex and dyes, and diapers made from renewable resources. As some helpful extras, add some gentle, chlorine-free wipes and a zinc oxide diaper cream. If the baby wears cloth diapers, consider chipping in with friends to pay for a diaper service to make life a little easier for the family.

Finding natural products for babies is easier than you think. All it takes is a little bit of research and you will find everything you need.

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Source: Baby Orajel 7

3/18/13 2:28 PM

Mention this ad for a complimentary periodontal evaluation Aging is Inevitable, Tooth Loss is Not Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can help you keep your teeth for life.

Not so long ago, it was rare for an older person to go to bed without taking out his or her dentures. However, endentulism (toothlessness) has been declining in this country since the 1950s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 25 percent of the current population over age 65 is toothless.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in older adults.

“However, people should realize that while their likelihood of developing periodontal disease does increase with age, maintaining periodontal health can help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime,” says Dr. Todd Cahoon DDS, a local periodontist and member of the American Academy of Periodontology.

“Not everyone can avoid the signs of

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aging, but periodontal disease can often be prevented.”

“To help prevent periodontal disease and maintain a healthy, toothy smile as you age, it is important to keep your dental professional up to date on any changes in your overall health,” said Dr. Cahoon. “The goal is to make adjustments in oral care before these changes result in full-blown problems in the mouth.”

Dr. Cahoon recommends comprehensive daily oral care, including regular brushing and flossing, and routine visits to the dentist to avoid gum disease. If gum disease develops, a consultation with a dental professional, such as a periodontist, can lead to effective treatment. A periodontist is a dentist with three years of additional specialized training in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

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3/18/13 1:05 PM

Please go to our Blog Page on our website to find your answers. www.srscoop.com/blog

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APRIL

2013

EVENT CALENDAR

THE MUSEUM AT CENTRAL SCHOOL 406-752-8381 FREE Quilting Workshop April 10 & 24, 1 pm – 4:30 pm

& Seniors age 60+. Docentled gallery tour at 10:30 am.

Complimentary coffee, tea & cookies served 10 am – 5 pm

FREE Historic Book Club Event April 11, 6:30 pm “Looking Back, A History of the Flathead Valley”

Opening Reception: New Artists 2013: High School Students April 11, 5 pm – 7 pm Admission: Free/Open to the Public

FREE Movie and Popcorn April 30, 7 pm “Harvey”

Crits & Croissants: A Saturday Morning Artists’ Critique April 13, 10:30 am – 12 pm Enjoy coffee, croissants and a critique by local professional artist Margaret Graziano.

Members $5 Non-members $7

HOCKADAY MUSEUM OF ART Docent Guided Tour Every Thurs & Sat, 10:30 am Participation included with admission. Learn about the current exhibits from a trained Hockaday docent.

On Exhibit: Of the Earth Thru April 20 Features artists who work with natural materials.

On Exhibit: New Artists 2013: High School Students Art Show April 4 thru May 4 The annual New Artists Show is a venue for young artists attending local high schools. Each year, the Curator’s Choice - Best in Show and People’s Choice Awards are given in the New Artists Show.

Attendees at the April 11 opening reception vote for their favorite in the People’s Choice category.

Senior Tour & Tea Day April 11 Free admission for Members

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12th Annual Benefit Auction of Miniatures April 25 thru May 18 The twelfth annual Hockaday Benefit Auction of Miniatures will be held Friday May 17, 2013.

Proceeds from the auction benefit the Museum’s exhibition and education programs. RSVP by calling 406-755-5268.

CARLSON CHIROPRACTIC 410 1st Ave. W, Kalispell 212-1909 Health talks are at Carlson Chiropractic Offices & open to the public.

Detox and Immune Building Health Talk April 1 & 8, 7 pm Hormone Balance for Women Health Talk April 29, 7 pm

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3/18/13 7:52 PM

EVENT CALENDAR KALISPELL SENIOR CENTER Pancake Breakfast March 20, 11 am – 2 pm Bingo Thursdays 1 pm 5 pm on the 25th

Pinochle Tuesdays & Fridays 1:30 pm

Line Dance Thursdays 6 pm

Cribbage Mondays 1 pm

Open Paint Wednesdays 12 pm

Art Class Fridays 12:30 pm

Exercise Class Mon’s, Wed’s, Fri’s 10 am

Computer Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 am

Square Dance Second & Third Saturday of month 6:30 pm

Square Dance Class Mondays 6:30 pm

General Meeting Last Thursday of each month 5 pm

Contra Dance 1st Sat. of each month 7:30 pm

Swing Dance Fridays 7 pm

APRIL

2013

GLACIER SYMPHONY Vassily Primakov, Piano April 25, 7 pm Alpine Ballroom Primakov Plays Scriabin April 27, 7:30 pm Flathead High School Performance Hall April 28, 3 pm Flathead High School Performance Hall Tickets are available to purchase for all GSC concerts on the web: www.gscmusic.org or by calling 406-257-3241.

HARVEST RIDERS OF FLATHEAD VALLEY Christian Motorcyclists Association 406-885-4746 Seasons of Refreshing Poster April 12 thru 13 Contact: Bill Kern 406-580-1264 Regional Fast Lane/Adventure Rally April 19 thru 21 Location: Mack’s Pines, Dover, Arkansas Contact: Kerry Gibson fastlane@cmausa.org CMA Fellowship April 26, 6 pm Location: Dairy Queen, Kalispell Mitch Davis-Road Captain 406-270-0933

Be on the lookout for our future monthly issues for More Fun Events!

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Directory Listings ASSISTED LIVING Bee Hive Homes of Columbia Falls 1660 13th St. West, Columbia Falls, 406.407.3253, beehivehomes.com The Springs at Whitefish 1001 River Lakes Pkwy, Whitefish, 406.862.6322 thespringsliving.com Timber Creek Village 375 Meadow Lake Blvd., Columbia Falls, 406.892.3400, timbercreekvillagecommunity.com Wel-Life at Kalispell 156 Three Mile Rd., Kalispell, 406.756.8688, wlkalispell.com AUTOMOTIVE Howie’s Tire & Alignment 6470 Highway 93 South, Whitefish, 406.862.6666, howiestire.com

D i r e c t o r y

L i s t i n g s

Howie’s Tire & Auto Care 33 3rd Ave E.N., Kalispell, 406.755.6662 Montana Auto Center 601 East Idaho, Kalispell, 406.752.5511, montanaautocenter.com The Good Car Company 1212 S Main St., Kalispell, 406.755.7777, thegoodcarcompanyllc.com CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Sarah Klingenberg 410 1st Ave W, Kalispell, MT 59901, 406.212.1909, gonsteaddr@hotmail.com DENTAL Glacier Denture Center 1340 Airport Road, Kalispell, MT 59901, 406.257.5283 Montana Periodontics 115 Commons Way Suite 101, Kalispell, 406.755.4722 Rocky Mountain Dentures 1825 Hwy 93 South, Suite A, Kalispell, 406.752.1003 kalispelldentures.com

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HEALTH FOOD Mountain Valley Foods Organic Grocery 25 Commons Way, Kalispell, 406.756.1422 mvf@mountainvalleyfoods.com HEALTH SERVICES The Sleep Medicine Center 200 Commons Way, Lower Level, Kalispell, 406.752.1729 HOME HEALTH CARE A Plus Health Care 1310 S. Main St, Kalispell, 406.755.4968, aplushc.com Flathead County Home Health Agency 736 S. Main St., Kalispell, 406.751.6800, paradigm99@centurytel.net INSURANCE AGENCIES Best Insurance 175 Hutton Ranch Rd, Suite 113, Kalispell, 406.755.8888 LONG-TERM NURSING CARE Heritage Place 171 Heritage Way, Kalispell, 406.755.0800, heritagekalispell.com

D i r e c t o r y

MASSAGE THERAPY Touch for Life 103 Ponderosa Ln. Kalispell, 406.270.3847, karen.l.rog@gmail.com Paula Rich Massage 20 Four Mile Dr, Suite 4, Kalispell, 406.249.6025, paulastanford@hotmail.com MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE Flathead Insurance 2330 Hwy 2 East, Kalispell, 406.752.7676, northwestinsurer.com

L i s t i n g s

MEMORY CARE Edgewood Vista Assisted Living + Daycare Services 141 Interstate Lane, Kalispell, 406.755.3240, edgewoodvista.com Expressions Memory Care Home 240 Hidden Meadow Lane, Columbia Falls, 406.897.1017, expressionssmch.com The Springs at Whitefish 1001 River Lakes Pkwy, Whitefish, 406.862.6322 thespringsliving.com

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PHARMACIES Evergreen Compounding Pharmacy 2141 U.S. Hwy 2 East #300, Kalispell, 406.257.2083 evergreencompoundingpharmacy.com PHYSICAL THERAPY Professional Therapy Associates 1234 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell, 406.756.7878, ptflathead.com REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS NoDoubt Land Company 1103 S. Main St., Kalispell, 406.257.6638, theresnodoubt.com West Venture Properties, LLC 17 1st Ave East, Kalispell, 406.751.5600, westventureproperties.com RESTAURANTS Café Max Soup Company 20 Commons Way, Kalispell, 406.257.7687, cafemaxsoupmt.com Café Max Soup Company 6475 Hwy 93 S, Whitefish, 406.270.9840, cafemaxsoupmt.com

D i r e c t o r y

L i s t i n g s

Cislo’s Family Restaurant 2046 Hwy 2 East, Kalispell, 406.756.7330 RETAIL Gold Rush Pawn Company 1353 Hwy 2 East, Kalispell, 406.257.7296 (PAWN), goldrushpawn.com The Shops at Station 8 38 Hwy 2 East, Columbia Falls, 406.892.1123, station8antiques.com

Contact us at info@srscoop.com to find out how you may list your business on our Directory Pages!

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3/18/13 1:06 PM

Serve a Simple Skillet Supper

Getting dinner on the table fast during a busy week need not cause a panic – or a call for carry-out. With this simple recipe and five key ingredients, supper is served in just 20 minutes.

Begin with a pantry staple that can be the starting point for lots of great meals – a can of READ German Potato Salad. This readyto-serve salad makes a savory side dish to accompany all kinds of entrees, but it’s so much more versatile. Think of it as a base for a hearty soup, a casserole or a skillet meal like Quick Sausage and German Potato Salad Skillet.

Thinly sliced potatoes, deliciously seasoned with a vinegary-bacon dressing, make a perfect pairing with smoked sausage and a quick sauté of onion wedges and colorful bell peppers. Think of the prep time and number of ingredients saved by beginning with the potato salad. And by choosing pre-cooked sausages, which can be browned and heated in about five minutes, cooking time is greatly reduced.

Add a mixed greens salad, perhaps topped with apple or pear slices, and dinner is done. How quick, easy and appetizing is that?

Quick Sausage and German Potato Salad Skillet

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes • Makes 4 servings 2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil 1 medium red or yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges 1 cup chopped red bell pepper 3/4 pound pre-cooked smoked chicken or turkey sausage links 1 can (15 ounces) READ German Potato Salad 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper Chopped parsley, optional

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook and stir 1 minute. Add sausages; continue cooking 5 minutes until browned and heated through, turning occasionally.

Remove sausages from skillet. Add potato salad and black pepper to skillet. Stir to combine with onion mixture. Return sausages to skillet.

Cook 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.

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Source: Seneca Foods 15

3/18/13 1:06 PM

Home on the Range

by Jill Seigmund

It is fitting that the National Bison Range’s opening day for summer hours is Mother’s Day weekend. By May 11, the range will be bustling with newborn buffalo calves, which are generally born during April, May, or June.

The National Bison Range is located in Moiese, between Kalispell and Missoula. The range is open to the public yearround, but the best time to visit is when Red Sleep Mountain Drive is open. This is the 19-mile scenic road that travels over the top of the range and allows visitors to really take in all the range has to offer. Shorter scenic drives are also an option.

Weather and road conditions permitting, range managers hope to have Red Sleep Mountain Drive and all other drives open by May 11.

The National Bison Range was established in 1908 and is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is home to between 350 and 500 American bison, the descendants of animals from Kalispell founder Charles Conrad’s private herd.

The range also boasts populations of elk, white-tail and mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and black bear.

Visitors will have no problem spotting the buffalo calves, which are reddish in color compared to the dark brown coats of their mothers. The calves weigh between 20 and 70 pounds at birth.

They grow quickly and within one year may weigh between 400 and 600 pounds! Females are fully grown by the age of six or seven, while males continue to put on weight until age nine or 10. The average mature bull weighs 1600 pounds.

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It is recommended that visitors begin their tour at the Visitor Center, which provides interpretive displays and orientation videos as well as a bookstore and restrooms. Friendly staff is on hand to answer questions and dispense maps and brochures. The range is a great place to have a picnic. A designated picnic area has tables and even grills.

Hiking is limited on the range to a few short walking trails. A mile-long Nature Trail is located at the Picnic Area and 1/4-mile Grassland Trail is at the Visitor Center. The 1/2-mile Bitterroot Trail and one-mile High Point trail are both located off the Red Sleep Mountain Drive. In order to protect the range’s wildlife and vegetation, and for the safety of visitors, walking away from vehicles is prohibited except for on these designated trails.

Fees are charged during the summer (mid-May to late October).

The Range is part of the U.S. Fee System and accepts and sells the Federal Recreational Area Passes and Federal Waterfowl Stamps. It also continues to accept the older Golden Passes.

For up-to-date information about the National Bison Range, including hours, fees, and driving directions, visit www.fws.gov/ bisonrange/ or call (406)644-2211.

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A Simple Spring Meal Made Easy

This spring, whether you’re hosting guests for brunch, lunch or dinner, a quiche dish is the perfect addition to your menu.

Replacing pastry dough with easy-to-prepare pierogies is not only a delicious twist on the classic dish, but it will save you time in the kitchen so you can spend more time enjoying the beautiful spring weather with family and friends. The recipe below for Crust-less Spring Quiche combines eggs, Mrs. T’s Pierogies, fresh vegetables and Asiago cheese to create a tasty and effortless meal that’s ready in just 40 minutes. Simply pour the mixture into a casserole dish, bake it in the oven and serve.

Crust-less Spring Quiche; Prep time: 20 minutes; Cook time: 40 minutes; Serves: 6 1 16-ounce box Mrs. T’s Potato and Cheddar Pierogies 1 tablespoon butter or margarine 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 3 cups baby spinach 2 scallions, sliced 1 1/2 cups milk 3 large eggs 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F. Boil pierogies as box directs. Melt butter in 12-inch skillet over medium heat; add red pepper slices and mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently about 5 minutes or until just tender. Remove to bowl with slotted spoon. Add spinach and scallions to drippings remaining in skillet; cook about 3 minutes or until just wilted. Remove to bowl with vegetables. Grease 3-quart casserole dish. Beat milk, eggs, salt and pepper in large bowl, until well mixed. Add vegetables, cheese and cooked pierogies. Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish. Bake 40 minutes, or until mixture is puffed and golden.

Source: Mrs. T’s

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3/18/13 1:06 PM

Buying the Right Lawn Mower Taking good care of your lawn requires the right equipment – and that includes the right lawn mower. But with so many options available, how do you know which lawn mower is right for you?

Know Your Yard

Spend a few minutes assessing your yard. How big is it? Is it flat and smooth, or does it slope? Do you have trees and garden beds to mow around? All of these will factor into the kind of lawn mower you choose.

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Size – If your yard is smaller than half an acre, a walk-behind mower will work just fine for you. For yards larger than that, you may want to consider a riding mower.

Topography – If your yard has uneven terrain, a self-propelled mower will make cutting up hill much quicker and easier.

Obstacles – For mowing around trees and landscape beds, pay attention to the mower’s maneuverability and ease-of-use when making tight turns. For example, John Deere X310 Select Series riding mowers have power steering, which makes trimming around tight areas much easier.

Turf – The thickness and coarseness of your grass will play a part in how much power you need to ensure a clean cut. Lawns with thicker, tougher grass will need a mower with higher horsepower and larger wheels.

Additional yard tasks – If your list of seasonal chores includes collecting fall leaves, fertilizing your lawn or removing snow, look for a lawn tractor with attachment options that can help keep your yard in good shape year round.

Safety Features

Operating any piece of power equipment requires taking safety precautions. Before you buy a mower, make sure you know what safety features come standard. For example, the blades on John Deere riding lawn mowers will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat while the blades are in motion. And, be sure to familiarize yourself with the operator’s manual so you understand all of the features on your equipment.

After-Sale Service

For long-term savings, look for a mower brand that provides reliable after-sale support and maintenance. Local equipment dealers not only help you make the right purchase, but can offer on-site maintenance and even at-home service like John Deere’s Mobile Maintenance program that brings a factory-trained technician to your home.

Source: John Deere

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Please go to www.srscoop.com/blog/ to find the answers to this month’s puzzle.

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3/18/13 1:06 PM

How to Do Your Taxes for Free

Going to college; getting your first job; moving into your own place. To these rites of passage add one more: doing your own taxes.

And, it’s not as scary as you might think.

It’s not scary because there’s help available.

It’s called Free File, and it’s offered exclusively from the IRS in partnership with nearly 15 leading tax software companies.

About 3 million people use it every year.

Free File lets you choose brand-name software that does the hard work for you, all for free. And, it offers a fast, safe and free option for everyone. Brand-name tax software is available to those who made $57,000 or less in 2012, which is about 70 percent of us. Earned more? Try Free File’s online fillable forms, the electronic alternative to IRS paper forms.

Checklist of materials to do your taxes

Keep this list as a checklist of the items you will need to do your taxes. The IRS recommends keeping all tax-related documents for three years, in case of an audit. Tracking income-related documents can help you take full advantage of deductions available to you.

• A copy of last year’s tax return • Valid Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse and children • All income statements, i.e. W-2 forms, from all employers • Interest/dividend statements, i.e. 1099 forms • Form 1099-G showing any state refunds • Unemployment compensation amount • Social Security benefits • Expense receipts for deductions • Day care provider’s identifying number

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps you keep more of what you earned. No tax benefit offers a greater lifeline to working families than EITC. Yet, one out of every five eligible taxpayers fails to claim it, according to the IRS. Because of the economy, even more people may be eligible if they have had changes in their earned income. Here are a few things to keep in mind: • The maximum credit for 2012 tax returns is $5,891 for workers with three or more qualifying children.

• Eligibility for the EITC is determined based on a number of factors including earnings, filing status and eligible children. Workers without qualifying children may be eligible for a smaller credit amount.

Learn more at www.irs.gov/eitc and use the EITC Assistant, or ask your tax professional. If you are eligible for EITC, you also are eligible for free tax help at VITA sites nationwide or to use Free File at www.irs.gov/freefile.

Source: Internal Revenue Service

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Squeaky Clean Tips to Simplify Your Laundry Routine

If it seems that you can never quite diminish the size of your laundry pile, you’re not alone. Sort through these time-saving tips to make your laundry routine faster and easier, leaving you with more time to do the things you love.

De-clutter and reorganize. Get rid of old containers, trash and even those stray socks. Place a small basket or tray near the washer for collecting small items and loose change found in pockets. Larger baskets labeled delicates, lights and darks help to keep clothes easily sorted and off of the floor.

Essentials at-the-ready. Keep frequently used items easily accessible and store smaller items in stackable baskets or bins so they aren’t in the way. Make sure your detergent is placed high enough so that little hands can’t grab it.

Get rid of hassle and bulk. Save yourself from the trouble of heavy bottles and messy spills. Choose a multi-purpose detergent that comes pre-measured, like Arm & Hammer™ Plus OxiClean™ Crystal Burst Power Paks. These singleuse, pre-measured paks combine the power of OxiClean™ stain fighters and Arm & Hammer™ Baking Soda to remove stains and eliminate tough odors.

Prep for final steps. Save time from ironing by pulling clothes directly from the dryer after the cycle is complete.

Keep a stack of hangers nearby to hang clothes immediately for a wrinkle-free wardrobe. Source: Arm & Hammer

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3/18/13 1:08 PM

Three Steps to Taking Control of Your Investments

Investor optimism has steadily climbed since 2006, and more investors are managing their own portfolios, according to a recent study from investing firm Scottrade, Inc. For the growing number of self-directed investors entering the market, here are four steps to take to manage a portfolio.

Research Your Resources

Whether pre-or post-log in, most online research tools, such as those at Scottrade, are available free of charge. More than one-third of investors say they taught themselves how to invest by using online education tools.

• Make sure real-time information is available to track a portfolio.

• Check for webcasts and webinars to educate investors and traders on a variety of topics that meet their trading experience levels.

• Engage in an online trading community.

With the right tools at hand and by partnering with a reputable investment firm that meets individual needs, self-directed investors can take charge of their investments with confidence.

To learn more, visit www.scottrade.com and find more information on the Scottrade 2011 American Investor Study.

Source: Scottrade IRA

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3/18/13 1:07 PM