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Engage Virtually Tips for keeping older adults connected (Family Features) Connection and a sense of community can be critical to well-being as people continue to distance and isolate. It can be challenging, especially for older adults, but there are ways to engage, explore and unwind. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so choose a few things that suit you and commit to them. Remember to pay attention to your social and mental health while taking care of your physical health, and consider these ideas from the Administration for Community Living. Connect • Use social media to stay in touch with friends and loved ones or reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while. • Take advantage of video call platforms to see faces of family and friends while you talk to them. • Write letters to friends and reminisce about some of your favorite memories. Ask them to write back and share their own favorite memories. • Keep up to date with current events and stay connected to neighbors by reading local newspapers and community bulletins. Explore • Take free courses online. With subjects ranging from computers and cooking to studio arts and foreign languages, there is something for nearly everyone. • Explore zoos and aquariums across the country through virtual tours and lessons. Many have live webcams that allow you to watch the animals in real time. • Enjoy artwork from around the world. Thousands of museums and galleries are currently displaying their collections online through virtual tours. • Tour one of the many national parks offering digital tours and experiences you can access anytime from the comfort of home. Unwind • Check your library’s free e-books and audiobooks you can borrow without leaving home. Consider joining a virtual book club to connect with others enjoying the same book. • Host dinner or a game night with friends over a video chat. Word, trivia and acting games tend to work well virtually. • Catch free performances online. Some opera houses and theaters are streaming plays and performances for digital audiences. • Watch a TV show or movie while talking to a friend on the phone or over video chat. Many streaming services offer free trials and some even have a way to watch together online. For information on services for older adults in your community, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.
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4 Tips for Planning a Summer Family Vacation (Family Features) As stay-at-home orders ease, many families are eager to get out of the house and hit the road for a summer trip. However, vacation will most likely look different this year as families looking to get away may stay closer to home and take extra precautions. Make your summer travel plans safe and successful with these tips. Destination: Taking a road trip allows you to avoid crowded airports or public transportation hubs and bring your own food and groceries. A drivable destination is still a getaway, and driving typically offers more flexibility and requires less planning. Even if it's just a trip across the state instead of across the country, picking a destination within driving distance of your home is a chance to break away from everyday surroundings and routine. Cleanliness: Clean accommodations are always important and may be even more so now. Many hotels and whole-home vacation rentals, which were pioneered by Vrbo nearly 25 years ago, have enhanced cleaning and disinfection guidelines. When selecting a place to stay during your trip, consider whole-home vacation rentals so your family has the privacy of having the entire property to yourselves, and make sure to review the cleaning measures that have been implemented. Measures to look for include cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, stocking antibacterial soap and sanitizers for guests, building in time between bookings to avoid back-to-back stays and offering minimal contact check-in and check-out options. Activities: Although many amusement parks, tourist attractions and businesses have re-opened, their hours may be limited and there may be capacity restrictions, so be sure to research requirements for tickets and admission and plan your trip accordingly. Consider accommodations for your trip that include built-in activities for your family, such as a private pool, or opt for lesscrowded destinations like mountain cabins or lake houses to enjoy a change of scenery. Flexible Accommodations: In these uncertain times, much of the travel industry has adjusted cancellation policies to be more accommodating to travelers. In fact, according to a survey of Vrbo travelers, more than 75% of respondents are more likely to choose accommodations with flexible cancellation policies when booking their next vacation home. When planning and booking your trip, be sure you clearly understand the cancellation policies. When possible, seek out options that allow you to make changes with minimal or no penalty if circumstances force you to adjust your plans. Find summer getaway options at vrbo.com.
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Identify Your Ideal Kitchen Design Style
Family Features) While you may see kitchens in a variety of styles and find them all beautiful in their own way, finding inspiration for your dream kitchen often requires sorting through many different considerations. From transitional to modern and every style in-between, these ideas can help you decide what suits your home while also fitting your personal tastes. Find more inspiration at Wellborn.com 5
Tips to Pay for Your Upcoming College Costs (StatePoint) Heading off to college is exciting, and a time full of endless possibilities. However, circumstances have changed for many American families over the past several months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and you may be wondering how you will pay your upcoming college tuition bill and other school-related costs. Over four in 10 undergraduate students are now concerned about their ability to pay for college, and feel the pandemic has impacted their academics, mental health and financial wellbeing, according to a recent College Ave Student Loans survey conducted by Barnes & Noble College Insights. Additionally, the survey found that many students are also worried about how the pandemic may affect their parent’s ability to pay. If you fall into this category, consider these options for managing college costs: • Scholarships: If scholarships were not part of your previous college payment plan, consider researching and applying to those you qualify for now. This “free” money option can alleviate some of the burden of a tuition bill without requiring any repayment on your part down the line. Don’t assume it’s too late to apply. There are many scholarship opportunities with rolling deadlines. • Side gigs: Parents and students alike can consider earning some extra income through the gig economy. Whether that’s tutoring, freelancing or opening a store on a site like Etsy, there are a number of ways to bring in extra cash. • Bite-size bills: If paying college tuition in a lump sum is no longer feasible for your family, find out whether your school offers an installment plan. Even if this option was not offered during previous academic years, the bursar’s office may have changed its policy in these unusual times. Be sure you understand the terms of the plan, as there may be fees or interest charges. • Private student loans: After exhausting scholarships and grant options, seek out federal loans in the student’s name first, since these come with low rates and unique benefits such as income-based repayment plans only found with federal student loans. If these options don’t adequately cover all your college costs, private student loans are another option to fill the gap. Weigh this decision carefully. A student loan calculator, taking into account the number of years you are in school, the loan amount and the loan term, can be an invaluable tool in understanding what you can afford and if you should borrow to pay for college. There are a number of private student loan options available at College Ave Student Loans, for example, including private parent loans. Their student loan application, which takes just three minutes to complete, offers an instant credit decision, so there is no period of uncertainty. To learn more, visit www.collegeavestudentloans.com. “While you may have some uncertainty about the future, there are concrete steps your family can take to confidently tackle your upcoming college tuition bill, book expenses, housing costs and other school fees,” says Joe DePaulo, co-founder and CEO of College Ave Student Loans.
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5 Ways to Master a Move (StatePoint) While real estate agents report that far fewer people than normal have been moving during the COVID-19 pandemic, that may soon change. A recent Harris Poll found that nearly a third of U.S. adults living in urban areas are considering a move to less densely populated cities in the wake of the pandemic. Others may not be fleeing the pandemic but simply want or need to move, either for a job change or other reason. If you find yourself preparing to move during these uncertain times, here are some tips to help it go more smoothly. 1. Make a checklist: Set a timeline for completing such tasks as packing, cleaning and registering the kids for school. Staying ahead of the process can help avoid last-minute headaches and make your to-do list seem more manageable. There are even free apps available to help. 2. Organize and purge: Moving is the perfect opportunity to decide what you really want and need in your new home. To lessen the load on moving day, hold a garage sale – following proper social distancing guidelines – or donate unwanted items to charity. You can make the unpacking process simpler by arranging similar items together and labeling each box accordingly, such as kitchen utensils with cups or clothing of a particular season. You can even label a box as “open me first” for items you’ll need immediately. 3. Notify those who need to know: Let your insurance agent know that you’re moving as soon as possible to be sure you’re covered. You’ll also want to discuss how your needs will change. For example, if this is your first time buying a house, you’ll need a homeowner’s policy versus renter’s insurance. On the other hand, if you’re downsizing from a house to an apartment, you’ll still want to ensure your belongings are covered, which you can do with renter’s insurance. Be sure to also call your utility providers to cancel or transfer service and fill out a change of address form with the United States Post Office. You’ll also want to update your address with your bank and credit card companies. 4. Consider what’s covered: You may want to consider moving insurance. Some companies, like Erie Insurance, will cover you during the move and say its usually not necessary to purchase an additional policy. Keep in mind there are limits for certain kinds of misplaced, lost or stolen personal property. Your insurance agent can walk through that with you. 5. DIY or hire a pro. While during “normal” times you might recruit family and friends to help you with the move, given ongoing social distancing guidelines, now may not be the right time to ask. If it’s a small move, you may be able to handle it on your own or with the help of just a few immediate family members. Otherwise, consider hiring moving professionals who know the proper safety protocols and will be better equipped to protect your possessions and make sure they’re transported safely. While moving can seem overwhelming, a bit of prep and planning go a long way. By mastering your move, you’ll be sitting down and relaxing in your new home in no time. ***** 7
Do the math: Buying a home now may be more affordable and save some cash (BPT) - At a time when the strength of the U.S. economy and personal finance is on most renter’s minds, low down payment mortgage options are more appealing than ever. With mortgage interest rates being at historic lows, it is possible to qualify for a home loan while keeping a rainy day fund. Private mortgage insurance (MI) has been around for decades and helped over 1.3 million homebuyers last year. It is a temporary cost that allows for a down payment as small as 3% of the purchase price. While some borrowers wait until they save 20% for a down payment, the added years of saving can translate to higher interest rates and more expensive home prices. “Renters who are on the hunt to buy should do the math and consider what is best for them, because many times they will find that buying with a low down payment insured mortgage is in their best interest. It may enable them to attain homeownership sooner than they otherwise could, which helps them take advantage of historic low rates and keep some of their savings intact,” said Lindsey Johnson, President of U.S. Mortgage Insurers (USMI). If you are one of these renters looking to buy your first home but don’t have 20% down, don’t worry, you are not alone. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median down payment in 2019 was 6% for first-time buyers. It is true you can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a down payment as small as 3% of the purchase price. In today’s market, it could take a family earning the national median income up to 21 years to save 20%, according to calculations by USMI. How can buying now save you money later? Consider you want to purchase a $275,000 home. When you account for closing costs (about 3% of the sales price), a 5% down payment is $13,750 versus $63,250 in cash for 20% down. With a 740 credit score at today’s MI rates, your monthly MI payment would be about $115, which is added to your monthly mortgage payment until the MI can be cancelled. MI typically cancels after five years. With home price appreciation, today’s $275,000 home will likely cost more in the years ahead. This will also have an impact on the necessary down payment and length of time required to save for it. There are other variables in the equation too, such as interest rates. As interest rates rise, so too will the cost of mortgage financing. Not all MI is the same. Importantly, so-called “FHA Loans” are government-backed loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration versus a private insurer. These mortgages require a slightly higher down payment, the insurance is permanent, and the monthly premiums generally cannot be cancelled. Make sure you do the math. There are many online mortgage calculators that can help. Check out lowdownpaymentfacts.org to learn more.
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How a smart home can help you save money
(BPT) - Over the course of the last several months, hundreds of millions of people have sheltered in place as governments issue executive orders to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, many homes are becoming a fortress against the virus, a makeshift school, an office outpost and a daycare facility. As summer approaches and homeowners continue to spend more time at home with the air conditioner and the lights on, they are looking for ways to optimize the efficiency of their homes. The typical U.S. family spends at least $2,200 a year on home utility bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. On average, that’s 7% of a consumer’s annual income. Utilities that used to be considered “optional,” such as Internet and mobile phone service, are now considered essential during the coronavirus era, adding additional expense to a family’s monthly budget. So where can a homeowner look to cut back? When thinking of a smart home, some people might just think of cool, connected gadgets that make life easier or more convenient. However, many smart-home solutions are becoming part of sustainable living, and they can save you money along the way. Here are four ways you can introduce smart-home solutions into your daily life, reducing the monthly strain of high utility bills. Don’t sacrifice efficiency for comfort-automate your thermostat. Our homes are our source of comfort and the temperature of your home should help you achieve that feeling. However, heating and cooling can account for nearly half of a family’s monthly utility budget. A smart thermostat, like the Honeywell Home T9 thermostat, can reduce this cost by tailoring to your temperature preferences during the day and at night. By adding smart room sensors to your most popular rooms, you can deliver the right temperature to the right room at the right time. And look for trusted brands that are ENERGY STAR certified. You'll be doing your pocketbook and the environment a favor. 9
Sign up for rebates. When a sudden heat wave hits a large swath of the country, air conditioning systems in houses, apartments, hospitals and office buildings all crank on at once, and utility companies go into overdrive trying to meet their clients’ increased energy demands. This kind of short-term increased demand puts a strain on our electric grid and can even become a public safety hazard if overloaded systems crash just when consumers most need to cool their indoor environments. To prevent this from happening, utility companies implement a variety of voluntary energy saving programs (known in the industry as demand response , or DR) that incentivize consumers to reduce their energy use during periods of peak demand. Many utility companies offer consumers a rebate for joining energy savings programs that connect to smart thermostats. You can search for rebates at Resideo.com/rebates
Light up the room, but only when you’re in it. Parents can often tell the exact path their children have taken based on what lights have been left on throughout the house. Turning off lights is an easy thing to forget, even as adults. We’ve all accidentally left that closet light or bedroom lamp on all day. Consider installing automated and motion-activated lighting solutions. With easy DIY installation, a weekend lighting project can give you long-term energy savings. Interested to know how much energy and cost are associated with running various home appliances? Check out this energy calculator from Energy.gov.
Get to know your water usage Most of us don’t think twice when turning on the faucet, flushing the toilet or running a warm bath, which takes energy to heat. Water is our planet’s most precious resource, but it’s something we take for granted because it’s available at the turn of a tap. Monitoring and being aware of your water footprint can help reduce your monthly bill, while reducing strain on water supplies. For example, your money goes down the drain when dishes are washed by hand using up to 27 gallons per loadinstead of using an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher that can use as little as three gallons per load. Smart washing machines can help you optimize your laundry preferences and can find the right wash cycle and water-temperature preferences suitable for that load. Resideo’s Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector can alert you and your smartphone if it detects a possible water leak. Are you feeling like you want to start improving your home's efficiency, but don’t know how to begin? Summer is a great time to start, and HVAC contractors and security dealers are considered essential businesses during the coronavirus in many states. Most credible professionals have adjusted the protocols when interacting with homeowners as well. Contact a professional that can recommend efficient whole-home solutions to help optimize your home's water and energy resources. 10
How to keep your cool all summer long
(BPT) - With summer comes plenty of sunshine, and with it lots of heat sometimes more than you enjoy. Are you lacking central air conditioning in your place? Don't sweat it. There are many easy things you can do to help keep yourself and your whole family cool as the summer starts to heat up. Here are a few tips to feel as comfortable as you can in your home or apartment, no matter how hot the temperatures get outside. Stay hydrated. Wherever you're spending time over the summer, when the thermometer starts to climb, you need to keep everyone adequately hydrated. Keeping plenty of cold drinks handy will not only help you feel better. but will aid in regulating your body temperature. Stick with options like water, lemonade, juice and sports drinks, as less caffeinated choices will provide the most effective hydration. And don't skimp on the ice! Enjoy the shade. Use window coverings like blinds, shades or curtains to help block out harsh sunlight, especially during the peak hottest hours of the day. This will help your whole living space - everyone in it - feel much cooler. Cool your air smartly. Choose an efficient and quiet window air conditioner like LG DUAL Inverter Window Air Conditioners from LG Electronics that cools you down and saves you money. They provide exceptional cooling power to keep you and your family feeling comfortable, all summer long. They’re compatible with the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you can change your air conditioning settings easily, using simple voice commands. Through the LG ThinQ mobile app, you can access and program your cooling preferences effortlessly - from anywhere, even when you're on the go. The ENERGY STAR certified unit’s Dual Inverter Compressor also offers up to 40% more energy savings. Keep the cool air moving. Use portable area fans and/or ceiling fans to help keep that cool air moving around your home for maximum comfort. If you have ceiling fans, be sure that you've adjusted the setting on the fan to turn the blades counterclockwise during the summertime. This helps push more air downwards, to help everyone inside stay cooler. Don't heat up your kitchen. Avoid cooking meals that require firing up the oven, as that can leave your whole house feeling hotter for hours after the meal is over. Stick with salads and sandwiches on the hottest days, or if needed, cook quick meals on the stovetop or even use an outdoor grill if you have one. Dress for the heat. Opt for cooler materials, both for yourself and for your bedding as well, to enjoy a better night's sleep in the heat. Choose fabrics like cotton, rayon and linen that are light and breathable, allowing heat to escape from your body. For more solutions to keep your home comfortable, visit LG.com/us/air-conditioners
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Add Natural Light to Any Room
(Family Features) Increasing the amount of natural light that enters your home can help make spaces feel larger and more inviting. An option like Sun Tunnel Skylights from Velux are a cost-effective, healthy way to transform nearly any room by funneling natural light from the roof through the attic to the area below, For more information and inspiration, visit whyskylights.com/livelighter
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Men: know your fashion essentials [FF] When it comes to fashion advice, abundant information for women can be found in magazines, TV programs and catalogues, while men are often left to rely on guesswork. But just as it is widely known that there are certain fashion staples that every woman should have in her wardrobe, like the little black dress, there are essentials that every man should own, too. While the quality and style of these items will vary according to the age and affluence of the individual, the following are "must haves" in any male wardrobe. A classic well- tailored suit For occasions when nothing else is appropriate such as funerals, weddings and other formal functions, a suit is a must for any man's wardrobe. Choose a single-breasted style that will not date. Either black or grey is a good choice and will be both smart and functional. A good suit will last for years, yet with the addition of a smart shirt and tie can be updated to look fashionable at each wearing. A blue or white button down shirt This is another essential for any well-dressed man's wardrobe, to go with the suit or formal trousers. Always in fashion, they give a crisp smart finish to any outfit, and a good tie worn with the shirt completes the look. Try to buy a new trendy tie every year to keep up with fashion and add it to your suit and shirt to make a snappy new outfit. A good pair of jeans Jeans have been around for years, but at least one pair is still an important wardrobe addition. They look good when new and often even better when worn and can look smart or casual depending upon what they are accessorized with. Nowadays, a smart pair can be appropriate wear for both day and evening unless the occasion is particularly formal. Make sure that a white T shirt is in your wardrobe to go with the jeans and with the addition of trainers a classic, timeless, casual look is complete. Buy at least one sweater each season There are many styles to choose from; pick one that suits you and you will have the perfect top to add to any style of trouser when a shirt or T shirt will not do. They are also handy to pop over a thinner top when a jacket would be too warm and can look smart draped over the shoulders until needed. Accessorize well It's not only women who need essential accessories. Good quality black shoes will last for years and a stylish black leather belt should last a lifetime. Make sure they are worn together along with black socks. This combination can smarten up casual trousers or jeans as well complement the formal outfit. A good black leather wallet is both functional and smart and will last for years. A watch is another accessory that every man needs and is a "must have" piece of jewelry. If budget allows, purchase a smart dress watch for formal occasions and a sports watch for normal wear; if not find a style which will look good no matter what you are wearing. With these basic items in his wardrobe, a man can be confident that no matter what the occasion, he has a look which is not only appropriate but smart and fashionable too.
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The water is open: 5 tips to relax and recharge on a boat this summer
(BPT) - Looking to get away this summer while social distancing? With annual traditions such as camps and sporting events cancelled, the best way to seek relief and recharge with your loved ones may be to “Get on Board” for a summer on the water. Recent data suggests that interest in fishing and boating has grown amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent Harris poll, 1 in 5 Americans said they’re more likely to try these activities than they were prior to the pandemic. And among parents, the statistic is 1 in 4. Numerous marine dealers across the country are reporting strong spring sales with consumers eager to get on the water, and Discover Boating the nation’s consumer boating resource, is seeing record growth in consumer web traffic and boat searches, signifying a high demand for close-tohome recreation. With boating restrictions lifting nationwide and the COVID-19 response dictating where and how far people can travel, boating and fishing are ideal activities to de-stress and unwind, while naturally allowing you to abide by social distancing guidelines.
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“The outdoors is a welcome remedy to stress and anxiety,” said Dr. Sue Varma, a nationally recognized psychiatrist. “Being in nature supports each of the four of mental health: mindfulness, mastery, meaningful engagement and movement. In particular, being on the water encourages mindfulness by helping you get away from distractions, it supports mastery by teaching you a new skill, it provides meaningful engagement through quality time with others you may be quarantining with, and it promotes physical movement by getting you outside without requiring a strenuous workout. From a psychiatrist’s perspective, it’s a smart way to follow social distancing guidelines while prioritizing your health and wellness.” There are several easy ways to go boating or fishing, whether you’re ready to buy a boat, test the waters aboard different vessels, or seek solace fishing on water or ashore. Here are tips from Discover Boating to help you find your way to the water this summer.
Purchase your dream boat. Chart your own course to boat ownership by visiting www.DiscoverBoating.com, where you'll find a boat finder and loan calculator tool to help determine your budget and identify the different types of boats that fit your lifestyle and interests. The site can connect you with manufacturers whose boats best fit your needs and wants, plus learn about new boat shopping processes during COVID-19. Join a boat club. Find a boat club near you to access a variety of boats. You’ll pay a monthly fee and be able book your time on the water online. Most boat clubs take care of docking, cleaning, maintenance, and boat training courses, which all follow new CDC and social distancing guidelines. Rent a boat. Rental options are available on most waterways and provide hourly, daily or weekly access to a variety of boat types. Rental outfitters give tutorials on operating a boat, provide safety instruction and offer suggestions on destinations. Share a boat. Another rental option is peer-to-peer boat rentals. You can search by location or type of boat. Peer-to-peer rental services have tens of thousands of different boats available across the nation. You simply connect with the owner, find out what sort of gear is aboard the boat and included in the rental, and other details, and then hit the water. Most arrangements for boat sharing are made on an app or via computer, minimizing personal contact and eliminating the need to enter an office. You can also inquire with the owners about their boat cleaning and sharing procedures to ensure a healthy transaction. Go fish. There are thousands of bodies of water where you can cast a line TakeMeFishing.org is an all-in-one resource to help anyone get started fishing in minutes. Features on the site include how-to guides, an interactive map of places to fish near you, and water access updates to help you fish safely while social distancing. You can even purchase your fishing license on the site. Whether you’re ready to purchase a boat or simply test the waters this summer, all marine businesses have new standard operating procedures following CDC guidelines to ensure the wellbeing of boaters and their staff. This includes personal protective equipment, socially distant classroom and on-water training, and enhanced sanitation protocol of boats. Visit DiscoverBoating.com for a host of resources and tips for getting on the water, boat shopping, safe practices amid the pandemic, public access maps and more. Planning to “Get On Board” this summer? Use the social media hashtag #TheWaterIsOpen to share your boating and fishing moments. 19
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After years of working as a reporter for Channel 8 News, Denise Douglass is determined to become the newest face of the station. As she attempts to impress her boss and get a jump on the competition, Denise is confronted with the reality of how racism and sexism often shortchange working black women. The aspiring anchor must find a way to secure the job of her dreams without compensating her pay or beliefs.
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Fire Up the Grill for Smoked Fruit
(Family Features) As summer grilling season sets in, Americans grab their tongs to take advantage of backyard barbecue opportunities. In addition to classic cookout fare like ribs, steak, chicken, burgers and hot dogs, the experts at Dole recommend giving fruits and vegetables a shot on the grill to bring out new tastes and ways to enjoy everyday favorites. For example, many barbecue enthusiasts know about grilling corn, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, onions, zucchini and artichokes, but consider trying cauliflower, portobello mushrooms, yellow-black plantains and even pineapple on the grill this summer. In fact, this recipe for Smoked Hasselback Pineapple with Spiced Turkey Chorizo and Onion provides an easy way to make grilled fruit a fun addition to your backyard barbecue. For other flavorful ideas, try grilled Romaine lettuce for a delightfully smoky salad or side dish, or skewer peeled and sliced bananas, chicken, shrimp and veggies for a tropical kebab. You can even throw an unpeeled banana on the grill for a uniquely caramelized dessert. Visit www.dole.com for more summer grilling recipes featuring fresh fruits and vegetables. Smoked Hasselback Pineapple with Spiced Turkey Chorizo and Onion Total time: 2 hours Servings: 4 4
cups favorite wood chips water
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pound 93% lean ground turkey breast
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small DOLEÂŽ Red Onion, diced 24
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tablespoons olive oil
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teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
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teaspoons smoked paprika
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teaspoon ancho chile powder
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teaspoon ground cumin
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teaspoon kosher salt
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large Dole Pineapple, top on, peeled and halved lengthwise
chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) In large bowl, cover wood chips with water; soak as label directs. Prepare outdoor grill for indirect grilling over medium heat. In medium bowl, stir turkey, onion, oil, thyme, paprika, chile powder, cumin and salt. Drain wood chips; place 2 cups in foil boat or pie tin and place on hot grill rack over lit side of grill (place chips directly on coals for charcoal grill). Place pineapple halves, flat side down, on cutting board; cut crosswise slices into pineapple halves, about 1/2 inch apart, cutting only 3/4 of the way through. Place medium bowl upside down; one at a time, place pineapple halves, flat side down, over bowl to separate slits. Fill slits with turkey mixture. Place pineapple halves, flat side down, on hot grill rack over unlit side of grill; cover and cook 1 hour, 45 minutes, or until turkey mixture is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 170 F, rotating once and adding remaining chips halfway through cooking. Transfer pineapple halves to cutting board; cut crosswise in half. Serve pineapple garnished with cilantro, if desired.
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Make a Flavorful Brunch Favorite (Family Features) Plan ahead for your weekend brunch with this Farmer's Casserole. It packs a hearty combination of meat, cheese, eggs and a hint of spice from jalapenos. You can prepare this recipe the night before and let it chill overnight for a ready-to-serve dish that just needs to be popped in the oven. Find more meal inspiration at Culinary.net. Farmer’s Casserole Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Cook time: 50-55 minutes Servings: 6 Nonstick cooking spray 3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup diced cooked ham, cooked breakfast sausage or Canadian-style bacon 2 green onions, sliced 4 eggs, beaten 1 1/2 cups milk 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped Heat oven to 350 F. Coat 2-quart, square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange hash browns evenly in bottom of dish. Sprinkle cheese, ham and green onions over hash browns. In bowl, combine eggs, milk, salt, pepper and jalapenos. Pour egg mixture over hash brown mixture in dish. Bake, uncovered, 50-55 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
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Sipping on Summertime Sweets (Family Features) When it’s summertime and you crave something cold and fruity, try using your favorite frozen fruit for a refreshing drink. For example, strawberries with frozen pink lemonade concentrate combine to make a spritzer recipe worth sharing. This fizzy Strawberry Spritzer can delight your taste buds and keep you quenched while enjoying the summer sun. Find more drink recipes at Culinary.net. Strawberry Spritzer Recipe adapted from Taste of Home 1 2 1
package (10 ounces) frozen sliced strawberries, sweetened and thawed liters lemon-lime soda, chilled can (12 ounces) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
In blender, process strawberries until blended thoroughly. Pour strawberries into large pitcher; stir in soda and pink lemonade. Serve immediately. Substitution: Ginger ale may be used in place of soda.
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Commit to More Family Meals (Family Features) Spending moments together with loved ones carries obvious benefits like time to catch up and opportunities to bond, but sharing meals actually provides definitive value for families. With restricted social interactions and confinement at home due to COVID-19, many families face meal challenges that have shifted from juggling busy schedules to seeking new ways to mix up the traditional menu or using digital solutions to reconnect at a virtual table. A study published in the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior” funded by the FMI Foundation shows more frequent family meals are associated with better dietary and family functioning outcomes. The results build on years of previous research studies to punctuate the creation of the Family Meals Movement, which encourages Americans to pledge to share one more family breakfast, lunch or dinner at home per week. Consider these notable findings from the study: • Family meals improve fruit and vegetable consumption. Studies show a positive relationship between family meal frequency and fruit and vegetable intake when examined separately, but also when fruit and vegetable intake are combined. • Family meals improve family dynamics. Nearly all the studies included in the systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between family meal frequency and measures of family functioning. Family functioning is defined as family connectedness, communication, expressiveness and problem-solving. “There are thousands of individual studies that examine the impact of family meals on nutrition and family behavior, but this meta-analysis looks at the relationship between family meal frequency and family functioning outcomes,” said David Fikes, executive director of the FMI Foundation. “We can confirm that family meals are a valuable contributor of improved nutrition and family dynamics.” Find tips, recipes and ways to increase family meal frequency at familymealsmovement.org. Hawaiian Chicken Pizza Recipe courtesy of Toby Amidor on behalf of the FMI Foundation Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Nonstick cooking spray 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 3/4 cup barbecue sauce 1 ready-made pizza crust or whole wheat pizza crust (10 ounces) 1 cup canned or jarred tomato sauce 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or part-skim mozzarella cheese 31
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cup finely chopped fresh pineapple or canned pineapple tidbits packed in 100% juice
Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat pizza pan or baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine rotisserie chicken and barbecue sauce. Place pizza crust on pan and evenly spread tomato sauce over crust. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Top evenly with rotisserie chicken mixture and pineapple. Bake until crust is crisp and browned around edges, about 10 minutes. Let pizza cool 10 minutes before cutting into eight slices. German Fruit Tart Recipe courtesy of Deanna Segrave-Daly on behalf of the FMI Foundation 1 1/4 1/2 1 1 1/8 6
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cup all-purpose flour cup whole-wheat pastry flour cup sugar egg tablespoon half-and-half or cream teaspoon almond extract or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced cornstarch sliced strawberries sliced kiwi sliced banana blueberries teaspoons turbinado or powdered sugar (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 F. To make crust, beat together flours, sugar, egg, half-and-half and almond extract. Add butter slices and mix together until sticky ball of dough forms. Refrigerate 30-60 minutes. On heavily floured surface, knead dough a few times and roll out to fit greased 10-inch tart pan. Carefully spread dough into tart pan and bake 15-20 minutes, or until tart starts to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and cool. Dust crust with cornstarch to help fruit stick to crust. Arrange strawberries, kiwi, banana and . blueberries on top of crust; sprinkle with sugar, if desired.
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MEET BUBBA
Meet Bubba, the first black motorcycle racing superstar. It covers the convergence of the early days of internet social media, sports and the gatekeeping of information. Charles Dennis Payne Owner of Endo-Payne Productions Digital Video editor, technician and graphic artist, specializing in digital media solutions including software/hardware selection and installation, data management, editing, content creation, graphics, systems troubleshooting, maintenance and support. Skilled at assessing client needs, recommending strategies that enhance efficiency and maximize production resources. 33
Dane Brown formed his company Mr & Mrs Brown in 2018 to cover societal and cultural issues through art, clothing and entertainment. The latter most evident in his YouTube channel Mr & Mrs Brown Presents, where he uses his talent to bring normally unheard voices to light. His series Sounds Personal takes on stories told by different voices in the black experience, while T.M.I. series (narrated by educator Jehri Hardaway) focuses on unsung figures in the black history.
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If you could go back in time and speak to your younger self, what would you say? "I Wish I Told Her" is a compilation of thoughts and feelings that the more mature author wishes she could've told herself at certain points in her life. "I Wish I Told Her" is a reflective work showcasing the personal journey of reflection, release and healing. Available now:
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Major events that took place during the month of June, and it includes Movie Theaters reopening information as well as an attached List of Upcoming Netflix Movies showing in July, in a Fun and Informative format:
Spike Lee's Amazing Black Veterans film "Da 5 Bloods"!
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