C3 town & country by MHBgroup

Talk O’ the Town

Published Monthly by Town & Country Mobile Village 195 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95123

townandcountry@evans-management.com or townandcountry2@evans-management.com

FREE GROCERIES 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 9 and Thursday, October 23, 2025 inside the Clubhouse

This is your magazine! Send us pictures of beautiful sights or activities in the park. Send us your thoughts or articles for publication. Items for publication must be received by the 6th of the month to be printed in the next month’s Talk O’ The Town. Thanks to you who contribute!

On Site Manager Susan Foley & Administrative

Assistant Carolyn Rodriquez 1-(408) 225-3165

Maintenance Emergency Voicemail 1-(408) 529-2880

Vivian’s Salon 10am to 7pm Mon-Sat. by Appt. 1-(408) 728-1861

If you have an emergency, other than park maintenance business, it is best to call the police by dialing 911 or 311.

Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Dial 988

Animal Care Center 1-408-794-7297 2750 Monterey Road, San Jose

Poison Control 1-800-876-4766

Talk O’ The Town Editor: Carla Evans, Space 251 (408) 896-0910

Talk O’ The Town Co-Editor: Susan Foley, Space 149 (408) 656-3071

Talk O’ The Town Co-Editor: Judi Sayler, Space 243 (408) 666-4126

If you have feedback or questions for any member of the T&C Advisory Committee, please put a note in their mail tube (not the mailbox).

Town & Country Advisory Committee

Bill Beverly 198

Carla Evans 251

Dolores Ferriera 280

Susan Foley 149 (Park Manager)

Junious Harvey 258

Cathy Nicholas 256

Karen Ramsell 275

Carolyn Rodriguez 289 (Park Admin. Assistant)

Judi Sayler 243

Linda Sparkman 193

Greetings T&C Community,

I love the smell of pumpkin lattes in the morning! It is that time of year when the temperature begins to cool and the autumn leaves begin their colorful show. My mom was taught and used to teach us kids to clap our hands in applause for the tree’s fleeting color performance, especially the beautiful blaze maples, with their red, orange, and yellow hues. Last Fall I saw my great niece Juniper clapping while we were driving in the car. She said to her mom (my niece), “the twees are puddin on a stoe mommy!” I got a little weepy in a good, heartwarming way, to see her tradition of gratitude for nature living on.

Did you know that October 2nd is National Poetry Day? There is a short poem I was required to memorize and recite in school by a noted Maryland writer, Martin Buxbaum – I’ll always remember it:

Weep not for the leaf of autumn as it brown and wrinkled lies, for it has seen the rain in April and the pleasant summer skies.

We have another poet in the park, Carla Evans, and you can find her latest on Page 7, thank you Carla. Are you feeling inspired to write? We would be happy to publish your work to share with the community. It could be a poem, a short story, or even an interesting trip you had and let us know what places you saw and food you ate.

It's time to get out of the house and be active! There are some Fall events coming up, in and outside our community. There’s a Fall Festival happening nearby at Martial Cottle Park on Saturday, October 11th, from 9AM to 2PM. There is more great information about the event on the Community Page 4. On Saturday, October 25th, T&C will be having a Resident Yard Sale from 10AM to 4PM. There is still time to sign up to be able to sell items in front of your residence. If you register before October 15th, your lot will be included in a flyer distributed to all residents. There is more sign-up info on Page 6.

October 9th is National Fire Prevention Day and this time of year, our area can still be very dry and with winds, wildfires and property fires are an issue. We all need to be diligent about fire prevention and safety. I have two old Italian Cypress trees that I will be cutting down in the near future. They are extremely flammable, and the previous owner planted them too close to the side of the house. See Page 11 for more information in regard to mobile home fire prevention.

I love learning new facts about our good Ol’ U.S. of A. Did you know why the grizzly bear is the symbol for our California state flag? I didn’t until I read the informational article about the meaning behind our state flags. You too can learn more about the history of some our state symbols in Pages 12 and 13.

Besides National Poetry Day and Fire Prevention Day, there are other nationally celebrated days in October, like Yom Kippur on the 1st , Indigenous People’s Day on the 13th, and Diwali on the 20th . Did you know you can apply to create your own National Day? Find out how on Page 14. There are serious national days and some unofficial, like:

October 6th: National Mad Hatters Day – Everyone is mad here

October 13th: National No Bra Day – Let them free

October 15th: I Love Lucy Day – Oh Ricky!

October 17th: Forgive An Ex Day – Never!

October 26th: National Tight End Day – Yes Please

October 31st: Knock Knock Joke Day – See Page 19 for more information

I’m sure you have already been inundated by the news and social media, but I cannot end this letter without paying my respects and prayers to two innocent people whose lives were taken in senseless acts of violence in September. First a young Ukrainian immigrant girl Iryna Zarutska, who was murdered on a train in North Carolina. Her great dream was to become an American and was repaid by being ignored by fellow passengers as she died. Also, a brave young man Charlie Kirk, who died while standing up for our first and most important amendment of our U.S. Constitution, the Freedom of Speech. He was murdered because the shooter had a difference of opinions. The world watched as some Americans celebrated these deaths. We need to do better. Rest in Peace Iryna & Charlie.

Susan Foley Park Manager

Town and Country Mobile Home Park COMMUNITY PAGE

This is your place to post positive comments about your neighbors, or items for sale, homemade or like new (max 3 items), services for hire, help needed, lost and found. To post please send an email to townandcountry2@evans-management.com with the subject of ComPage posting or drop a note into Editor Carla Evans’ mail tube at Lot 251 or email: evans4u@comcast.net.

OCTOBER EVENTS IN THE CLUBHOUSE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22ND – FRIENDSHIP CLUB POTLUCK 12:00pm–2:00pm – Clubhouse, please bring a side to share. We encourage everyone to come!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH – RESIDENT YARD SALE – 10AM–4PM, participating resident’s lots.

Martial Cottle Park’s Fall Festival features local arts, crafts, activities, agricultural workshops, historical autos, antique farm equipment, live music, food trucks, exhibitors, entertainment, a pumpkin patch - and more!

Saturday, October 11, 2025 ~ 9:00AM to 2:00PM 5283 Snell Avenue San Jose, CA 95136 408-535-4060 parkinfo@prk.sccgov.org

Hello everyone. My name is Vivian and I live here in the T&C Community. I’d like to make myself available to anyone here who has a need for prayer, whether it be for health, life situations, etc. I will come to your home and pray with you. I believe in God and the power of prayer. Call me and leave me a message, your name, purpose of prayer, I will return your call and will set up a time when I can visit with you. Blessings, 408-964-8522.

Join us for Potluck Lunch at Noon

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 AND/OR

Join us for board games or dominoes

Wednesday, October 8, Noon to 2pm Bring your own drinks and lunch. Want more information, call Dee Dupic (408) 832-4582 or Jann Forrest (408) 250-3300

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE DUTCH-AUCTION DAY

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025 11 AM TO 4 PM

RESIDENT YARD SALE

Saturday, October 25, 2025

10 am to 4 pm

Antiques, collectibles, clothing, furniture, shoes, tools, kitchen items, jewelry and more

All residents may participate, and a map showing which lot numbers are participating will be available in the Clubhouse prior to the event. Please be sure to register if you are participating so your lot can be included on the park map.

This is your chance to clear out your closets with good usable items to sell, and make some money for yourself.

If you register no later than October 15, your lot will be included in a flyer distributed to all residents. While this event cannot be open to the public, your friends, relatives and acquaintances are welcome to attend. Spread the word!

(Clip and drop off in the Clubhouse no later than October 15, 2025)

I will be participating in the Resident Yard Sale on October 25, 2025 and would like to have my lot number included in the map.

Name (Please print)

Life in Town & Country

By Carla Evans

Living on Dobie Drive

Has always been rewarding. I find it easy to thrive With no plan of departing.

I’ve met so many good neighbors Who are always there when needed. I’m happy to respond with favors, It makes me happy, not cheated.

I like to be active in the community And add to the quality of life here. Giving others a sense of continuity Of belonging and kindness to cheer.

Susan Foley is a welcome addition And works diligently on our behalf. She listens and responds with expedition And is respected by her capable staff.

Yes, there is need for improvement As many of you say in the park.

Our home is our big investment As people so openly remark.

The more often we communicate The more apt things will improve. With those who take time to dedicate Time and energy to approve.

Our events let us meet neighbors And are for us to enjoy. Let’s not be quiet strangers. Let’s participate with joy.

Did you know October 2nd is National Poem Day? This is my contribution to it.

Ever Get Frustrated Trying to Contact the DMV?

If you cannot find the information you need, and the virtual assistant cannot help, you can request to chat with a live agent online. Go to: www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/chat-bot/. Frustratingly, there is no phone number on the official DMV website if you want to speak directly to an agent. Here’s the number: 1-800-777-0133 – put it into your contact list.

Scam Alert: People are getting fake text messages and seeing social media ads with links that pretend to be from the DMV asking them to take action. The DMV will never ask for personal or financial information by text. If you get one, don’t open it or reply. Stay alert!

Forever Stamps

Forever Stamps went up 5 cents on July 13, 2025 on July 13, 2025. The US Postal Service raised the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from $0.73 to $0.78. This increase is part of a broader price adjustment that also affects other services, with mailing prices rising by about 7.4% on average. Many grocery stores and pharmacies sell Forever stamps.

Credit Disputes

You should regularly review your credit bureau reports (Experian, Equifax and Transunion), or you may not know there is a problem. If you see information that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete, or if you believe there is fraud, it’s time to file a dispute on-line or by certified mail with the credit bureau(s) to investigate the information. Review the following on your reports:

• Personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, aliases or former names, current and former addresses, and sometimes your current and former employers;

• Account information, including payment history, account balances and limits, and dates the accounts were opened or closed. This includes credit accounts that may be in your name such as credit cards, mortgages, student loans, and vehicle loans;

• Bankruptcies and accounts in collections; and

• Inquiries, listing lenders and other companies that have accessed your credit report.

When you file a dispute, you’ll need to provide some documentation which depends on what information you are disputing. Examples are driver’s license, birth certificate, copy of a utility bill, current bank statements, letters from lenders, cancelled checks, proof of identity theft or court documents, to name a few.

You can also dispute the information directly with the business or lender that provided the data. Follow-up after you file a dispute. If the problem isn't resolved, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or consider legal action.

Updated Tax Info

The standard deduction will increase from $15,000 to $15,750 for the tax year 2025, which you will file in early 2026. This increase is for single filers and married individuals who are filing separately. Note this does not apply if you implement an itemized deduction.

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credits will be available to claim during your 2025 tax filing but will not be available in 2026.

If you purchase(d) an electric vehicle in 2025, you can only claim clean vehicle credit for your 2025 tax filing and only if the purchase is made prior to September 30, 2025.

Why Do Eggs in the US Need to Be Refrigerated?

In the United States, and other countries such as Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, the refrigeration of eggs is a food safety regulation. This all stems from the potential for Salmonella contamination, bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Salmonella can either contaminate the inside of the egg as it forms in the hen's reproductive system or get on the eggshell from contact with feces during or after being laid.

To reduce the risk of Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that eggs be washed and sanitized before they reach store shelves. While this washing process removes harmful bacteria, it also strips the egg of its natural protective layer, called the cuticle. Without the cuticle, the porous shell becomes more vulnerable to bacterial contamination, which is why refrigeration is necessary. The cold temperature helps slow down the growth of any bacteria that might make its way inside the egg.

Once eggs have been refrigerated, they must stay that way. Eggs can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 15 weeks while unrefrigerated eggs typically last around three weeks. A longer shelf life is particularly important in countries like the U.S., where eggs often travel long distances from farms to grocery stores.

Leaving refrigerated eggs at room temperature can cause condensation to form on the shell, allowing bacteria to enter through the pores. This makes refrigeration crucial for maintaining egg safety in the U.S.

Interestingly, many countries, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia, do not require eggs to be refrigerated. This difference in practice is largely due to how other nations tackle Salmonella. Instead of washing eggs, these countries leave the cuticle intact, allowing the natural protective layer to do its job. In addition, many European countries vaccinate hens against Salmonella, which further reduces the risk of contamination.

By not washing the eggs and keeping the cuticle intact, the eggs can be stored safely at room temperature. This is why, in countries like the U.K. or France, you'll find eggs sitting on shelves rather than in cold dairy cases. The eggs don't need refrigeration because their natural defenses against bacteria are still in place.

Preventive Healthcare Services

In June, the Supreme Court upheld the requirement that insurers cover preventive services recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force without cost to patients. However, these services are free only when delivered by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network.

There are a number of preventive services and screening that can save many lives: blood pressure screening, diabetes screening and cancer screening. (Especially important are screenings for breast, colorectal and lung cancers, as they are among the top cancer diagnoses ) Also included in preventive healthcare services are immunizations against disease for children as well as adults.

SOME COMMON ADDITIVES IN PROCESSED FOOD

In a previous Talk O’ The Town, we published an article on ultra processed foods and how important it is to read labels and avoid some of the contents harmful to our bodies. These are a few to remember to minimize or avoid:

COLORS

Yellow – Petroleum-based yellow dye. Linked to hives and hyperactivity. Set For FDA phase-out by 2027.

Red 40 – Petroleum-based red dye linked to hyperactivity and set for FDA phase-out by 2028.

PRESERVATIVES

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) – Keeps fats from spoiling. Used in foods and cosmetics. Flagged as a hormone disruptor and banned in some countries.

Calcium Propionate – Keeps baked goods moldfree but may contribute to insulin resistance and DNA damage.

Potassium Sorbate – Used to prevent mold and yeast in drinks, but high doses may cause cellular and DNA damage.

Sodium Nitrate – Cures deli meats, but is linked to cancer. Strictly limited in Europe.

FLAVOR ENHANCERS

Natural Flavors – A catch-all lab name for blends that can hide undisclosed flavors because the exact ingredients remain secret. Fourth most common food ingredient.

Titanium Dioxides – Whitens candy coatings, carries possible DNA-damage risk. Banned in Europe, but still allowed in the U.S.

FLAVOR ENCHANCERS

(Continued)

Yeast Extract – High sodium flavor enhancer, often labeled as “natural flavor.”

Disodium Inosinate – Sodium-heavy flavor booster that is often paired with MSG.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Flavor enhancer that may trigger headaches in sensitive people. Added to many savory foods.

THICKENERS

Carrageenan – Seaweed-based thickener that may trigger gut irritation. Banned from use in Europe’s infant formula.

Maltodextrin – Corn-starch filler that spikes blood sugar and bulks up protein drinks.

SWEETENERS

Erythritol – Zero-calorie sweetener that can cause stomach upset. Linked to blood clot risk in a 2023 study.

High-Fructose Corn Syrup – Cheap corn syrup that spikes blood sugar, increases inflammation and builds belly fat. (Not to be confused with regular corn syrup.)

Sucralose – Zero calories, but 600% sweeter than sugar. Can trigger gut dysbiosis or inflammation.

Aspartame – 200% sweeter than sugar and may cause neurological and mood issues, cancer risk still is debated.

MOBILE HOME FIRE SAFETY

CALIFORNIA HAS OVER 40 STATE SYMBOLS!

These symbols include animals, plants, colors, and even a state dance (West Coast swing), and anyone can suggest a new symbol by contacting their State Assembly person. There are well known symbols such as our state animal (grizzly bear), and some a bit obscure such as our state motto - we have included some of our state symbols below.

FLAG: Probably the most recognizable state symbol is our flag, California Republic. On June 14, 1846, a band of settlers marched on the Mexican garrison at Sonoma and took the commandant, Mariano Vallejo, prisoner. They issued a proclamation declaring California a Republic independent of Mexico. This became known as the Bear Flag Revolt after a hastily designed flag depicting a grizzly bear (strength) and a five pointed star (lone star of Texas) with “California Republic.” over a red bar. It was adopted by the State Legislature in 1911. While the California grizzly bear became the state animal in 1953, sadly it became extinct between 1922-24.

GOLD RUSH GHOST TOWN: Designated as our state Gold Rush Town in 2002, Bodie is located NE of Yosemite and is indeed considered haunted. It may have been named for a gold miner, W. S. Body. It was named a National Historic Site in 1962 and is also a State Historic Park that you can visit. What was left of the town’s buildings and contents remains as they did after the last resident departed and is in a state of arrested decay. It was not until 1877 when gold was discovered in quantity that the population increased from 3,000 to 10,000 by 1880. Then in the 1880’s, the mining boom ended with $18 million worth of gold extracted … how much is that in today’s dollars?

FABRIC: Denim has been a part of California since the Gold Rush, used for working people’s clothes. Denim gained a more prominent place in history when San Francisco dry goods wholesaler Levi Strauss agreed to apply for a patent together with Nevada tailor Jacob Davis, who had developed a method of reinforcing the pockets of work pants with copper rivets. But did you know denim has been around since the 16th century, having been developed both in Genoa, Italy and Nimes, France? Tradition has it that the word “jeans” comes from “Genoa” while “de Nimes” led to “denim”.

MOTTO: Our motto, “Eureka”, a Greek word, has appeared on the state seal since 1849 and means “I have found it.” The words were probably intended to refer to the discovery of gold in California. Archimedes, the famed Greek mathematician, is said to have exclaimed “Eureka!” when, after long study, he discovered a method of determining the purity of gold. In 1957, attempts were made to establish “In God We Trust” as the state motto, but “Eureka” was made the official state motto in 1963.

SEAL: The Constitutional Convention of 1849 adopted the Great Seal of the State of California. The seal was designed by Army Major R. S. Garnett. The Roman goddess of wisdom, Minerva, has at her feet a grizzly bear and clusters of grapes representing wildlife and agricultural richness. A miner works near the Sacramento River below the Sierra Nevada peaks. The Greek word “Eureka” meaning “I have found it,” refers to the miner’s discovery of gold. Near the upper edge are 31 stars representing the number of states with California’s anticipated admission. California became a state in 1850.

FOSSIL: The saber-toothed cat (Smilodon californicus) was adopted by the Legislature as the official State Fossil in 1973. Fossil evidence indicates that this member of the cat family with 8-inch upper canine teeth was somewhat shorter than a modern lion, but weighed more. This meat-eater was found in California during the late Pleistocene epoch that ended about 11,000 to 10,000 years ago. Fossil bones of Smilodon californicus have been found in abundance preserved in the famous tar pits of Rancho La Brea in Los Angeles showing if was very common in Southern California.

MARINE FISH: Only 14inches in length, a golden orange fish named the garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) is our state marine fish. It is most common in the shallow waters off the Southern California coast. Young garibaldi are even more colorful with bright blue spots. When disturbed these fish emit a thumping sound which can be heard by divers. Although the garibaldi is not an endangered species, there is concern that commercial collection by the saltwater aquarium industry has reduced its numbers. So in 1995, the Legislature placed a moratorium on commercial collection until 2002.

PREHISTORIC ARTIFACT: Perhaps the most unusual state symbol is the chipped stone bear. Discovered at an archaeological dig site in San Diego County in 1985, this small stone object measures about 2 1/2 by 1 1/2 inches and resembles a walking bear. Fashioned from volcanic rock by one of California’s earliest inhabitants some 7-8,000 years ago, the stone artifact is thought to have been made for religious use. The chipped stone bear became a state symbol in 1991 making California the first state to designate an official State Prehistoric Artifact.

MARINE REPTILE: The Pacific leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest and deepest diving of all sea turtles. Adult leatherbacks can weigh up to 2000 pounds and can reach a length of 8 feet. Its species has been on the planet for 70 million years. The leatherback acquired its common name because its shell is made of small bones covered by a layer of rubbery skin. The leatherback has been on the endangered species list since 1970. Every October 15 is designated as Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle Conservation Day.

SILVER RUSH GHOST TOWN: Located in San Bernardino County, Calico was founded near the site of a major silver strike in 1881. At the height of its glory, it claimed over 20 saloons and hundreds of nearby mines. The value of silver that was mined is estimated to have been between $13,000,000 and $20,000,000. In the mid-1890s the price of an ounce of silver dropped over half in value causing a loss of demand for silver By the early 1900s Calico had become a deserted ghost town It was acquired in the 1950s by Walter Knott, owner of Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. He preserved what was left of Calico and constructed other buildings to recreate Calico’s past to serve as a tourist attraction.

INSECT: The California dogface butterfly or dog head (Zerene eurydice) was designated the official State Insect in 1972. The butterfly is found only in California from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to the Coast Ranges and from Sonoma south to San Diego. The male has a yellow silhouette of a dog’s head on its wings. The female is usually entirely yellow with a black spot on the upper wings. Page 13

Did you know you can create your own National Day like the dates below?

October 2nd Poetry Day

October 8th Emergency Nurses Day

October 15th I Love Lucy Day

October 24th Bologna Day

October 3rd Techies Day

October 13th Indigenous People Day

October 21st National Pets for Vets Day

October 28th National First Responders Day

Some of these days are serious or official and some can be humorous or unofficial; either way, what would be your National Day? Here are some tips if you want to participate.

To create a truly recognized national day in the United States, you must obtain an official Act of Congress or a Presidential Proclamation. For an official day, you would need a legislator to sponsor your proposal, and for a proclamation, the president would need to make the declaration. A less official method is to register your day with organizations like the National Day Archives or the National Day Calendar, which list many unofficial national days.

Official Method

Draft a Proposal: Prepare a detailed proposal explaining the purpose of your day, its significance, and how people can observe it.

Find a Sponsor: Contact a local congressperson and pitch your idea: Zoe Lofgren 408-271-8700

635 North First Street Suite B San Jose, CA 95112

Go Through Congress: If they agree, they will introduce the day as a bill or a resolution. Congress then votes on the proposal.

Presidential Proclamation: Alternatively, a President can issue a proclamation to declare the day, although this is less common for new, truly official days.

Unofficial Method

Choose a Name and Date: Decide on the name for your new national day and select a date. Register with a Private Organization: Submit your idea to websites like National Day Archives or the National Day Calendar.

Pay the Fee: There is typically a fee involved for the listing and a certificate of registry. Promote Your Day: Once listed, it's up to you and others to create awareness and celebrate the day.

National Day Archives: https://www.nationaldayarchives.com/application/ National Day Calendar: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/ Address: 712 W. Main St., Mandan, ND 58554

Who is Benjamin Franklin, Really?

As kids we learned about famous people in American history, and we think we know them because we learned a few facts about their life. Benjamin Franklin is one of those – a printer, inventor, first postmaster general and founding father. We probably most remember the kite and key experiment connecting lightening with electricity, and leading to the invention of the lightening rod. His ingenuity was limitless. Here are a few surprising things about him (and a couple not so nice).

• Franklin became a fashion icon while serving as the first U.S. ambassador to France to secure support for American independence. He wore plain, unfussy suits and favored fur hats over his long natural hair instead of a powdered wig. Some French women began wearing wigs made to mimic his fur cap, known as “coiffure a la Franklin”, and his image appeared on portraits, medallions and other jewelry. He wrote his daughter that the numbers sold were incredible having made his face as wellknown as that of the moon.

• A great disappointment for Franklin was that his son William sided with the British during America’s struggle for independence. He became the royal governor of New Jersey.

• Benjamin Franklin learned to speak or read at least five languages in addition to his native English: French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Latin. While he was a dedicated self-learner in science, literature, and philosophy by acquiring these linguistic skills, Franklin likely learned the French language from the pillow talk of his French mistresses.” Franklin has been called “our founding flirt” by historians as he was known for his flirtations and affairs with women.

• Franklin founded the first volunteer fire department, sometimes called the “bucket brigade”, to serve all of Philadelphia, not just members of private mutual aid societies.

• Franklin noticed a difference in sailing times between westbound and eastbound ships carrying mail between England and the Colonies. He consulted a cousin who was a whaler, and they became the first persons to chart the path of the Gulf Stream on a map.

• Franklin founded the American Philosophical Society and also our first university, the University of Pennsylvania.

• As an avid swimmer, Franklin developed swimming fins for his hands at age 11 and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968 for his many contributions.

• Franklin became a vegetarian when he was 16 years old. Loving carbs, his favorite foods were potatoes, rice, and bread (perhaps accounting for his rotund figure), but later in life he started incorporating fish into his diet.

• Franklin helped found our first hospital and Pennsylvania Hospital still operates today.

• He invented the Franklin stove, an environmentally friendly iron furnace that used less wood than other furnaces at the time.

• Franklin owned slaves for part of his life but became a prominent abolitionist later in life.

• Franklin paired lenses from glasses that allowed him to see things close up with lenses from glasses that allowed him to see things far away into one pair of glasses to invent bifocals.

• He played the violin, harp, and the guitar and also made the glass armonica, an instrument that made sound by touching the edge of spinning glass with damp fingers. Marie Antoinette took lessons to learn to play the armonica and Mozart wrote music for it.

• Franklin was also a skilled chess player. He wrote “The Morals of Chess” that detailed the rules of conduct for playing, and was responsible for making chess a popular sport in America.

• While living in London, Franklin supposedly once visited the infamous The Hellfire Club for the “upper crust”, known for drunkenness, orgies and blasphemous anti-Christian rituals. Hope not!

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

Prep Time: 15 min , Cook Time: 11 min , Makes 24 Cookies

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 stick, room temperature

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter, not natural

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour

Instructions

• Unwrap about 24 mini Reese’s cups, place in a bowl and put in the freezer. This helps them to maintain their shape once added to the hot cookies. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

• In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer for 1 minute, until smooth and fluffy.

• Add in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, beat again, less than 1 minute

Submitted by Karen Ramsell, Space 275

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• Granulated sugar, for rolling the cookies

• Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, for melting

• Candy eye balls

• Add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt, mixing on low or with a spatula just until combined. Be careful not to over mix.

• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to form tablespoon sized balls from the dough. Roll the dough between your hands to form a uniform ball, then roll in granulated sugar. Place the cookies 2-3 inches apart on a silicone lined baking sheet and bake for 8-11 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to crack and turn golden in color.

• Remove the cookies from the oven and press a mini Reese’s cup into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool for 15-20 minutes before moving to cooling rack. Moving the cookies while they are still warm can cause the Reese’s cup to sink, losing its shape.

• Place the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 3 minutes on 50% power, stirring after each minute. Continue to microwave until fully melted. Transfer the melted chocolate into a squeeze bottle or a sandwich bag with the corner cut off. Draw 4 legs on each side of the cookies.

• Use a small amount of melted chocolate on the back of the candy eye balls to attach them to the Reese’s cup. Allow the chocolate to set before moving the cookies to a serving platter.

Crab Mold Delight

1 can crabmeat

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 envelop Knox gelatin

3 Tbs. cold water

6 oz. cream cheese

Small onion grated

1c. celery, chopped finely

¾ c. mayo

Submitted by Karen Ramsell, Space 275

Dissolve gelatin in cold water and add to warm soup. Add rest of ingredients and mix well. Add to ring mold and refrigerate overnight. Unmold and serve with crackers.

Soft and Chewy Marshmallow Popcorn Balls

From Divascancook.com Servings: 6 balls, Prep time: 10 min., Cook Time: 10 min.

10 cups freshly popped popcorn (salted)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

10 oz bag marshmallows

• Place salted popped popcorn on a large baking sheet and remove any un-popped kernels or burnt popcorn. Transfer popcorn to a very large bowl and set aside.

• Brown the butter: melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. (A light-colored pan works best for viewing the butter as it changes colors.) Keep stirring as the butter begins to foam and brown bits form on the bottom of the pan. Continue stirring until the butter turns from a lemony yellow to a deep golden color with a nutty aroma.

• Turn heat to low and add marshmallows. Stir until the marshmallows have melted.

• Pour the melted butter/marshmallow mixture over the popcorn and stir using a rubber spatula until the popcorn is evenly coated.

• While the mixture is still warm, grease your hands with butter and shape the popcorn mixture into balls. Press together gently but firmly to hold their shape. Do not compact them too tight, or they will be too hard to eat once set. Once cooled, wrap each popcorn ball in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

When did you first notice the heartburn?

National Knock-Knock Jokes Day ~ October 31st

October 31st isn’t just for Halloween. There’s plenty of other things to celebrate, like knock-knock jokes! That’s right, the day also hosts National Knock-Knock Jokes Day

For many kids, these are the first jokes they learn. It’s not clear how or where the knock-knock jokes were first created. There are a number of theories, but no proof either way. One theory is that they got their start with the scene in Macbeth in which a character gives a long, rather funny speech using the same pattern as the jokes. As far as we’ve been able to discover, the first in-print appearance of a knock-knock joke in the form we now know it was in a newspaper column in 1934. It went like this: Knock, knock. > Who’s there? > Rufus. > Rufus who? > Rufus the most important part of your house.

Nope. That first joke wasn’t any better than the ones that followed. Just the same, within a few years the knock-knock joke became ridiculously popular. In the late 1960s they even became a regular bit on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in. Knock, knock. > Who’s there? > Alex. > Alex who? > Alexplain later, now let me in.

** Knock, knock. > Who’s there? > Cantaloupe. > Cantaloupe who? > Can’t elope, you gotta get married

** Knock, knock. > Who’s there? > Suspense > Suspense who? > [SILENCE]

** Knock, knock. > Who’s there? > The Doorbell Repairman

** Knock, knock. > Who’s there? > Elvis > Elvis who? > How quickly they forget.

** Knock, knock. > Who’s there? > Wayne > Wayne who? > Wayne drops keep falling on my head

** Knock, knock. > Who’s there? > Thistle > Thistle who? > Thistle be the last time I tell you.

How to Celebrate National Knock-Knock Jokes Day

This one couldn’t be simpler: Tell knock-knock jokes. All day. Until everybody you know begs you to stop. (For some people that’ll probably be after the first one). If the adults in your life have no sense of humor, recruit your favorite youngster to help you celebrate. He or she will love your undivided attention for endless knockknock jokes!