Our chili queen is Anna Busker! King bloody Mary mixer is Dean Williams! 2nd place chili goes to Angie Jennings Upton, 3rd place is Kenny Kneedler! Ten well made chili entries and four empty jugs of bloody Mary’s. What a great turn out, good chili and bloody mary mixes. Best of all was the gathering of many at our favorite lake and restaurant. Thank you Anna and Rocky for putting this together. Thank you to all the judges and Anna’s staff!
The Rare Comet C/2023 A3, also known as the Tsuchinshan- ATLAS comet, NASA estimates Tsuchinshan-ATLAS won’t return to this point in its orbit for at least 80,000 years
Bonfire and Music Closes Out The Summer Season At Thunderhead
A singer song writer played at North Beach around the bonfire a couple weeks ago. This was open to everyone. It was well attended. Plans are to do something like this again as we all like having a cozy way to close out the season. Many of the seasonal folks were here closing down, the timing was perfect!
Streamline Your Cooking This Holiday Season
(StatePoint) Anyone who has ever hosted a big holiday meal knows there can be a lot of pressure to ensure everything comes out at the right time, and more importantly, tastes great. Whether you’re feeding your family or a crowd, here’s how to streamline your cooking during the holidays and beyond by using the right equipment to its maximum capabilities: Versatile appliances eliminate the need for a slew of single-use pieces of equipment like pizza ovens, air fryers and secondary ovens, which
can clutter the kitchen and make your job more complicated. Being able to do the majority of your cooking with just a few appliances will keep you organized during the busy holiday meal prep rush. With that in mind, consider outfitting your kitchen with a double oven range or multifunction oven, which will allow you to cook independently in a single standard size appliance. With two ovens, you can prepare multiple dishes that require different temperatures or modes simultaneously, so that you can roast the
holiday turkey or ham in the larger oven, while steaming or baking your sides in the smaller oven and stovetop, without the hassle of over and undercooking, or crossing flavors between dishes. A double oven like the Italian-made Verona Appliances 36” Double Oven Prestige Range gives you the extra space you need to produce the quantity and quality of food you want. Available in stainless steel, matte black and white, it offers a stylized, upgraded look, along with high-powered, professional-level cooking performance.
The 10 easy-to-use cooking modes of a Lofra luxury Italian range empower you to just as easily achieve a flawless crust on a casserole as to perfect your favorite seasonal cookie recipe. Representing the perfect union of form and function, you’ll benefit from modern cooking features and gorgeous design.
To stay truly agile as a home chef, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re making full use of every accessory that is included in your appliances. The Verona Ultima range, for example, is a premier cooking ap-
Are You Still Boating On The Water?
Remember To
Obey The Rules
The leaves are falling, the air is getting brisk, and the No Wake buoys have been pulled. Does this mean the lake is a NASCAR track? Nope, you still have to abide by lake and Missouri boating rules. You should never come into a cove, especially the Marina ‘hot’. No wake laws and Lake Thunderhead rules are No Wake within 100’ of shoreline, buoy or not. Please be respectful of your lake neighbors and the shoreline.
Stress-Free Thanksgiving Tips for TimeCrunched Hosts
(StatePoint) While gathering for Thanksgiving is intended to be a joyous occasion, everyone who has hosted the feast knows it can also come with a lot of stress, and expenses. The good news is that whether you’re a Gen Z-er hosting your first Friendsgiving on a budget or you’re a busy family preparing for guests, there is a lot to be thankful for this year.
That’s because this holiday season, Sam’s Club’s private brand Member’s Mark is unveiling an innovative pre-cooked Thanksgiving meal that is ready to serve in under two hours, priced under $100 for up to 10 people and available to be delivered. Crafted with mindfully made premium ingredients, the meal offers convenience without compromising quality, ensuring a stress-free, memorable and delicious Thanksgiving. Here are the traditional Thanksgiving favorites that the meal includes:
• Member’s Mark Smoked Turkey
• Member’s Mark Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
pliance that comes with upgraded features and accessories, including an air fry tray, space saver shelf, a broiler pan and a griddle, for the ultimate all-in-one range. Its blend of beautiful design and innovative features will likely inspire compliments from your holiday guests. Both Verona and Lofra are exclusively imported by EuroChef USA. For more information, visit eurochefusa. com. Stream-Line Your Cooking Cont. to page 8
• Member’s Mark Pumpkin Pie
• Member’s Mark Sweet Potato Mash
• Member’s Mark Brussels Sprouts
• Member’s Mark Yeast Dinner Rolls
• Member’s Mark Macaroni and Cheese
• Member’s Mark Cranberry Crunch Salad
Along with purchasing a convenient Thanksgiving meal, here are a few additional ways to eliminate stress around holiday prep: Stress-Free Thanksgiving Cont. to page 7
Photo taken by Annie Dorsey
Board Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024
Cody Veach called the meeting to order at 5:30pm, in attendance
Kerrie Rose, Tiffany Scovel, Rodney Weir, Mike Vore was on Zoom.
Public Correspondence – A member in attendance asked for an update regarding the lawsuit with Kathie Loew and what has cost the association so far, Kerrie thought the association had been billed under $10k, but maybe lower, possibly around $7k.
Since it’s ongoing the board couldn’t comment, but there is a pending hearing. Cody said maybe our lawyer could help us draft something to update members, Kerrie said the hearing was in 2 weeks and hopefully it would be resolved.
A request has been made to put a street light at the main entrance as it’s very dark now with new road and hard to see. Cody installed big solar lights at his shop and they work amazing so we will investigate something like that on poles, quicker than having REC install street lights.
Secretary Report –October minutes were reviewed, Tiffany motioned to approve, Kerrie seconded; motion carried.
Treasurer Report –Tiffany commented that Rodney and staff are doing a great job at staying under budget. She had noticed last month the water seemed high vs. the year before but it seems to have come back in line now. There is an issue with an update to our operating software that has thrown our balance sheet out of balance by $65k, Ferne has a help ticket in with Enumerate and noted on report. Ferne has also allocated Assets to show the CDs we moved money to.
Committee Reports Commons Committee – Flicker Lane will be addressed in Spring. There is some work on Falcon that needs to be done at that time as well.
Rules & Regulations – Kathie Steveson put together a policy re-
garding Chicken coops that the board will need to review, have the lawyer approve, and vote it into policy. A&E should also review as it will be something that a building permit will need to be paid for and completed by homeowner. Kathie suggests being done by end of year.
Special Road District – done for the year, have started surveying roads for chip/seal next year, as the plan for 2025 is chip/seal only.
Lake Manager Report – Sand and Salt have been ordered, forecast for snow looks light, hopefully it’s a mild winter.
Several trees were removed recently, most of them on the golf course. We will be moving a few tee boxes and installing new signage.
If you are taking brush to the dump area, please back all the way down, do not just dump it by the gate. If the ground is really wet either wait to dump or take it to the far Northeast area and it will get pushed to the burn area. The metal trailer can be used for home appliances and metal to be scrapped. Please put as close to the trailer as possible.
We’ve had some confusion again about water lines to homes and who is responsible. WCA is only responsible for the water mains and sewer mains. The homeowner is responsible from the tap in point (done by a contractor) to the meter and then the home. WCA has never in the history of the lake installed water meter pits, etc. We do supply the meter to the contractor, but any break or leak from the main to the home is the homeowner’s responsibility.
Security Report - All bathhouses are locked
up for the season, John is out in the evenings patrolling. We have not had any more break in reports, the law is charging the persons we think were responsible this summer, they no longer live in the area.
Old Business Update on sale of misc. Lake Thunderhead property – N/A Ced absent Discussion on new Storage Building(s) – We have 21 sold, originally, we planned for 36, the contractor has no issue with building smaller. Board decided on 24 to be built, Cody motioned for 24, Tiffany seconded; motion carries.
Update on Pipeline
Under the Lake – Engineer has recommended a crew, but it could be put out for bids. Since it isn’t going to affect our taxes for this year the Board decided to have him put out for bids. Work is probably better done when the ground is frozen for the trucks. Will discuss at budget meeting in December.
New Business Lot Consolidations/ Inactivation’s – 1 deconsolidation
A letter was read from a member asking for the 2nd tennis court to be striped for Pickleball, it was agreed it could be
done but someone in the audience said that it had already been taped off.
Tiffany asked that the outdoor storage area’s (aka: boneyards) be inventoried again because it looks like some stuff is in there that shouldn’t be and to have them mowed soon as they are ‘mostly empty’.
Tiffany also questioned why there is so much confusion about water lines as it should be in the covenants or bylaws. If there is a leak or break that affects the roads or commons area the homeowner is responsible for repair of line and repair any road damage. If the homeowner can’t be reached, or refuses to have repair made, WCA can contract the work done and bill the homeowner. WCA should not be hiring contractors on the owner’s behalf and be liable for charges, except in an emergency situation.
Lastly, the BOD will have a closed session meeting in December to review employee evaluations, pay, benefits, 2025 dues and budget.
Meeting adjourned at 6:16 pm, motioned by Cody, seconded by Tiffany.
Enter into Closed Session
World UFO Day
“If you ask me, do I believe there’s life in a universe that is so vast that it’s hard for me to comprehend how big it is? My personal answer is yes,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson told reporters at a news conference not so long ago. Meanwhile, in a recent World UFO Day interview, Journalist and UFO Investigator, Nick Pope, told CGTNTV America’s reporter Sean Callebs that “the subject has gone from
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fringe to mainstream in recent years. It used to be if you talked about [extraterrestrials] people thought you had tinfoil on your head but nowadays the United States government has come out and opened a lot of files and now you find out that fighter pilots, naval officers and astronauts have made sworn statements that they saw and are convinced that there are UFO’s and extraterrestrials out there.”
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Food’s important role in overall health
When the end goal is simply looking good, it may be easy to forget about the other benefits of nutritious diets, including their link to overall health.
Nutrition is a popular topic of conversation, particularly among those embarking on a weight loss or maintenance plan. Individuals carefully study food macros and pore over various diets to get the most out of the foods they eat. When the end goal is simply looking good, it may be easy to forget about the other benefits of nutritious diets, including their link to overall health.
A close relationship exists between nutritional status and health. Experts at Tufts Health Plan recognize that good nutrition can help reduce the risk of developing many diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. The notion of “you are what you eat” still rings true.
The World Health Organization indicates better nutrition means stronger immune systems, fewer illnesses and better overall health. However, according to the National Resource Center on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Aging, one in four older Americans suffers from poor nutrition. And this situation is not exclusive to the elderly. A report examining the
global burden of chronic disease published in The Lancet found poor diet contributed to 11 million deaths worldwide — roughly 22 percent of deaths among adults — and poor quality of life. Low intake of fruits and whole grains and high intake of sodium are the leading risk factors for illness in many countries. Common nutrition problems can arise when one favors convenience and routine over balanced meals that truly fuel the body.
Improving nutrition Guidelines regarding how many servings of each food group a person should have each day may vary slightly by country, but they share many similarities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture once followed a “food pyramid” guide, but has since switched to the MyPlate resource, which emphasizes how much of each food group should cover a standard 9-inch dinner plate. Food groups include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. The Role In Health
Cont. to page 10
With winter weather fast approaching, just a friendly reminder not to park on Wildflower Drive during snow events.
Thank you to everyone for removing your boats from the rental docks in a timely manner. This gives us time to work on things before the lake starts to freeze. We will be working on the boat ramp is-
Rodney’s Two Cents
by Rodney Weir
sue in 2025. The holes have been filled with 6 to 8” rock, so just another friendly reminder to please trim up your boat motor when loading your boat onto the trailer. If you don’t trim up your motor you are throwing out the rock and recreating holes, besides the damage it can and will do to your motor!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Food Drive Underway For Unionville Food Pantry
The Laker Ladies are having a food drive for the Food Pantry in Unionville. Anyone is welcome to donate even if you don’t come to Laker Ladies. This box is up at the office and we will empty it as it gets full. They requested any items with protein such as tuna, canned chicken, beef stew etc but will accept any nonperishable items. Please check expiration dates before donating. Thanks in advance! Taking donations now through the end of December
Doctors’ Tips for a Healthy and Safe Holiday Season
(StatePoint) The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but it can also throw your wellness routines out of alignment. Doctors advise prioritizing healthy choices during this period, so you can start 2025 on the right foot.
“Everyone’s holiday wish is to be happy, health and safe, but the season is often a time for overindulgence in food and drink, increased stress and exposure to
respiratory illness,” says Bruce A. Scott, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA).
The AMA recommends taking these steps during the holidays: 1. Vaccines are a safe and remarkably effective defense from a number of serious respiratory viruses that circulate in the fall and winter. To protect yourself and your family, get up to date on your vaccines, including the
annual flu shot, as well as the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccines are also available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Tools to protect infants during RSV season include maternal vaccination as well as the monoclonal antibody immunization. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.
2. Watch what you eat. Pay particular attention to labels and avoid processed foods as much as you can, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Consider having a healthy snack before the big meal or offer to bring a healthier dish for the holiday spread. Drink water instead of sugarsweetened beverages, and eat nutritious, whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables alongside richer holiday fare.
3. Stick to your exercise schedule and prioritize physical activity during this busy time of year. A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorousintensity activity. Brisk walks, bike rides, hikes and even family-friendly sports like basketball and touch football are good for heart health.
4. Use time with relatives to find out whether
your family has a history of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and whether other family members have been told they have prediabetes. With this information, you can better understand your risk and take charge of your health.
5. Prioritize your mental health. Factors like holiday spending and navigating time with extended family can bring on extra seasonal stress.
Doctor’s Tips For Health
to page 7
Don’t Let the Holiday Season Set You Up for Debt in 2025
(StatePoint) The holiday season may be warm, merry and bright, but it’s also a time when it’s all too easy to spend more than you plan to and rack up debt you can’t manage.
According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, here’s how to celebrate the season in style while positioning yourself for a financially healthy 2025:
Create your budget:
Take a look at your budget to determine how much you can earmark for holiday expenses. Do you need to cut back on any nonessential spending to afford the holiday season you desire?
Make a comprehensive list of all your expected expenditures, including for travel, hosting, decorating, gifting and charitable giving. Don’t have a budget? A CFP® professional can help you create one to stay on track with your financial goals during the holidays and beyond.
Stretch your budget: Stretch your holiday budget creatively. When shopping online or booking travel, find the best deals by using a browser extension that comparison shops. Entertaining?
Rather than providing every dish yourself, host a cookie exchange or potluck. If you have a large extended family or circle of friends that holds a traditional gift exchange, suggest a Secret Santa or white elephant exchange instead.
Maintain your credit: While it’s fun to be extravagant and give bigticket items that will wow your recipients, your holiday spending
shouldn’t harm your credit. Keep an eye on your debt-to-credit ratio throughout the season and set reminders of when credit card payments are due. If you purchase an item using a Buy Now Pay Later plan, put payment due dates in your calendar to avoid late fees.
Give wisely: Many people make charitable contributions around the holidays. If you plan to give, do it in a way that offers a tax advantage. From deductions to donating appreciated assets to using a Donor Advised Fund, a CFP® professional can help you find a strategy that is good for you and for the cause you care about.
Save all year: Diverting a small portion of each paycheck into a special savings fund all year long can help ensure you’re prepared to meet holiday expenses. Once this current season wraps up, you can begin to plan for next year. A CFP® professional can help you set this fund up and offer suggestions for maximizing these savings.
Make your resolutions now: Whether it’s to pay down debt or set up a retirement fund, you don’t have to wait until the new year to get started
“Being offended is a choice. The moment you let somebody else’s words upset you, you’ve let somebody else defeat you. And who wants to lose a battle to an opinion?” -- Author Unknown
on your resolutions. Get a healthy money mindset now so that come January, you’ll have already established habits that move you toward your goals.
Working with a financial advisor to prep for the holidays can help ensure you have a stress-free season. Find your CFP® professional, trained to offer comprehensive solutions for your unique situation, by visiting letsmakeaplan. org.
During a season of festivities, financial planning may not be top of mind. However, smart spending habits can help ensure you enter 2025 in the black.
What Older Adults Should Know This RSV Season
(StatePoint) Each year, up to 160,000 older adults living in the United States are hospitalized and as many as 10,000 die due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a highly contagious virus that spreads through close contact with infected individuals, typically increasing during the fall and peaking in winter.
While most people with RSV develop mild symptoms, like that of a common cold, RSV can cause severe illness in older adults, especially those with certain medical conditions, like chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease or a weakened immune system. That’s why the American Lung Association, with support from GlaxoSmithKline, is encouraging adults at increased risk for severe illness to protect themselves against RSV. Here’s what they want you to know:
Severe Illness is Preventable: In 2023, RSV vaccines became available to help protect older
Tips to Stay Connected During Natural Disasters
(StatePoint) No matter where you live or what time of the year it is, individuals, families, businesses and others nationwide should be prepared for unpredictable weather and natural disasters – from hurricanes to tornadoes to wildfires. With some researchers forecasting a potentially record-breaking hurricane season and above normal risks for wildfires for some portions of the country this year, it’s important to be ready.
Effective communication is vital during di-
sasters for receiving updates, talking with loved ones and reaching first responders. One of the most important things you can do ahead of time is learn how you can stay connected. Here are some tips from T-Mobile experts on ways you can prepare and get the information you need to stay in the know when it matters most.
• Keep phones and de-
Stay Connected Cont. to
page 7
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. However, if you do get sick with RSV this winter, be sure to watch for signs of severe illness, such as shortness of breath and worsening symptoms, and seek prompt medical attention if needed,” says Dr. Rizzo.
adults from severe RSV illness, however, according to the most recent data, only 24% of older adults received it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends RSV vaccination for adults aged 75 and older, and adults ages 60 to 74 at increased risk for severe RSV disease. You can get vaccinated any time, but the best time to receive an RSV vaccination is late summer and early fall before RSV starts to spread in the community. If you have already received an RSV vaccine, you do not need another one. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether RSV vaccination is recommended for you.
“Vaccination is critical to saving lives and reducing hospitalizations during the respiratory virus season, but unfortunately, not enough older adults are getting vaccinated and disparities persist that put some populations at increased risk of severe illness,” says Albert Rizzo, MD., chief medical officer of the American Lung Association.
Healthy Habits Can Also Help Stop the Spread: In addition to vaccination, you can help stop the spread of RSV with these everyday actions:
• Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Staying at home when you are sick and avoiding close contact with others
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces
• Taking steps for cleaner indoor air For more information about RSV in adults and to learn steps to prevent severe illness, visit Lung.org/rsv.
National Immunization Survey data shows that RSV vaccination rates vary, with 27% of white/non-Hispanic adults having received a vaccine, compared to 21% of Black/non-Hispanic adults, and 15% of Hispanic/Latino adults. At the same time, Black and Hispanic/Latino populations have higher rates of underlying conditions that increase the risk of severe RSV illness.
Famous Actors
ACROSS
1. QA’s focus, pl.
5. “Swan Lake” steps
8. Evite request, acr.
12. Long stories
14. Final, abbr.
15. Opposite of neo-
16. Synagogue scroll
17. Poseidon’s domain
18. One-eighty
19. *Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp
21. *Vivian Ward and Erin Brockovich
23. Kum Ba follower
24. Cry out loud
25. Stolen, slangily
28. Greek salad cheese
30. Popular clubs of the 1970s
35. Chimpanzees, e.g.
37. Porcine fat
39. Great divide
40. Cat o’how many tails?
41. Podium, pl.
43. Dead against
44. Work the dough
46. Urban haze
47. Manner of walk
48. Parlor piece
50. Riyadh native, e.g.
52. Sixth note
53. Common fairway club
55. Brewed beverage
57. *”Red” Redding and Nelson Mandela
61. *Ricky Bobby and Buddy
65. Beat the Joneses
66. Outrage
68. Adjust, as laces
69. Tears violently
70. Anointment liquid
71. Talks and talks and talks
72. a.k.a. Operation Neptune
73. “Just kidding!”
74. Billy Joel’s “____ Always a Woman”
DOWN
1. Between Phi and Kappa
2. Second word in a fairytale
3. Encircle
4. Like Freddy Krueger, e.g.
5. Boot-wearing feline
6. Draft pick
7. Impolite look
8. Miles per hour, e.g.
9. Insult
10. Between bleu and jaune
11. Connection between brain and spinal cord
13. Bundle of wheat
15. Like certain libraries
20. Pup
22. Hemingway’s “The ___ Man and the Sea”
24. Railyard worker
25. *Forrest Gump and
Featured Lake Thunderhead Properties
31211 Mockingbird Lane $875,000
Listing Broker, Ced Gilworth
Beachy meets a cabin at the Lake Thunderhead, with plenty of storage, beds, a dock and level parking. The home was built in 2019 and consists of 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4 car garage, concrete drive and fireplace up and down. Just a few
25005 Magnolia Road
$575,000 - Listing
Agent: Kris Altiser
Located on a large corner lot with views from nearly every window.
The home has two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Both of the bathrooms and the kitchen have been remodeled. The bathrooms both have unique custom tile showers and cabinetry, with a freestanding bubble tub with high end finishes. The kitchen has beautiful refinished hardwood floors and cherry cabinets with custom lighting. The home has been painted on the exterior and interior, along with new carpet downstairs and blinds in 2023. The large, flat lot has around 180 ft of shoreline and has been described as one of the best lots on the lake. The home is move in ready for your family to enjoy the lake and view the spectacular sunsets!basement and garage, allowing you to stay cozy and comfortable in every season. This property boasts a common dock.
PENDING
extras like spray foam, wider foundation footing on the walkout basement, custom tile showers, 10” floor and ceiling joists, Styrofoam R40 foundation block wall, double drainage tile with 2’ gravel around foundation, stone double
Jimmy Dugan
26. Offer two cents
27. Doctrine
29. New Mexico town
31. Deep pile carpet
32. Atlantic Ocean/Pacific Ocean waterway, e.g.
33. Ostium, pl.
34. *Violet Crawley and Minerva McGonagall
36. Center of authority
38. “The New Look” main character
42. September stone
45. Phobos’ brother, Greek mythology
49. Time period
51. *Catwoman and “Jinx” Johnson
54. Vidalia one
56. Regions
57. *Han Solo and Indiana Jones
58. Wished undone
59. Europe’s highest volcano
60. *Nelson, star of 8 films with Jeanette MacDonald
61. Matted wool
62. Write on tombstone, e.g.
63. Facebook button
64. More is ____?
67. Duran Duran’s 1982 album
Answers On Page 7
flue chimney with a gas starter, ¾ hardwood floors, forced gas furnace with humidifier and concrete storage room. The lot is at the end of a larger cove and a stone’s throw from the main body. The home is positioned with a beautiful view up the channel. The current dock has two uncovered slips
20007 Painted Cup Drive $260,000 Listing Broker: Ced Gilworth
Located in the Spring Beauty addition this cabin will be the enjoyment of your family for years to come. As you enter the property there is ample parking on the circle, gravel driveway. As you enter the cabin, there is a covered deck the full width and 12’ deep. What a relaxing place to hang out after a hard day on the lake. When I was out getting the listing, it was 90 degrees and still felt good with the covered shade. The home consists of 3 bedrooms, one bedroom on the main level, and 2 bedrooms upstairs. A bathroom on each level with a living room and gas fireplace. This house has a lot of space for a small footprint. Also included is a storage building and a garage. The lot has a combination of trees and open area, along with a flat area for parking and entertaining.
be for upkeep outside.
Tool Tune-Up
Shovels, rakes and lawnmowers are key for prepping and maintaining the yard. These tools may show signs of wear and tear after enduring heavy use all summer. Use durable duct tape to make any necessary fixes to ripped lawn mower bags or a peeling rake grip, so they’ll hold up under the stresses of fall yard work and help you get the job done without interruption.
Sturdy and Safe Outdoor Furniture
Summer storms and heavy winds might have damaged exterior furniture and décor. But broken tables and chairs can become a hazard if left in poor shape. Before hosting a bonfire or other backyard gathering, as-
sess the condition of your patio furniture. If quick, sturdy fixes are needed, Duck Max Strength Duct Tape is an excellent choice, whether for mending a cracked chair arm or tears in an umbrella or canopy. The tape offers the ideal balance between being easy to tear and tough enough to make long-lasting repairs. The strong adhesion and holding power ensure furniture stays functional and safe for guests.
Patch Camping Gear
Camping trips over long summer weekends may have caused equipment to deteriorate. Before securing tents and canoes in the garage or shed for winter, assess them for rips, cracks or holes. If any are found, patch them with heavyduty duct tape so they’re ready for use next year. This easy solution will hold up against the elements and allow you to stay dry, warm and safe during your next adventure.
For more ways to use duct tape visit https:// www.duckbrand.com/.
(StatePoint) A leaky faucet, pipe or toilet is more than just a nuisance, it can lead to unhealthy mold growth and cause costly damage to your home. Such issues are more common than you may think. In fact, two out of five homeowners have experienced water damage. Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to detect a leak. Beyond the typical warning signs, such as higher
than usual water bills and unexplained damp spots on walls and ceilings, new products can help you detect and address water leaks right away. The Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff from Moen, for example, is a game-changing smart water device that offers 24/7 leak detection. If the system detects a leak, your smart water valve will automatically turn off your water to prevent
flooding. Water damage can have potentially devastating impacts. By being vigilant and relying
on innovative solutions, you can protect your home, your health and your wallet.
Neither snow nor rain
According to the Postal Service, on average mail in the U.S. is delivered in a day or three. But sometimes it can take a bit longer, particularly when the address is incomplete. For example, a letter misaddressed to a family in DeKalb, Illinois in 1943 was finally delivered 80 years after it was posted. It took a dedicated post office employee to track down the George family now living in Portland, OR. The postman lived up to the motto that promises “the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
Stay Connected
Continued from page 4
A few simple steps can help ensure that even during natural disasters and unexpected events, you’re able to connect with first responders and the people you love.
vices fully charged, and store back-up chargers and batteries. There’s nothing quite like losing power when your phone has a low battery, so keep devices full of juice. And make sure you have back-up chargers, portable chargers, and/or batteries so you can keep your devices on if your power goes out. You’ll also want to have a charger handy if you’re traveling. If you get stranded or stuck while driving, you’ll want a way to stay connected with loved ones or emergency services.
• Add important numbers in your contacts. Most of us have friends,
family and coworkers programmed in our phones. But in an emergency, you may need to contact local police, fire departments or power companies. Program these numbers now so you don’t spend precious time looking them up during an emergency.
• Text instead of calling and keep calls short. Sometimes during a severe weather event or natural disaster, too many calls and texts at the same time can cause telecommunications networks to become congested. If you have trouble making calls, try texting instead. Text messages are more
Doctor’s Tips For Health
Continued from page 3
You can help manage stress by getting sufficient sleep, exercising and seeking help from a mental health professional when you need it.
6. Make smart choices and plan ahead if you’re driving. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 Americans died in alcohol impaired-driving crashes. Do not drive under any circumstances if you intend to drink. And if you are the designated driver, make a 100% commitment to sobriety.
likely to get through than phone calls because they take up fewer network resources.
• If you don’t have mobile service, try WiFi calling. If your power and Wi-Fi connection are still on but your mobile service is down, you may be able to call someone via Wi-Fi. For Apple phones, go to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling and for Android phones, go to Settings > More Connection Settings > Wi-Fi Calling.
• Stay safe and calm. Network engineers pre-
pare for weather conditions throughout the year so they can restore service if needed as soon as possible. But hazardous conditions may cause delays. Downed trees, power outages and other obstacles can hinder restoration efforts. Engineers will make repairs as soon as it’s safe to do so.
For more information from T-Mobile on communications and disaster preparedness, check out www.t-mobile.com/ news/uncarrier/t-mobileready-to-respond.
Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Continued from page 1
By eliminating holiday hassles, you can focus on what really matters, giving thanks and spending time with the people you care about.
Ship Smarter, Not Harder: Holiday Shipping Insights Unwrapped
(StatePoint) In today’s fast-paced, digital world, there are many giftgiving options for loved ones far and wide, from sending e-gift cards to their favorite shops and restaurants to creating custom video messages. However, a new survey from Duck brand, a leading maker of mailing and shipping products, finds that the festive fun of sending physical presents isn’t lost.
“We learned that most people—98%—send at least one package containing gifts and nearly half—46%—typically mail up to three gifts throughout the season,” says Natalie Guillaume, director of product marketing, packaging tapes, at Shurtape Technologies, LLC, the company that markets Duck brand.
to four weeks in advance of when they need to arrive. Still, 43% express their greatest concern when mailing goods throughout the yuletide season is the parcel arriving on time. Knowing they can’t rely on the magic of Santa’s sleigh to make a timely delivery, Guillaume suggests getting ahead of the holiday hustle by checking delivery deadlines for the busy season. Then, leaving a little leeway to account for delays due to winter weather or other logistical challenges.
8. Get New Year’s resolutions started early. Speak with your doctor or health care professional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use, and declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.
“The holiday season is a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends – it’s also a chance to reconnect with your physical and mental health,” says Dr. Scott.
7. Be prepared when traveling. Whether you’re flying or taking a road trip, you might be tempted to grab convenient, unhealthy food for the journey. Consider packing your own snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables or small portions of dried fruits and nuts.
1. Start Early: Get your shopping and other hosting tasks done in advance. For example, don’t wait until Thanksgiving Day to tidy up your home. Doing a deep clean in advance can help ensure your kitchen is organized and ready for the big day, and that guests feel comfortable and welcomed. Set the table and do any decorating you have planned the evening beforehand.
2. Save on Festive Flair: You can further reduce costs by going DIY with items like centerpieces and seasonal wreaths, or by shopping with retailers offering great value, such as Sam’s Club, which provides solutions for flowers, décor, wine and other hosting essentials.
3. Rely on Friends and Family: Even if you have the main meal covered, it’s still nice to get a little help from guests, who will likely ask if they can bring some-
thing. Don’t be shy about asking them to contribute an appetizer or beverage!
For more information on the Member’s Mark Holiday Meal, visit samsclub.com.
“To make the process holly and jolly, we recommend planning ahead and purchasing highquality supplies to ensure presents arrive on time and in one piece.”
Good Tidings Delivered on Time
More than 60% of survey participants say they send their packages two
Don’t Let Tape Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle When it comes to shipping, the wrong tape can turn anyone into a Grinch. Nearly half of people (45%) say tape not sticking well to boxes is their biggest challenge. In this case, a heavy-duty tape will do the trick. Look for one with a wide temperature range performance, so you don’t have to worry about damaged deliveries due to a frosty forecast.
Ship Smarter Cont. to page 8
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Due to a recent finding of Sandy Flesh disease in walleye taken from Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas, Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) biologists are asking Missouri anglers to watch for this uncommon fish disease.
The most recent discovery of Sandy Flesh disease occurred in a walleye harvested in September by spearfishing anglers in Bull Shoals in Arkansas near the Arkansas-Missouri border. The only confirmed report of Sandy Flesh disease in Missouri was in 2019 at Table Rock Lake. However, the proximity of this recent discovery to Missouri has prompted MDC fisheries biologists to ask Show-Me State anglers to be on the lookout for this disease.
“Because of the recent case in Bull Shoals, which spans two states and has connectivity to a number of streams and other reservoirs, it makes sense to ask anglers to look for this disease in Missouri, too,” said MDC Sport Fish Ecologist Robert Weber. “Though we’re still learning more about this uncommon disease, an-
Ship Smarter
Additionally, 40% of people have experienced difficulty tearing packing tape. Duck Brand EZ Start Packing Tape, made with FrustrationFree technology, provides a simple solution for smooth, easy and quiet removal from the roll. The easy-to-use
Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
MDC is asking Missouri anglers to watch for Sandy Flesh disease after a recent finding in walleye taken from Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas. The tissue of infected fish resembles freezer-burnt meat.
Other characteristics of Sandy Flesh disease include tough, granular, coarse, and yellowish-brown muscle tissue with knotted muscle fibers. Pictured is infected walleye from Missouri’s only confirmed report of Sandy Flesh disease in 2019 at Table Rock Lake.
gler reporting of potential cases of Sandy Flesh disease will keep us better informed and help track its prevalence.”
Cont. from page 7
dispenser is uniquely designed to eliminate the annoyance of losing the tape end, which 39% of respondents say is a struggle.
With these tips, you can send parcels on their merry way for a holiday season of stress-free gift giving.
that, though this disease has been found in several states, it is uncommon –where it has been found, it seems to impact only a small number of mature walleye. It has also been found in yellow perch, but it appears to be a disease that primarily affects mature walleye. The disease is believed to be non-transmissible to humans though MDC never recommends consumption of any meat from diseased fish or wildlife. Specifics about the cause and mode of transmission of Sandy Flesh disease are still unknown, but the disease doesn’t appear to be transmissible to other fish species. The emergence of the disease is thought to result from a combination of genetic factors and environmental stressors.
There are no external signs of Sandy Flesh disease on an infected fish; it is only visible once the fish has been cleaned and filleted. The affected tissue resembles freezerburnt meat. Characteristics of the diseased flesh include tough, granular, coarse, and yellowishbrown muscle tissue with knotted muscle fibers.
Sandy Flesh disease is a degenerative muscle disease that has been present in the upper Midwest region of the U.S. for a number of years. It should be noted
Anglers can help biologists gather information about this disease by reporting potential cases to local MDC fisheries biologists. Photographs of discolored filets and any other information about the fish are help-
ful. MDC staff may be interested in collecting samples for testing if fish are reported promptly.
Anglers should not dispose of infected fish in the body of water where they were caught or in other reservoirs or streams. Infected fish should be disposed of by burying the carcass or placing the remains in trash bags for disposal through trash collection. More information about this disease can be found at https://mdc. mo.gov/fi shing/fi sh-diseases/sandy-flesh.
Stream-Line Your Cooking
Continued from page 1
With multifunctional equipment and a smart game plan, you can streamline your kitchen and take your hosting to the next level this holiday season. Happy cooking!
Beyond equipment, your day will go more smoothly if you make a plan. Write out a timeline of the tasks you must complete, including the times when items need to go into the oven and be removed. You can also recruit a family member or two to assist with dicing, peeling and other
prep tasks. Finally, don’t be afraid to take guests up on their inevitable offers to bring something. Whether it’s dessert or cocktail ingredients, they’ll be giving you one less thing to worry about and you’ll be making them feel helpful – winwin!
New state record black buffalo caught from Stockton Lake Ryan Young of Buffalo reeled in a 55-pound, 9-ounce fish Oct. 13.
JEFFERSON CITY,
Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates Ryan Young of Buffalo for swiping the latest state record for black buffalo. Young was fishing at Stockton Lake Oct. 13 when he caught a 55-pound, 9-ounce fish with his rod-and-reel.
The previous state record under pole-and-line was a 53-pound black buffalo caught from Wappapello Lake in 1989.
“I’m just in shock,” Young said about his record. “It just shows you
never know what you’ll catch when you head out.”
Young was crappie fishing with guide Kris Nelson over the weekend on Stockton Lake. Nelson said the group had nicknamed Young “The Trashman” because he was catching everything except crappie.
“I told him on Sunday he either needed to catch a carp or a buffalo and he’d have caught every species in the lake,” laughed Nelson. “And the next time he drops his line, he hooks into
something big.”
It took about 30 minutes and three men to get the monster into the boat.
The group contacted their local conservation agent suspecting it could be a state record.
Black buffalo is one of Missouri’s largest species of suckers. Sucker fish live on the bottom of lakes, rivers, and streams, feeding by sucking up mainly invertebrates and plants.
Suckers are one of the dominant groups of large fishes in Missouri waters. In many streams,
their total poundage may exceed that of all other fishes combined.
Young’s black buffalo is the 5th state record fish recorded in 2024. Missouri state record fish are recognized in two categories: pole-and-line and alternative methods. Alternative methods include trotline, throwline, limb line, bank line, jug line, gig, bow, crossbow, underwater spearfishing, snagging, snaring, grabbing, or atlatl. For more information on state record fish, visit http:// short.mdc.mo.gov/ZCp.
UP START ‘EM
Boat
Boat Sale Boat Sale
MDC confirms Ryan Young (right) is the latest state record holder after catching a 55-pound, 9-ounce black buffalo from Stockton Lake. Young was crappie fishing Oct. 13 with Kris Nelson (left) when he reeled the fish in.
It Was Ghouls on the Golf Course in Unionville
The Unionville Country Club lady golfers hosted their first annual Ghouls Golf Evening, where participants were required to play in inflatable costumes for a night of spooky fun. The event, coordinated by Gayla Hunter, Sarah Triplett, and Brianna Stramm, offered a ghoulishly good time on the course. The evening was capped off with a meal provided by Bobby Brooks.
Role In Health
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USDA dietary guidelines were updated for its for 2020-2025 guide. Recommendations vary based on age and activity levels, but a person eating 2,000 calories a day should eat 2 cups of whole fruits; 21⁄2 cups of colorful vegetables; 6 ounces of grains, with half of them being whole grains; 51⁄2 ounces of protein, with a focus on lean proteins; and 3 cups of low-fat dairy. People should limit their intake of sodium, added sugars and saturated fats. As a person ages he or she generally needs fewer calories because of less activity. Children may need more calories because they are still growing and tend to be very active. Those who are interested in preventing illness and significantly reducing premature mortality from leading diseases should carefully evaluate the foods they eat, choosing well-balanced, low-fat, nutritionally dense options that keep saturated fat and sodium intake to a minimum. AC216003
