Content 6 - 10 Secrets to Joyous Holiday 10 - Calendar 13 - BBB Scam Alert 14 - Easy Christmas Cake Recipe 17 - Hair Tips 18 - Christmas Pagents 22 - Directory of Services President Gene Lara 806-231-0562 Editor Camey Maldonado 806-231-9822
Volume 2 Issue 9 December 2010 010
Sales Eric Muehlhausen
Contact Information 806-231-0562
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Camey Editor for Silver Magazine
Christmas music is somewhat magical isn’t it? It takes me back to romanticized occasions of holiday merriment that live in the memories of my youth. When I hear it playing it often brings forth visions of me adoring my grandmother’s snow globes. I remember the snowflakes that look like they are gently falling from the star filled sky in a whimsical flurry of comfort and joy.
pause to consider all the things I already have. I don’t long for possessions of any sort. I don’t know, maybe it’s just a certain level of maturity that people reach. I’m happy with all the blessings that have been bestowed on me over the years.
I look around at the passersby on the street and wonder what they are wishing for this year. I wonder what secret desire lives in their heart. I am crossing my fingers and hoping all their Christmas wishes come true. That the true My grandparents taught me many things over the meaning of Christmas warms their hearts and fills years and generosity was one of them. They were their souls. the type of folks who would give the shirt off As we go through the holiday season this year I their backs to someone in need. They were wish you hope. I wish you peace. And most of all considerate of the feelings of others and didn’t I wish you love. May we all find the peace that pass harsh judgment on others based on their passes all understanding. current circumstances. May we all take the feeling of love from our As we launch ourselves into the gift giving frenzy romanticized occasions of youth and turn it into we call Christmas, I find myself giving a different true occasions of love in the present. sort of answer to the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” I find myself taking a long
Camey
Secrets to a
10Joyous Season Don't be surprised or feel guilty if your holiday is stressful and don't entertain the fantasy that everyone else's season is picture-perfect. Some moments will be memorable, some will not, and some you'll want to forget, but remember: We're all in this together! If you can learn to take the holidays one moment at a time, you'll survive and thrive. To help you, here are ten holiday mantras to repeat to yourself and to practice throughout the season.
I will not keep my grandchildren entertained every minute. Downtime is an opportunity for imagination, and children need that more than they need yet another activity. Don't feel guilty if you take them along to run errands, or if you let them entertain themselves with some holiday coloring sheets, or simply leave them alone for a while to read or relax.
I will underschedule myself (and I'll still have too I will put myself on my list of loved ones. much to do). If you take care of yourself even half as well as you We tend to forget to budget our time and energy during parent and grandparent everyone else, you'll be way the holidays and instead loan ourselves to our extended ahead when the holidays are over. Watch your sleep, families as cheap labor. Try to pace yourself for the nutrition, and exercise and make sure you're having fun, long season. And when an emergency or another essentoo. tial task arises, cross something off your "To do" list before you add the new item. I will practice saying no sometimes. It's okay to deny your grandchildren what they demand I will break the guilt habit and stop should-ing myself. once in a while. The kids will appreciate the extra TV Replacing thoughts of this is who I should be with time, special snacks, and new toys more if you give thoughts of this is who I am will help you get through them a little less often. And you'll get to see that they the holidays with less stress and more fun. You don't love you even when you're not a pushover. expect your grandchildren to be perfect why should you have to be? I will play with my grandchildren, not just supervise. Your grandchildren will never remember all the laundry you did for them but they'll never forget the time you all went down the slide together. So don't just supervise, participate.
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I will expect the best. Make positive prophesies for the holidays. They could be self-fulfilling. Besides, anxious worrying never helps it just adds stress even before anything negative happens. I will be my own best friend. Be on your own side. Listen to yourself. Pat yourself on the back when you do well. Forgive yourself when you don't. You teach this to your kids and grandkids now apply it to yourself. I won't wait for permission to take care of myself. You don't have to make yourself so exhausted with holiday preparations that your children and grandchildren have to beg you to rest. That sets a bad example. Show them that you value yourself and your time by putting your feet up or taking time off for a movie. And if you can't give yourself permission, then I do! I will treat my family the way I treat my friends. You know who your friends are and you know what they're like. You don't expect them to change overnight and you probably don't take everything they say or do personally. You ask them questions, listen to their answers, and give them the benefit of the doubt. If you can do the same with your family, you'll be a great role model for your grandchildren.
Medical News You Can Really Use You'll Want to Hear This Science is proving that some old adages you may have doubted are actually true, and that some common activities you never imagined could harm you can actually be dangerous. Laughter IS the Best Medicine Cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore studied 300 people, half who had heart disease and half who did not, and found that those with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations. They were also less likely to recognize humor or to use it to get out of uncomfortable spots. The researchers are not yet sure how laughter may help the heart, but it certainly seems true when it comes to the heart, laughter is good medicine. So call in the grandkids and have some fun! THIS Is What Friends Are for Even one friend can make a difference in protecting you against loneliness and depression, says University of Maine research. This is true of children, too just one loving grandparent can be a critical buffer against loneliness and depression for a child struggling to gain acceptance from his or her peers. In fact, other studies have found that a grandparent's involvement in children's lives also reduces the chances that they will smoke, drink, or commit criminal acts.
Blame Stress, Not Mom, for Your Shape If you have an apple-shaped body, with fat stored around your mid-section, the problem may be stress, not your genes. Yale researchers have found that cortisol, which is released in response to stress, promotes fat
storage, and fat accumulation around the abdomen has been associated with an increased risk of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. In fact, scientists found that women with fat stored at the abdomen felt more threatened by stress than women with fat stored around the hips. So exercise, relax, and get more sleep to reduce your cortisol levels. You may find you reduce your stress and your waistline as well. Venus Calling Mars! Come in, Mars! You always knew it: A study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America found that men listen with one side of their brains but females use both sides to process language, the practical side and the emotional side. Is that why men tend to tell women how to fix their problems while women offer empathy as well as advice? Flying? BYO Snack Don't wait for that airplane food, have a light snack and a non-alcoholic drink before you get on the flight. A study presented to the American Heart Association by researchers from the Saitama Medical University in Japan warned that more than half of all in-flight medical emergencies involve heart attacks or loss of consciousness. "Older individuals and those with high blood pressure or vascular disorders are especially at risk," the researchers reported. But when you eat and drink something before boarding, you raise the volume of blood circulating in your body so it carries more oxygen to the brain and other organs and decreases your risk. So eat up and have a great flight!
Don't Drink and Take Tylenol When you drink, alcohol is broken down into harmless components by your liver. However, warns recent University of Southern California research, while the liver is engaged in this activity it is vulnerable to serious, even fatal damage by acetaminophen. People who drink heavily, "heavily" being three mixed drinks, a six-pack of beer, or a liter of wine on a near-daily basis, should never take more than two regular-strength Tylenol (or generic acetaminophen) tablets within two to three hours of their last alcoholic drink. Scientists continue to study why the combination is so dangerous. Why Gambling Is Always a Bad Bet A study in the journal Biological Psychiatry reports that for some people, the thrill of gambling is so powerful that it causes physiological changes similar to those detected in drug or alcohol addicts. Researchers at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, N.Y., measured both heart rates and levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in saliva and found that both increased and gave a "rush" when subjects gambled with their own money. When they just played for valueless "points," however, those levels dropped. So don't fret about any bridge games unless big money is involved, but do worry if friends, kids, or grandkids are becoming consumed by higherstakes gaming. Think Well and You'll BE Well A University of California at San Francisco study finds that people who think of themselves as successful and powerful are more likely to be healthy, even if they were not particularly "successful," based on usual income, professional, or educational standards. The study, published in the journal Health Psychology, also reported that women who thought of themselves as higher on the social ladder fell asleep easier at night, had lower resting heart rates, and less abdominal fat. It seems that all those good thoughts mean less pessimism, frustration, and stress. So choose friends who admire you and don't get down on yourself, and you'll be more likely to live long and prosper.
December 2010 AMARILLO BOTANICAL GARDENS OUTDOOR EVENT DONATIONS APPRECIATED
Silver Calendar
SATURDAY DECEMBER 4 10:00AM-11:30AM CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP CHILDREN 4-10 AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART $20.00 PER CHILD
TUESDAY DECEMBER 7 6:00PM-9:30PM TASCOSA POPS CONCERT AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER HERITAGE ROOM
FRIDAY DECEMBER 10 6:00PM-9:00PM CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS AMARILLO BOTANICAL GARDENS OUTDOOR EVENT DONATIONS APPRECIATED
8:00PM LONE STAR BALLET “THE NUTCRACKER” 6:00PM-9:00PM AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS AUDITORIUM 2:00PM-6:00PM AMARILLO BOTANICAL $15.00-$50.00 PER PERSON CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE GARDENS PANHANDLE PLAINS OUTDOOR EVENT 8:00PM MUSEUM DONATIONS APPRECIATED “IS HE DEAD?” DONATION OF ONE CAN OF AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE FOOD 7:00PM-11:30PM MAINSTAGE HARP & LYRE W/A SEQUENCE $19.00 FOR ADULTS 5:30PM-7:00PM OF GHOSTS ALL REGION ORCHESTRA FIRST NAZARENE CHURCH SATURDAY DECEMBER 11 GLOBE NEWS CENTER ALL AGES SHOW 9:00AM-5:00PM $10.00 PER PERSON TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOW 6:00PM-9:00PM AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS 7:00PM-9:00PM S. EXHIBIT HALL AMARILLO BOTANICAL AMARILLO YOUTH CHOIR GARDENS “SONGS OF THE SEASON” 3:00PM & 8:00PM OUTDOOR EVENT AMARILLO GLOBE NEWS LONE STAR BALLET DONATIONS APPRECIATED CENTER “THE NUTCRACKER” AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER 8:00PM WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8 AUDITORIUM “IS HE DEAD?” 6:00PM-9:00PM $15.00-$50.00 PER PERSON AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS MAINSTAGE AMARILLO BOTANICAL 6:00PM-9:00PM $19.00 FOR ADULTS GARDENS CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS OUTDOOR EVENT AMARILLO BOTANICAL SUNDAY DECEMBER 5 DONATIONS APPRECIATED GARDENS 4:00PM-6:00PM OUTDOOR EVENT EMPTY STOCKING FUND THURSDAY DECEMBER 9 DONATIONS APPRECIATED CONCERT 6:00PM-9:00PM GLOBE NEWS CENTER CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS 8:00PM AMARILLO BOTANICAL “IS HE DEAD?” 6:00PM-9:00PM GARDENS AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS OUTDOOR EVENT MAINSTAGE AMARILLO BOTANICAL DONATIONS APPRECIATED $19.00 FOR ADULTS GARDENS OUTDOOR EVENT 8:00PM DONATIONS APPRECIATED “IS HE DEAD?” AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE MONDAY DECEMBER 6 MAINSTAGE 6:00PM-9:00PM $17.00 FOR ADULTS CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDENS
SUNDAY DECEMBER 12 10:00AM-4:00PM TEXAS GUN & KNIFE SHOW AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER S. EXHIBIT HALL
FRIDAY DECEMBER 17 10:00AM-8:00PM SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER REGENCY ROOM
1:00PM-5:00PM VENOM FOOTBALL TRYOUTS AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER N. EXHIBIT HALL
7:00PM “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” GLOBE NEWS CENTER $8.00 PER PERSON
2:00PM & 6:00PM LONE STAR BALLET “THE NUTCRACKER” AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER AUDITORIUM $15.00-$50.00 PER PERSON 2:30PM “IS HE DEAD?” AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE MAINSTAGE $17.00 FOR ADULTS 2:30PM-4:00PM BARBERSHOP CHRISTMAS BLACKBURN SHAW COULTER CHAPEL FREE TO ATTEND THURSDAY DECEMBER 16 6:30PM-9:00PM THIRD THURSDAY AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART FREE TO ATTEND 7:00PM “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” GLOBE NEWS CENTER $8.00 PER PERSON 8:00PM FLYING J WRANGLERS AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE MAIN STAGE AUDITORIUM $25.00 PER PERSON
7:00PM-9:00PM AMARILLO BULLS VS TEXAS TORNADOS AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER COLISEUM $10.00-$16.00 PER PERSON SATURDAY DECEMBER 18 8:00AM-5:00PM SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER REGENCY ROOM 2:00PM & 7:00PM “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” GLOBE NEWS CENTER $8.00 PER PERSON SUNDAY DECEMBER 19 2:00PM & 7:00PM “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” GLOBE NEWS CENTER $8.00 PER PERSON WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 29 7:00PM-9:00PM AMARILLO BULLS VS WICHITA FALL WILDCATS AMARILLO CIVIC CENTER COLISEUM $10.00-$16.00 PER PERSON
Holiday s e x a Ho In the season of giving, charity cons do plenty of taking During this season of giving, you may notice an increase in phone calls, e-mails or letters seeking charitable donations. Contributions to the country's 400 biggest charities are down 11 percent this year, the largest decline in at least two decades, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. So fundraisers may be making special efforts.
contact the state agency that regulates charities.
If you get a phone solicitation and are interested in donating, request that brochures and other paperwork be mailed to you. If the caller doesn't have your address, don't provide it it could be useful if it's a scammer on the line. Instead, obtain the organization's phone number yourself, then call and ask if a phone campaign is under way. If the answer's yes, it's OK to give your address But realize that this is also the season of taking: Although there for mailing of brochures and the like. charity scams occur year-round, they are most common during the holiday season. Scammers often use soundPrinted material is no guarantee of legitimacy, but alike names of well-known and respected charities. Or organizations that won't provide it are typically bogus. they invent ones purporting to help with four "hotOnce you get the paperwork, confirm that the contact button" causes that target older donors in particular: information and place to send your money matches what police and firefighters, sick or needy children, victims of you've found on your own. recent natural disasters, and veterans. Once you've authenticated charities worthy of your To add a feeling of authenticity, scammers who telephone money ideally those that spend 25 may use "spoofing" technology that makes your caller ID percent or less of donations on screen display the name of a legit charity. And they also fundraising and administrative purchase e-mail and home mailing lists to send convinccosts, mailed personal checks ing but phony pitches for donations. are your safest form of payment. Never provide a Unless you previously donated to a particular organizacredit card number to tion and provided your e-mail address, assume that all telemarketers (unless unsolicited e-mail requests for donations are scams. And you initiate the phone don't click on an attachment or link, which can unleash a call) and beware of computer virus. any group that offers to send a Mailings that arrive at your home the old-fashioned way courier to pick tend to be the most credible, but again, be suspicious of up cash or those from groups to which you've never previously personal donated. check at your home. Your defense: Before donating, take time to authenticate charities by checking names and reputations at the Wise Giving Alliance (operated by the Better Business Bureau), Charity Navigator or GuideStar. You can also
Janna Kiehl (Johnna Keel) Executive Director / CEO The Better Business Bureau®
Janna Kiehl has served as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Better Business Bureau of the Texas Panhandle since 1994. She has been instrumental in tripling the Bureau's membership and establishing educational programs which help safeguard the community's buying power by directing it into legitimate channels of business.
The Better Business Bureau’s Vision is An ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other And their Mission is To be the leader in advancing marketplace trust As CEO of the Better Business Bureau, Janna conducts Educational Seminars and Public Speaking Engagements as well as Customer Service Training workshops throughout the area. She writes for many area publications and organizations' newsletters and appears regularly on area television and radio programs. She was appointed in 2005 by the Supreme Court of Texas to a three year term on the Commission for Lawyer Discipline, a twelve member committee of the State Bar of Texas. She serves on the Postal Customer Council Advisory Committee and on the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Business Council. Janna's past community involvement includes service on the State Bar of Texas District 13A Grievance Committee, Amarillo Senior Citizens Association board of directors, YMCA board of directors, Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, President, Amarillo Crime Stoppers board of directors, Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee, Leadership Amarillo & Canyon Youth Coach, Texas Panhandle Mental Health Authority board of directors, Senior Ambassadors Coalition, S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Lawmen Together) Advisory Committee, and the Amarillo Committee on Credit Awareness. She has also been an Official Judge for the Miss Amarillo Pageant, Official Judge for the Miss Clarendon Pageant and Official Judge for the Miss Canyon Pageant and has served as Director of Community Relations for the Women of Virtue Conference.
Refunds and Exchanges Are Not All Equal Did you know that refund and exchange policies are not required by law and retailers offer them as a voluntary practice? While laws protect consumers from misrepresented or defective products, there are no laws that require merchants to offer refunds, exchanges or credit on merchandise they sell. So never assume merchandise can be returned unless the policy is specifically stated by the store – and know what that policy is before you lay down your cash. Keep your receipt and any packaging the item came in “just in case”. Here are some examples of what different policies mean. An Exchange - When the store’s policy states that you may exchange your purchase, it means the item may be returned to the store and another similar item taken in its place. If the color or size is wrong, you can use this exchange policy as long as the store has this policy in place. This does not apply to “all sales final” policies or sale items unless stated. A Return for Credit - means the store will provide the customer with a credit for the value of the purchased item. You may then apply that amount to the purchase of any other item in the same store. You may use the credit the day you return the item or you may return later to shop with the credit, but ask if the credit has an expiration date. A Refund Policy – states that the item can be returned for your money back, and most of the time has stipulations such as receipt required, a time limit to get the refund or items must be new and in original packaging. A refund is voluntary on the store’s part and is not required by law. Restocking Fee – Some stores may charge a restocking fee. A restocking fee is a fee assessed for the time the item was out of the store and unable to be sold to someone else. This is usually applied to specialty items or hard to find items and is one of the most complained about return policies. Inquire if there is a restocking fee before making your purchase, if you’re not willing to pay it and there is a chance the item will be returned you may want to consider buying something else. Retailers may adopt some, none or all of the mentioned return policies. Health regulations prohibit the return of certain merchandise such as hats, bathing suits, or other intimate apparel. Don’t confuse return policies with product warranties. Products often come with stated or implied warranties from their manufacturer; the maker of the item, not the seller. Federal law requires that warranties be available for you to read before you buy a product, even when you're shopping by catalog or on the Internet. Understand the warranty before purchasing the item and read it before returning a defective product to the retailer. Some merchants will return the product for you as a customer service, however you may have to return the item to the manufacturer or a service center. Remember, return policies are not required by law and are strictly voluntary on the store’s part. It is wise to become familiar with a store’s return policy before making a purchase. And as Santa would say, keep all receipts and packaging until you’re sure the purchase will not be returned.
Easy Christmas Cake Recipe
Best Non-Alcohol Fruit Cake for the Holidays Christmas is often not complete without the traditional fruit cake with marzipan and icing taking pride of place in family homes. A homemade cake is a delicious treat. Like many of the modern day accompaniments to Christmas celebrations, the cake became fashionable during the Victorian age. Up until then, the Christmas Pudding took pride of place with many recipes originating in Medieval times. Although traditional Christmas cakes and puddings often contain alcohol, such as brandy or rum, the following recipe is non-alcoholic. This homemade cake has the added advantage of being one that can be baked right up to a week before Christmas, allowing time to cover with marzipan and icing, if desired. The cake contains milk and ground almonds to keep it moist, while the butter gives it a rich taste. If anyone dislikes peel or cherries, just leave them out and add more currants, sultanas and raisins to make up to the required amount. When adding beaten eggs to creamed butter and sugar, small amounts of flour should be added alternately with the egg to keep the mixture firm and thoroughly mixed. Ingredients 12oz self-raising flour 4oz ground almonds 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice 8oz butter, softened slightly 8oz caster sugar 4 eggs 8 tablespoon milk 8oz currants 8oz sultanas 8oz raisins 4oz glazed cherries 4oz mixed peel
Method Heat oven to 300F. Grease and line a 9 inch round tin. It is easier to remove the baked cake from a loosebottomed tin. Sieve the flour, spice and ground almonds together into a large mixing bowl. Cream the butter and sugar together in a separate bowl with a hand-held electric whisk or in a mixer. Beat the eggs lightly with the milk in a jug or bowl. A little at a time, stir the flour mixture alternately with the egg mixture into the creamed butter and sugar. Finally, add all the dried fruit. Stir it carefully and thoroughly until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin. Attach a deep strip of tin foil or brown paper around the tin to stand a couple of inches above the top. This will protect the top of the cake from burning while the inside is cooking. Bake in the oven for about 4 hours. Check the cake after about 3 hours. If necessary cover the top for the remainder of the cooking time. To check if the cake is cooked through, gently insert a thin metal skewer into the center and it should come out clean. When the cake is ready, remove the foil or paper and allow the cake to rest in the tin for a short while. Carefully run a flat knife around the inside of the tin to loosen the cake. Gently push the loose-bottom of the tin up to remove the cake. Place on to a wire rack to cool, removing the bottom of the tin and greaseproof paper, and leave to cool completely. When cold, wrap the cake in greaseproof paper and tin foil until required for decorating. Decorating the Christmas Cake Roll out home-made or bought almond paste (marzipan). Brush the cake with apricot jam and press the marzipan to the outside and top of the cake. Add icing of choice to the cake, covering the marzipan completely. Allow to set, then tie a red ribbon around the cake and decorate with holly or similar Christmas decoration. If using Royal Icing, this can be pulled into rough peaks with a flat knife, once it is spread on the cake, to give a snowy effect. Homemade Royal Icing Lightly beat 4 egg whites and 2lbs of sieved icing sugar together until stiff, gradually stirring in the final third of icing sugar. To make a firmer icing, add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to the egg whites. To make it softer add 2 teaspoons of glycerine. When spreading the icing on the cake with a flat palette knife, dip the knife in hot water occasionally to avoid the icing sticking to it.
The History of Gingerbread spices were dried out or baked into hard, crumbly, flat cakes. Some of the cakes were pressed into molds to form beautiful and elaborate pictures. Gingerbread men, called gingerbread husbands, became popular in northern Britain. Considered a gift fit for or from a king, or an appropriate ending to a great banquet, huge slabs of gingerbread were gilded with real gold and studded decoratively with golddipped cloves. Dark gingerbreads got their reddish-brown color from sandalwood or red wine, while white gingerbread was actually ginger-flavored marzipan.
Though commonplace today, ginger and gingerbread were once considered as valuable as precious gems. Thousands of years ago when the spice trade began, men, animals and ships perished in their quest to trade Asian spices for European and Middle Eastern riches. While Phoenician and Arab traders first carried ginger from Southeast Asia, it was the Romans who spread spices throughout Europe. Great, almost fanatical lovers of exotic foods, the Romans demanded spiced food whether they were at home or in their colonies such as Germany, France or Britain. Some historians believe that the first gingered breads were created by Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who either baked honey in the breads or spread it on top. After Rome fell, spices disappeared from Europe for hundreds of years. When the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and French began fighting for the rights to the lucrative Asian spice trade, Breads made with the very expensive ginger became a status symbol. As sugar and other cane products such as molasses were even scarcer than ginger, local honeys were always used as sweeteners. The medieval version of gingerbread would be unrecognizable today. Bread crumbs tossed with honey and
By the end of the Middle Ages, gingerbread has greatly evolved. Cakes similar to today's cookies had made their debut to great acclaim and were just inexpensive enough for common folk to afford on special occasions. Gingerbread vendors were often the most popular attraction at medieval fairs. Sandalwood and red wine had given way to licorice, then to molasses. In the late sixteenth century, Queen Elizabeth I employed a full time gingerbread baker. Some of the old gingerbread molds are still used today in Queen Elizabeth II's kitchens.
The beginning of Europe's relationship with its neighbors across the Atlantic made gingerbread accessible to everyone. Imported sugarcane and spice plants thrived in the Caribbean, bringing prices down. Hard gingerbreads were joined by the more delicate cakes in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The cakes were often toasted and eaten for breakfast or served with coffee or tea. Both cakes and cookies became American favorites, especially in Louisiana, where molasses was produced. The hardest gingerbreads, Louisiana's molasses-laden stomach emulate and New England's glazed muster gingerbread, were especially valued since they could be kept for weeks without spoiling. Most modern cookies and cakes were developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; and all of today's recipes are merely variations on those.
Gingerbread Men Ingredients 1 (3.5 ounce) package cook and serve butterscotch pudding mix 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Directions In a medium bowl, cream together the dry butterscotch pudding mix, butter, and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon; stir into the pudding mixture. Cover, and chill dough until firm, about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease baking sheets. On a floured board, roll dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness, and cut into man shapes using a cookie cutter. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until cookies are golden at the edges. Cool on wire racks.
True
or False…
Is there such a thing as a hair growth shampoo that really works? The answer is true. Believe it or not, there are products that really work. But do they bring back what once was? No, I’m afraid not. The good part is that they can stop hair loss, and bring back a small amount of your hair.
minoxidil. It allows the scalp to breathe a little and allow the hair to regain strength or even grow back in some cases.
These products will not bring back the hair you had in your 20’s, but they can help you to improve on the problems you are having. What you need to keep in mind is the product you choose must be used everyday, or at the very least 3 times a week to be effective. Also remember it takes at least six months to a year to see There are some things you need to know before you decide to make a purchase. First, if your hair loss is due results, so don’t give up! to stress or medication, you are more likely to find success with these products. If your hair loss is heredi- There are many products to choose from; Rogain, Bosley, Nioxin, Power Plus, and Therapro are a few. I tary, these products will probably disappoint you. suggest you do some research on the different systems to choose the one that is right for you. Price and the I will try to sum it up for you. No doubt about it, our number of products to purchase in each system vary, so scalp does change over time. An internal factor that there are many things to consider. If you have any applies to hair loss is a hormone called D.H.T. (dihydrotestosterone), Hair follicles can be sensitive to questions or need help in deciding which is right for D.H.T., which is the primary cause of thinning and hair you, please feel free to contact me at 322-JOLZ (322loss. It makes the hair wear weaker & finer, and even- 5659). tually may stop growing. Typically hair on the top & front of the head is most likely to be affected. This occurs in both men and women. The key to regrowing some of your hair is to bring blood supply to the scalp and allow the medication in the products to counter the hormone. One key ingredient in most products is
Jeremy Ruiz Owner / Jolz Salon
Jeremy Ruiz has worked in the Amarillo area for over 20 years. He is the owner of Jolz Hair Salon here in Amarillo.
6 Ways To Make Their Holiday Show Special
Take them to and from rehearsal If you can handle the driving, everyone benefits from During the holiday season, school plays and recitals are this. a source of excitement (or trepidation) for grandchildren. Whether your young performer is a shepherd in a Be their biggest fan manger scene, an alto in the choir, or a clarinet in the When your grandchildren take that final bow, it marks band, that big moment on stage can make a lifelong the culmination of a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, so let memory. Finding your own special role makes the event them know it was worth it. Present them with a beautimore meaningful for you and your grandchildren. Here ful bouquet of flowers, a big bunch of Mylar balloons, are a few ideas to help you play a supporting role and or a special gift that commemorates their role. No make them feel like stars. matter what gift you give, your grandchildren will always remember that you made them feel like a star. Help make the costumes Not only will homemade costumes keep the show’s Host a post-show family dinner budget under control, but also your little stars can take Feed your little performers and celebrate a job well extra pride in wearing something you created. So grab done over a post-show meal with family and friends. some fabric and a sewing machine. Make their special dish and toast their favorite moment. If your family is dining out with other families from the Volunteer to bake performance, present some funny awards to the kids to Intermission is when audience members grab a brownie acknowledge all their hard work. or cup of hot chocolate and when your grandchildren's school or club raises money. Whip up some of your famous chocolate chip cookies or red velvet cupcakes. Not a baker? Run the concession stand. You’ll get to compliment all the actors’ parents and collect compliments on your adorable grandchildren. Help them practice lines Before your grandkids face a crowded auditorium, be their audience at home. Your grandchildren's parents often don't have the time to help them practice their lines. Your tips and pointers are sure to give them a much-needed confidence boost. Do your grandchildren live on another coast? No problem! Help them learn their lines by telephone or online video conferencing.
Out with the Old What to keep, toss, or donate in order to clean the clutter out of your house.
local Good Will or Salvation Army for specific drop off days, times and article restrictions.
Save: Tax returns The good news is that you don't have to rent a storage cubicle to handle the piles of paperwork. You can toss supporting personal documents after three years and supporting business materials after six. Be sure to shred any items that include your social security, credit card or account numbers, and recycle the ragged results.
Donate: Old computers or electronics Before donating any piece of electronic equipment, make sure that it's functional and reusable. It's always best to check with your local donation organization to see what their requirements might be.
Save: Family photos Place family snapshots in acid-free archival albums to make sure they'll be in happy-to-hand-down condition for generations to come. Remember to make prints of your digital photos so they don't get lost or forgotten on your hard drive.
Donate: Books you are finished with Books that you've read, especially paperbacks, or whose pages have remained unrifled for more than a year.
Donate: Rarely used small appliances Come on, when was the last time you whipped up Belgian waffles? And that fruit drying thingamajig is Save: Home improvement records taking up way too If you intend to sell your house at any point on down the much room in the line, you'll be able to show potential buyers what you've cupboard. invested in the property, and the records may also help lower your tax bill when you sell the house. Save: Plastic take-out food containers You're probably already reusing these freebies to store leftovers or to pack picnic goodies. But did you know that they're also great for storing craft supplies like beads, buttons, magnets, and thread? Donate: Old clothes and bags Donate any clean piece of clothing, bag, or shoes that you haven't worn in the last 18 months. Check your
Donate: Old eyeglasses North Americans toss 4 million pairs of glasses each year. The local Lion's Club will accept donations that will go to sight-limited seniors and other needy recipients. And don't forget prescription sunglasses, because everyone can use a great set of shades. Toss: Anything past its expiration date Anything in your pantry or freezer that has passed its expiration or "best if used by" date. If you're not certain how long something's been in the old igloo, say "sayonara," and next time label tightly wrapped items with the date you place them in cold storage. Toss: Outdated medicines The current cost of some drugs might tempt us all to hold onto them as long as possible, but a number of medicines do more than lose their potency over time they can become dangerous. Unfortunately, there's no perfect way to dispose of over-the-hill pills and expended elixirs, but never pour them down the drain or in the toilet. Toss: Bad Cans Periodically check your pantry for any canned food items that might be swollen, badly dented, have rust spots, or that spurt when opened. You're not just saving space bacteria from tainted canned foods can be dangerous to deadly. Toss: Left-out leftovers Any perishable food that's been left at room temperature for two hours or more is basically a breeding ground for bad things. And remember that no matter what, anything that contains mayonnaise or eggs should be kept consistently refrigerated. Donate, Recycle, or Toss: One old item Get rid of one item you think you simply can't part with. In a short spell you'll probably find that you barely remember what it was that made you hold onto it so tightly.
Directory of Services
ASSISTED LIVING & INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITIES: THE COTTAGES 6811 PLUM CREEK DR.
AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-351-2271 THE CLAIRMONT 4707 BELL ST. AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-353-0052 CHILDERS PLACE 6600 KILGORE AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106 806-350-2200 www.bivinsfoundations.org
THE CRAIG METHODIST RETIREMENT COMMUNITY 5500 W. 9TH AVENUE AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106 806-352-7244 www.sears-methodist.com
CONNER HOUSE 2 COTTONWOOD DRIVE CANYON, TEXAS 806-655-5965 MEREDITH HOUSE 812 W 25TH STREET PAMPA, TEXAS 806-665-5668 POTTER HOUSE 6800 PLUM CREEK DRIVE AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-353-5185
COUNSELING SERVICES: CENTER 1300 WALLACE BLVD ALZHEIMER’S’ AMARILLO, TEXAS ASSOCIATION TH 79106 415 SW 8 AVE 806-359-7681 STE 300 AMARILLO, TEXAS www.amaspeechheari ng.org 79101 806-373-5313 JO WYATT CLINIC www.alz.org/txstar 1411 AMARILLO FAMILY SUPPORT BLVD EAST AMARILLO, TEXAS SERVICES 806-351-7200 1001 S. POLK STREET AMARILLO, TEXAS TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF 79101 DISABILITY 806-342-2500 3501-L WEST 45TH www.fss-ama.org AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-376-7214 EMERGENCY CARE www.dads.state.tx.us SERVICES: AMARILLO URGENT CARE 1915 COULTER AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-352-5400
OUTREACH HEALTH SERVICES 1616 S KENTUCKY STE 140A AMARILLO, TEXAS 79102 806-353-9907
AMARILLO SENIOR CARE www.outreachhealth.com CLINIC 14 MEDICAL DRIVE AMARILLO, TEXAS HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICES: 806-358-8300 TRIUMPH HEALTHCARE 7501 WALLACE BLVD AMARILLO, TEXAS 79124 806-468-9185 HEALTH SERVICES: AMARILLO SPEECH, HEARING & LANGUAGE
COMPASSION HOME CARE 1301 S. COULTER STE 402 AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106 806-351-8522 www.compassionhom ecare.us GOODCARE HEALTH SERVICES 4107 S.W. 49TH AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-373-7373 INTERIM HEALTHCARE 1901 MEDI PARK AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-467-1156 SHEPARD’S CROOK HOME HEALTH 2311 SOUTHWEST 7TH AVENUE AMARILLO, TX 79106-6601 (806) 358-9548 www.shepards-nursing.com
LONG TERM CARE:
ABUNDANT ACCOLADE HOME QUALITY LIVING CARE 6402 OAKHURST 6300 I-40 WEST, STE DR 210 AMARILLO, TEXAS AMARILLO, TEXAS 79109 79106 (806)-358-9807 806-352-3900 ODYSSEY HEALTHCARE CENTRAL LINE INFUSION 6900 I-40 WEST STE 150 1301 S. COULTER AMARILLO, TEXAS STE 201 AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-372-7696 806-352-1212
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES:
RETRIED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER SERVICES 321 SW 7TH AVENUE AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101 806-373-8389 Larue.johnson@ pcsvcs.org
MEALS ON WHEELS 219 W. 7TH AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101 806-374-1521 WEST TEXAS GROCERY DELIVERY AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-433-1403 PHARMACIES:
MOBILITY SERVICES: OPEN ROAD MOBILITY 6103 STAR LANE AMARILLO, TEXAS 79109 806-353-2747
HOME NURSES: NURSES UNLIMITED 4037 W 50TH AMARILLO, TEXAS 79109 806-467-0672 1-888-859-0631
AVONDALE PHARMACY 5135 PLAINS AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-352-2708 D&S PHARMACY 3324 S. GEORGIA 806-352-2711 3500 N.E. 24TH 806-383-3377 SOUTHPARK PHARMACY 5901 S. BELL AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-358-2428 REHABILITATION:
NUTRITION: FAITH CITY MISSION 401 SOUTH EAST 2ND AMARILLO, TEXAS 79105 806-373-6402
NORTHWEST TEXAS REHABILITATION HOSPITAL 7200 W. 9TH AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106 806-468-2900
RESPIRATORY SERVICES: THE ARBORS 1910 MEDI PARK AMARILLO, TEXAS QUALITY 806-467-4700 RESPIRATORY SERVICES & STATE AGENCIES: REPAIR 6633 CANYON ELDER ABUSE DRIVE AMARILLO, TEXAS HOTLINE 1-800-252-5400 806-352-4140 SENIOR CITIZEN’S SERVICES:
FOOD STAMPS 1-806-376-7214
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES 7132 W. I-40 # B AMARILLO, TEXAS 806-463-5114
MEDICARE HOTLINE 1-800-633-4227
AREA AGENCY ON AGING 415 WEST 8TH PO BOX 9257 AMARILLO, TEXAS 79105 806-331-2227 www.theprp.org PANHANDLE SUPPORT SERVICES 1502 SOUTH CLEVELAND AMARILLO, TEXAS 79102 806-373-0392 www.pcsvcs.org WIDOWED PERSONS SERVICE OF AMARILLO 2207 WEST 7TH- THE CANYONS AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106 806-374-9772 SKILLED NURSING & REHABILATION
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
1-800-772-1213
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGING & DISABILITY HOTLINE 1-800-252-9240 TEXAS VETERAN COMMISSION 1-800-252-3036 TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE SERVICES: AMERICAN RED CROSS 806-376-6309 SALVATION ARMY
806-373-6631
TRANSPORTATION: LE FLEUR
TRANSPORTATION
OF TEXAS 900 S. NELSON AMARILLO, TEXAS 79104
Directory of Services
AMARILLO SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION 1220 SOUTH POLK AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101 806-372-3381
HIGH PLAINS FOOD BANK 815 ROSS STREET AMARILLO, TEXAS 79102 806-374-8562