MILLER....PG 8
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Vol 19, No. 7 • December 2019
News You Can Use
13-year-old lives and breathes the sport of motocross was watchBy Lucy ing Weber Supercross Teagan racing on Billiard TV. She describes told her herself as a parents she daredevil wanted to who likes to race. At take first, her chances. mother How else said no would you and her describe a father, who 13-year-old used to who has race dirt been racing bikes, said dirt bikes yes. For for five her eighth years in the birthday, sport of she got a motocross? 50cc "The first Honda dirt time I got bike. The on a bike I following was 7 and at weekend, my aunt's she went house. I felt to her first like I had race. been riding She's my whole been raclife," said Teagan Billiard ing ever since. the eighth-grader "I wasn't scared to start," Teagan said at Alcorn Central. about her first competition. "This is what I Her love of the sport started when she was meant to do. I could ride Return Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835 dirt bikes before I could ride a regular bike. This makes me happy." The family moved from POSTAL PATRON Logansport, Ind., in June 2018 to enable Teagan to be see TEEN pg 4
662-643-6842
read.newsflash@gmail.com
Betts brings a world of experience to lead Macedonia MB Church
Dr. Eric Betts
By Lucy Weber A missionary who has traveled the world, Dr. Eric Betts has found his church home in the pulpit of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Corinth. Betts started leading the church, which celebrated its centennial last year, on Easter Sunday this year. He and his wife of 21 years, Trina, live with their three children in Florence, Ala. Betts also serves the Athens State University Religious Studies program, teaching on leadership, strengths finding, interfaith relationships and ethics. "In my life I've realized that everything happens for a reason. What you went through in the past is preparing you for what you do right now," he said. "When you get outside your area, you expand and see the world through different lenses. My traveling prepared me for Macedonia."
Betts' missionary work took him to Betts to Botswana, Barbados, Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Bermuda, Malaysia, New Zealand, France, Rome and Germany. In Uganda, Betts said stayed with people living with no electricity and no running water but they showed their hospitality over and over again. "It helped me get my priorities together. That teaches you to appreciate what you have and when you're blessed." Macedonia MB Church has a warm and welcoming congregation, Betts said. "One of the things that stand out to me is that the doors are open to grieving families. Macedonia reaches out to grieving families, even if they're not a member of the church. We have a very strong benevolent ministry - I've never seen one on that see BETTS pg 4
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December 2019
The Community News Flash
Editor’s Corner
Jerry W. Porter CEO/Publisher PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835-1292 Cell: 662-643-6842 Email: read.newsflash@gmail.com
The Christmas season has arrived. Many are scrambling for gifts, seeking out the best deals and steals. Getting the Christmas decorations out and up may be a top priority for some. I have seen many preparing for the local Christmas parade. I am sure there are many parents making sure their child has the right outfit for the school Christmas pageant. Children may or may not be looking forward to Santa Claus coming with his bag of goodies. Many call it the "most wonderful time of the year." And the shopping season has already begun. When I think of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, I am amazed at the way people scurry about trying to find the perfect gift, the perfect deals, and the perfect "steals." I know several people who stress the entire season about getting all the right gifts for all the right people. Money is spent and gifts are
The Gift of Love bought. I do not understand that. People do not have to shop for the right gift to give. They already have it. That is the gift of love. Love does not cost much to give nor will you run out of it if you give it in the right amounts. Love cannot be put in the back of the store and paid off in installments. It cannot be shopped for on television or the internet. You do not have to get stand in long lines to check out with love. Sometimes, I think we purchase gifts to replace our time and our love. Stop looking for the gift of love in high prices and look for it in high places. We are all familiar with the story of Mary being delivered of a Son that Christmas Day so many years ago. It is a wonderful story of love. As we begin to celebrate that same love again, let us remember it is Love we are celebrating. We are not celebrating gifts and material possessions. Love is the centerpiece of all God's teachings. Why can't it be the centerpiece of the holiday
season as opposed to gifts? It estimated Americans will spend roughly 980 dollars on Christmas gifts this year. Luke 2:4-19 says, "And there were shepards living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." As we continue to be wrapped up in the Christmas rush, do not forget take the time and share the one gift you have that is unique and priceless, your love. Let love be the gift you give this Christmas. And always remember, God delivered the greatest and truest gift of love long ago. He came wrapped up in cloth and was delivered in a manger. Whoo! Whoo! Until Next Time! All Aboard.
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The Community News Flash is published monthly by Porter Publishing, Inc., with all rights reserved – © 2001 Reproduction or use without permission of editorial on graphic contents in any manner is prohibited by law. This newspaper is designed to exhibit the positive by publishing only positive and uplifting personal profiles. The annual subscription rate is Twenty four dollars and forty eight cents ($26.00). Information is gathered from sources considered to be reliable and accurate. Thoughts expressed in letters to the editor and commentaries are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Community News Flash staff. Equal Opportunity. It is policy of the newspaper. 1. To employ people on the basis of their qualification and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap. 2. To not knowingly accept any advertisement, which implies and preferences limitation or discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.
Monthly Meditation
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. ~ 1 John 4:8
Notable Quote "Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world."
-C.S. Lewis
December 2019
Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and our sincere thanks for your support and goodwill throughout 2019.
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The Community News Flash
DECEMBER BIBLE TRIVIA 1. Who set up a commemorative stone after the Israelites covenanted to serve the Lord? 2. Which of Paul's epistles speaks about a "spiritual rock" that was Christ? 3. Who rolled the stone across the tomb when Jesus was buried? 4. Who spoke of a rejected stone becoming the chief cornerstone? 5. What friend of Jesus had a stone rolled over the front of his tomb? 6. Who rolled a stone from off a well so the Laban's flocks could be watered? 7. Who sealed up five Amorite chieftains in a cave by rolling large stones across the entrance? 8. Who was thrown into a den of wild animals that was sealed with a stone? 9. Who brought costly stones for the foundation of the temple in Jerusalem? 10. Whom did Jesus tell that the stones would cry out if the people were silenced? 11. Who set up a commemorative pillar of stone at Paddan-Aram? 12. Who struck a rock and brought water from it? 13. Who prophesied that there would not be one stone of the temple that would not be thrown down? 14. Who picked up 12 souvenir stones from the dry path across the Jordan River? 15. Who had a garment with two onyx stones engraved with the names of the children of Israel? 16. Who wrote on tablets of stone for Moses? 17. Who had a breastplate with 12 precious stones in it? 18. What precious jewel is mentioned by Jesus in a parable about the kingdom? 19. What city is decorated with 12 precious stones? 20. What did Jesus say should not be cast before swine? Send in your answers to the following Bible Trivia Questions and take a chance at winning a complimentary bible from the Community News Flash. Random drawing will be held monthly
November Answers 1. Manna (Exodus 16:31) 2. White (Revelation 2:17) 3. Laodicea (Revelation 3:18) 4. White (Revelation 4:4) 5. Saul (2 Samuel 1:24) 6. Red (Numbers 19:2) 7. Scarlet (Genesis 38:28) 8. Job (30:30) 9. Blue, red, and purple (Exodus 28:33) 10. The scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:27) 11. Ananias the high priest (Acts 23:3) 12. Edom (Esau's other name) (Genesis 25:30) 13. Blue (Numbers 15:38) 14. The Red Sea (Exodus 13:18) 15. Red (Exodus 25:5) 16. White (Revelation 19:11) 17. Red (Deuteronomy 32:14) 18. Moabites (2 Kings 3:22) 19. Job;s (16:16) 20. White (Revelation 6:2)
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The Community News Flash
TEEN...from page 1
them happy," said her mom Heather Kay. "We all support her." The family travels all around for Teagan to compete. She has raced in Las Vegas, placing 5th her first time there and 6th her second time. She now rides a 85cc KTM, and nows she's better, stronger and more determined than when she first started.
"I've come a long way." There's no speedometer on the motorbike so Teagan said she doesn't know how fast she goes. "You don't think about it. You just do it," she said. I'd like to go faster." Her favorite part of the racing course is the jumps, she said. How high she gets in the air she doesn't know. Teagan said she loves everything about motocross and how it makes her feel. "It frees up your mind, destresses me. It's pushing myself, and I like pushing
myself." Her mother said she worried at first "Teagan has broken both arms multiple times and more concussions than I can count." Before Teagan takes the field, the family always prays together. "We tell her to do her best. It's not about winning - it's coming off the track safe." Teagan's goal is to be a professional motocross racer, something she can do at age 16. She is determined to raise her goals. "I feel like I can go pro."
lap," he said. "I hold seminars and classes to expose the community to people of scale." other faith traditions in order to help leadThe church also visits the sick in the hospitals and has a strong outreach into the ers better understand their community and for the community to get to know their community, Betts said. neighbors of other religious backgrounds," Besides reaching out to others, the church has a strong and vibrant youth min- he said. Macedonia recently held a workshop on istry, training youth people in the leadership, which covered many of the Scriptures, he said. "We also have young same topics Betts teaches in his academic people who visit the sick and shut up with life about helping people find their food and encouragement, strengths and helping members find their A good portion of the youth coming to gifts. services are engaged in the youth ministry Betts, who is a native of South Boston, and the church's Sunshine Band, a chilVirginia, has served as a pastor and church dren's ministry that includes those up to planter in several cities across the country, age 12, but whose families who are not including Las Vegas, Washington, D.C. able to regularly attend the church or and Florence, Ala. whose parents are not members. "We have While in Washington, he learned of a a very dynamic youth ministry." group that was planning to plant a church Betts said as he travels throughout the in Florence. "I was looking for a place community he continues to be amazed at Macedonia's influence through the years in with a slower pace to raise my family, and this gave me an opportunity to do minCorinth. "I'm finding there are a lot of istry," he said about his move to Florence ministers, teachers, and other professional in 2011. people who received their Christian trainBetts holds a Master of Theological ing at Macedonia. The church's influence Studies degree from Louisiana Baptist goes beyond the current membership." University and Theological Seminary and Betts work at Athens State University is a graduate of the Doctor of Philosophy reaches the church also. "The two overin Theology program also from that school. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Religious Studies at the University of South Africa. Over his ministerial career, he has baptized Rebecca Coleman Phipps nearly 300 perAttorney & Counselor at Law sons and has 605 Taylor St. trained a host of Corinth, MS. 38834 ministers for (662) 286-9211 church leadership.
BETTS...from page 1
Teagan performing an incredible motorcycle jump
able to race year-round. More tracks are available and are open all year. "As a parent, you do whatever makes
Teagan prays before entering each motorcycle contest.
All the best to everyone this Holiday Season!
December 2019
Vibration Therapy for Bone Loss Vibration therapy is said to address a number of ills: prevent varicose veins, break up cellulite, rev up the lymph system and reduce knee and leg pain. The big benefit, however, is that it’s possible for vibration therapy to address the problem of bone loss. Here’s how vibration therapy is thought to work: The machine platform that one sits or stands on vibrates at 30-90 cycles per second, the same rate as muscles in the human body. The vibrations in essence mimic the body and do what the body isn’t doing anymore — creating bone, in this case. The studies are numerous and come from all over the globe. In China, a 24-week study in postmenopausal women show an increase in the bone and mineral density of the hip. In Belgium, researchers compared vibration therapy with regular resistance training, and the vibration therapy showed that strength increased. In Florida, a study concluded that whole-body vibrations “improve quality of life, walk, balance and motor capacity in elderly patients.” Even NASA has gotten into the act with LIV, or Low Intensity Vibration. With astronauts spending long periods of time in space with no real way to exercise, bone loss has been a serious concern. Via various contraptions, NASA has been able to let astronauts work out, but the results haven’t been satisfactory when it comes to bone loss. Enter vibration therapy, and a way for astronauts to maintain bone strength while in space. I found some of these alleged machines for sale online. This is one item that needs a doctor’s advice, though, as a vibration level that’s too high can be very dangerous. Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com.
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The Community News Flash
Delay in Treatment of TIA Is Dangerous DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I’ve just hung up the phone after talking to my doctor. He has me scared out of my wits. This morning while reading the newspaper, I couldn’t hold it up. My right arm became weak. In about five minutes, everything returned to normal. I thought I had better call the doctor to see if this was serious. The doctor thinks I had a ministroke and wants me to have someone take me to the hospital ASAP. I told him I was fine. He said that doesn’t matter. I thought I would drop you a line for your opinion. I trust your judgment. What should I do? — T.R. ANSWER: I hope you listened to your doctor. You should do exactly what he told you. You have an emergency on your hands. You most likely had a TIA — a transient ischemic attack — a ministroke. Investigation should be taking place as soon as possible — immediately. A part of your brain lost its blood supply for a short time. Even a brief occurrence like the one you describe can cause permanent brain damage. Worse, it is often the foreboding of a complete stroke. You have to be checked for a blockage in one of your carotid arteries, the large neck arteries that deliver blood to the brain. You have to be examined for a clot in other body locations like the heart. Pieces of those clots can break loose and be carried to a brain artery, where they stop the flow of blood permanently. Atrial fibrillation, a common heartbeat disturbance, is often responsible for such clots.
Numbness, weakness or both of a hand, arm, leg, side of the face or tongue can be a sign of a TIA. Trouble expressing oneself is another sign. So are disturbances of vision. None lasts long, but they are quite significant and serious warnings. I don’t have important background information on you. I am counting on your good sense to get you to the hospital quickly. The booklet on stroke, one of our most feared illnesses, covers the topic in detail. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 902W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery. *** DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My grandparents never took vitamins and never talked about them. They both lived into their late 90s. Everyone I know takes vitamins, including me. Why? — C.N. ANSWER: Vitamins are nutrients essential to body health and body chemistry. They’re needed only in minute amounts. No vitamin is made by the body except for vitamin D. We must get them from foods. Although the body does make vitamin D, many older people and quite a few younger ones are deficient in this vitamin. Your grandparents got their vitamins from eating a well-balanced diet. We could do the same. Vitamin-taking is a new wrinkle in human history. It does assure people that they’re getting the recommended daily intake of vitamins. Is it absolutely necessary? Probably not, but most do not get their daily dose of all vitamins through foods. *** Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. © 2010 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved
Patterson Memorial Chapel 125 South Franklin Street Corinth, MS 38834 662-286-2200 Office
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The Community News Flash
December 2019
PERSONAL FINANCE
Thinking About Refinancing? 5 Things to Consider (StatePoint) Mortgage rates have recently hit nearrecord lows and Freddie Mac predicts rates will remain low for the foreseeable future. If you haven’t already taken advantage of the lowrate environment to refinance your home, experts say it’s worth considering. “There are lots of reasons to refinance your home mortgage when rates go down,” says Liz Bryant, national sales manager for Wells Fargo Home Lending. “Lower rates can reduce your payment, shorten the overall length of your loan or provide you access to cash that you can use for home improvements or other expenses.” Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking of taking that step: • It may make sense to refinance if your goal is to reduce your monthly payment as well as the interest you will pay over the life of the loan. A mortgage consultant or refinancing calculator can help you decide. Reducing your payment will free up money for saving, investing or spending in other ways. • Refinancing can shorten the length of your loan, for example, by reducing your loan from a 30-year repayment period to 15 or even 10. That can allow you to pay the loan off faster and reduce the amount of interest you pay. But, depending on your individual situation, it could mean a larger monthly payment. • Some homeowners refinance
(c) Tero Vesalainen / iStock via Getty Images Plus
to tap into available equity. This can be useful if you’re paying for a large project like a home renovation or are making another large purchase. You should talk to a home mortgage consultant to see if a cash-out refinance fits into your long-term financial goals or whether a home equity line of credit makes more sense for this need. • If you have built up equity in your home, you may want to consider refinancing to remove mortgage insurance. Typically, you can request your lender to remove mortgage insurance if you show you have at least 20 percent equity in your home. However, if you have a governmentbacked mortgage, you will need to refinance to a con-
ventional loan to remove your mortgage insurance, which will reduce your monthly payment. You can find more details at yourhomematters.wf.com. • Finally, if you want to move out of an adjustablerate mortgage and into a fixed-rate one, refinancing may make sense. Depending on rates, your payment could be higher, but doing so will protect you against rising rates in the future. “If you’re thinking of refinancing, take some time to do some research and talk to your mortgage lender,” says Bryant “Refinancing may save you money over the long-term and help you achieve your financial goals.”
700 Taylor Street
December 2019
The Community News Flash
How to Navigate the Challenges of Caregiving
(StatePoint) As the population of older U.S. adults grows, more Americans are taking on long-term caregiving duties for loved ones. An estimated 43.5 million adults in the U.S. have provided unpaid care in the past 12 months, according to AARP. “While caregiving presents many opportunities for growing strong bonds with loved ones, the work itself can be demanding, eventually taking a toll on those shouldering the burden,” says Lakelyn Hogan, a gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month observed in November, Hogan and the experts at Home Instead Senior Care are sharing tips to navigate the challenges. Use Online Resources To fully advocate for your loved one, it’s necessary to understand his or her medical conditions and the specific areas where extra help is needed. Doing so will help you secure support services, get information from doctors, ensure medications are being administered safely and even help you make appropriate meal and transportation
arrangements. Most reputable sources of condition-specific information can also double as a place for finding care and support. Search for Innovative Tools Innovative companies are taking note of the needs of caregivers and are designing everyday products to help them make daily tasks easier and more comfortable for all involved. In the realm of personal care, this trend is especially important: personal care activities were identified in an AARP survey as among the most challenging daily activities caregivers must manage. When it comes to shaving, a task that seems simple enough when performed on oneself, things can get tricky. Currently, 46 percent of caregivers are using a disposable razor to provide an assisted shave to their loved one at home, according to a Gillette survey. The problem? When caregivers use one of the 4,000 razors designed for shaving oneself, turning it around to use on someone else is trickier than you might expect -- not to mention time-consuming. Fortunately, there is now a razor specifically engi-
neered for assisted shaving. A first of its kind, the Gillette TREO razor includes special features that protect against nicks and cuts, and its clog-free design doesn’t require the use of water. What’s more, the razor has an ergonomic handle providing greater comfort and control. These updates are particularly critical, as sensitive and thinning skin is prevalent among older adults and is a common side effect of many medications. To learn more, visit Gillette.com/TREO. As more companies introduce tools designed for caregivers, such personal care tasks as shaving have the potential to become easier, safer and more comfortable. Make Space for Yourself Prioritizing your own health and happiness is critical. After all, if your health suffers, it could make it impossible for you to continue caregiving. Rely on family and friends or a part-time professional to step in and give you a chance to recharge. Use the personal time to read, journal, exercise, take a nature walk, visit your doctor or simply meet with friends. You may also benefit from joining a caregivers’ support group. Luckily, social media has made it simple for people to find one another and connect. While the roles and responsibilities of caregiving vary, leveraging the resources designed to universally assist caregivers can help you navigate the many challenges of daily life.
Dr. Neil Sloan 2006 Robertson Dr. Corinth, MS. 38834 (662) 665-9073 Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm
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December 2019
The Community News Flash
Local author invites readers into a darker fairy tale land By Lucy Weber Mikaela Hancock Miller has created a fantasy world that she wants to share with readers in her Tales from Neverland Series. Miller is taking the classic fairy tales she loved growing up and mashing them together in a modern-day twist with horror inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King. The result is her first book "Beyond Relatively Normal" that was published in July 2018 and her second book "War Games" that is now awaiting publication possibly in 2020. Eventually, she expects six or seven books to complete the series. "I was inspired to write this (first book) after auditioning to be Little Red Riding Hood in a play and not getting the part, which led me to want to make my own fairy tale world with modern characters," said Miller, who holds a degree in creative writing from Delta State University. "This book combines Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland together." Her main characters are Jack Galloway and Red Crawford, two teens who attend the same school but are strangers until Red discovers Jack passed out in an alley and invites him to her grandmother's house. A "mess of events" follow them in the first book that tracks with the stories of Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk, but "darker and more twisted," Miller said. Jack lives with his abusive mother and they don't have much money. He represents the darker parts of growing up - he struggles with drug addiction and depression. Red is more about family values, fighting for what's right and learning to overcome guilt from past sins.
Mikaela Hancock Miller
"I write to tell stories and express ideas and to really just capture the essence of human nature. I want to write about real and
diverse people from all walks of life, all different religions, gender identities, races, sexualities, etc.," she said. "I hope people can take a lot from my book series, like learning how to fight and how to let go like Red and how to grow up and learn to love yourself instead of giving up like Jack." The 25-year-old Miller, a 2013 graduate of Corinth High School, knew she always wanted to write. "I've been writing ever since I was a little girl, almost as long as I've been reading. My mom used to read to me before I was even born, which I think had a lot to do with my love for words and stories," she said. "I remember someone bought me a notebook one year when I was younger and I used to carry that notebook everywhere I went and write down little stories in it." Miller, who works as a clerk at Medical Plaza in Corinth, said she wants to make a career out of her writing. "This is definitely what I want to do and hopefully one day I will be able to succeed on my novels as a career. "So far I've had great feedback from folks in Corinth who have read the book. In fact, I haven't heard anyone say anything negative about it," Miller said. "A lot of people are geared up and ready for book two." Self-published, Miller handles the marketing for her books, primarily through social media. She runs free ebook promotions on her author Facebook page (Beyond Relatively Normal), Instagram and Reddit. "Beyond Relatively Normal" is available for purchase on Amazon in paperback and ebook format. Locally, it can be found at Medical Plaza on Alcorn and Harper.
Merry Christmas
We sincerely appreciate your loyalty to our business! Garrett Eye Clinic 1804 Shiloh Rd. Corinth, MS 38834 (662) 212-9001
December 2019
The Community News Flash
What Is the History of the Christmas Tree?
Christmas trees were first used in the 1500s in Germany. The tradition of using ever-
green trees as decorations for the Christmas holidays continued to gain in popularity
through the 17th and 18th centuries in the Christian countries of the world. Before evergreen trees were used as a symbol of Christmas, they were used by Egyptians and Romans to celebrate the winter solstice. They believed that winter came because the Gods got sick, and that the winter solstice represented the Gods getting well again as the days began to get longer. Evergreen trees reminded them of the green plants that would grow when summer came again. Evergreen trees were first used to celebrate Christmas by Christians in Germany. Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, is credited with the idea of adding candles to the trees. In England, Christmas trees gained in popularity quickly in the 1800s when the royal family was depicted around a
Christmas tree. This depiction led to their rise in popularity in the United States as well. These trees were mainly decorated with homemade ornaments, strings of popcorn and, once electricity became widely available, Christmas lights.
Traditions for Christmas trees vary throughout the world, but most European countries and many Latin American ones use Christmas trees to celebrate the Christmas holidays.
May God bless you with a festive, loving and peaceful celebration this Christmas and all throughout the year. Pickwick Electric Cooperative 672 Hwy 142 Selmer, TN 38375 731-645-3411 www.pickwickec.com
1025 Foote Street, Corinth, MS 38834
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December 2019
The Community News Flash
20 fun facts about the Christmas tree! 1. The use of evergreen trees to celebrate the winter season occurred before the birth of Christ. 2. The first decorated Christmas tree was in Riga, Latvia in 1510. 3. The first printed reference to Christmas trees appeared in Germany in 1531. 4. Approximately 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the Christmas tree industry. 5. In the United States, there are more than 15,000 Christmas tree farms. There are approximately 350 million Christmas trees growing on U.S. farms. 6. The most popular Christmas trees are: Scotch pine, Douglas fir, noble fir, Fraser fir, balsam fir, Virginia pine and white pine. 7. Besides evergreens, other types of trees such as cherry and hawthorns were used as
Christmas trees in the past. 8. In 2012, 35% of real Christmas trees sold were from chain stores or garden centers/nursery, 24% from cut and harvest farms, 15% from retail tree lots, and 15% from nonprofit groups. 9. The first Christmas tree retail lot in the United States was started by Mark Carr in New York, in 1851. 10. Live Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850. 11. Using small candles to light a Christmas tree dates back to the middle of the 17th century. 12. 10.9 million artificial trees were purchased in the United States in 2012. 13. Thomas Edison’s assistant, Edward Johnson, came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees in 1882. Christmas tree lights were first
mass-produced in 1890. 14. Today, most artificial Christmas trees are made from
PVC plastic. PVC trees are fire-retardant but not fireresistant. Eighty percent of
artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China. 15. Artificial Christmas trees were developed in Germany during the 19th century and later became popular in the United States. These “trees” were made using goose feathers that were dyed green and attached to wire branches. The wire branches were then wrapped around a central dowel rod that acted as the trunk. 16. The tradition of an official Chicago Christmas tree was initiated in 1913 when one was first lit by Mayor Carter H. Harrison in Grant Park. 17. Since 1971, the Province of Nova Scotia has presented the Boston Christmas tree to the people of Boston, in gratitude for the relief supplies received from the citizens of Boston after a ship exploded in 1917 following a collision in the Halifax,
Nova Scotia Harbor. Part of the city was leveled, killing and injuring thousands. 18. Every year since 1947, the people of Oslo, Norway have given a Christmas tree to the city of Westminster, England. The gift is an expression of good will and gratitude for Britain’s help to Norway during World War II. 19. The official Christmas tree tradition at Rockefeller Center began in 1933. Since 2004 the tree has been topped with a 550-pound Swarovski Crystal star. And since 2007, the tree has been lit with 30,000 energy-efficient LED’s which are powered by solar panels. 20. 24.5 million farmgrown Christmas trees were purchased in the United States in 2012, with a real market value of $1.01 billion.
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December 2019
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The Community News Flash
NEWS FLASH
Kids Zone
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December 2019
The Community News Flash
What to Do When Turkey Isn't Done
After almost 35 years of cooking, I've had my share of turkey disasters! Here are some secrets to saving your sanity and your dinner: HOW TO DEFROST A TURKEY You'll need at least 24 to 48 hours (about five hours per pound) to thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator. If you need to do a quick thaw, place the wrapped, frozen turkey in your kitchen sink or a large container like an ice chest. Cover the turkey with cold water. Drain and refill the water every half hour because as the bird thaws out, the water will get
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warmer. Using this method, the turkey will thaw at the rate of about a half hour for each pound. PREPARING THE BIRD FOR COOKING Remove the giblet package (neck, livers, heart and gizzards) from inside the cavity of the bird AND check the neck cavity. Some manufacturers place the giblet package in the neck cavity and others place it inside the cavity closest to the legs. Most turkeys come with the legs already trussed (crossed and secured with a metal or plastic bracket). If you're not going to stuff your bird, there's no need to truss the legs. Trussing an unstuffed bird hinders the hot oven air from circulating inside and around the legs. This means that the dark meat will take longer
to cook and the breast meat will cook faster and probably dry out before the legs ever get completely done. THE TURKEY ISN'T DONE Don't rely on the "popup" timer in the turkey, as it usually means that the breast is over-cooked and the dark meat isn't done. If the dark meat isn't done,
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remove the wings and breast meat from the rest of the turkey, in one piece, if possible. Cover the breast and wing portion with foil and set it aside. Put the drumsticks and thigh portion of the turkey back into the oven to continue cooking until done. You can reassemble the whole turkey and garnish it, or just cut it
into serving portions and arrange it on a platter STUFFING SAVERS If the stuffing/dressing is too wet, spread it out in a thin layer on a sheet pan so that it will dry quickly. Place it back into the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. If it's too dry, add more pan drippings or chicken broth to the mixture. If you don't have anymore drippings or broth, you can combine a chicken bouillon cube (if you have one), along with a teaspoon of poultry seasoning, three tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of water. Cook the mixture in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes or until it comes to a boil. Stir to combine and then add it, a little at a time, to the dressing until it's moist. SOUPY MASHED POTATOES
You can add unseasoned dry bread crumbs to soupy mashed potatoes to absorb any excess liquid. GRAVY RESCUE TIPS If the gravy is lumpy, pour it through a strainer into a new pan and bring it to a simmer, stirring gently. If it's too thin, mix a tablespoon of melted butter with a tablespoon of flour. Bring the gravy up to a boil and whisk in the butter mixture to thicken your gravy. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth, pan drippings or a little water and butter to thin it out. Hopefully, these tips will rescue you from any holiday disasters, but remember, it's about gathering together to give thanks with the people you love -not the perfect meal! Have a blessed holiday!
December 2019
• With many airlines these days, you can print your boarding pass online. Security lines are long, and it pays to save every moment you can. • Make a spray of equal parts liquid fabric softener and water. Mist the air daily to relieve static buildup during the fall and winter, when the air is very dry. • Before cleaning, run hot water in the bath or shower. The steam from the hot water loosens the dirt, making it easier to clean. Or, bring your cleaning sponge and some baking soda in the shower with you. No chemicals, and you could even use the baking soda to soften the skin on your elbows and feet. • “Spray plastic wrap with non-flavored cooking spray before using it to cover cakes or cupcakes. The frosting won’t stick to the wrap.” — R.M. in Florida • To get streaks off of freshly cleaned windows, give them a final swipe with plain newspaper (not magazine inserts or glossy pages). • “Baking cookies to mail? Save potato-chip cans (the tall ones in which chips come stacked). They protect cookies from breaking.” — G.D. in Wisconsin Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at heresatip@yahoo.com.
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December 2019
The Community News Flash
14
Christmas Season: Social and Financial Peace
J. Moffett Walker, Retired Counselor & Author Christmas time is the world's greatest holiday season. Most individuals love to fellowship with family and friends. Many persons celebrate with coworkers, church members, organizations and sometimes neighbors. It's a joyful time! With all those groups mentioned above, buying gifts can get out of hand. We have to use commonsense. Groups can meet, greet and eat potluck and leave off gift giving. It is reasonable to purchase some gifts for special individuals like spouses, children, grandchildren and someone who did some very extra ordinary for you. Also, wise shoppers can begin shopping
right after Christmas when everything is marked down rather low and put them away until Christmas comes again. That is a habit of mine. Going to religious services during this time is extremely important. It's the time when Christ was born. Everyone needs to know about December 25th. It's significance to teach our younger generation the story of Christ's birth. When children are brought up in a good home with Christian values, they usually become good citizens, grow up, get married, have a family and teach their children those same values. No need to mention the violence that has taken place in our schools. Violence, including murder, has taken place in forty four U.S. schools as of November 15th. Some of it was created by confused teenagers not knowing how to handle personal situations. This 2020 let all of us make a resolution to help our churches and organizations teach values so some boy or girl can learn more about solving problems, not creating them or making things worse. Become active. Are you willing to help? Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all.
The gift of love. The gift of peace. The gift of happiness. May all these be yours at Christmas. Thank you for reelecting me as Tax Collector. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Larry Ross Tax Collector
Turkey and Mashed Potato “Pie”
Sunshine State Simmered Steaks Here in Iowa, sunny days are becoming a scarce commodity. But, I promise, if you put this delicious main dish on the menu, it will make a gloomy day seem much brighter! You may doubt me when you start stirring orange marmalade into the sauce, but trust me, it all works out perfectly in the end. 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 (4-ounce) lean minute or cube steaks 1 cup unsweetened orange juice 1 cup (two 2.5-ounce jars) sliced mushrooms, drained 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium ketchup 2 tablespoons orange marmalade spreadable fruit 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes 1. Place flour in a shallow dish and coat steaks on both sides in flour. Reserve any leftover flour. Evenly arrange coated steaks in a large skillet sprayed with butter-flavored cooking spray and brown for about 3 minutes on each side. 2. In a medium bowl, combine orange juice, mushrooms, ketchup, spreadable fruit, onion flakes, parsley flakes and any remaining flour. Spoon sauce mixture evenly over steaks. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until steaks are tender. When serving, evenly spoon sauce mixture over top of steaks. Serves 4. Freezes well. • Each serving: About 218 calories, 6g fat, 23g protein, 18g carb., 359mg sodium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 3 Meat, 1 Fruit, 1/2 Vegetable
Wondering what to do with all those Thanksgiving leftovers? Make a pie! But here’s a tip: If leftover mashed potatoes are cold and stiff, add a few tablespoons of hot milk and stir them until loose enough to spread. 4 tablespoons margarine or butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 can (14- to 14.5-ounce) chicken broth (1 3/4 cup) 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 2 cups leftover cooked vegetables, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup leftover stuffing 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease shallow 2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish; set aside. 2. In 3-quart saucepan, melt margarine on medium. Whisk in flour until smooth; cook 1 minute. Whisk in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce until well blended; heat to boiling on high. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in turkey and chopped vegetables. Spoon stuffing evenly into bottom of prepared baking dish. Top with turkey mixture. Using back of spoon, evenly spread mashed potatoes over top; sprinkle with shredded cheese. 3. Bake casserole 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese begins to brown at edges. Let pie stand 5 minutes for easier serving. Makes 6 servings. • Each serving: About 340 calories, 14g total fat (4g saturated), 47mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 33g total carbohydrate, 4g dietary fiber, 22g protein.. For thousands of triple-tested recipes, visit our website at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipefinder/.
1. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novels “Northanger Abbey” and “Emma”? 2. MATH: What is the equivalent of the Roman numeral DXVI? 3. ANATOMY: What is the colored part of the eye called? 4. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of food is fusilli? 5. MEASUREMENTS: How many acres are in 1 square mile? 6. PRESIDENTS: Which U.S. president created the Purple Heart medal? 7. GOVERNMENT: Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery? 8. HISTORY: What did American patriot Paul Revere do for a living? 9. SCIENCE: What is the alloy steel mostly made of? 10. GEOGRAPHY: What is the largest country in South America in land size? Answers 1. Jane Austen 2. 516 3. Iris 4. A type of pasta 5. 640 6. George Washington 7. 13th Amendment 8. He was a silversmith 9. Iron and carbon 10. Brazil
1. How many times has Torii Hunter hit .300 or better for a season during his 14-year major-league career? 2. Name the three catchers who have won the American League Most Valuable Player Award since 1976. 3. Name the last fullback to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 4. Who was the last Butler player before Gordon Hayward to play in the NBA? 5. Two NHL goalies have recorded three consecutive 40-win seasons. Name them. 6. When was the last time before the 2010 men’s soccer World Cup that the two finalists from the previous World Cup were eliminated in the first round? 7. Name the person who holds the mark for most boxing world title fights refereed (172 in 34 years). Answers 1. None, despite a .305 average in the postseason. 2. Thurman Munson (1976), Ivan Rodriguez (1999) and Joe Mauer (2009). 3. Larry Csonka, in 1987. 4. Ralph O’Brien, in 1953. 5. San Jose’s Evgeni Nabokov (2007-10) and New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur (2005-08). 6. It had never occurred before 2010. 7. Richard Steele.
December 2019
The Community News Flash
15
PERSONAL FINANCE
How New Tech Could Help You Manage Your Money
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(StatePoint) From fitness apps monitoring daily activity to calendar apps that send appointment reminders, having high-quality, realtime information in the palm of your hand can be an effective way to stay accountable to your goals. So if you’re looking to better manage your money, it may be time to consider how an app can help. First, think about what your financial goals are and then find a solutions-based app that can help you achieve them. Keep in mind that like other lifestyle apps, the most effective financial apps go beyond tracking behaviors to proactively notify users when something is amiss and offer tangible strategies for changing course. One such example is the free LendingTree app, which not only monitors your holistic financial sta-
tus, but is also a smart money guide offering tailored advice. For example, with the app, you can not only check your credit score, but also receive tips on how to improve it and get notified when your score gets you in range for a better credit card or loan rate. The app, available at the Apple App Store and Google Play, also offers such tools as cash flow management, which includes recommendations for ways to make room in your budget based on your habits, a library of free financial wellness courses, as well as savings alerts when you could be saving money on your monthly expenses. After finding the personal finance app that’s right for you, here are just a few ways to get the most out of it: • Get quick overviews:
With a streamlined app, you can quickly get the big picture regarding your financial health, so you don’t have to log into numerous accounts to assess your standing. • Get personal: When it comes to certain questions you may have, generic answers won’t necessarily help. Find an app that’s already monitoring your personal finance and is equipped to answer specificto-you questions like “Would a personal loan work better for that purchase?” and “Do I have enough equity in my home to borrow against it?” • Set an example: Kids are naturally attracted to tech. So by using an app that’s helping you save money, pay off debts and plan for the future, you’ll be setting an example that your kids will notice, helping pave the way for their own healthy financial futures. • Lean on it during big moments: Life’s big moments are often when people are most in need of financial guidance. Use tools that can help you make better decisions. For example, rather than worrying over interest rates or trying to time your loan based on the market, the LendingTree app taps into its nationwide network of lenders to find immediate and long-term savings opportunities for users. Remember, the goal of using a personal finance app isn’t to give you one more reason to look at your phone, but to gain confidence and reduce financial anxiety. The right tools will help you do just that.
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The Community News Flash
December 2019
5 Reasons Why You Need a Financial Plan Before a Recession (StatePoint) With speculation swirling that the U.S. economy is heading for another recession, you might be wondering what you can do to protect yourself from feeling the pinch of a slowing economy. Experts agree that proactive and prudent financial planning is key to avoiding emotion-driven decisions and maintaining a long-term orientation during times of turmoil. Those who already have a financial plan should take the time to re-evaluate its goals and strategies to ensure it can withstand a dramatic market decline. If you do not have a financial plan yet, take the initiative to start putting one together. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can provide you with guidance on creating and maintaining a comprehensive financial plan. Here are five reasons why you need a financial plan in place before a recession: • Know Where Your Finances Stand. When markets are in turmoil and you are feeling scared, your personal situation should guide your decisions. The first step in developing a financial plan is to figure out where you stand, which includes getting a thorough understanding of your cash
reserves, consumer debt and current retirement contribution level and savings. • Balance Fear and Greed. Bull markets can make investors more hopeful that gains are perennial, leading them to assume too much risk. Conversely, when the market drops, fear takes over and makes them want to sell everything. A financial plan helps you to avoid impulsive actions and balance market highs and lows. • Manage Your Cash. A sound financial plan ensures that you do not put money you know you will need in the short term at risk. Money you anticipate needing within a year or so should be kept in a safe place, like a checking, savings or money market account, a short-term Certificate of Deposit (CD) or a bond. • Maintain a Diversified Portfolio. One of the best ways to prevent emotional swings is to create and adhere to a diversified portfolio that spreads out your risk across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, cash and commodities. • Take a Break from the Bad News. Once you have assessed your personal situation and made some choices, it’s smart to tune out from the constant news coverage.
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The drumbeat of bad news can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts, like “I am never getting this money back,” or “I will never retire.” Psychologists say such thoughts can distort reality, disrupt thinking and erode performance. To find a CFP professional who can
help you prepare a financial plan, visit letsmakeaplan.org. However dire a crisis may seem, having a long-term financial strategy will keep you on track to achieve your financial goals.