From our editors

AAstatement like this causes most readers to think about sports. In my case, academics come to mind. As far back as elementary school, I can remember trying to excel in my school work. It was great to get a good grade, but even better to get a score which was higher than my rival. From somewhere during fourth grade all the way through until high school graduation, he was there, excelling at everything. Or so I thought. When the class rankings were posted at graduation, he wasn’t valedictorian. It wasn’t even close. He got bumped down the list, by a girl!

In retrospect, I realized somewhere along that journey how little his success mattered to how well I was succeeding in my efforts. For one thing, we weren’t always in the same classes anymore and he spent more time playing sports. That’s when I realized how often I enjoyed participating in games and activities simply for the fun of doing it, rather than for winning.

Recently, I was asked to be a judge for a cooking contest. Yes, the winners were all smiles, but the losers were the ones who gained something from the process. They asked good questions, listened to suggestions, developed perseverance and learned how to adapt and improve. In the long run, their take away value was worth more than the bragging rights enjoyed by the first-place team.

Culinary competitions aren’t generally considered to be sports. I can only guess the reason: no one has taken the time to think about the physical coordination, skill and endurance needed to participate. For example, one must have the proper mindset, for without it the food item just won’t taste as good. For cooking, mental focus is required to make sure each step is completed correctly.

Next, let’s consider muscle tone and strength: try kneading bread and you’ll understand what I mean. Imagine the stretching required to reach something which has been tucked into the back of the bottom cabinet. Balance is a big plus, especially when climbing up to that top shelf or cabinet to retrieve a specific pan, dish or utensil. Even with abundant timers and buzzers, having that inner timing is especially important when baking.

Alertness is big factor for all sorts of safety

reasons, not the least of which is burns, cuts and bad-tasting ingredient combinations. Presentation can be affected by a light or firm touch, depending on the activity and substance being used. The list goes on and on. All five senses are used and honed with practice. Now tell me how this list differs from sports conditioning.

Who am I kidding? With age, my cooking has become easier and easier. I find interesting recipes with pictures which look delicious, but take more effort than I’m willing to exert. I add them to my collection , but still make all the quick and easy dishes we’ve enjoyed for years. Come to think of it, my participation in sports is geared toward the easy also. About the only athletic skill I possess is walking. That’s why the August issue is one of greater interest to me. This month we are featuring trails. Finally, a sport activity I can do.

Here is one recipe which won’t require much kitchen skill, time or athletic prowess.

1 (0.13 oz.) pkg unsweetened fruit-flavored drink mix (such as Kool Aid) 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust Whisk fruit-flavored drink mix with sweetened condensed milk in a bowl until thoroughly combined and thick. Gently fold whipped topping into mixture until light and fluffy. Spread filling into pie crust and chill at least 1 hour. Garnish as desired based on fruit flavor. As always, I search for recipes which inspire creativity. You might try adding 4-8 ounces of cream cheese to add a bit more richness and creaminess. Fresh strawberries and/ or a lime twist would enhance either lime or strawberry pie. Try drained mandarin oranges or crushed pineapple with an orange flavored pie. Chopped nuts or marshmallows can be added to any flavor. Just before serving, top with banana slices, fresh berries, peach slices or mint sprigs.

So there you have it: a cool, refreshing and tasty treat for when you arrive home from watching or participating in the sport of your choice. I’m sure your family will declare it to be a first place winner!

By Lisa Rhoden Garcia People to See Editor Jim Brickman

Jim Brickman invites you to join him for a brand new concert “Brickman Across America” beginning at 8 p.m.

Brickman will dazzle audiences with his unique piano style, all his greatest hits, and his compelling storytelling style playing his Greatest Hits and celebrating Cleveland’s Rock and Roll roots featuring Marc Lee Shannon - Guitarist with Michael Stanley’s Resonators for 25 years, Anne Cochran and electric violinist Tracy Silverman plus other surprise guests.

Jim Brickman is the best-selling solo pianist of our time, earning 21 number one albums, 32 Top 20 radio hits, and two Grammy nominations. His first album release was 1995’s “No Words,” and he’s gone on to sell eight million albums worldwide. His star-studded vocal collaborations have crossed genres to feature luminaries like Martina McBride, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Mathis and Kenny Loggins amongst many others. He’s written three best-selling books, starred in four TV concert specials, and is in the 22nd season of hosting the popular syndicated radio show: “The Jim Brickman Show.”

In this special concert event, Brickman performs his most popular songs like “Valentine”, “Love of My Life”, “Never Alone”, and “The Gift”, along with songs that capture the sound and spirit of each region of the country.

All performances will be recorded, and audiences are invited to take part in the interactive show. “Brickman Across America” showcasing the tour will be released on a compilation album in 2023. To keep up with Jim Brickman, visit https://www. jimbrickman.com/

If you’ve traveled through the United States, then you know there are some towns in various locations that have the same name. Springfield is one of those names. According to a geological survey, in the continental United States, there are 33 populated towns with the names throughout 25 different states, with five in Wisconsin alone. And that’s not including the townships.

If we’re taking into consideration the townships, then there are 36 throughout the country, 11 located in Ohio. If you’re planning a road trip anytime soon and want to visit the Springfield of America, the map below is the best route to travel.

Among the various cities, the one in Massechusetts was the very first Springfield settled in the United States. It was founded in 1636 as Agawam Plantation, named after a nearby village of Algonkian-speaking Native Americans. It’s name was changed four years later, according to wikipedia. Springfield, Missouri ia the most populous city named Springfield with 167,601citizens counted in 2020.

One trail is actually named “The Springfield Trail” for locations withing Smedley Park in Springfield, PA near Philadelphia. In 1964, a small group organized as the Springfield Trail Club with a goal of connecting hikers to explore local, regional and international trails together and inspiring people to embrace the outdoors. It appears that the idea may have blossomed in 1967 and in 1969, the club blazed the Springfield Trail. Its course has changed a little over the years, due to erosion, fallen trees and progressive trail routing practices, but efforts have been taken to protect the vision of the club and maintain the trail as it was originally blazed. If you find yourself in Springfield, IL, try dining at the Trail Blazer Pub located on Dirksen Parkway. Recent reviews show several five-star ratings on restaurantji.com So which Springfield will you visit next?