Holiday 2012

A quarterly magazine for southwest Iowa parents

Just minutes south of Omaha. For more info visit us at www.gosarpy.com | 800-467-2779

Your journey through Nebraska begins here!

Bellevue • Papillion • La Vista • Gretna • Springfield • Offutt AFBp g

Holy Family Shrine, near Gretna

Werner Park, Home of AAA Baseball’s Stormchasers

Sumtur Amphitheatre, Papillion

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Gretna Linoma Beach, near Gretna

Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue

Shadowlake Towne Center, Papillion

Family Ties Cover Pages.qxp 11/2/2012 4:31 PM Page 2

Come Visit one of our doctors

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A quarterly magazine for southwest Iowa parents

PUBLISHERTom Schmitt

DIRECTORCourtney Brummer-Clark

EDITORIAL DIRECTORKim Bousquet

CREATIVE DIRECTORLauren Campbell

PHOTOGRAPHERErin Duerr

STAFF WRITERSKim Bousquet

Mike BrownleeKirby KaufmanChad NationTim Rohwer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSElaine Fenner

Dr. Lucinda Klein-Lombardo

ADVERTISING DIRECTORDan Collin

ADVERTISING ACCOUNTEXECUTIVES

Cindy Bunten, Advertising ManagerJennie GittinsBecky Johnson

Marshelle LatnerJanelle Prichard

Gay Snyder

COMMUNITYTEAR OUT: December Calendar 6Holiday events and activities in southwest Iowa 7What’s so great about January? 8Wholesome fun planned for New Year’s Eve 9Helping hands mean more time for family 16

ENTERTAINMENT, TRAVEL & ARTSPreparing for winter weather conditions 11

HOLIDAYSThe gift of being a family 12The evolution and many faces of Christmas 13December plays host to many religious holidays 15

GIFT IDEASDo-It-Yourself gift ideas 17TEAR OUT: Black Friday shopping check-list 18Help college students this holiday season 19Holiday giving for special needs children 19

HEALTHTake holiday stress a day at a time 20

FOODApples: The perfect holiday food 21Holiday Recipes 22TEAR OUT: Holiday grocery shopping check-list 23

FOR THE KIDSTEAR OUT: Dear Santa 24

17

Wholesome funplanned for

New Year’s Eve

DIY GiftIdeas Planning for

Winter Travel

11

{holiday2012}

Our FirstChristmas

129

Avoca, Iowa is conveniently located just 30 minutes East of Omaha/Council Bluffs.

Contact Clint Fichtner or City Hall for more information: (712) 343-2424or check us out online at: www.CityOfAvoca.com citymanager@cityofavoca.com

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6 {community}

CHRISTMASFirst Night4:30pm at Bayliss Park

Holiday Concert Collaboration3:00pm at IWCC Arts Center

Holiday Happening4:00pm at Lauritzen Gardens

Holiday Happening4:00pm at Lauritzen Gardens

Bright Lights, Little City4:30-8:30pm at Main Street

Christmas, Woodbine

“The Nutcracker”8:00pm at Orpheum Theater

Slosburg Hall

“The Nutcracker”2:00pm and 8:00pm at

Orpheum Theater Slosburg Hall

“The Nutcracker”2:00pm at Orpheum Theater

Slosburg Hall

National Poinsettia Day9:00am-5:00pm

at Lauritzen Gardens

Christmas with the Symphony7:00pm at Holland Performing

Arts Center

Christmas with the Symphony8:00pm at Holland Performing

Arts Center

Christmas with the Symphony2:00pm and 8:00pm at

Holland Performing Arts Center

Christmas with the Symphony2:00pm and 7:00pm at

Holland Performing Arts Center

Holly Jolly Night Hike atHitchcock Nature Center

Kindernature “SurprisingSnowflakes” at Hitchcock Nature

Center

{what’sgoingon?}NOVEMBER

Through Dec. 23 – “A Christmas Carol,”Omaha Community Playhouse, HawksMainstage Theatre, Omaha. By CharlesDickens, adapted by Charles Jones, musicalorchestration by John J. Bennett.Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradi-tion as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey filled with beautiful cos-tumes, exquisite music, perfectly craftedsets and special effects second to none.Special shadow-interpreted performancefor the deaf and hard-of-hearing audiencewill be held Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. For ticketinformation, see ticketomaha.com/box-office or call (402) 345-0606 or toll-free (866)434-8587.

Nov. 23 – Christmas at Union Station, 4-7 p.m., The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10thSt., Omaha. Lighting of the tree, Santa, hol-iday crafts, cookie decorating, jazz singerMichael Walker. Concert series Dec. 1-2, 8-9and 15-16. Ethnic holiday trees, Nov. 23-Jan.6. Ethnic Holiday Festival Nov. 30, 5-9 p.m.

Nov. 23 – 6 p.m., Lighted ChristmasParade, Clarinda. Santa’s House open fol-lowing in southwest corner of square, andagain Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 23-24 – Christmas Antique Walk,Walnut. Merchants in Christmas finery willoffer holiday treats and hot, spiced ciderand coffee.

Nov. 24 – 1-3 p.m., Atlantic City Park,Atlantic. Santa’s Cabin and carriage rides.

Nov. 24 – Night the Lights Come On,Shenandoah. See 1,000 lights on 60-footChristmas tree by city hall and lighted deeron corners. Stores open late.

Nov. 25, Dec. 1, 2, 9, 15, 16 and 23 –Holiday Harmony, Lauritzen Gardens, Firstand Bancroft streets, Omaha. Join us for aseries of festive performances to brightenthe holiday season. Enjoy the sounds of dif-ferent local groups each week as heart-warming seasonal music combines withthe gorgeous backdrop of the holiday poin-settia show. Performers will include: Dec. 1,Southeast Nebraska Community Band,3:30 p.m.; Dec. 2, A Ring of Flutes, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Neal Davis, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Dec. 9,Omaha Suzuki String Teacher Assoc., 11:30a.m.; MasterSingers, 2:30-3:30 p.m.; Dec.15, Tangier Shrine Chanters, 1-2 p.m.; Dec.16, A Ring of Flutes, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; LincolnSoutheast Ars Nova, 2:30 p.m.; Dec. 23, TheVoice of Gael, 1:30-2:30 p.m.; Salem BaptistChoir, 3-4 p.m. Included with regular gardenadmission. $6 for adults and $3 for childrenage 6 to 12. Garden members and childrenunder the age of 6 are admitted to the gar-den free of charge.

Nov. 30 – “The Nutcracker,” 8-10 p.m.,Arts Center at Iowa Western CommunityCollege, 2700 College Road. Ballet

Nebraska’s fresh, lively, and thoroughlyentertaining production of the Nutcracker issure to become a favorite in your family.Ballet Nebraska’s careful attention to clearstorytelling and masterful balance of realityand fantasy effortlessly transports you intothe enchanting world of a child’s beautifuldreams. Even the youngest theatergoer willidentify with the young heroine, Clara, andfollow eagerly as her lively imaginationleads her on a wonderful journey filled withcolorful characters: the hair-raising RatQueen, dazzling dancers from many lands,the beautiful Sugarplum Fairy and herCavalier… and, of course, the NutcrackerPrince! For ticket information, see artscen-ter.iwcc.edu/tickets.asp or call (712) 388-7140 or (800) 432-5852 ext. 7140.

DECEMBERDec. 1 – Holiday Concert Collaboration,

3 p.m., Arts Center at IWCC. Holiday concertby Omaha Area Youth Orchestra and pre-pared reading of “The Nutcracker.” Free.

Dec. 1-2 – Holiday Happening, noon to 4p.m., Lauritzen Gardens. Take pictures withSanta Claus, listen to festive holiday carolsfrom local performance groups, hear sto-ries of the season, enjoy holiday treats infront of the crackling fireplace in the caféand walk through the beautiful holidaypoinsettia show. Complete your child’s hol-iday adventure with a craft to take home! A$3 program fee for all participating childrenis charged, along with paid garden admis-sion of $6 for adults and $3 for children age6-12. Garden members and children underthe age of 6 are admitted free of charge.

Dec. 7 – Bright Lights, Little City, 4:30-8:30 p.m., Main Street Christmas,Woodbine. Lighted Parade, chili cook-off,Santa and Mrs. Santa, $1,000 WoodbineDollars giveaway.

Dec. 7-9– “The Nutcracker,” Aspen SantaFe Ballet, Orpheum Theater Slosburg Hall,

409 S. 16th St. Omaha, Dec. 7, 8 p.m.; Dec. 8,2 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 9, 2 p.m. More than 60dancers, actors and circus artists, includingarea youth, mix Tchaikovsky’s traditional bal-let with “astounding creativity.” For ticket information, see omahaperformin-garts.org/tickets.

Dec. 12 – National Poinsettia Day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Lauritzen Gardens. First 100 familieswill receive a free poinsettia (limit one perfamily). Guests can view the spectacular hol-iday poinsettia show.

Dec. 13-16 – Christmas with theSymphony Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; Dec. 14, 8 p.m.;Dec. 15, 2 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 16, 2 and 7 p.m.,Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th andDouglas, Omaha. The Dancing Santa’sreturn. For tickets, see omahasymphony.orgor call (402) 342-3560.

HOLIDAY ATTRACTIONSNov. 17-Dec. 31 – Gingerbread on

Parade, daily from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., HistoricalKanesville Tabernacle, 222 E. Broadway.More than 100 gingerbread creations ondisplay from area families. Live music Dec.15 and 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Nov. 20-Dec. 30 – Christmas at theDodge House, 605 Third St. See theVictorian mansion decked out for the holi-days, with more than 20 Christmas treesdecorated with unique ornaments by localorganizations. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5p.m. Family nights Dec. 6, 13 and 20, 6-8p.m. Admission on Family Nights $10 perfamily (limit two adults and dependentchildren or grandchildren). See Santa freeDec. 6 in Beresheim House. ClosedThanksgiving and Christmas days andthroughout the month of January. Formore information, see dodgehouse.org orcall (712) 322-2406.

Nov. 23-Jan. 6 – Holiday PoinsettiaShow, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lauritzen Gardens,First and Bancroft, Omaha. Thousands ofpoinsettias bursting with rich, vibrant color

fill the floral display hall in a glowing trib-ute to the holidays. In the center, a magnif-icent and majestic 20-foot-tall poinsettiatree stands tall. Surrounded by a cascadeof twinkling white lights, glittering orna-ments and the whir and whistle of modelgarden trains. Admission is included withpaid garden admission of $6 for adults and$3 for children age 6 to 12. Garden mem-bers and children under the age of 6 areadmitted free of charge. Closed Christmasand New Year’s Day.

CHRISTMAS TREE FARMSDappan Tree Farm, 20873 GreenviewRoad. Scotch and white pines, fir trees,wagon rides, hot chocolate, cookies, toysand coloring books. Open Nov. 23-25 10a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call (712) 325-8303.

Sawtooth Farm, 52257 BrooksideAve., Glenwood. Call (712) 527-3397.

Horse Creek Farm, 2048 Horse CreekRoad, Sidney. See horsecreektreefarm.comor call (712) 374-6098.

Schmidt Construction 402.320.2600

Price Includes: Ceramic or Armstrong Floor, Bath Tub and Surround, Tuband Shower Control, Toilet, Vanity, Faucet, Medicine Cabinet, Shut Offs,

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We also do all types of repairs!Registered & Insured

8 {community}

By Dr. Lucinda Klein-Lombardo

After the excitement of the holidays, you might dreadJanuary - weeks of cold weather, shoveling snow, ice, andstaying inside. January can be a big let-down. Cabin fevercan set in and it can be especially difficult for children.One way to tackle cabin fever is to celebrate special days.January has 31 days the whole family can celebrate.Below are the special January days and suggested books toread on each day (*all books listed below are in the CouncilBluffs Public Library):

January 1 – New Years Day*Read New Years Day by David E. MarsJanuary 2 – Drinking Straw Day*Read Imaginative Inventions: The Who, What, Where,When, and Why of Roller Skates, Potato Chips, Marbles, Pieand More! By Charise Mericle HarperJanuary 3 – Fruitcake Toss Day*Read Bear Stays Up For Christmas by Karma WilsonJanuary 4 – Trivia Day*Read Ask Me Everything by Samone BosJanuary 5 – National Bird Day*Read Bring on the Birds by Susan StockdaleJanuary 6 – Cuddle Up Day*Read The Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise BrownJanuary 7 – Old Rock Day*Read Rocks, Rocks, Rocks by Nancy Elizabeth WallaceJanuary 8 – Bubble Bath Day*Read For the Love of Bubbles by Steve Banks

January 9 – National Static Electricity Day*Read Exploring Electricity by Carol BallardJanuary 10 – Peculiar People Day*Read The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. SeussJanuary 11 – Milk Day*Read Our Farm: Four Seasons with Five Kids on OneFamily’s Farm by Michael J. RosenJanuary 12 – Work Harder Day*Read How Things Work: The Complete Illustrated Guideto the Amazing World of Technology by Chris OxladeJanuary 13 – Make Your Dreams Come True Day*Read On the Court with Michael Jordan by MattChristopherJanuary 14 – Dress Up Your Pet Day*Read Dogs Don’t Wear Sneakers by Laura Numeroff &Joe MathieuJanuary 15 – Super Bowl’s Birthday*Read Super Bowl: 40 Years of Championship History byMatt ChristopherJanuary 16 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day*Read Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by David F. MarxJanuary 17 – Benjamin Franklin’s Birthday*Read Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of BenjaminFranklin by Gene BarretteJanuary 18 – Winnie the Pooh Day*Read The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh by A.A.MilneJanuary 19 – Popcorn Day*Read The Popcorn Book by Tomie dePaolaJanuary 20 – Penguin Awareness Day

*Read Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater &Florence AtwaterJanuary 21 – Squirrel Appreciation Day*Read Squirrel’s World by Lisa Moser January 22 – National Blonde Brownie Day*Read Fancy Nancy and the Delectable Cupcakes by JaneO’ConnorJanuary 23 – Measure Your Feet Day*Read The Foot Book by Dr. SeussJanuary 24 – Compliment Day*Read Good Manners are Contagious by Jodi Stoner &Lori WeinerJanuary 25 – Opposite Day*Read This Book Is Not Good For You by PseudonymousBoschJanuary 26 – Australia Day*Read Australia by David HamptonJanuary 27 – Chocolate Cake Day*Read Pure Imagination: The Making of Willy Wonka andthe Chocolate Factory by Mel Stuart with Josh YoungJanuary 28- National Kazoo Day*Read How to Kazoo by Barbara StewartJanuary 29 – National Puzzle Day*Read Where’s Waldo? : In Hollywood by Martin HandfordJanuary 30 – Yodel for Your Neighbors Day*Read How to Yodel: Lessons to Tickle Your Tonsils andFunnybone by Wylie GustafsonJanuary 31 – Backwards Day*Read Wacky Wednesday by Dr. Seuss •

What’s so great about January?

HAPPY HOL IDAHAPPY HOL IDAYS !YS !from WISECUP FARM MUSEUM

We will open again onMemorial Day 2013!1200 Canal St., Missouri Valley, IA 712-642-3925 www.wisecupfarmmuseum.com

{community} 9

Wholesome fun planned for New Year’s EveBY: TIM ROHWER

First Night is about celebrating local talent, giving them a chance to per-form to new audiences.

“Our goal is to bring something new each year,” said Inky Westfall, co-chairof this annual event.

That certainly is the case this year, she said, as 16 local acts will be makingtheir first-ever appearance at this year-end event, now in its sixth year.

First Night will be held on Dec. 31 in the downtown Council Bluffs area withthis year’s theme being “The “Spirit of Iowa Arts.” As in the past, it provideswholesome entertainment for the whole family as way to celebrate a new year ina fun and safe manner. Cost is just $10 and those 12 and younger are admittedfree. The buttons needed to enter venues where the acts will be perform can bepurchased at any Hy-Vee Food Store, No-Frills Food Store, the treasurer’soffice in City Hall or on the First Night website, Westfall said.

Events will take place at 14 venues, she said – First Congregational Church,First Baptist Church, Masonic Temple, St. John’s Lutheran Church, RefugeBible Church, Bloomer Elementary School, Public Library, City Hall,Pottawattamie County Courthouse, Community Hall, YMCA, Bayliss Park,Union Pacific Railroad Museum and the Squirrel Cage Jail.

A slight change this year is that the eating venue will move from City Hall toCommunity Hall for more room, Westfall said. Visual artists will set up their dis-plays in City Hall.

Like last year, the fourth-graders at Bloomer Elementary School with createand perform a drum act, Westfall said.

Besides local acts, First Night will also features some national entertainers, sheadded. A returning act, Young Elvis, will feature an accompanying band unlike

last year, she said.Everything begins at 4:30 p.m. and climaxes with the fireworks show in

Bayliss Park at 10 p.m.“This year, the fireworks will be synchronized with music, which is new for

us,” said Westfall, who oversees the event along with City Recreation SupervisorGeoff Hubbard.

It’s hoped this year’s event will surpass the 2011 attendance figure of 3,200,she said.

“We’re very excited for our citizens to see all these new acts,” Westfall said. •

File photo

Terry Evans stands with Karlee Singer, 3, while she pets Dancer the reindeer outside Bloomer Elementary at First Night 2012.

How to talk to your kids about building relationships

It is almost the time of year where the kids will soon be on break from school. For most familiesthis means more time together and more opportunities for conversation! Most people don’t thinkabout it, but times like the holidays are great times to talk to your kids about healthy relationships.These conversations don’t have to be formal and stressful; they can be casual conversations overholiday baking! There are many resources available to help you get prepared, but an honest, spon-taneous conversation will often work better than the carefully rehearsed. These conversations areimportant for all parents to have with their kids, but especially for parents who may have kids whowill want to spend significant amount of their holiday break with people from school.Here are some tips for talking to your kids about relationships:•Tell your kids about your successes and failures in the search for love. From your own first crushand the first time you got your heart broken. By all means edit the truly awful blind dates andinsignificant relationships, but don’t shy away from all of the embarrassing mistakes you made.Not only will your kids find some of it funny, it can spark real conversation. •If you are married, tell them about what is it that drew them to you and what qualities you thinkhave helped the two of you grow together. If you are not still in relationship with their other par-ent, then think back to what drew you initially to them and what some of the warning signs werethat started at the beginning that you didn’t understand or ignored. If you are still looking for ahealthy relationship in your life, don’t discourage your kids, but be realistic about the search. •Talk to your kids about jealousy and possessiveness as warning signs of abuse and insecurity.Assure them that most people are somewhat insecure, but what is important is how people copewith those feelings.•Challenge your kids to set their own limits (we call them “boundaries”) for texting, phone callsand computer use.•Talk to your kids about healthy intimacy. Make sure that the information they have comes fromyou – not their best friend or the internet. Tell them that the decisions they make about their bod-ies are important and that requiring others to respect their decisions will send a message that theyrespect themselves.•Encourage questions and curiosity. If you don’t know the answer, tell them so. Then go find it –together.

Catholic Charities Phoenix HouseCrisis line: 712-328-0266

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROMTRI-CENTER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

• All buildings/facilities located on one 40-acre campusnear I-80 and I-680 interchange

• Rural setting that offers good, safe country living 30minutes from the metro area

• Elementary remodeled in 2007; Middle Schoolconstructed in 1996

• 3 sections per grade level for grades K-6 (small classsizes for more effective instruction)

• Newly renovated High School and New High Schooladdition completed in September 2010

• 14 daily bus routes to accommodate the transportationneeds of students/families

• All buildings air conditioned• Entire campus networked electronically• Five 20-station terminal services computer labs

on campus• 15 wireless mobile PC laptop labs (20 per cart)

• 7 wireless iPad2 labs (20 per cart)• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device - laptop, iPad,

Smartphone) on campus for grades 6-12• Projection systems and document cameras in every

classroom• Pre-School programs half day and full day• All day every day kindergarten• K-12 drug education, social skills and character

education programs• Accelerated Reader/Accelerated Math for grades K-12• Advanced Placement and college credit courses at the

High School level• A greenhouse for Vocational Agriculture and

Horticulture• Comprehensive academic, activity and athletic programs • Rigorous academic requirements with traditionally

high testing scores• Excellent, comprehensive fine arts programs

• Athletic complex – features a football/soccer stadiumand practice fields, softball complex, baseball complexand an eight lane all-weather track

• 3 gyms, a multi-purpose building for wrestling/baseball/softball/auxiliary groups and a large weight training/fitness facility

• 98% average daily attendance and 99% graduation rate

CELEBRATINGG OUR50thh YEAR

Tours of the buildings/facilities are always available uponrequest or simply by stopping in at one of the building offices.

Here are just a few of the characteristics/opportunities extended to our students/families:

“Home of the Trojans”“Committed to Maximizing Student Potential”Serving the families of Beebeetown, Minden, Neola, Persia

and the Surrounding Area Since 1962

WEBSITE: www.tri-center.k12.ia.us

Tri-Center Community Schools has the reputation for being one of the finest schools in Southwest Iowa. Tri-Center offers quality educational programs PK through 12, top-notch facilities,

campus-wide state of the art technology, outstanding activities programs and a caring, certifiedfaculty, staff and administration. Tri-Center serves nearly 800 students each year.

High School 712-485-2257 Middle School 712-485-2211

Elementary 712-485-2271

Tri-Center Middle School

Tri-Center Elementary School

Tri-Center High School

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{entertainmenttravelarts} 11

Preparing for winter weather conditionsBY: CHAD NATION

Forecasters are predicting a mild winter throughoutthe Midwest, but even if we escape a long, cold sea-son, there will be at least one or two storms to test

our metal.Winter driving conditions are something that people

should think about now, before the white stuff hits the roads,according to Council Bluffs Police Special Operations Sgt.Jason Bailey.

Rest assured, Council Bluffs police vehicles will be pre-pared.

“We put winter tires on our cruisers and have access tochains if they are needed,” he said. “We also have four-wheeldrive SUVs.”

While you might not have access to winter tires, or even anSUV, there are things you can do to prepare for the comingweather challenges.

Bailey said the first snow test of the year is always the worst,so be aware of conditions.

“Along with the usual ‘drive carefully,’ I would say to payclose attention to the local news,” he said. “If they are callingfor bad weather, we recommend staying home when possi-ble.”

When taking to the road during winter weather, AAA alsoreminds drivers to proceed with caution to help maintainyour safety as well as that of passengers, fellow motorists androadside workers.

The Automobile Association also recommends the follow-ing tips for winter driving:

• Before starting out in snowy weather, take time toremove the snow from the entire car so it doesn’t blow onto

your windshield or the windshields of other drivers. Makesure your mirrors and lights are clean.

• Drive with your low-beam headlights illuminated.• Watch for icy surfaces on bridges and intersections, even

when the rest of the road seems to be in good condition.• Look farther ahead in traffic. Actions by other drivers

will alert you to problems and give you extra seconds to react.• When changing lanes, avoid cutting in front of trucks,

which need more time and distance than passenger vehiclesto stop.

• Don’t use cruise control in precipitation and freezingtemperatures.

• Remember that four-wheel drive helps you to get goingquicker, but it won’t help you stop any faster.

• Apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal with anti-lockbrakes.

To keep your vehicle running at its peak during the wintermonths, AAA Nebraska advises to check the battery strengthin your vehicle. Faulty batteries cause more car starting prob-lems than any other factor. At 0 degrees, a good battery has35 percent less starting power.

Park your car in the garage if you can. If you have nogarage, put a tarp over the hood or park protected from pre-vailing winds. To keep doors from freezing shut, place a plas-tic trash bag between the door and the frame.

And always keep the fuel tank at least half-full to avoid fuel-line freeze-up.

The Iowa Department of Transportation remindsmotorists to have a winter survival kit prepared in your vehi-cle in case you do run into trouble on icy roads.

The kit should include: Booster cables, blankets or sleep-ing bags, candles, matches, a snow shovel, extra mittens, capsand coats, high-calorie snacks like canned nuts, sand and

strips of carpet for traction, a flashlight and batteries, a first-aid kit and bottled water.

If you do become stranded, AAA says it is best to stay withthe vehicle. If you can start your engine, run it only longenough to keep warm, and make sure the exhaust pipe issnow-free.

Bailey also reminds people that vehicles must be removedfrom the street if a snow emergency is declared.

“If you live on an emergency snow route and a snow emer-gency is declared, you are required by law to move your vehi-cle off the route,” he said. “Your vehicle will be towed if youfail to comply with this.”

While officers try to notify owners before towing, some-times it is not possible.

“It is your responsibility to be aware of the situation,”Bailey added. •

A McMullen Ford service department employeepours antifreeze into a vehicle.

BY: MIKE BROWNLEEThis Christmas Kellen is a Vargas.As the Vargas family – Pedro, Mindi, Connor, 9, Logan, 6 and now

Kellen, 2 – celebrates the holidays this year, they’ll know one thing forsure: Kellen is a part of the family.

“This makes it more special,” said Mindi. “He’s ours. There’s no ques-tion about it, he’s part of our family. Nothing can change that.”

At 6 months old, Kellen joined the youngsters at Mindi’s daycare inCouncil Bluffs, while around that time Pedro and Mindi were consider-ing becoming foster parents. Shortly after Kellen joined the daycare, hewas put into foster care.

“When he was removed from his home, we knew it was time to do fos-

ter care,” Mindi said. “It was time to take him in.”The transition was smooth, as the youngster was already in the Vargas

home five days per week.“He was already in the routine,” she said. “Everything was the same,

except he was here longer.”After Kellen’s parents lost full rights to their son, the Vargas family

started the adoption process. Kellen was officially in their foster care fora year. During that time, the family a trip to Missouri – a halfway pointbetween Council Bluffs and Tennessee – to meet with Pedro’s family forChristmas.

The child met Pedro’s family, though he was a bit skittish. And all thewhile the Vargas clan had fun, but there was doubt in the back of Pedroand Mindi’s minds. They knew that until the final word came down fromthe state, Kellen could be gone.

“When you’re going through the adoption process, things couldchange at the last second,” Mindi said.

In June, the family completed the adoption process. This December,they’ll head to Missouri again, a full-blown family of five.

“It’ll set home that he’s a part of our family,” Pedro said. “And forhim, it’s great, he’ll get to see extended family again, this will help thetransition. He’ll get spoiled with hugs and kisses, have a great time.”

The out-of-state family is excited as well, ready to see Kellen again.That includes Pedro’s daughters from a previous marriage, Fawn, 17,and Brenna, 15, both of whom live in Oregon. They’ll welcome theirnewest, youngest brother to the family over the holidays.

For Mindi, “this year it’s definite,” there’ll be no worry on Christmasday. Only joy.

“This makes it more special,” she said.Jill Stone with Iowa Kidsnet, a network of six organizations involved

in foster care and adoption, said the transition from foster care to adop-tion is at times difficult. Foster parents have officials involved in the deci-sion-making process, often helping determine what’s best for a child.

“As a foster, you’re not expected to be the person making all the deci-sions and the responsible party,” she said. “As an adoptive parent, you’rethe one making decisions when you’re a parent.”

Another obstacle: The loss experienced by a child.“With any adoption there’s loss, especially with older children – the

loss of their birth family,” Stone said.Kellen’s case is a little different, as he came to Mindi and Pedro at a

young age. Stone said it’s important to have families like the Vargasesstepping up to bring another child into their home. Adoption throughfoster care is crucial for children and teenagers who are coming from diresituations.

“I’m glad,” said Connor Vargas at the family’s Council Bluffs home.Things were hectic, with the family scrambling to leave for Connor’s

soccer game, just minutes after getting home from a doctor’s appoint-ment for all three boys. Kellen smiled throughout, taking it all in with-out getting caught up in the craziness.

The younger brother looks up to Connor and Logan, imitating whatthey say, taking interest in the sports and games they play.

“He fits in here,” Connor said.At home and in Missouri, Kellen’s ready to unwrap soccer balls and

hockey pucks, with his family laughing and smiling with him. He’s notgoing anywhere, except for outside to play with new with his brothers.

“This Christmas, he’s a Vargas,” Mindi said. •

The gift ofbeing a familyVargas’ celebrate first ‘official’ Christmas

Mindi and Pedro Vargasrecently adopted two-

year-old Kellen (top cen-ter) who will spend his

first Christmas as aVargas with his new

brothers nine-year-oldConnor (bottom left) and

six-year-old Logan.

12 {holidays}

{holidays} 13

The evolution and many faces of Christmas

Many people prepare forthe arrival ofChristmas months in

advance. The first traces of wrap-ping paper and decorations arrivein stores as early as September,transforming the holiday into amuch more secular celebrationthan its modest Christian begin-nings.

Despite Christmas being animportant date in the lives oftoday’s Christians, the holidayfailed to gain prominent statusuntil relatively recently. Researchindicates that as late as the 19thcentury, Christmas was not even alegal holiday requiring a day offfrom work. That’s why 19th cen-tury readers of the classicChristmas tale, “A ChristmasCarol,” were not shocked at BobCratchit having to work onChristmas Day. The United StatesCongress used to meet onChristmas Day because it was not anational holiday. In 1836, Alabamabecame the first state to officiallyrecognize Christmas, but it didn’tbecome a legal holiday across thecountry until June 26, 1970.

Today’s Christmas celebrationsinclude traditions from around theworld. Some ascertain that it wasthe Church’s doing to scheduleChristmas at a similar time to thepagan festivals, such as Saturnalia,that took place during the wintermonths. But many biblical scholarsargue that this was not the case.

Some pagan influences, such asholly and mistletoe as well as theburning of a yule log, have longbeen a part of Christmas tradi-tions.

Santa Claus is one of the morerecognizable symbols ofChristmas. He is based on St.Nikolas of Myrna, an area that ispart of modern-day Turkey. St.Nikolas is the world’s most popu-lar non-Biblical saint and is one ofthe saints most portrayed byartists. Early depictions of St.Nikolas show him as a stern manwho delivered his share of disci-pline. Eventually, those depictionschanged to show a figure moreassociated with generosity.Throughout history there havebeen characters from around theglobe, such as the Viking deityOdin, who were precursors toSanta Claus. Myth states that Odinrode his eight-legged flying horsein the winter. Odin gave out giftsto well-behaved children and pun-ishments to those who misbe-haved. Children would fill boots orstockings with treats for the flyinghorse.

Regardless of the origins ofChristmas, today it is hard to denythat Christmas is a commercializedsuccess. It is a national holiday notonly in the United States but also inother areas of the world, and it is bestknown for the tradition of givingpresents to others. In fact, many peo-ple head to the stores well in advance

of the Christmas holiday to purchaseall of the presents on their shoppinglists. The shopping season traditionmay be traced back to the time ofWorld War II, when it was necessaryto mail gifts early to the troops serv-ing in Europe so that they would beable to open them in time.Merchants realized that this conceptcould be used when gifting troops aswell as private citizens, remindingshoppers to make their holiday pur-chases early so they could mail themto relatives near or far. As a result, theadvanced shopping season was born.

Although many people feelChristmas begins when the first bagof tinsel appears on a store shelf andends when the last present is openedon December 25th, the true religiousholiday does not coincide with mer-chant schedules. While most peopleare bustling to and from departmentstores and malls, Christians are par-ticipating in Advent, which was tradi-

tionally a solemn season of reflectionand fasting. Christians are supposedto spend Advent preparing for thebirth of Jesus Christ and the joy thatensues during the weeks leading upto December 25.

Similarly, the joyous time ofChrist’s birth is a day of celebrationthat does not end on December 26but continues for 12 days until theEpiphany, also known as LittleChristmas, when Magi were reportedto have visited the infant Christ andgive him gifts. Although the moretraditional day for gift-giving wouldseem to be on the Epiphany, by thetime that day arrives many peoplehave already taken down theirChristmas decorations.

Christmas is a holiday steeped inmany different traditions, and manypeople have their own ways of cele-brating all through the month ofDecember. •

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December plays host tomany religious holidays

Christmas and Chanukah may get thebulk of the attention come December,but the final month of the year

includes other religious holidays as well. Thefollowing are just a few of the religious celebra-tions taking place this holiday season.

* Feast of Saint Nicholas: Typically fallingon December 6, the Feast of Saint Nicholas, orSaint Nicholas Day, is a festival for children inmany European countries. In commemorationof Saint Nicholas, gift-giving occurs in somecountries on his feast day, while some coun-tries’ celebrations are more low-key. Childrenare typically the recipients of gifts, and the leg-end of Saint Nicholas, whose reputation as agift-giver was widely known during his lifetime,is said to have inspired the idea of Santa Claus.

* Bodhi Day: A holiday that commemoratesthe day Buddha received enlightenment, BodhiDay is typically celebrated on the 8th day of the12th lunar month. Bodhi Day is celebrated inmany Buddhist countries and communities,and many celebrants choose to meditate incommemoration.

* Feast of the Immaculate Conception:This feast, which is celebrated on December 8,celebrates the belief in the ImmaculateConception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is acelebration of the belief that Mary was kept freeof original sin from the moment of her concep-tion. The day is a Holy Day of Obligation with-in the Catholic Church.

* Chanukah: Some may instantly associateChanukah with exchanging gifts, but this well-known December holiday is not a celebration

of giving and receiving gifts, but a commemo-ration of the rededication of the Holy Templein Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt.Also known as the Festival of Lights, Chanukahis celebrated for eight nights and days, and insome years can begin in late November.

* Christmas: Celebrated every year onDecember 25 (though some OrthodoxChristians use a different calendar and celebrateon a different day), Christmas commemoratesthe birth of Jesus Christ. Traditions associatedwith Christmas include attending ChristmasMass, decorating for the holiday and exchang-ing gifts with family and friends. Once celebrat-ed strictly by Christians, the holiday is now cel-ebrated by Christians and non-Christians alikeand includes both religious and secular tradi-tions. •

{holidays} 15

16 {community}

BY: KIRBY KAUFMAN

Families are turning to cleaning and catering services during the holidayseason because it can be a frantic mess to keep the in-laws happy andstill have enough time to take in the scenery.

Barb Sequenzia, owner of Merry Maids in Council Bluffs, said its cleaningservices provide peace of mind and security for families so they don’t miss anyholiday happenings.

“Some people really want to impress their family,” Sequenzia said.Merry Maids, located at 38 Benton St., specializes in home cleaning and other

services, which include washing walls, ovens, refrigerators and windows.“There’s so many things going on during the holiday season,” Sequenzia said.

“There’re a lot of things to get out and enjoy.”The company offers free home estimates because everyone has different

needs. During the holidays, dining and guest rooms become the main benefici-aries of cleaning services. Cleaning requests are also common after guests leaveto make sure things are back in shape.

“It’s one less thing to have to worry about,” Sequenzia said. “People enjoycooking, baking and entertaining family. This just takes one thing off of theirplates.”

Services are geared toward families and also the elderly. The company hasmany repeat customers during the holidays.

When it comes to dinner deception, families turn to professionals such asKaty’s Catering in Glenwood. Owner Katy Marvel runs the business out of herhome on Highway 275 southeast of town.

“People are busy with their jobs, kids and grandkids,” Marvel said. “Peoplejust don’t have the time like they used to.”

Catering means no to-do lists, trips to the grocery store or fighting in thecheckout line. Families also don’t have to worry about food preparation andcleaning, she said.

Marvel was born into a family grocery and catering business, where shelearned to cook from her father and grandmother. Her business has been openfor three years.

Meals cost about $10 to $15 per person, Marvel said, with dishes rangingfrom ham, brisket or even prime rib. Most catering orders are for dishes peopledon’t make on a regular basis.

Marvel said business increases 40 percent between Thanksgiving andChristmas due to demand for holiday parties and family get-togethers. Marvelhas also catered complete Thanksgiving meals and business parties.

“No matter the holiday, I try to base it toward their event,” she said.Turn around for services is about 24 hours, but most customers order at least

a week in advance, Marvel said. Dishes such as prime rib require 12 hours in asmoker before served. Food is picked up or delivered in disposable containersor customers can bring their own serving trays.

“They pick it up, take it to their house and pretend they made it,” she said. •

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BY: KIM BOUSQUET

‘Tis the season to spend,shop and stuff. However,if you are looking to do

gift-giving in a unique, more creativeway, here are some great do-it-your-self options that might make yourholly a little more jolly:

Gift forspouse – 12Months ofDates

This idea Ifound on shan-nonbrown.type-pad.com. You cansurprise yourspouse by plan-ning out one datea month for the

next year, or you can do what I did, split theduty and have your spouse plan half the year. Itcan be as elaborate or simple as you wish, justtype up the date plans, put them in an envelopefor each month and add any extras that mightbe needed. For some dates, everything was pre-paid: Tickets were purchased, dinner reserva-tions were made, and babysitters were lined up.Others were left open for better planning clos-er to the month, which you might want to doif you’re planning something like a picnic,camping or other outdoor adventures.

Gift for sister– Homemadefoot scrub

You can find varia-tions on scrubs allover the Internet,but I used two forinspiration here:the idearoom.netand aromaweb.com.This recipe will fillan 8-ounce jar ortwo 4-ounce jars.

Place 8 ounces of granulated sugar in a mixingbowl, then add 1 ounce vegetable oil, 1 ouncevegetable glycerin, 1 ounce liquid castile soup,½ teaspoon of vitamin E oil (can be omitted,but it extends the scrub’s shelf life), ¼ teaspoonessential oil (some recommendations:patchouli, orange, spearmint, peppermint).Transfer the scrub to a cute container andyou’re done!

Gift forfriend –Rein Beer 6pack

Decorate a six-pack of root beeror beer as a packof reindeer. Icame across sev-eral sites offeringideas, but thiswas one of theoriginals, finger-p r i n t s o n t h e -fridge.com. Just

glue on some googly eyes, a pompom for anose and twist brown piper cleaner around thetop to resemble antlers.

Gift forneighbor– Cookiedough

While pre-made cookiesare nice, noth-ing beats fresh-o u t - o f - t h e -oven cookies.Give yourneighbors thedough of yourfavorite cookierecipe so theycan makecookies whenthey’re needed. Dress up the container with alabel. The cute label on the cookie dough giftfound at marcicoombs.blogspot.com wasordered on Etsy.

Gift for teacher – HotChocolate mix in a jar

Find a good recipe for hot chocolate and pre-pare a large badge of it to give to your chil-dren’s teachers this year. I found this cute ideaat christyrobbins.blogspot.com. In a mason jar,place a baggie of the mix and then add largemarshmallows. You might want to decorate themarshmallows as snowmen, just buy some foodpins to draw on the eyes, carrot nose and smile.Decorate the jar with some ribbon and a card.You could also add a mug to the gift.

Gift for kids – Personalizedalphabet book

Make your child his or her own alphabetbook using pictures of items and people yourchild knows. I saw this idea on modernpar-entsmessykids.com. There are a number of sitesonline that you can use to create the book.Make sure you finish the book early enough forit to get shipped to you before Christmas. •

{giftideas} 17

Do-It-Yourself gifts

18 {giftideas}

S H O P P I N G C H E C K L I S T

WHO WHAT WHERE TIME OPEN COST

{giftideas} 19

Everyone wants to get the perfect gifts for people on their holiday shopping lists.Shopping for a child with special needs can make gift-giving a bit more difficult. After

all, buyers want to ensure the gift is practical as well as thoughtful. However, there aremany great gift ideas for special needs children.

Buying gifts for kids with a disability or other special needs make take a little moretime, but shoppers who consider a child’s developmental readiness as well as personalinterests can still find the perfect gift.

Consult with parents and caregivers. Parents often know best when it comes to theirown children and will make the most reliable source as to which gifts to buy for specialneeds children. Parents may have a list of items a therapist or teacher has suggested, andthese learning tools could make good gifts, particularly if parents’ own budgets arestretched. If you’d like to make the gift a surprise for everyone involved, go directly toa therapist or teacher and ask for suggestions. There may be classroom aides that can bebought to continue the learning experience at home.

Assess developmental level. When it comes to special needs children, age does notalways dictate the proper developmental level. A pre-teen with special needs may not beon the same level academically and socially as his or her peers, while some special needschildren may be more developed in a particular area than other special needs kids theirage. Assess a child’s developmental level to help you select toys that he or she can playwith. For example, a nonverbal child with autism who likes marine life may benefit froma colorful picture book where he or she can point to the animals.

Think about interests. Most children gravitate to certain types of toys and have spe-cific interests when it comes to play. A music lover may enjoy a learner’s guitar or key-board. Those who like to build would probably like a Lego(R) or Mega Bloks(R) setthat can be transformed into cars, trucks or even space stations. Most children benefitfrom art sets where they can explore their creativity and also master greater dexterity andimaginative thinking.

Consider making a financial donation. Some children with special needs require theuse of specialized equipment, such as braces or wheelchairs. Such equipment can beexpensive, and the child’s family might benefit from a financial gift. A monetary gift tobe put toward medical supplies, travel, gear, or even a charitable donation to an associ-ation would make fine gifts.

Special needs children are just like others in that they look forward to the bounty ofholiday gifts. Choosing presents that pertain to their interests, needs and developmentalreadiness can ensure that this holiday season is a happy one. •

Holiday giving for special needs children

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College is a time when many students form friendships and make memories thatlast a lifetime. College is also a time when students learn to stretch a dollar, and theright gift come the holiday season can have a big impact on a college student’s life.The following are a few gift ideas that may help make your favorite student’s sec-ond semester a success.

Books and supplies: Textbooks and supplies remain one of the biggest expensesfor today’s college students. According to the College Board, a not-for-profitorganization aimed at helping college students be successful, the average cost forbooks and supplies during the 2011-2012 school year was roughly $1,200. Such anexpense can be daunting for college students, and relatives can help them out comethe holidays by paying for a portion or all of their second semester textbooks andsupplies. Such a gesture might not make the most sentimental holiday gift, but it’sa practical present that will go a long way toward helping a financially strugglingstudent pay his or her bills.

Travel: College students who want to study abroad or travel for spring break mustbankroll those travels themselves. In addition, some students struggle to pay fortheir travel back home during the holiday season or during other breaks from class.Adults who want to lend a college student a helping hand this holiday season canoffer to help pay those travel costs. Men and women who travel a lot for work mightbe able to use their airline miles to secure a free or low-cost ticket for the collegestudent in their life.

Computer accessories and programs: Of course, not all gifts need to be financial-ly oriented. Practical gifts like computer accessories can also make a great gift forcollege students. Nowadays, many colleges and universities require incoming stu-dents to have their own desktop or laptop computers. Students with their own lap-tops might appreciate new laptop bags that make it easier to transport their com-puters to and from classes and the library. In addition, some majors, such as graph-ic design, require that students use ever-evolving and expensive computer software.These programs are often installed on computers in the university’s labs, but stu-dents may perform better in school if they install such programs on their own com-puters. Upgrading students’ computer software can save them money and helpthem do better in school.

Gaming consoles: Another great gift for college students is the latest video gam-ing console. Though such a gift might not be as virtuous as new textbooks or com-puter programs, a gaming console can help students unwind from the stresses ofschoolwork.

Today’s college students grew up with gaming consoles and many are avidgamers, so a new gaming console can also be a great way for them to make newfriends who share similar interests. •

Help college studentsthis holiday season

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20 {health}

Take holiday stressa day at a time

BY: KIRBY KAUFMAN

Shawna Hedegaard knows how to keep her head above the water duringthe holiday season.

The 34-year-old Missouri Valley mom said financial and shopping woes couldmake for an unwanted busy schedule.

“I think for a lot of families these days money is definitely tight, and duringthe holidays it can escalate and be overwhelming,” Hedegaard said. “In addi-tion to financial stress, having the time to go shopping without kids for gifts canbe a challenge.”

Hedegaard said online shopping is a great alternative to a busy schedule.“I love shopping online,” she said. “It beats standing in long lines and park-

ing a mile away from the store, but I know that is what some people love aboutthe holiday season.”

When it comes to finding the right gift for little ones, Hedegaard said parentsshouldn’t stress about getting the right gift.

“My son is 2 so his expectations for Christmas presents are pretty low rightnow,” she said. “Last year he loved playing with the wrapping paper and emptyboxes.”

Other times, finding the right gift can become a very daunting task.“For some parents, I am sure there is pressure to purchase the right gift,” she

said.Hedegaard and her family visit the in-laws in Underwood and during

Christmas they stay in Missouri Valley. That doesn’t include the extra stops dur-ing the holiday season.

“We normally have multiple Christmas parties to attend and making them allcan be hectic,” she said.

Between the shopping, gifts and parties, Hedegaard said it’s important toremember why people run around during the holidays: To keep family mem-bers happy and bring everyone together under one roof.

“If we can simply remember why we celebrate the holidays, it helps to putthings into perspective and suddenly the little details don’t seem so important,”she said.

And if the sky comes crashing down, a simple solution is to slow things down.“Just take one day at a time,” she

said. “It will all get done eventual-ly.”

For others, holiday stress canreally pile up so they turn to spaand salon services to alleviate extraworries.

Jami Sousa, co-owner ofSunKiss’d Tanning in CouncilBluffs, said people may suffer fromseasonal affective disorder, which iscaused by lack of sunlight.

“The reason it’s a big stressreliever is you get there, and youturn on your music,” she said.“You just relax.”

Other people walk into the salonjust to stay warm during the coldermonths. Sousa said clients oftenstop in after work.

“If it stays really cold and icky,they do come in here,” she said. •

{food} 21

As I may have mentioned in thepast, I really like fresh fruit. Myhusband says I am too much like“Howie Mandel”: I wash every-thing. I refuse to eat it until it iswashed, and I worry when I gorestaurants. I just know thatsome kid with pimples choppedmy salad or sliced my lemon withan unclean knife. I can’t help it.Call me Howetta Mandeli.

I love to shop the produce sec-tion of the grocery store. I han-dle everything, smell it, massage

it, examine it. But if I handle it, I wonder how many other peopledo too. This just increases my germ phobia.

So everything I bring home from the produce department, Iwash with one-part vinegar and three-parts water. I bought a spraybottle from the dollar store and filled it with ¼ white vinegar andthe remainder with water. I spray vegetable and leave this on for 2minutes, then rinse with cold running water. Your can buy a ready-made spray for about $4.95 (16 oz.), but why?

I wash berries, all fruits and vegetables before storing. It’s appleseason and apples top the list of the “Dirty Dozen” for herbicidesand pesticides. So wash them thoroughly and remove the label ofthe origin sticker. I read that the glue used to place the sticker onfruit is edible (yum!).

I found the perfect apple crisp recipe for the holidays. It is frommy friend and neighbor, Marilyn Nadler. I’ve known Marilyn foryears and she always gives me good advice. She has a degree as ahome economist and is a good cook. When my kids were little,Marilyn and her late husband, Walter, would have a Christmasgathering for neighbors. The kids loved to go because Marilynwould have cookies made into holiday shapes. She would have thekids decorate them with evaporated milk and a little food coloring.Each child had a paintbrush, and would color their cookies andtake them home. Marilyn was way ahead of her time in thinkingabout excess sugar in our diets.

I can’t imagine having a holiday season in fall or winter withoutapples. Some food, at some time, has to be made with apples: Pies,turnover, cookies, salsa, crisps (even turkey dressing). Marilynmakes the best apple crisp. This recipe is so good that I may seve itwith pork roast too, instead of applesauce. Marilyn served this applecrisp with gelato imported from Italy (HyVee brand in the frozenfood section). If you make it, don’t serve it with “pretend”whipped topping and keep the amount to one-half cup. The gela-to is so good it’s hard to keep it at one half but the apple crisp is sodelicious, you really won’t need much adulteration.

Apple Crisp5 pounds of apples, washed, peeled and sliced. (Use Honey

Crisp, Yellow Delicious or any cooking apples)Add the zest and juice of 3 oranges and 2 lemons (use organic

and then only scrape the citrus zest ONCE at each area on the cit-rus, do not allow the white pith to be part of the zest). Toss thejuice and the zest with the apples and then add ½ cup sugar andmix well. Put the apples in a 9x13 inch glass pan.

Topping for the crisp:1stick of butter¾ cup flour6 tablespoons brown sugar6 tablespoons white sugar¼ teaspoon of salt1 cup whole oats (NOT quick or instant)

Mix with a mixer, adding the oats after the butter, flour and sug-ars are mealy-looking (Do NOT use a food processor). If you likelots of crispy topping, then double this part of the recipe. Sprinklethe topping over the apple mixture and bake in 350 oven for 1hour.

I know you can do it. Remember to wash the apples and lemons.If you need other holiday dessert ideas, e-mail me atlaynie@cox.net. •

Apples: The perfect holiday food

EATING WITH ELAINEby Elaine Fenner

22 {food}Corn Bread Stuffing1 cup butter (2 sticks)1 cup onion, chopped1 cup celery, chopped1 ½ to 2 cups liquid or broth*1 box Mrs. Cubbison’s SeasonedCorn Bread Stuffing

Oven Casserole DirectionsPrep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 45 minutesPreheat oven to 350°F. In alarge saucepan, melt butter on medium heat, sauté vegetablesuntil translucent.Combine stuffing mix; stir in liquid* gradually and blend lightly.Place stuffing in greased casserole dish, cover and bake for 45minutes. Uncover last 15 minutes for crisper top.

Top-of-Stove DirectionsPrep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 10 minutesIn large saucepan, melt butter on medium heat, sauté vegetablesuntil translucent.Stir in liquid gradually and bring to a boil over high heat. Coverand reduce heat to simmer for 3 minutes.Turn off heat, add dressing mix and blend lightly. Cover and letstand for 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and serve.

Peppermint Mocha Chip Cookies(Makes 36 cookies)

3/4 cup unsalted butter, soft-ened3 cups Nestlé Toll HouseSemi-Sweet ChocolateMorsels, divided1 1/2 cups granulated sugar3 teaspoons Nescafé Taster’sChoice House Blend 100%Pure Instant Coffee Granules2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 teaspoon peppermint extract3 large eggs2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder12 soft peppermint candies, crushed

PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Grease or line baking sheet withparchment paper.MELT butter and 1 cup chocolate morsels in medium saucepanover medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.TRANSFER chocolate mixture into a large mixer bowl; addsugar and beat until combined. Add coffee granules, vanillaextract and peppermint extract; beat just until combined. Beat ineggs. Add flour and baking powder, mixing until all is incorporat-ed. Fold in remaining 2 cups chocolate morsels.SCOOP dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inchesapart, using a medium size cookie scoop. Sprinkle each cookiewith a little of the crushed peppermint candies.BAKE for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are set. Allow tocool for about 2 minutes on baking sheet and then remove to awire rack to cool completely.

Fire Roasted Jalapeño Onion Dip Makes about 1-3/4 cups dip

4 jalapeño peppers1 package (5.7 ounces) onion soup mix1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Preheat broiler. Place peppers on non-stick cookie pan; broil, turning at least

once, 6 to 7 minutes or until blackened. Let stand 10 minutes.Remove stem and seeds; coarsely chop.

In large bowl, stir together onion soup mix, sour cream andmayonnaise. Fold in peppers. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Serve with cucumber and zucchini slices, celery, carrot sticks,sliced bell peppers and other favorite vegetables.

Note: For spicier dip, include seeds from peppers.

{food} 23

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{faithfinder} 25

30 Valley View Drive • 712-323-7129www.NewHorizonPC.org

SundayWorship Services

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New HorizonPresbyterian Church

4220 Gifford Rd., Council Bluffs, IA(712) 366-9112www.twincitiescc-councilbluffs.com

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Gethsemane

Presbyterian

Church

Handicapped Accessible

14955 Somerset Ave � Council Bluffs

Worship: Sun. 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00AM(712) 366-1408 � www.cbsalem.org

712-323-7805www.escccb.org

Sunday Services8:00 a.m. - Heritage Chapel9:15 a.m. - Worship Center

10:45 a.m. - Worship Center

20794 Highway 92 � Co. Bluffs, IA 51503

7:00 a.m., M-F, KCRO 660 AM

712.328.2606www.FirstChristianCB.org

A Place for You

Faith FinderYour fam

ily’s local guide to places of worship

600 Bluff St.(1 block west of

the Dodge House)Handicapped

Accessible

OUR SAVIOR’SLUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA

712-322-6655Saturday Worship: 5:30 PM

Sunday Worship: 10 AM(Coffee fellowship 11:15)

Sunday School: 8:45 AM

Adult Bible Studies:Sunday 8:45 AM & 6:30 PM

www.oursaviorscb.org

6905 S. 84th Street, La Vista, NE(On the corner of 84th & Harrison)M-F 9:30am-9pm, SAT 9am-6pm

402-592-4866

�Bibles�Books�Music�Gifts�Framed Art�Cards�Apparel�Willow Tree�Gift Cards�SeraphimAngels

Come visit the

new store!

26 {faithfinder}

First Christian Church presents

A Family Christmas Celebrationon December 15, at 6:30 PM and December 16, at 4:00 PM

This Presentation is Free & Open to the Public!

Christmas Eve Services4:00 PM ~ For young families

6:00, 8:00 and 10:00 PM ~ Candlelight Communion Services

20794 Hwy 92, Council Bluffs

712.328.2606www.FirstChristianCB.org

Ticketsmake great

gifts!712-388-7140

or 800-432-5852artscenter.iwcc.edu

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