the zone magazine | december 2013

A THE ZONE_DECEMBER 2013 THE FRONT PORCH TO YOUR COMMUNITY WWW.THEZONEMAG.COM

THE ZONETHE FRONT PORCH TO YOUR COMMUNITY

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n a galleon sails on!n christmas around townn wild warrior

FEATURING

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DECEMBER 2013 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2DECEMBER 2013 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2

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WWW.THEZONEMAG.COM THE FRONT PORCH TO YOUR COMMUNITY THE ZONE_DECEMBER 2013 1

R&H Toyota/Scion What is INSIDE EDITOR’S NOTE

FEATURES:

A Galleon

sails on 4

Christmas

around town 8

Common Core...

In Baltimore County Schools 10

Wild Warriors

for a cause 12

DEPARTMENTS:

Fitness Zone 14

Let’s Talk

turkey 16

KidsZone 19

Holiday Spirits

and the Hereford Zone 20

Dear Neighbors,The Holiday season is upon us and oh, what a wonderful time of the year

it can be; if we allow ourselves time to enjoy it. Many of us get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season that we rarely allow ourselves time to sit back and enjoy our hard work.

We think it’s time to put the “Happy” back into your holidays. I challenge you to pencil time into your schedule to do what makes you happy during the holidays. I also suggest that you wait 24 hours before you respond to any party invitations or volunteer requests. Choose just a handful of activities that make you and your family happy and then use the rest of the time to focus on the reason for the season.

In this issue of The Zone, we are bringing you several great articles that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart this holiday season. I am constantly inspired by the people we feature in our magazine and this month that hits home for sure because many of them are giving back to the community while doing things they love. Now that’s how you put the Happy back in your Holiday!

Please continue to share your stories, photos and ideas by e-mailing them to [email protected]. You can be sure that I read everything that comes my way. We will try to cover as many of your submissions as possible in the upcoming issues.

Have a great day and a very happy holiday season! See you around the Zone!

Jennifer KlineJennifer KlineExecutive Editor

Editorial Executive Editor

Jennifer Kline [email protected]

Photography Cover Photo submitted by

Mary Ann Reott

Sales [email protected]

410-343-7757

Design/Graphics Lyliam Vásquez

[email protected]

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2 THE ZONE_DECEMBER 2013 THE FRONT PORCH TO YOUR COMMUNITY WWW.THEZONEMAG.COM

Delegate Susan Aumann (District 42B) grew up in the Hunt Valley community of Greencroft. She is married to Karl, Maryland’s former Secretary of State and current commissioner for the Workers’ Compensation Commission. They have two children, Langley and Catherine.

Scott Braden, xxxx

Laura Gaffney, Owner of Pulse Health and Fitness Club, lives in White Hall, MD with her husband, three children and labrador. A long-time native of the Hereford Zone, Laura and her husband, Bob, run the family-owned fitness facility located in the heart of Sparks and together they share a passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals.

CT “Chip” Marshall is a writer and chef from White Hall, MD. Mr. Marshall has been cooking and catering professionally for nearly 25 years, and is the owner and executive chef of Local Flavors Catering. A native of the hills and fields of Northern Baltimore County, Mr. Marshall brings the farm fresh tastes of his youth to his recipes and menus. Simple, satisfying flavors... Local Flavors.

Alysa Porter resides in Monkton. In her free time, she enjoys working out at Pulse Health and Fitness Club, spending time outdoors with her family and cooking hearty & healthy meals.

Kathy Rambo has been a Freeland resident for close to thirty years. She is the proud mother of three children and two grandchildren. Kathy enjoys reading, shopping with friends and is still getting used to retired life after many years as a teacher at Prettyboy Elementary.

Jessica Sichel is a 2004 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, where she met her husband, Matthew. She is also the secretary for Wesley United Methodist Church and a stay-at-home mom. Jess and Matt have two beautiful, energetic children and live in Manchester, MD. n

CONTRIBUTORS

Congratulations PAM DILL!Our first winner of The Zone Photo ContestJoin and upload your best photo to our new

www.zonebook.usin the photo contest group and you could have

the cover of the next magazine.(Please make sure to take your photo in the

highest resolution possible.)


THE POLITICAL TOSS UP

Hello Zone readers, I will be providing the “lefty” side of the conversation for the Political Toss Up. I consider myself more of a moderate, but I did vote for Obama, and in Northern Baltimore County that practically qualifies me as a socialist. In fact, since I have been asked to write under a Pen Name, I am going to borrow the names of an actual socialist, and someone who wasn’t, but was often accused of it, and call myself Emma Roosevelt.

Now to share a little bit about myself. . .I have lived in the Hereford Zone for over 20 years and—

God willing-- will probably live here for the next 20+. I was raised by parents who consider themselves conservatives, but who also support environmental protections, labor unions, public schools, immigration reform, and gay marriage. Like them, I am probably fiscally conservative but socially liberal.

I am not going to try to speak for what all Liberals believe, but I personally believe:

. . . in personal responsibility and individual liberty. In fact, I think they go together. So if you want to drink giant sodas, smoke cigarettes (or pot), or ride a motorcycle without a helmet, go ahead—just make sure you have health insurance so I don’t have to subsidize your medical treatments with my tax dollars.

. . .in personal property rights. I think everyone should have the right to do what they want with their property, provided it does not damage the environment or infringe upon someone else’s rights.

. . . that government has an important role to play in providing for the needy, protecting our environment and protecting our citizens .

--that corporations are NOT people, and that Citizens United was the worst Supreme Court decision in my lifetime.

…that illegal immigration is a problem, but the solution is not to build bigger fences.

. . . that we need an affordable health care system—but the Affordable Care Act is not it.

. . .That the only way out of our current fiscal crisis is to cut unnecessary spending AND raise taxes. ( I hate paying taxes too, but this stubborn refusal to raise taxes even slightly on people making millions of dollars is insane. )

I look forward to civil discourse with my colleague on the right, and if not to changing minds, at least to open them a bit.

Emma Roosevelt and Reagan F. Buckley Jr. would love to hear from you. What topics would you like for them to toss around? Please send your political thoughts or ideas to the Political Toss Up at [email protected]. n

The Lefty

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Imagine, just for a moment, a proud Spanish Galleon cutting through the waters of an endless sea; courageous, strong, persistent, and inspired. This is the image that could be conjured up by families and friends of Charles Jonathan Neave.

Charlie was a Galleon; a Galleon at The Odyssey School in Owings Mills, MD. A lover of all things sports, he played and followed soccer, basketball, football, and lacrosse. Despite being a Marylander, he was such a passionate New York Jets fan, that he was able to infuse die-hard Ravens classmates with the passion to cheer for the Jets!

The boy with the 24/7 smile and the reputation for always looking out for others left this world suddenly, December 2, 2012, following a yearlong battle with an autoimmune illness. Not only were his parents, Jon and Liz, and his brother, Spencer devastated by their loss, but so were the many people whose lives had been touched by Charlie. Neighbors, classmates, teachers, team members, and coaches were at a loss as to how to both honor Charlie’s memory and carry on his tradition of looking out for others.

Four Hereford Zone residents, Patti Mutascio, Dana Pflugrad, Mary Ann Reott, and Keri Weber came together to brainstorm a special remembrance for Charlie and his family. Each had their own special connection with the Neaves. Patti shared, “We’ve been friends and neighbors of the Neave family for 12 years. Our kids went to preschool together and our husbands work for the same company”. The Webers, also friends and neighbors, are big fans of the Neaves. The Pflugrad family also has been longtime family friends, and their children attended Sparks Elementary School together. Mary Ann Reott states, “I have known the Neaves since the boys played tyker lacrosse and I coached Charlie and Spencer”.

The question loomed; “What can we do?” They wanted to create something that would honor Charlie;

that would speak to the kind of kid he was; something which would capture his generous spirit and zest for life. Since The Odyssey School was Charlie’s home away from home, the ladies decided to organize a running event to raise money to endow a scholarship at The Odyssey School in Charlie’s memory. This scholarship was to be established to provide assistance to students needing financial aid who embody Odyssey’s Four Pillars: Kindness, Honesty, Respect, Hard Work. It needed to be a family event as well as something that could involve the various schools attended by the Neave siblings and the organizers’ children. It also had to be held in a central location. Sparks was selected.

Now that the idea had taken shape, the organizers needed to organize! Fortunately, there was a willing partner, seasoned in race management, waiting in the wings…Charm City Run. It seems that this popular retail store for runners of all levels is, according to Mary Ann Reott, “a flawless backer”.

With guidance from Charm City Run, the four ladies met several times each month to organize. Their efforts resulted in the creation of “Charlie’s Run, a 5K Race and Kid’s Fun Run that will honor the kind, endearing, and humorous spirit of Charlie Neave and benefit The Charlie Neave Scholarship Fund at the Odyssey School.”

The inaugural run will commence at 9:00 A.M. on Sunday, December 8, 2013, at Sparks Elementary School on Belfast Road. Students from The Odyssey School, St. Paul’s, Sparks Elementary, and 8th graders from Hereford Middle are slated to assist with the event.

The outpouring of support has been overwhelming. In addition to the commitment and guidance of Charm City Run, there has been sponsorship from Stifel, Hereford Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Maryland Capital Management, Hallaton, Inc., Towson Sports Medicine, University of Maryland

A Galleon sails on


A GALEON SAILS ON

As envisioned by the organizers, the race will be a family affair. The 5K race and the Kid’s Fun Run’s entry fees are as follows:

· $30 for adults prior to race day

· $35 on race day

· $15 for kids 12 and under prior to race day

· $20 for kids 12 and under on race day

The Neaves family: Spencer, Jon, Liz and Charlie

Sports Medicine, Communications Electronics, Holly Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation, Goetze’s Candy, Lisa Guarrera Design, Lentz Appraisal Services, MSP Marketing and Corporate Branding, and workshop/apd. The race expenses have been fully funded by these major sponsors. This means that all proceeds from the race go directly to the scholarship fund. Sponsors with donations of $2,500 are designated “Hall of Fame”, those giving $1,000- Ring of Honor, and $250- MVP. While these extraordinary gifts are immensely appreciated, sponsors at all levels are needed to build the scholarship fund. Corporate, individual, and family donations of ANY amount are graciously appreciated.

Registration can be easily completed on line at www.charmcityrun.com, or up to the minute on race day. For those pre-registering, race packets can be picked up at Charm City Run Timonium, 2045 York Road, Timonium, MD on Saturday, December 7th, from 10:00 A.M.- 3:00 P.M. For information concerning registration, or other race day needs Kelly Dees may be contacted at:

[email protected] 410-308-1870

Although the race begins at 9:00A.M., race day festivities kick-off at 7:30 A.M. “Even if you have not previously registered, feel free to just show up”, says Mary Ann Reott. “Walk-ons are welcome”. The course will begin and end at Sparks Elementary School, with the Neaves Family waiting to greet runners at the finish line.

All runners will receive a heather gray long-sleeve T-shirt; sizes YL, S, M, L, & XL. There will also be a variety of giveaways throughout the duration of the event. Race participants will be recognized in a number of age groups and school affiliations. Awards will be given to the top three

male and female runners overall. Additional awards will go to the top male and female runners in the following age groups: 10 and under; 11-15; 16-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; and 70 and over. Student awards are also included. The top male and top female runner from The Odyssey School, Sparks Elementary School, Hereford Middle School, and St. Paul’s School will be honored as well.

Festivities are also planned after the race. There will be music to enjoy along with food and drink to rehydrate and reenergize. The Awards Celebration will include the presentation of awards for each age group and school affiliation as well as recognition of Hall of Fame, Ring of Honor, and MVP sponsors.

If running is not your “thing”, volunteer opportunities to assist with race day needs are still being offered. Patti Mutascio, volunteer coordinator, can be reached at 410-404-7412 if you would like to offer your services.

Although this is just the inaugural year, the race organizers hope to make Charlie’s Memorial Run an annual event. The positive qualities exhibited by Charlie; his endearing, kind, and humorous spirit, should be emulated and remembered. Selecting a scholarship recipient exhibiting these fine attributes will be a living, loving testament to Charlie and his family. The scholarship endowment will allow another student with learning differences to flourish, as Charlie did, under the guidance, dedication, and teaching approach of the Odyssey School. This will fulfill the mission of the Charlie Neave Scholarship Fund, by letting another proud Galleon set sail upon the sea of life, armed and ready for success. Charlie will not be forgotten. n

Kathy Rambo


...In Baltimore County Schools There has been a great deal of frustration and confusion by parents and

teachers regarding the implementation of the Common Core Curriculum in Baltimore County. Let me explain what I have learned about this.

There were Federal Standards in Mathematics, English, Language Arts, History/Social Studies and Science/ Technical subjects developed for each State. These Standards are to be aligned with curriculum written by each County’s Board of Education. Common Core will provide an outline for teachers to ensure all children are educated to meet the Federal Standards. The Maryland Department of education adopted the Common Core State Standards without public hearings.

The frustration and confusion surrounding Baltimore County School’s curriculum, is the lack of transparency and proper implementation. Recently, The Towson Times quoted Superintendent Dallas Dance’s email stating: “The standards do not describe the material of instruction, the strategies teachers should use to teach children or the types of learning activities students should engage in to meet or exceed the standards.” He later thanked readers for their “patience and flexibility while they develop future units.”

The Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) system is in the process of asking teachers to write new curriculum for the program standards. The Superintendent has selected this route instead of using a professional curriculum development company. The Curriculum that was developed will only cover six weeks of instruction at a time, leaving the teachers and students at a disadvantage.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee for the House of Delegates, which handles budgetary items, it concerns me that educational funds won’t be used to their fullest potential. For example, BCPS has directed the school system to take the Maryland State Assessment Test (MSA) for children in grades 3- 8. The implementation of the MSA will cost the School System$ 6 million dollars, and will not reflect what the children are being taught due to an unfinished Common Core curriculum. Like many other surrounding jurisdictions, Baltimore County had the option to ask for a waiver of the assessment until teaching and testing could be aligned.

Baltimore County thrives on a positive reputation for excellent schools. I hope the curriculum snafu will not impact our children’s education negatively. n

Delegate Susan AumannBaltimore County, District 42

Common core...


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With the hustle and bustle of the holidays already off to a rapid start, it’s very easy to lose sight of the ‘reason for the season.’ For some, Black Friday kicks off the most hectic and expensive time of year, highlighted by the accumulation of hours spent in big box stores right up until the last few days before Christmas. Not only is December the month of shopping, but it can turn into the month of literally “dashing through the snow” to get from one event to the other.

The result: exhausted minds, exhausted feet, exhausted souls. The florescent lights and people-jostling leave much to be desired and few reminders of the way in which we wish we could celebrate the season.

What about this year? Do we have to follow the footwork of the seasonal quick-step? There are many opportunities right in our own vicinity to slow that quick-step into a gentle waltz and help us to spend more time with family and friends in celebration of the Christmas season. For a change of pace, a reminder of those warm memories of old, or the creation of new memories, consider getting out of the warehouse UV rays and cattle chutes of the modern market and into ‘The Zone’s’ backyard for tree lightings, more unique shopping opportunities, light displays, and community activities.

treeLightings. You don’t have to fight the traffic and congestion of a big city to celebrate a lighting of the Christmas tree! Join fellow members of your community for a family friendly lighting right in your own backyard:

New Freedom, PA, will have its tree lit by Santa on Saturday, November 30th, at 6:30 PM. Refreshments will be available as well as the chance for a photo (for a donation) with Santa. This event also helps the needy –

bring a nonperishable item when you come to support the area Food Pantry!

lightDisplays. How lovely it is to see the darkness of late fall lit up with lights of many colors, shapes, and sizes! Not only can you tour your own neighborhoods to see the twinkling beauty, you can visit a professional location as well:

Valley View Farms, Cockeysville, MD, a staple of the holiday season, Valley View Farms (located at 11035 York Rd.) does an amazing job decking their halls with lights galore! You might want to allot yourself some time – especially with the little ones – to browse through the theme-decorated artificial trees and perhaps even pick out a unique annual family Christmas ornament.

Ladew Gardens, is conveniently located at 3535 Jarrrettsville Pike, Monkton, and has been reviewed extremely well. There are a couple of activities going on which you might enjoy:

holiday Workshops. Ladew hosts workshops from 10 AM to 2 PM where you can volunteer to create items for the Ladew Christmas Open House Greens Sale. You don’t have to know what you’re doing; come and enjoy a light lunch and some crafting on your own or with some friends. Register by contacting Barbara Barnoff by phone at 410-557-9570, ext. 215, or by email at [email protected].

December 3rd, 4th, and 5th: The first December workshop focuses on making wreathes, boxwood trees and kissing balls from fresh greens.

December 9th, 10th, and 11th: The next workshop will focus on making fresh candle and basket arrangements and wreathes.

Christmas around town

happy holidays

SECTION TITLE


CHRISTMAS AROUND TOWN

christmasOpenHouse Weekend. December 13th, 14th, and 15th from 11 Am to 4 PM. Stop by Ladew to experience the Manor House as decorated for “Christmas Through the Ages” – you might even stop for lunch or refreshments at the Ladew Café. Admission is very reasonable (you could even pick up a gift or decoration while you are there.)

christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, many congregations offer services to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Some traditions even include part or most of the service being held in candlelight, which can give a welcome pause in the busyness of those last few hours (even if you are still on elf-duty afterwards). There’s something about candlelight, the lovely music of that special evening, and the retelling of that ancient story of when heaven and earth met in the form of a holy child which encourages us to take a breath and listen once again.

Glen Rock Carol Singers, from 11 PM to 12 AM on Christmas Eve/Day, the Glen Rock Carol Singers will be singing at Zion Lutheran Church in Glen Rock (47 Hanover Street, Glen Rock, PA, 17327).

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Pine Grove United Methodist Church, services at 7 PM and 11 PM will be held on Christmas Eve at Pine Grove UMC (19401 Middletown Rd, Parkton, MD 21120). Many musical performances with a candlelit conclusion.

Wesley United Methodist Church, services at 7 PM and 11 PM will be held on Christmas Eve at Wesley UMC (3239 Carrollton Rd., Hampstead, MD, 21074). The last part of the services will be observed by candlelight in this lovely granite church built in 1921.


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CHRISTMAS AROUND TOWN

These are just some of our area events - don’t forget to keep an eye out for holiday home tours, studio open houses, caroling opportunities, and other charitable causes and worship services. There are many Christmas tree farms in the area – perhaps your family can start a tradition of hiking out to the field, picking out a great tree (or one that resembles Charlie Brown’s, if you like), and bringing it home in the back of the pick-up, top of the car, rear of the bobsled… whatever you might drive around this winter.

One of the most important things to remember this and every year, however, is that there are those who are not as well off, whether in body, spirit, or financial circumstances. Every time you reach out and share what you have with those who are in need, you are spreading the spirit of Christmas. You might even consider working with one of the many already established organizations in our area to help out a neighbor who is local or one far away (churches, health departments, and local agencies like the North East Social Action Program in Hampstead are great places to start). Whatever you do, make sure to share your Christmas with someone else this year! n

Jessica Sichel


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Running is often characterized as a solitary endeavor. The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, "Chariots of Fire", "Rocky". Individuals run for different reasons. Some for exercise, some to reach the "runners' high", others run for stress relief. There are those, however, that run for another reason; and they do not run alone!

The Stay in the Zone Relay Team is one such group that runs together; but together for a purpose. That purpose is to raise funds for the Healing Hands foundation.

The Healing Hands Foundation (www.thh foundation.org) is a Baltimore, MD based foundation. THHF's mission is to sustainably provide high quality surgical procedures, medical treatment, dental care, and educational support in under resourced areas worldwide. They strive to establish strong in-country partnerships to involve local communities in their activities: treating patients, improving health care infrastructure, and providing needed medical training to surgeons, doctors, and community health care workers. Going beyond providing direct patient care, they aim to create a long-term impact, empowering impoverished countries to improve the health and quality of life of their own people.

Hereford Resident, Co-founder and executive director, Marco Avila, organizes the strictly volunteer missions to bring much needed care to parts of the world severely lacking in medical attention of any kind. Mr. Avila, a civil engineer by profession, wears a multitude of hats in this organization. He is executive director and corporation manager, as well as the manager of logistics, security and transportation! He and his family have previously been on several mission

trips to various parts of Africa and Sierra Leone. He would be accompanying the mission this time as well, once again taking vacation time in order to do so. The cadre of medical personnel would include medical doctors, surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, dentists, drivers, and other necessary medical and technical volunteers.

In order to accomplish this work, there, of course, must be funding. This is where the story gets personal and local. The foundation decided to become a part of the RAGNAR Relay Series by fielding a team of runners. RAGNAR is “a naturally inspired overnight relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport”. Ragnar was a king and hero of early 9th century Scandinavia. He was a conqueror, a wild man, a leader,

fearless and free spirited. Marco Avila recruited just such a team of warriors to run the relay race for the Healing Hands Foundation! How did he recruit them? Why, he called upon his local Hereford Zone friends and neighbors.

The Hereford Zone Healing Hands Foundation RAGNAR Cumberland to Washington, DC Team was created! They dubbed themselves the “Stay in the Zone” team. Twelve residents of the Hereford Zone had signed on to run

relay style for a total of 200 miles through the stunning scenery of the Potomac River Valley on October 4-5. Their goal was to raise $10,000 to fund the next, their fifth, Healing Hands Foundation mission trip to Patzun, Guatemala. There they would provide medical and dental services to this needy Mayan town.

The runners, both male and female, Zone residents all, signed on to raise funds totaling a specific dollar amount: KC Murphy $1,000, Shelly Watt $1,000, Bob Charles $1,000, Tim Haus $1,000, Laura Curry $1,000, Dan Stachura $1,000, Erin O’Hara-Ingram $1,000,

Wild Warriors for a cause


The Stay in the Zone team raised a whopping $8,130.00! Families and friends of the runners donated and left messages and expressions of pride for the team. All donations were processed through the Go Fund Me fundraising website. The monies raised were used to fund that thirty-five member mission team that the Healing Hands Foundation sent to Guatemala earlier in November. The mission statement of this organization as well as the Healing Hands logo, “Healing our world…one child at a time”, targets the main focus of the organization and details the many avenues to which these funds will be directed.

Marco Villa and his team of caring and courageous runners gave of their time, energy, and heart. They embody much of what is valued by those who live in “The Zone”. Though they gave much, they got plenty more in return. The thrill of setting a goal and achieving it, the relationship building that comes with a team endeavor, the satisfaction that emanates from pushing yourself to the limit, and the knowledge that your efforts will help those in need, are some of what they earned. Despite the grueling nature of the event, Mr. Villa is emphatic that there will be a Team Hereford Zone again next year! Will you be willing to challenge yourself?

Although the race has already been run, the goal of raising $10,000 has not yet been met. It’s still not too late to make a donation in honor of your favorite “wild warrior”. Just go to http://www.gofundme.com/2fahz4, select the runner that you would like to sponsor, and click the donate button! n

Kathy Rambo

Jean Barancco $1,000, Shannon Brannigan $1,000, Jason Musolf $1,000, and Marco Avila $1,000.

Each runner was mandated to run 3 legs of the 200 mile race, with each leg averaging 14-22 miles. Starting near Cumberland, MD, the team would run east through the thick forests of the Appalachian Mountains. Nightfall would take them through a number of quaint Civil War era towns, skirting the shadows of the iconic Washington, DC memorials. The race would culminate on the shores of the Potomac River at the National Harbor in Washington, DC.

Race Day arrived. October 4 dawned hot and humid. The Stay in the Zone team had an 8:00 A.M. starting time. They were pumped and ready to go. There were two full vans outfitted to be “home” for the two day event, six runners in each. Everyone went non-stop for two full days. Someone from the team had to be running at all times. Volunteers drove the vans; a place to eat, sleep and rehydrate between legs.

“I didn’t think that it would be as hard as it was”, shared Marco Avila. Mr. Avila had given himself the longest legs, and “I was the oldest runner”, he quipped.

It was a long and grueling two days. The weather was warmer and more humid than is usually found in October. Persistence and training paid off for the runners; everyone completed each leg of the race! Waiting at the finish line at the National Harbor were spouses and family members ready to embrace them and share their pride in a job well-done. Many runners from all teams expressed the sentiment that it was the best thing they’d ever done; that it was great fun and very safe. “The best part”, said Marco Avila, “was that friendships got closer.”

WILD WARRIORS FOR A CAUSE

Photos submitted by Marco Ávila


The holidays are here. Time for some egg nog and good cheer. Cheeses, cookies and chocolates galore! Oh, my, I’ll have just one more…(or, two, or three).

So, how do you manage the holiday feeding frenzy with so many delicious temptations? First tip, don’t panic. The holiday season is only about four weeks long. With a bit of careful planning, you can manage not to gain the typical five pounds Americans gain over the holiday season.

Here are some tips to help you survive the holiday feeding frenzy:

1. Eat regularly: don’t go to a party hungry; hunger leads to overeating.

If you are going to a big party or dinner, don’t starve yourself all day in anticipation. You’re in danger of arriving feeling ravenous and eating everything in sight. Instead, have some low-fat, healthy snacks throughout the day. By doing this, you’ll be less likely to over-indulge while you are out.

2. Plan ahead: Decide ahead of time exactly what you will and won’t eat or drink. When you get to the party, check out the food table and decide what foods you really want to eat and how much. Vegetable, fruit and shrimp cocktail are good choices (use a small amount of dip). Or, eat what you want, but only half as much as usual. Don’t stand around the food table. Fill your plate and leave the table to eat in another room.

3. You really don’t have to finish your plate: Despite what your parents may have drummed into you as a child, don’t feel obliged to clear your plate. Listen to your body and eat when you are hungry, not because everybody else is eating. When you feel full, stop eating. Simple.

4. Socialize: Remember the holidays are a time for visiting family and friends.

Visit with people – talk, mingle. Talking slows your eating and helps you recognize when you are full. (If you follow step 1 above, then your mind will be on socializing rather than on feeding your starving self).

Remember, the holidays come once a year. Focus on a good time with friends/family (not so much the food).

5. Drink moderately: don’t forget that alcohol is fattening, too.

Alcohol contains calories - and lots of them. Alcohol also lowers your blood sugar which increases your appetite. Drink lots of water (fluids fill you up). Sparkling water is a good, festive choice. Indulging in your favorite alcoholic beverage during the holidays won’t “make or break” you, however, try to drink in moderation with an awareness of what you are consuming. For instance:

•Ifyoudrinkadietsoftdrinkinsteadofeggnog,you will save 300 calories.

•Ifyoudrinkteainsteadofhotbutteredrum,youwill avoid 400 calories.

•Onepinacoladahasabout400-500calorieswhichequals a double cheeseburger.

•Onemedium glass of red wine (13%) will takeabout 2.5 miles of running to burn off the calories.

6. Exercise: Don’t forget about holiday fitness. I know, I know. You are busy, busy, busy! How can you possibly find the time to exercise now? You knew I would have to throw this in here though. Actually, by scheduling some fitness time for yourself you are more likely to stick to a regular eating plan and less likely to be consumed by holiday stress. Exercise helps to relieve stress and tension during the holiday season while preventing weight gain. It also boosts your immunity. Go on! Put that group fitness class on your calendar. Schedule a walk with a friend on the NCR Trail. Hire a coach or a trainer. Go for a bike ride. Do something you enjoy - anything to get you moving. More suggestions:

•Shopping burns calories (when NOT coupledwith a high-calorie latte-type beverage)

•Park your car farther away from work/mall/grocery store (you’ll actually save time not looking for that perfect spot).

Fitness ZoneHow to Survive the Holiday Feeding Frenzy


•Take the stairs instead of the elevator (a greatlesson to teach your children)

•Take a walk after dinner with a friend or yourfamily

•Sign-up for an upcoming race or walk in theNew Year. (Yes, it will probably be cold. However, knowing you have an event on your calendar will help you stick to an exercise plan or begin training)

•Continue with your regular exercise program- don’t be tempted to skip. (It will be harder to make that New Year comeback if you let your fitness slide).

You can take control of the holiday feeding frenzy by approaching the next four weeks with mindfulness. I hope the above ideas will help you to prepare for the festivities and motivate you not only to focus on celebrating with family and friends but also to make time for your own health and fitness during this busy season. If you approach the holidays with these eating tips, you are more likely to succeed and not succumb to the feeding frenzy. To quote Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. I hope you are now a bit better prepared to survive the holiday feeding frenzy. My best holiday wishes to you! n

Laura Gaffney Owner, Pulse Health and Fitness Club, Sparks, MD.

Ingredients:For the crust (serving size: 2)

FITNESS ZONE

TestimonialI can’t tell you how much my body has changed since I started personal training sessions at Pulse Health & Fitness. I have always worked out on my own, but I never seemed to get my body to look the way I wanted. Personal training changed all that for me. My muscles and body took on a whole new shape and I am now happy with the way I look and feel.I recently started training with Rich at Pulse Health & Fitness. He has developed a program tailored to my needs and has introduced me to new exercises that keep me motivated. He knows how and when to encourage and

when to push. His combination of knowledge of fitness and health, individualized exercise routines and diverse training methods are preparing me for my next set of goals – running a half marathon and doing a triathlon.Not only have I had a remarkable experience with personal training, but the staff and group exercise instructors are amazing too! Thanks to Pulse Health & Fitness for offering such a great place to work out. Maria Maskell,

Sparks, MDPulse member since 2005

Cranberry, Apple & Walnut streusel bars

•2 cups all-purpose flour

•1/2 cup light brown sugar

•1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

•12 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the filling

•2 cups cranberry sauce

•2 cups grated apple shavings (approx. 3 apples)

For the streusel

1/2 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions•Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease a 9-inch square

baking pan.•Inafoodmixer,mixtogethertheflour,sugar,andsalt.Add

the butter and pulse until mixture just comes together in one ball.

•Pressintothebottomofthepreparedpan.Bakeuntilcrustis pale golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool.

•Spreadthecranberrysauceevenlyovertheshortbread.•Evenlylayergratedappleshavingsovercranberrysauce.•Tomakethestreusel,inasmallbowl,whisktogetherthe

oats, sugar, walnuts, flour, cinnamon and salt.•Blendinthebutterwithyourfingertips,formingpea-sized

crumbs and sprinkle the streusel over the apple shavings.•Bake until topping is golden brown and crisp, about 20

minutes.•CoolandcutintobarsTastes delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream!Alyssa Porter

#

Recipe of the month:


The holidays are here. Yikes. A minute ago it was 4th of July. Why is it that the older you get, the faster that time goes by? Doesn’t it feel like Christmas is about two days after Halloween, and that Thanksgiving must be wedged in there somehow? But, I digress – Holidays, our time of year to give thanks… to see the extended family… and to eat like it’s our job. We can’t talk about the holidays without talking about, you guessed it, turkey. That being said let me give you the bird (I couldn’t resist).

Until the mid 19th century, the goose was the traditional holiday centerpiece throughout England and America. There are a ton of theories on how the turkey replaced the goose on the table, but it really boils down to one writer and a single story. That writer’s name was Charlie Dickens, and that story was called A Christmas Carol. In that classic tale Ebenezer Scrooge gives Bob Cratchet a turkey for his Christmas table. This was a huge gift in the England of 1843. Geese were cheap, but turkeys were expensive. The die was cast, and we’re eating a whole lot of turkeys for the holidays today as a result.

A whole lot of turkeys is an understatement. We buy and consume about 45 million turkeys over the holidays. There are 317 million people in the US, so that’s a turkey for approximately every seven people. That’s a lot of turkey, and with a lot of turkey come a lot of turkey questions when confronted by the bins of birds at the grocers.

Let’s start with fresh vs. frozen. I’m a big believer in fresh; I’ve screamed fresh and local from the rooftops since before it was cool, but you have to be careful. Whenever you’re working with poultry the biggest concern is salmonella bacteria. That’s nasty stuff and about7%ofallturkeys,freshandfrozen,testpositivefor salmonella. The good news is that temperature control is the key to keeping you and your guests from getting sick. Freezing does not kill salmonella, but it does inhibit bacteria growth. The USDA requires that

fresh turkeys be blast chilled to 26 degrees during processing. That’s right; I said fresh turkeys and 26 degrees. That’s why your fresh turkey will have some ice crystals or juice frozen in the body cavity. The 26 degree mark is enough to stop salmonella bacteria from reproducing, but not cold enough to freeze the tissue solid in the meat. To obliterate the threat of salmonella, cook your turkey thoroughly. On a whole bird, your thermometer should read 180 degrees.

- ¼ cup unsalted butter- 1 qt. freshly shucked standard oysters- 1 lb. sage sausage (bulk)- 5 cups crumbled cornbread- 1 medium onion (diced)- 2 stalks celery (diced)- 1 teaspoons sea salt- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning- 1 teaspoon black pepper- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)- 1 teaspoon ground thyme- 2 tablespoon chardonnay

Maryland Cornbread, Sage Sausage, and Oyster Stuffing

Let’s Talk turkey

In a large, heavy saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter. Add sausage. Brown sausage, breaking apart larger clumps. Add onion and celery to sausage, butter, and sausage drippings. Sauté over high heat stirring constantly until onion and celery soften. Stir in chardonnay, salt, old bay, pepper, parsley, and thyme. Add oysters and oyster liquor. Remove from heat.Fold in crumbled cornbread with spatula. Stuff in chest cavity of turkey. Cook turkey to 180 degrees.


Don’t spend a lot of time at the store reading labels with stuff like “free range” and “cage free”. These terms sound awesome, but they are marketing terms not reality. There are no universal guidelines for these terms. If I’ve got a thousand turkeys, lock them in a barn with a five foot square outdoor run, and feed them turkey feed, I’ve got “cage free”, “free range” turkeys. Like most marketing, you, the consumer, are envisioning lush fields backlit with the setting sun filled with happy turkeys. These dream turkeys forage for a varied diet. That’s not the case… unless… you head to the farm.

There are a few farms in the HZ and surrounding areas that produce dream turkeys, and sell those turkeys for the holidays. Try Farmer Tom’s Farm Fresh in Reisterstown, www.rfarmfresh.com, or Weber’s Farm in Parkville, www.webersfarm.com, or Springfield Farm in Sparks, www.ourspringfieldfarm.com.

Now, that we’ve got our turkeys under control let’s stuff ‘em. This month’s recipe comes straight from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and will fill your bird and your bellies in the true Delmarva tradition. n

Chip Marshal

LET’S TALK TURKEY

Having guests this Holiday season?

• Let Local Flavors do the work. • Our “Local on the Go (Winter)” or

“Winter Cheer” menus are designed to meet every need or budget.

• Call Local Flavors at 443-‐927-‐7487 or

drop us an email!

Don’t waste your holidays in the kitchen!

“Local on the Go” Cocktail Sampler • Grilled Antipasto Display

Assorted olives, roast red peppers, Local Flavors own zesty pickles and pickled peppers, and assorted grilled balsamic vegetables atop a bed of fresh chopped green lettuces with freshly sliced mozzarella and Italian meats

• Chesapeake Seafood Dip The Chesapeake Bay’s bounty of fresh seafood blended with heavy cream, cream cheese, white wine, and our award winning spice blend served with tortilla chips

• Petite Lump Maryland Crab Cakes A Maryland favorite served with cocktail and tartar

• Thai Macadamia Encrusted Chicken Fresh boneless breast of chicken encrusted in macadamia and peanuts with a Thai sauce

• Olive and Goat Cheese Crostini Our own assorted olives with a touch of roast red peppers atop a wedge of local goat cheese

$199.95 /based on 2 dozen of each hors d’oeuvres, 3

lbs of dip and a display for 25 guests. Local Delivery included.


McCormick Insulation Supply, Inc.

Celebrating 35 Year!While it is possible to stop by for a quick pick-up of a singular necessity,

why would you want to? The pleasure from this vintage, country village is in the ability to spend an afternoon browsing through the exquisite and unique finds you’ll stumble upon along the way.

While it is possible to stop by for a quick pick-up of a singular necessity, why would you want to? The pleasure from this vintage, country village is in the ability to spend an afternoon browsing through the exquisite and unique finds you’ll stumble upon along the way.

You might enjoy a walk through the Phoenix Art Studio and Gallery or choose to attend their monthly art shows, featuring many artistic styles for any palette. You’ll certainly want to browse the splendid décor available at Shabby Shed, offering a variety of unique items for your home.

Stopping for lunch is a must at The Beefshack, serving up The Charcoal Grill’s award winning pit beef, voted “Baltimore’s Best” at their Cockeysville location.

Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, don’t forget about that of your feathered friends. They would surely encourage you to swing by Birds & Beyond for their every desire. This unique store specializes in all things bird, offering Wild Delight feed, Pine Tree Farms suet and seed cakes, Audubon feeders, and more.

Finally, the garden lover in you will thoroughly enjoy a stop at Lovely Manors, a staple store for everything your home and garden desires. Why visit the large box stores when you can enjoy a personalized experience with fabulous customer service, right here at The Village of Four Corners. n

McCormick Insulation Supply, Inc. is in its 35th year and would like to say Thank you to all of our employees,

customers and the companies we distribute for. We set out in 1978 to focus soley on distribution and to provide

top quality service to our customers.

Headquarted in Owings Mills MD we have offices in Hagerstowun, Hyattsville, Manasses, Virginia Beach,

Salem, Greensboro, Savanah and Wilmington.

We stock firestop and enviromental supplies pipe insulations, rigid and flexible duct insulation, cold

system, solar and steam insulation plus many other accessorios for the insulation industry.


Troop 451 continues their exploration of the region’s diverse environments from the caves and their role to the Gunpowder River and now the Chesapeake Bay. In August the Scouts and Scouters enjoyed a day of fishing in the bay. First they sought and caught Striped Bass, locally known as Rock Fish. Then they pursued some of the other species such as Blue Fish, Croaker and Spot. They used a variety of bait including blood worms and spot.

They camped at the Naval Recreation Area along the Patuxent River. Dinner consisted of catch of the day, Stripped Bass and Blue Fish. They also learned about the Cove Point Light House and counted the time between the beacons, Calvert Cliffs and the fossils contained within, Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and the Liquefied Natural Gas depot. A special treat was seeing the ospreys in their nest as the dawn rose with lavender skies. Thanks goes out to our boat Captain, Lee Tippet. n

Kids zoneBSA Troop 451 Fishes the Chesapeake Bay

For more information about BSA Troop 451visit us at www.t451bsa.org or

email us at [email protected]

Andrew T with the first fish of the day and the Captian have a little fun.

Scouts from left to right, Andrew T., Michael C. and Kyle W. admiring the 6 Striped Bass caught.


Inner HarmonyYoga Center

410-357-0882

Sign up by 12/31/13 for our new 10 week session

(starting 1/5/14) and receive $5 off with this ad only.

E-RYT Yoga Instructor • [email protected]

39 East Forrest Ave. || Ste. 215 Shrewsbury, PA 17361

Although spirits such as scotch, rum and vodka – to name a few – will be plentiful at many a holiday party this coming Yuletide Season, it is the spectral kind that might just scare up the Hereford Zone this Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year’s. In fact, even though ghosts and spirits are conjured during All Hallows Eve, it is literary legend Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol, that, since its release date of December 19, 1843, “introduced” the world to holiday specters like the three Ghosts of Christmas – and even the harbinger that is Jacob Marley.

But although Dicken’s revelatory ghosts were creations of pen and paper, the spirits surrounding the Hereford Zone may be more apocalyptic than any we may read about in our storybooks. Take the shades chronicled on the Ghosts of America website. In Parkton, according to the site, it appears that the supernatural are quite active. For example, there seems to be a spectral lady in a pale, Victorian dress making herself visible to a photographer by the name of Travis at the former Beetree Mill on Beetree Road – just before the mill burned down to the ground.

Another Parkton contributor grew up near Middletown Road, in a neighborhood called Hunt Ridge North, and also encountered a ghost or ghosts. During childhood, the contributor saw a spectral man outlined in green with red eyes and a top hat reading – and dropping – books on the floor of her bedroom. There were also incidents where she was pinned to her bed as a young girl by a ghost; she saw dark shadows moving throughout the house; and her dog would bark at a rocking chair that moved on its own.

Moving our holiday ghost tour just beyond the Hereford Zone in nearby Cockeysville, one would come upon the Baltimore County Almshouse –

Holiday Spirits and the Hereford Zone

Do you have some

interesting Hereford

history you’d like to share?

If so, send an e-mail to

[email protected]

and we’ll be in touch.

which is now the headquarters of the Baltimore County Historical Society. Also known as the Third and Last Almshouse in Baltimore County, this house once served as the poor house where children would be housed temporarily when their parents could not properly care for them. Supernatural happenings around the almshouse include numerous faces being seen in and around the building and its grounds. There are also voices of women heard on the third floor, as well as the sound of children playing and throwing things permeating around the almshouse.

So, this holiday season, do not be surprised if the next person who experiences the supernatural just might be you! n

Scott Braden

the zone magazine | december 2013

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