Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 133, Number 19, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 13 May 2010 — Page 4

Page A4

Advance News • Thursday, May 13.2010

ArOlind, cont. from front Missionary Church to host musical Nappanee Missionary Church will host (he musical, "One Lord, One Faith," Saturday and Sunday, May 22 and 23 at 6 p.m. at the church. Featuring the worship ehoir and NMC Winds, as well as soloists, host and drama, this balance of traditional and contemporary musk encourages and inspires. Judy Bomtrager of Syracuse will save as dramatic host forjthemuskal. Adelle Dickie of Bremen, Kathy Hochstetkr bf Nappanee, and Christine Thompson of Warsaw are some of the featured singers. Free gourmet coffee will be offered in the church Grand Hall before each performance. Senior Pastor, Dave Engbrecht, invites the publk to all of the weekend's activities. For information, contact the church office at 574-773-7773, or visit foe church's web site at www.nmconline.net. The Nappanee Missionary Church is located two miles north of Nappanee on Indiana 19 at County Road 50. Sheriff’s merit board meets May 17 The Elkhart County Sheriff's Merit Board will meet in regular session at 6:30 p.m., May 17, in the training room of foe Elkhart County Sheriff's Department law enforcement center, 16861 County Road 26, Elkhart This date is a change from the previously scheduled May 10 meeting. Basic gardening, lawn care offered Purdue Extension is offering a basic vegetable gardening and natural lawn care program at the following dates and locations: May 25,10 a.m. to noon, Elkhart County Extension Office, 17746 E. County Road 34, Goshen May 26, 10 a.m. to noon, Middlebury Publk Library, 101 E Winslow St., Middlebury May 27,10 a.m. to noon, Nappanee Public Library, ls7 N Main St., Nappanee May 28,10 a.m. to noon, Wakarusa Publk Library, 124 N Elkhart St., Wakarusa - The seminar is free and open to the public. 4-H Fair Golf Tourney sign-up begins Proceeds from the sixth annual Elkhart County 4-H Fair Golf Tournament will be equally divided between the Elkhart County 4-H Club Corp. and tire Elkhart County 4-H Fair, organizers announced. Registration of golf teams and sponsorship for tire tournament to be played June 23 at Maple-crest Country Club, 611 Hackett Road, Goshen, is now under way. For information, call 574-533-3247. Council on Aging plans ‘Fit for Life’ The Council on Aging of Elkhart County has gathered a team of more than 25 volunteers from area organizations and agencies to plan the first Michiana Fit for Life Games set for Aug. 13 to 16 at various venues across the area. The games will be for residents age 50 or older and proceeds from the games will benefit the area's most needy, elderly residents. The four-day event will include activities that range from track and field to cycling, golf, kayaking, swimming, shuffleboard, bowling, billiards, walking, Wii games and more. For information, call 574-295-1820. Men’s softball league sign-up The Gty of Nappanee Board of Parks and Recreation announced it will again host a men's softball league this summer. Anyone interested in having a team should contact Tiffany at 574-773-2112. 2nd Golden Elephant fundraiser set . The Elkhart County Council on Aging brings back its Tktlden Elephant Dinner and Auction this year, beginning at 6 p.m., June 3, at Bosco's Place, 117 S. sth St., Goshen. The popular event begun last year as a fun way to raise funds for the Council's transportation program at low or no-cost to area seniors will again feature special pricing for dinner and drinks, the live auction, a 50/50 drawing and much more. The Budget Plan is $lO per person for each and everyone who takes one items valued at sls or greater for the silent auction. Pricing includes two drink tickets. The Hassle Free Plan is $25 per person, and all you take is yourself. Items suggested for the silent auction include bottles of fine wine, gift certificates, donations of professional services, rounds of golf, tickets to athletic events, gift baskets and other items of general appeal. Seating is limited, so RSVP by May 24 by calling the Council office at 574-295-1820.

Continuous Publication Since 1879 ews MMalsi Hnkly • (USPS 370-960) / Periodical postage paid in NappanM, M 4ISSQ PBBflMBllS: Please send address correcdone to P.O. Box 220, Plymouth, IN 465|3 158 W. Market St., P.O. Box 230, Nappanee, IN 46550 • 574-773-3127 PUBLISHED WEEKLY MHV Rick Kreps GMPri Mnpr Jerry Bingle Heeßl IMP Maggie Nixon Anita Munson James Neil Costello MrtMH MHpr Cindy Stockton FMMMIT MW Greg Hildebrand JMNrtMV HN Angi Rodriguez riMtHiad Mt Call 1-000-933-0356 Monday bllawllM through Friday, 6 a m. to 5 pm AN classifieds must be pre-paid. Deadline: Monday at 11:30 am. IduaatlllM Cal Angi at 1-8009830056 torrale informaUonortoptaceanad. DeadHne: Thursday at 5 pm . ■ AN ads larger ihani page need to be LB»«* e-ma Ned, sent in a Word document or dropped off on a dWc namWfia WlrnlnonrteynMpm MMNM 232SSSSS* lb ranew or atari a new w to aolwa cWhnry paoMama, cal the CkcutaNon Oapartmant all-6009330366 E-maN news Kerns and photos to MWS advanceOnpoc.net, or drop ffiam off at the Bremen office, 126 E. Plymouffi St. For posatila story Ideas, contact Anita Munson, condMor, at the office at 574-546-2941 or cal. 574-2094)704. CaadhiK Friday at noon.

Community

Perhaps it's Just me, but the birds seem extremely exdted about the warmer weather and increased sunshine. It is such a joy to hear them sing and watch them as they fly or bounce around throughout foe day. Bird watching is a very popular hobby and for good reason. Seeing all foe different varieties with various colors, songs, and attitudes really is an amazing experience. You can attract more birds to your backyard by considering what they need to stick around a little longer. Birds enjoy seeds, fruits, berries, and insects. It is best to use a combination of planters and feeders. Having variety is important Until plantings are mature, feeders provide food for birds. Planters can still be used when plants start producing food because titty will still help to attract birds to your yard. It is best to use native plaints because they will grow better and will be recognized by birds as a natural source of

Fresh asparagus from afar, soon locally grown

I have been delighted to find fresh asparagus in foe grocery store even though it is not locally grown. I have been pleasantly surprised on three accounts: the quality, the flavor and foe cost. The weather continues to be very difficult when it comes to growing food. I had been much warmer in March, now colder in April and now as I write this column, it is really dry for spring. I do know that spring food such as rhubarb is growing! Springtime, to many of you, means it is time to eat fresh asparagus. As I wrote earlier, spring also means fresh rhubarb for pie, crisp, and sauce, and if it rains, maybe wild mushrooms.

I am suggesting you try fresh, raw asparagus in dip and cut up in salads. I know most of you eat asparagus lightly steamed with a variety of seasoning or sauces. For raw eating, trim the ends, trim or remove the scales, rinse and enjoy. Raw asparagus really has a different flavor and I really encourage you to add it your veggie baskets. Fresh asparagus supplies carbohydrates and fiber needed for good health; starch, which provides energy, and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Fresh asparagus adds color and variety to, many dishes and please remember to enjoy it most when it is locally grown.

I have been reading and hearing a lot about the excessive amount of salt in our diets. I must say that a little bit of this news is on the humorous side for me as excessive salt in food has been a concern of health care professionals for a long time. I really believe that this concern has fallen on deaf ears. So this week I have chosen to write about the basic information you need to know regarding sodium and salt. The terms "salt" and "sodium" are sometimes used interchangeably; however, they are two different things. Remember salt is the chemical sodium chloride NaCl with sodium making up 40% of the total weight. Sodium is an important mineral for your health. This essential nutrient functions to maintain blood volume, regulate die balance of water in the body's cells, and help die heart and your nerves work properly. In addition, sodium also has die important function of helping certain nutrients like glucose to pass through the cell wall. Your body's need for sodium is not great. Intake of 1,100 to 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day is considered safe and adequate for the healthy adult by die Food and Nutrition Board of die National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council. Most of your dietary sodium is found in die form of sodium chloride, the compound we know as table salt, which is 40 percent sodium and 60 percent chloride. Here is a feet you need to know: one teaspoon of salt contains approximately milligrams of sodium. Current estimates of daily sodium intake by individuals are between and 6,900 milligrams which is

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Attracting birds

Knowledge to Go

Elkhart County By Erica Soummare Aeacuiug&NwußAlteouira food. Water also attracts birds, whether it is a birdbafo or a backyard pond. If you would like to add feeders to your landscape, you can attract more types erf birds by using different types of feeders that are mounted at different heights. Feeders should be placed out in foe open so that anything trying to get to the birds cannot launch a surprise attack. Also, if possible, make sure foe feeders are at least six feet away from bushes or trees so that birds can fly back and forth more easily. Birds will also need to feel like they have reliable shelter sites in order to be more readily attracted to your yard. Shelter is used by birds for cover,

Food & Nutrition

Elkhart County By Mary Ann Uenhart-Cross Purdue Extenion Educator The asparagus plant is a member of the lily family. The part we enjoy is the edible part and it is a slender shoot, which ranges from pencil thin to really thick. The asparagus that most of you enjoy is green. The white asparagus is harvested when the tip just breaks the ground and then straw is used to cover the spears. The lack of exposure to the sun keeps the spear pale but I really don't think they look appetizing. Our neighbors to the north, southern Michigan, along with New Jersey, California and Washington, are states that are known for growing asparagus. Soon will be the time to enjoy fresh asparagus grown locally. In today's grocery stores you will find asparagus from February through June with the peak supplies from April to June. I suggest the best time to enjoy asparagus is when it is in season locally. Keep in mind that very good asparagus is available after the end of June. Asparagus prefers moisture, cool temperatures and the amount of moisture and temperature affect the length of

Sodium in your diet

Food & Nutrition

Elkhart County By Mary Ann Uenhart-Cross Purdue Extpon Educator about 1 to 3 teaspoons or 6 to 17 grams of salt. These estimates vary, just as your salt consumption varies with how you cook at home. Do you cook with food in its raw/natural form, or do you use processed foods? How about your seasoning habits; do you use herbs and spices instead of salt? Many Americans consume so much more sodium than they need. When I think about it, over die last thirty years health care professionals have been telling clients that they should reduce their sodium intake by avoiding eating too much salt. High sodium intake may be linked to edema, congestive heart failure, kidney and liver diseases and hypertension. Even if high blood pressure is not a health issue for you, you are not doing your body any favors by over-consuming salt. So now you may be wondering about sources of sodium in your eating. Food is the body's main source of sodium. Sodium comes from foods you eat such as processed foods where huge amounts of salt are added. Some foods such as meat, poultry, fish, milk and eggs contain more natural sodium than others. Many vegetables have very little sodium and vegetables are a food group that everyone needs to eat more of. It has been estimated that one half or more of your daily sodium intake

Purdua Extension

roosting, and nesting, fords need different types of shelter depending on the season. If it is the nesting season, birds will use bird houses, trees, and shrubs. For protection against harsh winter conditions and winds, birds will seek shelter in evergreen trees and shrubs. By addressing tire basic needs that birds have for survival and comfort, you can attract more of them to your yard. This is something beneficial to the birds as they can depend on your yard as a place to visit or perhaps live in. It is also beneficial to the homeowner who gets to enjoy watching and listening to different types of birds. It is a special treat that may be easier than you think to achieve. For more information on attracting birds to your yard, you can visit the web at www.extension.iastate.edu/Publicatio ns/PMl3slD.pdf. You can also contact your Elkhart County Extension office for more information.

the crop. When selecting asparagus look for a fresh appearance, smooth round spears and closed, compact tips. A rich green color should cover most of the spear. The stalks should be tender almost as far down as the green extends. Don't select spears with tips that are open and spread out, moldy or decayed, or ribbed, which are spears with vertical ridges. Spears like those are all signs of staleness which means tough asparagus and poor flavor. Also avoid excessively sandy asparagus, because sand grains can lodge beneath the scales or in the tips of the spears and are difficult to remove during rinsing. Refrigerated asparagus keeps at its best up to one week or so. When it comes to storage, wrap the cut ends in damp paper towels or cloth, cover with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. You can also refrigerate spears upright, with stem ends in water. When you are preparing asparagus try your hand at breaking the spears where they snap easily. Another way is to use a small paring knife or vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer peel at the stem end. The main part of the spear and tip are tender and only require rinsing with water. Asparagus can be left whole or cut straight or diagonally in 1 or 2 inch pieces.

comes from the salt that is added at the table or during cooking. Keep in mind that many of the foods you cook have had lots of salt added to them, so you won't need to add more. Examples of lower-sodium vegetables are asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, and green beans. Others may contain quite a bit: beets, carrots, lettuce, and turnips to mention a few. As always, it is important to eat a variety of food in moderation and the easiest way to do this is to use MyPyramid as a guide. Most of us need to eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat dairy and lean meats and beans. Here is a test to find out how much salt you generally use at a meal, try this: cover a plate with plastic wrap and then salt the plate as if it contained food. Now collect the salt and measure it. If you used 1/8 teaspoon, that amounts to 250 mg. of sodium. Remember, you are looking at just one meal and this 1/8 teaspoon from one meal is probably more than most adults need in an entire day. To reduce your sodium intake, take the salt shaker off the table, reduce or eliminate salt in cooking, taste your food before salting, seek out salt-free recipes, use salt substitutes, season with herbs and spices, adapt a lower sodium diet to family meals, plan meals carefully, balance foods high in sodium with ones containing lower amounts, and learn and have foe discipline to choose foods wisely when eating way from home. Until next week, think about the flavor of your foods when you taste them. Next week I will share more information on sodium and salt in your healthy eating.