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[JUNE 6, 2001]  The number of grandparents who are raising their grandchildren is on the rise. In Illinois, about 70,000 children are raised in homes where a grandparent is the sole caregiver.

Do you know of grandparents who are feeling overwhelmed as they care for their grandchildren? Tell them about the free newsletter Parenting Again.

This monthly newsletter offers practical tips on issues like finding support groups and resources, helping grandchildren succeed in school, effective discipline, holiday gift-giving, summer activities, unique challenges for second-time parents and taking care of your own health.

To subscribe to Parenting Again, contact the U of I Extension office by phone, (217) 732-8289; fax, (217) 735-5837; or e-mail, lock@mail.aces.uiuc.edu.

Cooperation between the Oasis and University of Illinois Extension is resulting in the creation of a local support group for grandparents raising grandchildren or others who find themselves parenting again. The newsletter is another opportunity to receive practical ideas to help in this difficult, yet rewarding task.

[Extension news release]

[MAY 8, 2001]  Suffering with the pain and stiffness of arthritis doesn’t mean you have to throw in the trowel or give up on those tasty tomatoes or fresh bouquets of zinnias this summer. More than a million people in Illinois suffer from this disease, which causes swelling in or around joints and can make it hard to do movements you rely on every day at home, work or play. But if you love to garden and don’t want to give up your summer vegetable patch or flower bed, there are several guidelines to help you enjoy your green thumb this summer.

*Like any activity, you should consult your doctor or physical therapist to see what necessary precautions you should take.

*Plan to garden during the times of day when you feel your best.

*Before you begin to work in the yard, warm up your joints and muscles with a brief walk or some stretching exercise to get your body ready for the activity and help prevent injuries.

*You can garden longer and more comfortably if you pace yourself. To help prevent stiffness, avoid working in the same position or doing the same activity for long periods of time. Switch tasks every 30 minutes or so and take a 15-minute break every hour.

*Wearing braces can also provide support and rest weak or sore joints.

*If you feel any pain, stop your work and wait until you feel better for continuing. If you experience pain the day after gardening, scale back the amount of activity you do the next time.

*With creativity and advance planning, you can create a garden that suits your specific needs. Assess your abilities and arrange your garden in a way that makes your tasks easier and conserves your energy. For example, make sure your garden has a nearby water source so you don’t have to carry watering cans or hoses long distances. Keep a storage area or tool shed close to your garden so you don’t waste energy hauling tools around the yard.

*Consider garden arrangements that are simple to maintain and help you avoid awkward movements. Try arranging your garden in terraces with raised beds so you don’t have to bend over. Planting raised beds will eliminate some bending and make plants easier to reach. Raised beds means that the soil level in the bed is higher than the surrounding soil. A bed should be no wider than 4 feet across, but the length can be whatever suits the site or gardener’s needs. Wider beds can be subdivided into sections accessible from planks or steppingstones. Raised beds provide more production per square foot of garden and don’t require the usual space between rows because no walking is done in the bed to cultivate or harvest.

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*Create wide paths throughout the garden so you will have room to move easily. Trellises which support climbing plants and vines make a vertical garden that helps you avoid bending while tending plants or harvesting fruits and flowers.

*If you really want to simplify, try scaling back your garden and use containers. You can arrange your plants in small containers rather than a large outdoor plot in the ground.

*Choose lightweight pots, window boxes or other small and unique containers so you will have manageable areas to work with one at a time. You can arrange the pots at different heights so plants are easier to care for.

*As you garden, be careful not to put undue stress on joints. Use tools such as hoes or rakes that have long handles, so you can avoid bending or stooping. If you have to work close to the ground, place only one knee on the ground and keep your back straight, or use a stool. While carrying supplies such as bags of soil, hold the bag underneath with both hands and bend at your knees to lift it. You can also put your supplies in a wagon or wheeled cart and roll it to your destination.

*Weed your garden when the ground is wet, because the moist ground makes weeds easier to pull.

[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]

[MAY 7, 2001]  Suffering with the pain and stiffness of arthritis doesn’t mean you have to throw in the trowel or give up on those tasty tomatoes or fresh bouquets of zinnias this summer. More than a million people in Illinois suffer from this disease, which causes swelling in or around joints and can make it hard to do movements you rely on every day at home, work or play. But if you love to garden and don’t want to give up your summer vegetable patch or flower bed, there are steps you can take to continue your hobby.

At the Chicago Flower and Garden Show recently at Navy Pier, the Arthritis Foundation Enabling Garden gave practical strategies to make gardening with arthritis easier and more enjoyable. Among the characteristics of the display garden were raised beds, trellises with vertical plants, sitting areas with benches and wide paths for easy accessibility. The garden was a prime example of how a beautiful, lush garden does not have to be only a dream for those with arthritis.

Amy Rasing, branch director of the Sangamon County area Arthritis Foundation, said there is a common misconception that people suffering with arthritis can’t continue to enjoy many activities, like gardening. In fact, gardening and other forms of exercise are some of the most important things they can do. Rasing said gardening is a great activity for maintaining joint flexibility, range of motion and quality of life, and by incorporating a few simple modifications in to your gardening routine, you can keep your backyard flowers growing without pain.

"They’re afraid they have to give it (exercise) up and afraid that it will hurt to move. So it affects not only gardening, but affects a person’s ability to enjoy walking or riding a bike," Rasing said. "Actually, it’s been proven and supported by the Arthritis Foundation, that exercise is one of the keys to pain relief. So if you’ve never gone to a fitness club to work out, it doesn’t mean you have to start. We tell people just to do what they enjoy and do it to a point it becomes their form of exercise. If you have always enjoyed gardening, that’s what we want you to do."

Rasing said that although exercises like working in the backyard flower garden can still be enjoyed, people with arthritis may have to alter the way they garden, what they plant and of course, be careful not to overdo it. "They will have to maybe do it in moderation and make some adaptations, but we encourage people to continue doing what they always have done. Maybe they won’t get down on their knees, use stools on wheels and other tools, ask for help for tilling and other things they can no longer do, but they can still be involved in other processes of gardening," she said.

"The same adjustments you make in a gardening situation may be the same movement adjustments you make in your daily life. Exercise is the key. It offers so many people a peace of mind and a natural adrenaline boost, plus keeps their joints as mobile as possible."

One common misconception associated with the disease is that it’s a natural part of aging and it only affects senior citizens. In fact, more than half of the people with arthritis nationwide are under the age of 65. The most common forms are rheumatoid, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.

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"It is striking people of all ages. There are more than 100 forms of arthritis. There are kids with arthritis," she said. "There are 43 people nationwide with arthritis and more than one million in Illinois. There are so many myths and so much we still don’t know. But it does not have to be a natural part of aging. Therapies, drugs and resources now available have almost halted some of the processes. They have by no means cured it, but we’ve seen vast improvements at keeping the highest quality of life possible."

Tips for gardening with arthritis

(source: Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org)

*Choose young plants to avoid dealing with tiny seeds that are hard to handle.

*Plant shrubs or perennials that bloom every year so you don’t have to replant.

*Plant flowers that are easy to maintain and require little care and don’t need regular pruning.

*Try miniature fruit trees or vegetable varieties that can be grown in pots.

*Wear a carpenter’s apron with several pockets for carrying frequently used hand tools.

*Enlarge tool handles with grip tape or foam tubing.

*Use a stool, foam or kneeling pad with handrails while working near the ground.

*Choose ergonomic tools with large grips and extended handles or use small, lightweight children’s size tools that are easy to handle. Tools with tubular steel handles rather than wood are also more lightweight and easier to use.

*Wear gloves to protect hands and joints.

*Always keep pruners sharp to make cutting easier.

*Use sprinklers instead of large watering cans.

*Consider purchasing a hose caddy to store your garden hose so you can wheel the caddy to your work area and unroll the hose as you need it.

*Spread mulch to reduce the need for watering and weeding.

*Try using spray bottles to reach hanging plants or a water wand extension for your hose to reach plants more easily

(To be continued)

[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]

[click here for Part 2]

[APRIL 27, 2001]  Asparagus, a member of the lily family, is an elegant vegetable included in many gourmet menus. In ancient times, it was considered a luxury item, fit for a king. Today, the cost may still seem lavish, but the scrumptious taste is worth every penny. In our area, early spring is the season to enjoy locally grown asparagus, so plan to include it in your meals.

The greatest demand is for all-green asparagus, which is available fresh, canned and frozen. White asparagus is found in some areas, available fresh and canned. Some may grow a splendid, deep burgundy spear that looks purple until cooked, when it turns green.

Nutritionwise, asparagus is a good deal. One cup of raw asparagus has only 31 calories, 6 grams of carbohydrate, 3 milligrams of sodium, a trace of fat and no cholesterol. Green asparagus is also a good source of vitamin A.

When buying fresh asparagus, select green, tender spears with dark green, closed tips. Store asparagus upright so that only the cut ends are in water. For best quality use within two to three days, changing the water daily. Since asparagus deteriorates rapidly after picking, it should be eaten, processed or refrigerated as soon as possible.

To prepare the spears, break or cut off tough butts as far down as they will snap easily. Wash thoroughly, leaving stalks whole, or break or cut into pieces.

Asparagus can be steamed, boiled, sautéed, stir-fried or microwaved. Cook quickly and watch closely, as asparagus is done when it turns bright green and is tender with a bit of crispness.

To microwave, place 1 pound of spears in a two-quart, microwave-safe baking dish. Add a couple teaspoons of water, cover and cook on high for four to eight minutes, until tender-crisp. Let stand for a couple more minutes before uncovering and serving.

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The list of seasonings and garnishes that complement the flavor of asparagus is almost endless. Try with dill weed, chives, bacon or bread crumbs. Or cheese, lemon butter, hollandaise sauce or pimento. For the purist, toss freshly cooked asparagus with a teaspoon of butter and sprinkle with a dash of salt. Enjoy!

Asparagus-Ham Rollups

1 pound asparagus spears

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 tablespoons flour

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon dry mustard

1 cup milk

1 cup (4 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

6 slices boiled ham, thinly sliced (about 6 ounces total)

Cook asparagus until tender. Melt butter in heavy saucepan, stir in flour, salt and mustard. Gradually stir in milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add cheese and continue stirring until cheese is melted. Be careful not to overcook. Divide asparagus into six portions. Alternate direction of flower ends within each portion. Place asparagus portions on and parallel to narrow end of each ham slice, extending flower ends over edges of ham. Roll as for jellyroll.

[Jananne Finck, nutrition and wellness educator, University of Illinois Extension, Springfield Center]

[APRIL 26, 2001]  Strawberries are not only good to eat, they are also a good source of vitamin C.  According to Jananne Finck, nutrition and wellness educator with the Springfield Extension center, strawberries are a nutritious fruit.  In fact, one cup of fresh berries provides about 88 milligrams of vitamin C.  This more than meets the recommended daily amount for most children and adults.

Strawberries are low in calories, too, with one cup of unsweetened berries weighing in at only 55 calories.  This makes these tasty berries a low-calorie way to add flavor, nutrients and pleasure to our meals.  They are also great for snacks.

Handle fresh berries carefully

Whether you pick your own strawberries or buy them at the local grocery, handle fresh berries gently.  According to Jananne Finck, fresh strawberries preserve their food value and quality if handled with care.

If you pick your own berries, avoid placing them in the sun any longer than necessary.  It is best to place them in the shade of a tree or shed. Avoid placing them in a hot car, if possible.

Cool strawberries as soon as possible after picking or purchasing.  Before refrigerating the fresh berries, sort them but don't rinse until just before using.  Store the fruit in a shallow container, uncovered, in the refrigerator.

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When you are ready to use the strawberries, wash them quickly in cold water.  Be careful not to let them soak in water.  Lift the berries gently from the wash water and drain well before the stems and hulls are removed.

Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for three or more days, depending on the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor. The berries also tend to shrivel.

For more information on freezing strawberries or other fruit, contact your local University of Illinois Extension Office, 732-8289.

[Logan County Extension Unit news release]

Animals for Adoption

These animals and more are available to good homes from the Logan County Animal Control at 1515 N. Kickapoo, phone 735-3232.

Fees for animal adoption: dogs, $60/male, $65/female; cats, $35/male, $44/female. The fees include neutering and spaying.

Logan County Animal Control's hours of operation:

Sunday  –  closed

Monday  –  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuesday  –  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday  –  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thursday  –  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday  –  8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday  –  closed

Warden: Sheila Farmer
Assistant:  Michelle Mote
In-house veterinarian:  Dr. Lester Thompson

[JUNE 16, 2001]  Metropolis is worth a weekend visit just to see Superman, or at least a larger-than-life bronze statue, but he’s not the only attraction. You can also try the excitement of a riverboat casino, visit one of the nation’s northernmost cypress swamps and tour the site of a historic fort.

[Click here for Part 1]

Fort Massac State Park

The oldest state park in Illinois features a re-creation of the fort used in 1757 during the French and Indian War. Abandoned by the French, the fort was later burned and then rebuilt in 1794 to protect the U.S. military and commercial interests in the Ohio Valley. The last time U.S. troops were stationed at the site was during the Civil War, when the fort briefly served as a training camp. The park now offers fishing, hiking, camping and playground facilities in addition to special events.

One of the best times to visit the park is during October, when the annual Fort Massac Encampment re-creates the lifestyles and atmosphere of the late 1700s and attracts more than 100,000 people during the two-day event. The encampment pays tribute to the state’s rich frontier heritage. Visitors can watch realistic re-enactments of maneuvers by French, British and American troops that occupied the fort. Set among military camps, buckskin lodges, craft and food displays are people demonstrating their skills turning wood, clay, leather and fabric into practical and decorative items. The sounds of bagpipes, fifes and drums fill the air as squads of soldiers march. But there are softer sounds, too: the scrape of a carpenter’s chisel, the crackle of a campfire, the laughter of children playing with handmade toys.

The encampment — the largest tourism event in southern Illinois — is educational and entertaining even if watching military battles isn’t your cup of tea. You can shop for homemade jams, fresh dried herbs and crafts while munching on fire-cooked food and looking out at voyageur canoes on the river. An on-site museum features actual artifacts from the period and video presentations.

(For more information on Fort Massac State Park, click here: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/
parks/ftmassac/frtmass.htm.)

Cache River State Natural Area

I have visited southern Illinois many times, but only recently took the time to explore some of its natural beauty. If you’re like me and didn’t realize there was an Illinois bayou, make sure to visit this endangered wetland and rich swamp which is home to 250 species of birds, ancient cypress trees and a state-champion cherrybark oak tree.

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The Cache River State Natural Area in Belknap is situated in a flood plain carved out by glacial floodwater of the Ohio River. Among the outstanding natural features of the area today are massive cypress trees — many are 1,000 years old — sporting flared bases with a circumference of 40 feet. This region of the state is where north meets south and east meets west. The diversity of soils, bedrock and landforms is why this unique river valley contains four distinct ecological regions.

There are two National Natural Landmarks within the borders of the area, Buttonland Swamp and Heron Pond. There are also three state nature preserves, with a majority of the area’s 12,000 acres registered with the state’s land and water reserve program. There are more than 18 miles of designated foot trails within the area and most are easy to walk.

On a recent visit, my in-laws took my husband and me to see the area. I was amazed at the swamp — eerie and surreal, carpeted with a thick layer of emerald duckweed spiked with protruding, massive brown cypress trunks.

We walked a short trail that took us over the burbling Cache River and then to a floating boardwalk into the middle of the cypress swamp. The boardwalk, which winds its way into the heart of the forested swamp, gave us a chance to observe wetland and aquatic ecosystems that have remained relatively undisturbed for thousands of years.

A word of warning: Bring your mosquito repellent, because tree frogs and snakes aren’t the only creatures that make their presence known rather quickly. When we walked the trail in early spring, the pesky insects were out in full force.

Also bring your camera, because you will feel like you’ve stepped back in time (or at least another region of the country) and will want to capture the moment. Early settlers drained swamps to convert the land into residential and agricultural use, and as a result, about 90 percent of the wetland area was drained and destroyed. This natural landmark is definitely a treasure worth discovering.

(For more information on the Cache River State Natural Area, click here: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/
landmgt/parks/cachervr.htm.)

(To be continued)

[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]

[JUNE 15, 2001]  You’ve heard of Metropolis. You know — the big city where a mild-mannered reporter named Clark Kent moonlights as Superman. It’s one of the most famous fictional cities in history. But it’s also real.

Metropolis facts

* Located along the Ohio River at the southernmost tip of Illinois, halfway between Nashville, Tenn., and St. Louis, Mo.

*Founded in 1839 by William A. McBane and J.H G. Wilcox

*The hometown of Superman since 1972, when "The Man of Steel" was officially adopted. Superman was the first comic-book character to be adopted by a city.

*Population: 7,200

*Home to Illinois’ first state park, Fort Massac State Park, which encompasses 1,450 acres

*Metropolis Area Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Economic Development Office: 607 Market St., Metropolis. Website: www.metropolischamber.com. Phone: (618) 524-2714 or (800) 949-5740.

The actual Metropolis lies at the far southern tip of Illinois, along the Ohio River. Because my husband grew up there and his father still edits the paper (yes, it’s called the Planet, but it’s a weekly instead of a daily), I have grown used to visiting Superman’s hometown. But many people are shocked to learn that it exists outside the pages of comic books and movie screens.

Metropolis is worth a weekend visit just to see Superman, or at least a larger-than-life bronze statue, but he’s not the only attraction. You can also try the excitement of a riverboat casino, visit one of the nation’s northernmost cypress swamps and tour the site of a historic fort.

History

Native Americans, of course, were the area’s first inhabitants. Spanish explorers may have visited as early as 1540. According to historians, a French trading post was likely established in 1702 to service the buffalo-hunting and hide-tanning trade that flourished at the time.

In 1757, Massac County began its documented history when the French raised Fort De L’Ascension during the French and Indian War. The fort was soon rebuilt and named Massiac in tribute to France’s Minister of the Marine.

The original mapping of the town of Metropolis was in 1839. One of the founders was a merchant who transported goods on the Ohio River and chose the site because of its location high above the river. The river, from the early days of being used by mills and steamboats to its current use to transport coal, has been important to the city.

Superman attractions

It’s hard to miss "The Man of Steel." At 15 feet tall and 4,000 pounds, the imposing bronze statue of the comic-book hero in blue tights and flowing red cape dominates the north side of Superman Square, next to the county courthouse. The statue was erected in 1993 after a fund-raising effort by area citizens and business leaders made it possible to replace a smaller, less-impressive fiberglass figure of the hero. There’s something about the statue that makes people of all ages want to have their picture taken next to it. On my most recent visit, an elderly couple from California were gleefully snapping photos of each other by the statue.

[The Superman statue]

For nearly 30 years, Metropolis has called itself the Home of Superman, and the decision to adopt the comic-book hero has brought the town worldwide attention. The community is very proud of its link to the fictional hero and promotes it well but also has a sense of humor about the connection. One small road in town was even renamed Lois Lane.

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[The Super Museum]

On the corner across the street from the looming, muscle-bound giant in tights, the Super Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Superman and comic-book memorabilia in the world. Packed inside the timeworn building are many items actually used for various movies and television shows, including old Superman costumes, props, publicity photos and posters. Besides the impressive pieces of history and trivia, there are also plenty of tacky tourist items, including breakfast cereal and underwear sporting the Superman symbol. The museum, named by AAA Auto Travel as the No. 1 small-town tourist attraction in America, is jampacked with everything Superman. More than 50,000 Superman items are on display, which is only a fraction of owner Jim Hambrick’s collection.

And if the museum doesn’t have what you’re looking for, stop by the Chamber of Commerce office on Market Street, which offers an impressive display of information, souvenirs and even a telephone booth in the corner, like the one Clark Kent used to turn into Superman.

In addition to the statue and museum, nearby there is also a large green kryptonite "meteorite" located on the southwest corner of Third and Ferry streets and a hand-painted two-story mural of an Action Comics cover from the 1930s at 317 Ferry St.

If you have the chance and want to see just how big a deal Superman really is, visit the Superman Celebration during the second weekend of June, when the town rolls out the red carpet for its mythical adopted son. The annual event features classic car shows, music, garden tours, celebrity autograph sessions and a road race. Several celebrities who have acted in Superman movies or television shows have visited the event.

And don’t forget to have your picture taken behind the wooden cut-out figure of Superman, so your head shows above the superhero’s body. Located just behind the Superman Museum, it’s one of the most frequented spots in town.

(To be continued)

[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]

[Click here for Part 2]

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