Winter's back and here to stay
Staff writer
The fluctuation in the temperature this month has been very evident. It is hard to know how to dress. As I was starting to write this column, forecasters were predicting temperatures in the lower 50s last weekend!
And now this week, we experienced some bitter cold temperatures — a reminder to us all that we are still in the winter season.
I guess we all need to take what we get and not complain because we can't change it.
I'm sure glad I'm not in the northeastern states right now with those extremely frigid temperatures worse than ours here in Kansas — my bones couldn't take it!
*****
Marcella Bruce, Sara Hill and I attended the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce annual meeting at Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church. We had a wonderful time and felt the night was a success. Megan and crew did an excellent job, and the food prepared by Melissa Bartel was delicious.
About a month ago, Donna, our managing director gave us the go-ahead to purchase a table to decorate as a way to promote the Star-Journal.
Sara and I began brainstorming on what we wanted to do. When we finalized our plans — things just came together with the help of Jan Frantz.
We decorated the table earlier that day and were pleased with the results.
Working as a team, we were able to display a pretty impressive table highlighting the Star-Journal and its commitment to the community.
With the new leadership in place, Hillsboro will continue to progress. With Jared as chamber president, Megan as executive director of the chamber, Christy as Arts and Crafts director, and others who are new to the board and other committees, Hillsboro looks as though it will be taking on a new look.
Their leadership and direction will be vital to the growth of Hillsboro.
*****
I met with Tonja Wienck last week to discus the Marion County Youth Team and the Marion County Youth Court.
The concept was similar to what we did at my high school more than 30 years ago.
A group of us were selected to serve on the jury at traffic court for minors. Like the Marion County program, the students pled guilty and we, the jurors, were responsible in determining a consequence for the offenders.
I remember the worst punishment or consequence that most of the students dreaded was writing a letter of apology to their parents and family.
I hope this program is successful and kids will help other kids to become productive citizens of the community.
Hats off to Linda Ogden and others who have given of their time and expertise to try to make this program and other programs helping young people benefit all in the Marion County area.
*****
As I was sorting through the mail, I came upon a letter from the Midwest Dairy Council reporting findings about milk products and their affect on children and adolescents.
I was particularly interested in the research that the council found which was in the "Journal of Adolescent Health." The research showed a positive effect on children's diets when kids choose flavored milks and yogurts instead of sodas and sweetened drinks.
The study of the diets of those 3,000 children showed that milk is the primary source of calcium in the diets of children and adolescents.
The research states that calcium is especially important for adolescents. "Because almost 45 percent of skeletal mass is formed between the ages of nine and 18, health professionals recommend at least 1,300 milligrams of calcium every day for this age group; the equivalent of four servings of milk, cheese, or yogurt."
I have been buying more milk products for Charity to eat.
I bought the new Jell-O product that has yogurt in it at Dale's Supermarket when it was on sale. I'm not sure how much calcium is in it. But it is a start, and she loved it.
So parents, push the milk products so your adolescent will have great skeletal mass and a healthy diet.
