The Sentinel: Food & Dining

April 29 |
On this day from the Sentinel

Here is a digest of some of the OurSentinel.com stories we published on this day in the past.

Keegan McCarty: "Everyone has a special meaning"

Going into this baseball season, Keegan McCarty had a long list of personal goals he was set on accomplishing this season.

That dream was interrupted by what appeared to be a temporary postponement to the season, and then weeks later the inevitable cancellation of the entire 2020 season, courtesy of the Coronavirus pandemic.

With Arms Open Wide benefit concert at the Rose Bowl

The Slavic Reference Service at the University of Illinois will be hosting a benefit concert on Saturday at the Rose Bowl Tavern in downtown Urbana.

Starting at 1pm, the concert will feature local bands from a wide range of styles and genres for three and a half hours. Admission is free.

SJO senior spotlights with Josh Sexton, Isaac Walden & Jackson Wooten

Advice from three departing St. Joseph-Ogden seniors in 2020:

Work hard, and to keep plugging away to be successful.
~ Jackson Wooten

Do not underestimate yourself.
~ Josh Sexton

Get all of your homework finished.
~ Isaac Walden

Mediterranean-style diet shown to reduce risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy

Photo: Edgar Castrejon/Unsplash

Following a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of developing preeclampsia, and Black women appeared to have the greatest reduction of risk, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

How much are life and freedom worth?

Most of us have wondered about life beyond the grave. Many today are in search of life before the grave. Given what many people traditionally believe about heaven, eternity and life beyond, it would certainly seem very valuable to think about a life beyond. However, what about life here?

Over 2,000 runners compete in Illinois half marathon

URBANA - LoriKay Paden, from Fletcher, NC, and Urbana's Brenda Hixson stop to pose for a photo while running along McHenry Avenue during the half marathon race at this year's Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon.

Staying berry healthy; FDA steps up with strategy to address contaminated food imports

SNS - Berries are known as a superfood, essential to healthy living. In addition to being an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, they are known to reduce the risk of many age-related conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. However, berries, if not harvested and handled correctly, can make you super sick.

The FDA recently advised consumers to exercise caution when eating fresh and frozen imported berries due to concerns about potential links to outbreaks of enteric virus infections, including hepatitis A virus (HAV) and norovirus (NoV). These outbreaks have been associated with fresh and frozen berries exported globally, including to the United States. The Food & Drug Administration has adopted a new strategy to limit consumer exposure to the two viruses.

Photo provided

Frozen berries are commonly used as ingredients in various foods. While they are often baked into pies and other goods, they are also used raw in fruit salads and smoothies, which have been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks. Between 1997 and 2016, the FDA reported three hepatitis A virus outbreaks and one norovirus outbreak linked to frozen berries.

"While no enteric virus outbreaks associated with domestic berries have been reported in 35 years, there have been outbreaks linked to imported fresh and frozen berries," the FDA said in a statement. The most recent HAV outbreaks in the United States occurred in 2022 and 2023, with imported berries from the same grower identified as the source. "Outbreaks reported since 1997 have been linked to imported fresh and frozen berries. However, hygienic practices and challenges in controlling enteric viruses in berries and other hand-harvested produce apply globally."

Enteric viruses, such as hepatitis A and norovirus, are primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, which occurs when food, water, or surfaces contaminated with fecal (or vomit) matter is consumed. For example, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries can become contaminated with bacteria or viruses if handled by an infected worker who does not follow proper hygiene after using the toilet. Because berries are often eaten raw and are hand-harvested, they can be particularly vulnerable to contamination if strict hygiene practices are not followed.

Contamination can also occur via water or surfaces during harvesting and packaging. Contrary to popular belief, freezing preserves berries but does not kill viruses, which can survive at low temperatures. Noroviruses, for example, can withstand temperatures as high as 145°F.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus outbreaks most commonly occur in healthcare facilities, restaurants, catered events, schools, childcare centers, and cruise ships, where food handling procedures maybe suboptimal due lack of training or compliance by workers.

What are Enteric Viruses?

Enteric viruses infect the digestive tract and cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Typically, a norovirus bout lasts 12 to 60 hours. These viruses are primarily spread through contact with feces or infected animals. People with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe illness. HAV symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool.

The FDA attributed the contamination of imported berries to lapses in food safety systems and prevention measures by overseas suppliers. "Key factors to consider in preventing outbreaks include proper hygienic practices by field workers, management of sanitary facilities, prevention of cross-contamination during field and processing operations, and monitoring viral carriage among farm and facility workers," the agency stated.

HAV is a vaccine-preventable, short-term infection that does not become chronic. Most infected individuals recover completely within weeks. However, untreated infections can lead to severe complications in older adults, immunocompromised individuals, or those with underlying health issues.

FDA focuses on prevention and spread

To prevent future outbreaks, the FDA announced a strategy to minimize infection risks for the public. The plan includes:

Promoting high compliance rates with FDA food safety requirements.
Encouraging the berry industry to implement consistent pre- and post-harvest sanitary practices globally and to use root cause analysis when food safety failures occur.
Expanding scientific knowledge about detecting and mitigating viruses in fresh and frozen berries, agricultural water, and production environments.
Incentivizing public health measures, such as immunization programs, to promote worker health.

The FDA aims to identify sources of contamination using a thorough scientific approach to improve virus detection and prevention before they become consumer health risks.

“Collaboration between regulators, the global berry industry, and other stakeholders has been critical for developing this strategy. We look forward to ongoing collaboration to ensure its success and to prevent foodborne illness,” said Conrad Choiniere, Director of the Office of Microbiological Food Safety at the FDA’s Human Food Program.

Six ways to make this Valentine's Day super special

SNS - Celebrate Valentine's Day in a special and budget-friendly way this year with these unique and creative ideas. From thoughtful DIY gifts to romantic at-home dinner dates, there are plenty of ways to show your love without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures or a cozy spa day for two, there's something for every couple looking to make this Valentine's Day memorable without spending a fortune. Here are six innovative ways to celebrate love on a budget and create lasting memories with your significant other.

Creative DIY Gift Ideas

If you're feeling crafty, why not try making some handmade love coupons? These personalized vouchers are a fun and thoughtful way to show your partner some love. You can get creative with the offers, such as a free massage or breakfast in bed. Another idea is to create a personalized photo collage featuring your favorite moments together. It's a sentimental gift that won't break the bank.

Related Stories ~

Romantic At-Home Dinner Date

Who says you have to go out to have a romantic dinner date? Cooking together can be a fun and budget-friendly way to spend Valentine's Day. Choose a recipe you both love, put on some aprons, and get cooking! To set the mood, light some candles, play your favorite tunes, and enjoy a cozy night in together.

Budget-Friendly Love Notes and Letters

Express your love with heartfelt poems and quotes written on small notes or cards. Leave them around the house for your partner to find throughout the day. You can also spice things up with a love letter scavenger hunt. Write clues on each note that lead your partner to the next until they find the ultimate message of love.

Outdoor Adventure Date Ideas

If you and your partner enjoy the great outdoors, consider a picnic in the park for a romantic and budget-friendly Valentine's Day date. Pack some delicious snacks, a cozy blanket, and enjoy each other's company surrounded by nature. For a more celestial experience, plan a stargazing night. Find a quiet spot away from city lights, bring a telescope or just enjoy the stars together. It's a magical way to celebrate love under the night sky.

Ready to pamper yourselves without breaking the bank? Why not indulge in a DIY spa day at home with your significant other? Whip up some homemade face masks and scrubs using simple ingredients from your kitchen. You'll be glowing and relaxed in no time! And hey, who says you can't unleash your inner massage therapist? Learn some couples' massage techniques to take your spa day to the next level.

Virtual Movie Night with a Twist

Looking for a fun and budget-friendly way to celebrate Valentine's Day? How about a virtual movie night with a twist! Coordinate your snacks and drinks with the theme of the movie you choose for the night. Get creative and pick a unique movie theme that both of you will enjoy.

Whether it's a romantic comedy marathon or a superhero showdown, make it a night to remember from the comfort of your own couch.Embrace the spirit of love this Valentine's Day by thinking outside the box and cherishing the simple moments spent with your partner.

Get creative with a few personal touches

These budget-friendly ideas are to help you get your romantic creative juices flowing in a meaningful way to celebrate your boo and create lasting memories without the need for extravagant expenses.

When customizing celebration ideas for different preferences and interests, consider incorporating personal touches or elements that hold special meaning to you and your partner. This could include favorite activities, foods, or locations that are significant to your relationship. To ensure that budget-friendly activities still feel special and romantic, focus on creating a memorable experience through thoughtful gestures, such as handwritten notes, surprise gifts, or planning a unique date night that shows your partner how much you care.

Whether you choose to craft a personalized gift or enjoy a romantic evening at home, the most important thing is the love and connection you share.

Share your most memorable
Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and The Sentinel would like share your story of your most romantic Valentine's Day ever. Send us your story in 1,500 words or less for consideration in our daily upcoming V-Day vignettes starting February 7. We don't want Cupid's little tushy to blush so keep the stories PG and family friendly.

Send your submission to editor@oursentinel.com by February 4, 2025, for consideration.

New Asian supermarket, H Mart in Urbana set to open tomorrow

New H Mart at 220 N. Broadway in Urbana set to open on Thursday at 10 a.m.

Photo: oursentinel.com

URBANA - H Mart, America's largest Asian supermarket chain, will open its first downstate Illinois location Wednesday in downtown Urbana, marking a significant expansion beyond its Chicago-area presence.

The 32,000-square-foot store at 220 N. Broadway Ave. will celebrate its grand opening with traditional festivities beginning at 9:50 a.m., including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Korean dance performance and Lion Dance.

The store represents H Mart's sixth location in Illinois and brings authentic Asian grocery options to the diverse Champaign-Urbana community. The new location occupies a renovated former Save-A-Lot building, demonstrating the company's commitment to adaptive reuse.

"H Mart is excited to bring an authentic taste of Asia to your neighborhood," said H Mart President Brian Kwon in a statement. "Our market is all about celebrating the richness and variety of Asian cuisine, making it easier than ever to find the flavors you love, right here at home."

The store features the "Market Eatery" food court, offering various Asian cuisines in a sit-down dining environment. Shoppers will find extensive selections of packaged good, Asian produce, seafood, meats and Asian specialty items.

Opening day shoppers can participate in several promotions, including free gifts for purchases over $50 and complimentary reusable shopping bags with $30 purchases. New members joining the H Mart Smart Rewards Card program will receive a free thermos mug cup and 2025 calendar.

Urbana Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin welcomed the investment, noting the store's potential impact on downtown vitality and job creation.

"Our diverse community is excited to shop the full line of Asian and American groceries, meats, seafood, produce, housewares and ready-made meals," Marlin said.

The store will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including holidays. Opening day promotions include free gifts for purchases over $50 and reusable shopping bags for purchases exceeding $30, while supplies last.

Founded in 1982 in Queens, New York, H-Mart as grown to more than 100 stores across 18 states. The Urbana location marks the chain's sixth Illinois store and its first venture outside the Chicago metropolitan area.

Guest Commentary |
Give your life one more chance

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Glenn Mollette

Too often we quit right at the time we were close to being successful. Frequently, we give up at the darkest part of the night when morning was so close to appearing.

You may have spent a lifetime trying to conquer an addiction. Your addiction has colored your life in an unflattering way. Most likely it’s affected your success, finances, and your relationships.

Answer this question, is your addiction worth what it has cost you? Do you really derive that much pleasure from the very thing that keeps tearing you apart and bringing you down? We both know the answer, and it’s a big no. Yet, you keep going back to what brings you down. Why not try one more time? This could be the year that you turn the corner and the page for a new and better you.

You may feel as if your marriage and relationship with your spouse has failed. He or she has failed, you have failed, you both have given up, and let your marriage die. What could he or she do differently? What can you do differently?

No one is perfect. Another man or woman will have their own issues of some kind. We are imperfect people. Is your marriage worth saving? What about all the years, toil, work, and life that you have shared with this other person? Is it not worth giving it one more try? If you give it one more honest effort at least you’ll know that you tried and that will be worth some peace of mind down the road.

Sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk and deal with any and every issue that you feel is important to making your marriage work. Talk it out, pray it out, be completely real. There was something about this person that made you love and marry him/her, so go back and give it one more concerted effort at making it really work.

Every human has had some kind of life failure. Abraham Lincoln lost election after election. Losing an election is gut wrenching but he kept trying. President Donald Trump has been through about as much as anyone I’ve known but came back to be our President. Most of us would have given up long ago and could never have survived all he has been through. What do you need to try one more time?

What about your weight loss? Are you tired of feeling bad, having clothes that won’t fit, and watching your health decline because you are carry 20 or 30 pounds you don’t need? You have probably lost 10 or 20 pounds and then put it right back on. We’ve all done this more than once. It’s easy to do. As Dolly Parton said, “There is a fat person inside me trying to get out.”

I feel the same way. Why not get real religious about your eating. It’s 95% about your eating. Exercise helps but it’s mostly about your eating. Go to small portions three or four times a day. This way you’ll not be starving and you’ll slowly lose about a pound a week. In six months, you’ll be so happy you’ll be singing and dancing.

Don’t give up on God. He will help you with all the above and more. The old song asks this question, “Have you failed in your plan of your storm-tossed life? Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand. Are you weary and worn from its toil and strife? Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand. He will keep to the end, He’s your dearest friend. Place your hand in the nail-scarred hand.”

About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

Related Sentinel articles ~

Food & Dining |
5 simple tips to turn leftovers into new tasty meals

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/PEXELS

BPT - No gathering would be complete without a feast. Sharing a meal with friends and family encourages conversation and bonding, not to mention the opportunity to show off your culinary skills. However, it's important to keep in mind that large meals can easily produce food waste.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans waste approximately 30%-40% of the food supply. When cooking for a large group — like a holiday feast — it's easy to overprepare and end up with more leftovers than you know what to do with.

During holidays, don't worry about wasting food. KitchenAid — the #1 mixer brand in the world* — is here to help you turn your holiday leftovers into new tasty meals. Try these five creative tips that can transform the dreaded leftovers into delicious dishes.

1. A hot meal to warm your bones

Gather leftover vegetables, meats and bones and throw them into a Dutch Oven. In no time, you'll have warm soup or stew to enjoy on those cold winter days. You can also make stock that you can freeze and use in dishes in the new year!

2. Easy and hearty handhelds

Leftover turkey and ham make for a great protein base for quick meals. Whether you have sandwiches, tacos or wraps on the menu, repurposing your holiday protein can be quick, easy, and delicious.

Just choose your favorite or mix and match! If you have leftover cranberry sauce or roasted sweet potatoes, these can also be great additions.

3. Taters for breakfast

Do you have loads of leftover mashed or sweet potatoes? Use these tasty spuds to create savory twists of breakfast staples like pancakes and waffles.

Grab your favorite recipe and use your KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer to incorporate these sweet or mashed potatoes into the batter. After cooking, consider topping with chives or even cranberry sauce.

4. Whip up a decadent dessert

Eggnog on its own is a decadent seasonal treat. If you have leftover cartons of eggnog after your family get-together, use your mixer to transform that eggnog into whipped cream.

This eggnog whipped cream will add a rich, creamy and spiced flavor to leftover pie slices — especially pumpkin pies. Also, consider blending eggnog into frosting to top any leftover holiday cookies.

5. Layer leftovers into a casserole

Casseroles are the perfect format for leftovers. Simply layer meat, gravy and veggies into an oven-safe dish, refrigerate and reheat the next day. You can even simplify the process by creating the casserole when you clean up after a holiday gathering.

Bonus! To make these and other dishes with ease, gift yourself The KitchenAid 2024 Design Series Stand Mixer in Evergreen. It's the perfect holiday appliance that makes cooking and baking simple and serves as an eye-catching kitchen decoration that you can appreciate year-round.

Follow these five tips that will help you reduce your food waste and hopefully inspire you to create leftover dishes in the new year. To learn more, visit KitchenAid.com.

5 sous vide recipes that are sure to impress guests

BPT - The holiday season is the time for hosts and home chefs to shine. Of course, cooking a holiday feast for friends and family is time-consuming, and with so many moving parts, accidents do happen. However, for this year's feasts, you can perfectly cook your holiday dishes and save time using sous vide, the preferred cooking method by Michelin-starred chefs from around the world.

What is sous vide?

Sous vide (pronounced sue-veed) is French for "under vacuum." The cooking technique involves vacuum sealing food in a pouch and submerging it in water to slow-cook at a constant, precise temperature.

"Sous vide has been the go-to method in some of the world's best restaurants for years - and for good reason: it brings food to the precise temperature chefs look for and delivers perfect doneness, edge-to-edge, every time," said Signature Kitchen Suite's Executive Chef Nick Ritchie.

Are you ready to take your holiday meals to the next level? Try one (or all) of the following sous vide holiday recipes.

1. Seared sous vide scallops
Cooking scallops can be daunting. When preparing in a pan, you run the risk of overcooking them - resulting in a chewy, rubbery texture - or undercooking them, leaving the scallops raw in the middle. However, when you sous vide scallops, you can rest easy knowing they'll be cooked evenly.

Chef Ritchie's recipe uses the sous vide method to infuse scallops with tarragon, lemon, olive oil and salt. After 20 minutes in the bath, you'll quickly sear them for about 60 seconds on each side. When done, you'll have four perfectly cooked tender scallops that will melt in your mouth. You can serve them on their own as appetizers or on a bed of risotto as the main dish.

Related Sentinel articles ~

2. Sous vide poached egg salad
For a filling and protein-forward meal for lunch or dinner, mix up a batch of sous vide poached egg salad. If you've never poached an egg before, no worries. A sous vide bath will ensure you have perfectly poached eggs every time.

Chef Ritchie's mix of eggs, lettuce, radicchio, goat cheese and walnuts is well complemented by a warm bacon dressing. In addition to savory bacon, the dressing features aromatic garlic and thyme, as well as grapes!

3. Sous vide fennel-spiced pork loin chops
Pork chops are a great addition to any holiday meal, especially when they're well seasoned. Chef Ritchie's recipe for pork loin chops incorporates the licorice-like taste of fennel, the citrusy pepperiness of coriander and the earthy quality of rosemary.

By sous videing the pork loins, you don't have to worry about serving a dry piece of meat. Your guests will enjoy tender, moist and juicy pork chops that are great on their own but also pair well with sous vide braised cabbage and glazed apples.

4. Sous vide poached winter fruit
Want to make a dessert that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to prepare? Try Chef Ritchie's recipe for sous vide poached winter fruit. While this recipe calls for persimmons, it works well with most fruits, including apples, pears, quince, peaches and apricots.

You can poach fruits the traditional way on a stove, but when you sous vide fruits, the process brings out and enhances the fruit's powerful and rich flavor. It also preserves fruit's freshness and offers a longer shelf life, so you can enjoy this delicious dessert well into the new year.

5. Sous vide honey-thyme glazed turnips
Turnips aren't usually the star of the show. However, this sous vide honey-thyme glazed turnip recipe may inspire you to make more meals with the humble root vegetable.

Chef Ritchie's instructions are very simple. You'll seal the prepared turnips in a sous vide pouch with butter, seasoning and honey. After an hour in the sous vide, you'll pour the pouch contents onto a pan to quickly saute the turnips and reduce the glaze. Once garnished, you'll have a lovely plate of tasty tender turnips.

Your secret weapon this holiday season and beyond

You can sous vide this holiday season and year-round with the right appliances. Luxury kitchen appliance brand Signature Kitchen Suite features the first and only built-in sous vide right on the cooktop along with gas and induction. Get professional-level results every time and capture the full, true flavors of foods. It's the ultimate gift that meets all your hosting needs in one appliance.

To learn more about Signature Kitchen Suite and to find more recipes, visit SignatureKitchenSuite.com/en-us/.

Recipe |
Cowboy Caviar; impress everyone with this quick appetizer for your next family gathering

Culinary.net - If you're looking for a new dip for your next get-together and tired of the same boring salsas and layered dips, this Cowboy Caviar may quickly become a family favorite.

Also known as Texas Caviar, this bean salad can be a hit with loved ones at birthdays, holidays, graduations, reunions and more. It serves well with tortilla chips but can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Plus, it's a breeze to make and can be even simpler when prepared the night before your big event.

Visit Culinary.net to find more quick and simple appetizer recipes. Here is how you lasso this together in just a few minutes.

Cowboy Caviar

What you will need:

1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn
1 can (15 ounces) black beans
1 bunch cilantro
3 Roma tomatoes
2 jalapenos
1/2 red onion
bell peppers (mix of green, red, orange and yellow, as desired)
tortilla chips, for serving

Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon paprika
1 lime, juice only
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Step by step preparation:

Drain and rinse corn and black beans; dry well.

Finely chop and dice cilantro, tomatoes, jalapenos, onion and bell peppers.

To make dressing: Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, paprika and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Mix vegetables with dressing. Serve with tortilla chips.

Enjoying the holidays, the Sentinel's guide to help you enjoy a mentally stress-free holiday

December 18, 2023 .::.
Some really cool hosting hacks for your holiday party

Family Features - Entertaining friends and loved ones during the holidays offers an opportunity to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and make lasting memories. The key is getting ahead of hosting duties so you can be present with family and friends.

Make this season's holiday hosting effortless and enjoyable with these tips:

Read the article »

October 29, 2024 .::.
Stress-free Thanksgiving tips for those short on time this holiday season

StatePoint - While gathering for Thanksgiving is intended to be a joyous occasion, everyone who has hosted the feast knows it can also come with a lot of stress, and expenses.

The good news is that whether you’re a Gen Z-er hosting your first Friendsgiving on a budget or you’re a busy family preparing for guests, there is a lot to be thankful for this year.

Read the article »

November 17, 2024 .::.
Holidays are no time to talk turkey, avoiding stress and tension around the table

The holidays are fast approaching. Families across the country will soon gather to break bread, exchange gifts and partake in each other’s company.

But the holiday season can also be a time that heightens unwanted stress.

Read the article »

December 18, 2022 .::.
5 ways to celebrate with the holidays and keep your family pet safe

NAPSI - Most pet parents agree: their animals are part of what makes the holiday season so magical. While it’s an excellent opportunity to integrate furry family members into all the special holiday traditions and make memories together, there are a few things you should keep in mind to keep your pet safe ...

Read the article »

November 20, 2023 .::.
Holiday celebrations are filled with triggers and temptations for those in recovery

CHAMPAIGN - It’s that time of the year when gift-giving, family gatherings, and cheers for the new year bring people together. Though it is perfectly normal to enjoy celebrations that are common around this time of year, the holidays can also be challenging for those in or new to recovery.

The holiday season is usually packed with social events, but this can cause people in recovery to feel lonely or anxious about the possibility of relapsing. For those who may have those concerns, it’s important they know that they are not alone - millions of Americans who are in recovery are also spending their holidays sober.

Read the article »

November 10, 2024 .::.
Don't get snowed by holiday scams

BRANDPOINT MEDIA - Scams are unfortunately a fact of life these days. If it's not identity or data theft, it's credit breaches and scam phone calls. Many of us are getting scam texts, too. As the holidays roll in, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) wants you to know we are on the job, working to protect you and your mail and packages.

Read the article »

December 24, 2022 .::.
Taking care of yourself during the holidays, steps you can take

StatePoint Media - With seasonal stressors like end-of-year work deadlines, gift shopping and hosting potentially weighing on you, plus all those extra sweets and indulgent foods to nibble on, the holiday season may be the happiest time of year, but it’s not always the healthiest. Here’s how to take better care of yourself to feel your best this holiday season.

Read the article »

December 14, 2022 .::.
Grab a smaller plate this holiday season to help keep those cheerful pounds off

SAVOY - December and January bring bountiful holiday meals.

While it’s tempting to chow down, experts are cautioning about how overindulgence can make you feel mentally and physically crummy in the moment, plus open the door to long-term unhealthy eating habits.

Read the article »