The Sentinel: Thanksgiving

Guest Commentary |
Our cell phone dilemma

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Do you miss the old telephone days? They weren’t that long ago. Back in the old days, all we had were landlines. You may still only have a landline but it’s becoming rare as more people depend solely on cell phones.

When you traveled in the past you had to find a pay phone to make a call. Pay phones were not that easy to locate and they were expensive. Today, pay phones are rare.

Hotel telephone calls were terrible. It cost a fortune to make calls from a hotel room. If you made several, you had a big bill to pay when you checked out.

Long distance calls used to be the pits. We have all had family and friends who lived in other counties or other states. You couldn’t talk to them very much because it could easily add $20 - $30 to your bill. Thirty years ago, that was a lot of extra money for a phone bill.

Today is the golden era of mass communication. We pay a price for our cell phone and we talk on it all month. I realize it depends on the plan you have. Overall, people use their phones and call wherever they want to call and talk as long as they want to talk. For just a very small monthly fee, I can talk to someone in most in any country at any time of the day, most of the time.

We’ve grown very reliant on our cell phones. We have to know where they are every minute of every day. Life becomes a dilemma when we can’t find our cell phones.

I have hundreds if not thousands of treasured family pictures on my cell phone. I contact all my family and friends on my cell phone. I don’t know their phones numbers. I punch in their name and their phone rings. All my work associates are contacted via my cell phone. I stay in touch with them by simply sending them a text or sometimes calling them. I would not know how to contact them if I lost my phone.

I do most of my work each day on my cell phone. I can gain access to my websites and other business support sites to do a lot of the work that pertains to my vocation. I send and respond to emails on my phone. My wife, children and I stay in contact through my cell phone.

The navigation feature tells me how to get to places I haven’t been before. Occasionally, if I get lazy, I pull an app up on my phone and about 40 minutes later I have food at my door. I check my airplane travel on my phone. I make sure my flight is on time and verify my seat assignment. The list goes on and on.

When my cell phone dies or is lost, it becomes a big problem. It becomes a problem not only for me but for other people who count on me to fulfill various work commitments and assignments. Of course, we all doodle on Social Media. Without our cell phones or tablets we would miss out on all the “junk” that we constantly see on Facebook, X, Instagram, and etc. Without your cell phone, you might not know what everybody else is doing. Back in the old days, the only way we knew what everyone else was doing was to listen in on our eight family party lines. If you don’t know what this is just ask an older person.

Often, the cell phone becomes a hassle. Multiple text messages from unknown people, politicians, scammers and others can become wearisome. We delete, block, unsubscribe and we still receive them. However, we can turn our phones off. We should definitely do this more than we do.

Please consider turning it off during your Thanksgiving dinner. Also, why not consider turning it off when you are having a dinner with your spouse or friend or family. Give it a break. We’ve all seen couples sitting in restaurants with each one of them starring at a cell phone. Give it a rest! Talk to people and make some personal connection with a real person.

We can all “live” life for an hour or two without looking at our phones in order to have some real conversations with real people. However, you’ll be comforted knowing it’s in your pocket or purse for your full attention at any given time.

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.

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.

That’s because this holiday season, Sam’s Club’s private brand Member’s Mark is unveiling an innovative pre-cooked Thanksgiving meal that is ready to serve in under two hours, priced under $100 for up to 10 people and available to be delivered. Crafted with mindfully made premium ingredients, the meal offers convenience without compromising quality, ensuring a stress-free, memorable and delicious Thanksgiving. Here are the traditional Thanksgiving favorites that the meal includes:

• Member’s Mark Smoked Turkey

• Member’s Mark Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

• Member’s Mark Pumpkin Pie

• Member’s Mark Sweet Potato Mash

• Member’s Mark Brussels Sprouts

• Member’s Mark Yeast Dinner Rolls

• Member’s Mark Macaroni and Cheese

• Member’s Mark Cranberry Crunch Salad

Along with purchasing a convenient Thanksgiving meal, here are a few additional ways to eliminate stress around holiday prep:

1. Start Early: Get your shopping and other hosting tasks done in advance. For example, don’t wait until Thanksgiving Day to tidy up your home. Doing a deep clean in advance can help ensure your kitchen is organized and ready for the big day, and that guests feel comfortable and welcomed. Set the table and do any decorating you have planned the evening beforehand.

2. Save on Festive Flair: You can further reduce costs by going DIY with items like centerpieces and seasonal wreaths, or by shopping with retailers offering great value, such as Sam’s Club, which provides solutions for flowers, décor, wine and other hosting essentials.

3. Rely on Friends and Family: Even if you have the main meal covered, it’s still nice to get a little help from guests, who will likely ask if they can bring something. Don’t be shy about asking them to contribute an appetizer or beverage.

For more information on the Member’s Mark Holiday Meal, visit samsclub.com.

By eliminating holiday hassles, you can focus on what really matters, giving thanks and spending time with the people you care about.

Heading out for Thanksgiving break

Two busses load passengers on Illinois Street on lovely fall morning in front of the Levis Faculty Center on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on Saturday morning. Nearly a half dozen additional charter busses were waiting along South Gregory between Krannert Performing Arts Center and the faculty center to take travelers to the Chicago area for the week-long Thanksgiving campus break. University of Illinois students will return to campus this coming weekend to resume classes before finals and the fall semester break.

Photo: PhotoNews Media

More OurSentinal.com articles:

SAD: Do you get the seasonal blues, here's a tip on what might help

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, so have the days of summer sun into the evening hours. While this is a typical sign of changing seasons, it can also come with a change in mood for those who...

Prep Sport Notebook | Hall big on the boards for Urbana, Unity loses first game

Janae Hall hauled in nine of her team's 28 rebounds in Urbana's 51-10 loss to visiting MacArthur on Thursday.

Guest Commentary | An attitude of thanksgiving is a good way to live

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Here are some tips for Thanksgiving. Be Thankful. Thanksgiving season is a good time to say thanks but we need to make it a lifestyle.

An attitude of thanksgiving is a good way to live. When you are daily thankful for your food, shelter, and the simplest things it elevates your sense of well-being. We devalue our well-being when we spend all of our time looking at what others seem to have. Others may seem to have such great lives that we start missing our own blessings.

The greatest blessings in life are: the ability to walk across the floor; take yourself to the bathroom; enjoy a car ride; feed yourself; have meaningful conversations with other people; enjoy whatever income you have; walk through the grocery store; go to church or enjoy watching television.

Be wise. Don’t kill yourself eating.

Too often we get depressed and bogged down with worries and cares that aren’t worth worrying about.

Give thanks today for everything and anything. Say thank you often. They are good words to say. Teach your children and grandchildren to say thank you and to say it often.

Be helpful. Thank all the cooks several times. Help out in any way you can. Cleaning up is a big job. Be active in clearing the table and offering to wash dishes and put stuff away. An ounce of effort goes a long way. Don’t eat two plates of food and then go into a hypnotic state staring at the football game. Don’t leave all the mess for the person who spent days cooking your meal.

Be wise. Don’t kill yourself eating. If you gain ten pounds in November and December then it will take you two to three months to lose the weight, if you are lucky. It’s tough to lose a pound a week. Do you want to be fat all the way into April? If you can’t wear your clothes now then adding ten more pounds will not do anything to enhance your mood and sense of well-being.

Be safe. Millions of people are traveling. If you have to travel don’t push it. Slow down and enjoy the drive. Leave an hour early and take your time. If you don’t have to go anywhere then be glad and relax.

When Jesus healed ten men with leprosy as described in Luke 17: 11-19, only one of the healed men returned to Jesus to say thanks.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? But only this one has returned to say thank you? Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

This scripture demonstrates the power of a thankful spirit. This man’s life was changed even more because he was thankful. It’s easy to see ungratefulness all around us. The vast majority of those healed were ungrateful. Let’s not live like the majority. Let’s be like the winner of this story. He was the person who gave thanks.

-----------------------------------------------------------

He 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Guest Commentary: A thankful heart is a healthier heart

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Thanksgiving always comes and goes too fast. We often think, "We need more time to focus on the Thanksgiving holiday." For many, it seems that Thanksgiving gets sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas.

By late September, many of the stores and television commercials are focusing on Christmas.

The only way we can fix the “fast Thanksgiving” holiday is to make Thanksgiving celebration every day. We shouldn’t wait until Thanksgiving to give thanks but give thanks every day.

A thankful heart is a healthier heart. Living in an attitude of Thanksgiving celebrates the gift of life and every opportunity to live life.

Many of us have dreaded the shorter days. Dark by 6 o’clock and soon by 5 or even 4:30 in some areas. I used to always dread that but my attitude has changed. I’m just happy to be alive to experience the changing seasons. Take advantage of these cooler, shorter days to get some rest. Longer days will be back soon and you can mow grass, work or walk until 9:00 or later every evening. Go with the flow and enjoy the differences.

I miss the Thanksgivings when my mom and dad were alive and mother cooked. If everyone got together, we could have 20 people in the house. This was a tiring time for my mother. Be sure to always praise the person carrying the cooking load.

Time passes quickly. Every day we should embrace the day. When you see someone, talk to someone, share a meal with someone then by all means embrace and savor the moment. Give thanks for all occasions that you have to spend time with others whether family or friends.

Thanksgiving is not the same for many of us because there are empty seats at the table. We miss moms and dads who have left us for a better place. We miss wives, husbands, children, and siblings who have left this life too early. This makes us sad and dampens our spirits. Yet, look around and see the people who may not be here next year. There are no guarantees. Be kind, be loving. Say good words to them. Lift them up. It will make you feel better to give thanks for people and to anoint them.

Jesus was anointed by Mary the sister of Martha before his arrest and crucifixion. Some criticized her for doing it but Jesus said she has prepared me for the burial. Let her alone he said she has done a good work. After Mary finished anointing Jesus’ feet the house was filled with the smell of the ointment. When you love and are kind to people it always brings a better fragrance and atmosphere into the house. A part of this is showing Thanksgiving for them and toward them. Mary ended up with that ointment on her hands and in her hair. When you do good stuff for people to honor them a lot of that good stuff comes back to you.

Have Thanksgiving every day. Give thanks, express thanks and live in a spirit of being thankful. Your attitude will make your day better and encourage others around you.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of Grandpa's Store, American Issues, and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

-----------------------------------------------------------

This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. 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.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Survey says, We're doing Zoomgiving

Last Tuesday, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 rose to an all-time of 142 cases in the six villages.

With that in mind, we asked the obvious question in our very first online poll: "Considering the rising number of Coronavirus cases, do you plan to attend or host a large family gathering with ten or more people this Thanksgiving?"

The results are in. Out the possible 11,108 residents (that number based on the 2018 census) in the six communities this news site covers, we had a whopping 16 responses. The overwhelming insignifant response from 63% of the participants choose, "No freakin' way, Jay. We're doing Zoomgiving!!!"

Whatever your Thanksgiving holiday plans may be, The Sentinel sincerely wishes a safe and happy celebration. If you haven't seen it, The Illinois Department of Public Health has published a comprehensive and informative PDF with tips to make your holiday stress free and to keep family and guests healthy as head into the Christmas season.

Remember to protect the ones you love by limiting physical contact, social distance as much as possible, wear your mask - two is better than one - and washing your hands frequently to prevent the spread of the virus to our friends and neighbors.

New classes starting Tuesday, December 1. Details coming soon!

Sentinel Poll: What's your plan for Thanksgiving?

There are currently 772 patients, down 46 from Sunday following a four-day surge, who have tested positive for the Coronavirus in Champaign County. There another 1,348 in quarantine due to having been in contact with a COVID-positive individual.

With the recent rise in positivity and another possible stay-at-home lockdown on the horizon, what are your plans for sharing this Thanksgiving with family and friends?

For many of us it will be a difficult decision and others a no-brainer. After you vote, leave a comment (kid safe and SFW friendly please) with what led to your decision or which way your are leaning at the moment.

bike trails

Poll closes Friday, November 20, 2020

Guest Commentary: Keep Thanksgiving alive in your heart

By Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Joe Biden or Donald Trump will never visit me in my home, stand beside me at the funeral home or dance at my wedding. I will not be receiving any calls from either of them to pray for me during sickness or to check on how my children are doing. I probably will never sit in a room with them to visit, laugh and tell funny stories or just to hang out over a cup of coffee.

I do not personally know either one. I welcome the opportunity to visit with either of them, but doubt it will happen.

I feel like I know them because I have seen them on television my entire life and heard them speak. I have been very emotional about them these last few months and felt very convicted about my vote.

I have written words, spoken words and stood on the firing line for my candidate. Most importantly, I voted. I have also received my share of emails, and real mail from people just as adamant about their candidate, often expressed in very colorful words.

Sadly, over the last few months, I have seen people who, I have known for many years, take as strong or stronger stance than I've taken. The distance between us has grown farther and the climate colder. Acquaintances, life-friends, school buddies and even family.

Both of our candidates have campaigned in their own, and different ways. The issues have been heatedly debated and argued.

As a nation, we have stressed ourselves to the max over these political candidates. And, while our vision for our nation has not changed, or our love and support for our preferred candidate has probably not dwindled, we must make a concerted effort to keep friends, family and the hopes and spirit of Thanksgiving alive.

As strongly as I feel about our nation and our leadership, I will not throw my friends and loved ones under the bus.

My father was a Republican and my mother was a Democrat. They both voted and life went on. They were married for over 60 years. They did pretty well. They didn't divorce over an election or politics. I do not remember them even arguing about an election.

This election was important to all of us, but I'm not going to stab my mother in the back or cut my father's throat for Joe Biden or Donald Trump. By the same token, I have played sports with people all through school, sang in choirs, danced with friends, prayed and wept with people at hospitals and funerals, baptized thousands of young and old people alike. I'm not going to throw these people in the lake or smash somebody's car. I am not going to try to destroy somebody's business or life for Joe Biden or Donald Trump. Nor will I attend any Thanksgiving or other holiday meals refusing to be civil and gracious because of opposing political feelings and beliefs in the room. Why would any of us? For Joe Biden or Donald Trump?

I refuse to let this election kill Thanksgiving or any of the friendships and relationships that I share with real people in my life. Life, our friendships, our relationship with God and the personal work and service of being a good human being are most important to me.

The Thanksgiving season is here. Life doesn't always go our way, but we all have a lot to be thankful for this year. Keep this good season alive with gratitude. Most of all extend Thanksgiving to all others. If it's not reciprocated, then it's on them. Keep Thanksgiving alive in your heart.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

-----------------------------------------------------------

This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of PhotoNews Media. We welcome comments and views from our readers.

-----------------------------------------------------------

ViewPoint | Navigating dementia during the holidays

Guest Commentary by Diane Rock

Holidays can be a wonderful time of year when families get together and catch up on each other’s busy lives. All too often is also the time that you may find that things aren’t quite the same with our aging family members.

Those twenty-minute calls once or twice a month made everything seem a okay with the parents or grandparents. But now, you have noticed the signs and symptoms of dementia are starting to show.

Beginning signs often overlooked by many families are now more noticeable. Their loved one may not be eating well - losing weight can often be one of the first signs - along with falls, forgetfulness and/or a noticeable change in their personal hygiene. That parent, grandparent or close friend feels like they are older, forgetting things here and there, but it doesn’t seem alarming.

In couples where the spouse is suffering from dementia, they may become more argumentative and suspicious. Due to their forgetfulness, they assume the other is being untruthful.

Spouses often try to hide the signs and symptoms of dementia from their partner. Truly needing help, but not wanting to feel vulnerable, they are afraid of not being in control of their life they have built together.

A few things to keep in mind when celebrating and wanting to include family or friends suffering from dementia during the holiday season:

Your loved on may not realize that it a holiday and may ask often "Where should I be?". By responding with a reassuring answer such: "We are right where we should be, Ted invited us for dinner." This can give comfort to someone with dementia.

When around friends and family that they no longer recognize, avoid asking, “don’t you remember So-and-So?” It can be very frustrating and make them feel very inadequate or add to their confusion. While they may respond with a yes, they may still not have any idea who the person is or their relationship to them.

Please remember that sometimes over stimulation, like continuous loud environments or sudden noises, can sometimes bring about agitation or confusion.

Everyone loves seeing the excitement of young children especially at the holidays. But a busy, fast-paced environment is sometimes too much for someone with this disease. They no longer can process these situations as they once did and an innocuous experience may cause a sudden negative mood swing.

Consumption of alcohol has a much different effect on someone with dementia, especially if they are taking prescription medication and should be avoided.

Overall, just be mindful that your loved one may not enjoy these experiences as they did prior to onset of dementia. In advanced stages, it is often better to just spend quiet moments together separate from large family groups.

Remember that people with dementia continue to need loving, safe relationships and a caring touch not only during the holiday season, but everyday.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Diane Rock is the Community Resource Director at Amber Glen Alzheimer's Special Care Center located at 1704 E Amber Lane in Urbana. Learn more about Amber Glen and the memory care services they provide by visiting their website at www.amberglenalz.com. -----------------------------------------------------------

This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and viewpoints from readers who make up our diverse audience.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Oyster stuffing for Thanksgiving, it's not too popular around here

Stuffing, infused with turkey drippings and a healthy dose of butter, is one of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

My grams would make two batches for our family dinner, one batched baked inside the turkey and the other on one of the burners of her gas stove. Ripping up pieces of toasted bread and leaving out overnight, even as she aged, was her preferred method of preparation. If it was in a box, can or package, it wasn't good enough for my grandmother and especially so for the family's Thanksgiving meals.

Occasionally observing the holiday at the homes of others many years ago, a few families made their dressing/stuffing with oysters.

Curious as to how popular this variation was with our readers, I created a poll a little more than a week ago asking, "Do you put oysters in your stuffing?"

Six days and 171 votes later, we learned that 86% of those who responded said "no" to adding chunks of the shellfish when they make their version of the holiday dish.

The majority of the stuffing I've tried - my grandmother's included - were made with traditional ingredients such as onions, celery, spices, butter, broth, and bread. For the record, I'm not a fan of oyster stuffing/dressing or recipes that use mushrooms. However, the thought of using dried fruit and nuts, cranberries or bits of bacon does sound delicious.

Do you have a unique, delicious recipe you would like to share? We would love to hear it and share it with our readers. Email us at editor@oursentinel.com and we may feature it in The Sentinel next week.