Holiday 12-16-11

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Everybody’s got somebody on his or her “list” for whom a cozy sweater just doesn’t cut the candy cane. To the

moon and back is more their style, and as long as they can ride it, fly it and feel the wind in their face they will love it.

The Maine Cycling Club, based in Auburn, schedules weekly rides in the Lewiston-Auburn area “that will appeal to almost any cyclist, from beginners to people who are training to enter races,” said Noel Swift, president of the club.

T he MCC a lso schedu les longer r ides several times each summer, such as “a day in the W hite Mountains, or a day or two at Bar Harbor.” This year the MCC w il l continue scheduling its new “beginners only” rides, at a location close to central Lewiston, “to help people get used to riding on the road with others.”

Although there is no charge to participate in any of the rides, the cost of membership is only $25 and would make a wonderful gift, along with perhaps a few biking accessories, for the cycling enthusiast on your list.

When autumn rolls away, and the bikes are stored, the skis and snowboards get dusted off and we keep an eye on the sky for signs of fresh snow.

According to Tad Bettcher, Lost Valley Ski area offers “night skiing and snowboarding, and the flexibility to ski or ride for just a few hours without having to buy a full day ticket.” With its convenient location, it is possible to stop by for a few runs after school or work.

In addition to a comfortable, family-friendly lodge and snack bar, Lost Valley offers lessons, February break “SnowCamp,” an exciting junior racing program, and kids younger than five ski free with a paying adult. In addition, Tuesday and Wednesday are both “Friends Day” with “2 for 1 tickets,” so a gift for a friend is like a gift for yourself.

Every August, Lewiston-Auburn hosts the magnificent Balloon Festival. But did you know that hot air balloons can fly any time of the year?

For Jim Rodrigue, of Androscoggin Balloon Adventures, “it is the most magical way to fly.

We offer a variety of experiences [including] contour flying, tickling the tree tops, splash and dash and, for the more adventurous, we’ll take it to a mile or higher then do a terminal velocity descent.”

According to Rodrigue, “W hether we’re f lying low and seeing nature and people from the treetops, or at a mile up viewing the majestic presidential mountain range, the flight makes you forget your worries.”

Although children younger than four may have a difficult time seeing over the edge of the basket, a ride in a hot air balloon is appropriate for any age group. Androscoggin

Balloon Adventures is able to carry four adults at once and they offer gift certificates for hour-long f lights, complete with snacks and a champagne celebration afterward.

According to Jason Fogg, better known as Foggy, “Skydiving is wildly popular,” from spring through foliage season in Maine. “The adrenaline rush” is the first thing a guest at Skydive New England will experience, but “the sense of accomplishment and confidence our guests walk away with after this experience is what keeps them coming back for more every season.”

Although the minimum age for skydiving is, by law, 18, the facilities at SNE offer onsite dining and pubs as well as l ive entertainment, camping and other activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Three Rivers, Skydive New England’s soggy sister, offers whitewater rafting adventures on some of the most beautiful and wild rivers in the state of Maine. Three Rivers calls itself, “The Home of Serious Fun,” and they’re not kidding.

“Whitewater rafting is a great activity for youth groups,” as well as individuals and groups of adults. Groups “learn teamwork and paddling skills while having the time of their life in the great outdoors with the best guides in the business,” explained Foggy.

With great lodging, nightlife and other amenities, including the beautiful Inn By The River which sits on a bluff overlooking the Kennebec River and is located along some of the most popular snowmobile trails in the state, you will find four seasons of adventure in one great outfit.

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Something different: Give the gift of a great adventure

Submitted photoSailing May through October, Portland Schooner suggests giving the gift of summer in the form of a windjammer cruise for the adventurous soul on your holiday list.

Great adventurepage 3 ‰

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Moving outward, toward Maine’s exciting rocky coast, we submit to the “allure of our not too distant maritime past.” According to Scott Reischmann, owner of Portland

Schooner Co., “A sail aboard one of our schooners is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Maine coast, complete with lighthouses, seals, seabirds and the rugged coastline.”

Portland Schooner sails two ships, both designed by John G. Alden. Built in East Boothbay, Maine in 1912 and 1924, these ships “represent a time when classical tastes produced some of the finest vessels in the history of yachting and yacht racing.”

All ages and abilities, “from infants to the elderly to those that use wheelchairs,” are welcome aboard for day trips or longer.

Although guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink, Portland Schooner offers a variety of trips, including a “Sails & Tails Lobster Bake” package that takes guests to Cow Island where they enjoy a wonderful meal of locally harvested seafood and other Maine delicacies, and then back again to the mainland.

Sailing May through October, Port land Schooner also offers an overnight cruise on the schooner “Wendameen” which departs in the afternoon to sail amongst the beautiful islands of Casco Bay and anchor for the night in a quiet cove.

Guests are welcome to go ashore to explore, swim or to simply relax on deck. After a catered dinner and a wonderful night’s rest aboard the Wendameen, a hearty breakfast is served before the sail back to Portland.

Reischmann suggests “giving the gift of summer in the form of a windjammer cruise” for the adventurous soul on your holiday list.

Land, sea or air, the gift of a great adventure is a holiday gift they will never forget.

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Great adventurefrom page 2

Submitted photoLost Valley Ski area, in Auburn, offers lessons, February break “SnowCamp,” an exciting junior racing program, and kids younger than five ski free with a paying adult. Riley Whitcomb tries some snowboarding techniques, above.

Submitted photoA gift certificate to Skydive New England offers an experience that keeps the adventurous type going back for more jumps every season.

Submitted photoAccording to Jim Rodrigue, of Androscoggin Balloon Adventures, hot air balloons can fly any time of the year. He offers a mile or higher terminal velocity descent for the adventurous.


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Despite the many messages from all corners promoting a “more is better” philoso-

phy when it comes to holiday gifts, the truth is far more complex – especially for children.

While most parents work hard to give their kids everything they need and much of what they want, it is often hard to draw the line, prompting many well intentioned moms and dads to ask, “How much is too much?”

In general, the answer lies within each fa m i ly. Pa rent s shou ld purchase what makes sense to them and what they believe their children will use and appreciate.

However, in recent years, child psycholog ist s a nd ex per t s i n child development have returned to these questions as economic cond it ions have forced ma ny fa m i l ies to sc a le back, bot h throughout the year and during the holiday season.

Books such as The Pampered Child Syndrome (Jessica Kingsley, 2006) by Maggie Mamen and Give Me, Get Me, Buy Me (HCI, 2010) by Donna Corwin and several others on the same topic offer similar conclusions: When children are given too much over the course of

their childhoods, they can develop a serious case of ent it lement, become unappreciative of what they have and begin to equate love with “stuff.”

For younger

children, receiving

a huge pile of

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overstimulating.

If you have been wondering about these issues, here are some general guidelines for having a fun-filled holiday with just enough stuff.

Make a gift plan

Before setting out on your f irst shopping expedition, devise a plan that makes sense for your family. If you have younger children, decide on the number of gifts for each. With older children, you might want to establish a dollar amount rather than a gift amount. Once you’ve made the plan, stick to it – no matter what.

Communicate

If Grandpa Mike or Aunt Emily has a reputation for heaping on t he presents at Ch r ist mas or Chanukah, let them know ahead of time that one will do, then offer

a suggestion that is sure to please your son or daughter. If they insist that they want to do more, consider asking them to make a donation in your child’s name to a charitable organization or to purchase a gift for a local child in need.

Opt for a shared experience

Consider pooling the money you would have spent on individual gifts and putting it toward a special outing, vacation or shared item for your home.

Long after the toys have broken and the electronics have stopped working, your children will cherish their memories of a holiday that focused on sharing time together.

Draw names

Particularly in bigger families, gift-giving can become a financial and emotional burden if everyone buys for everyone.

Drawing names not only reduces those burdens, but often results in more meaningful gifts all around.

Collaborate

Sometimes one big gift makes a lot more sense. If your child would love a new bike or a trampoline or horseback riding lessons, consider asking extended family members to contribute to that item or to items that go with it, such as a helmet or other gear.

Kids and gifts: How many is too much?

Many parents wonder how many gifts they should buy for their children.


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‘Twas the night before Christmas when al l through the

store; Parents seek the hottest toy, while sales clerks shout, “No more!”

Few holiday seasons have come and gone without a must-have toy causing pandemonium among shoppers. In the months leading up to Christmas, one toy always seems to grab kids’ attention and become a must-have item. These could be quirky digital-voiced animals or video game consoles.

Naturally, children put these gifts on their letters to Santa or wish lists. But as the days wind down to Christmas, manufacturers often cannot meet the demand for the season’s most popular item. It’s then left to parents to find the toys and gadgets by whatever means necessary.

Certain toys throughout history have caused a frenzy that results in desperate parents scouring wiped-out toy stores or making black-market deals to land themselves a hot toy. Here is a list of them, courtesy of MSNBC.

• Sh i rley Temple Dol l (1934) : Shirley Temple was the inspiration behind the f irst recorded toy to c au se a shoppi ng frenzy. The demand f o r t h e d o l l elevated after the actress’ breakout film, “Bright Eyes,” w a s r e l e a s e d three days before Christmas.

• G . I . Jo e ( 1 9 6 4 ) : H a s b r o came up with the m a l e a c t i o n f ig ure a f ter watching Barbie dolls become such a popular toy for tots. The action figures were an instant hit, garnering over $16 million in 1964 alone.

• “Star Wars” Action Figures (1977): No one expected George Lucas’ franchise to become such a smash hit. The merchandising company associated

with the project didn’t have time to make associated toys

beyond a few board games and coloring

books once “Star Wars” fever took

hold. T herefore, “Early Bird Certificate”

vouchers were sold and the action figures were shipped

out a few months later. These action figures can still thrill,

with eBay auctions bringing in $1,200 and up for figures

that once retailed for just a few dollars.

• Cabbage Patch Kids (1983): What little girl in the mid-1980s didn’t want a chubby-faced Cabbage Patch Kid to adopt as her very own? The demand for this fad doll became so heated that adults fought over them and price gouging ensued.

• Teddy Ruxpin (1985): If k ids weren’t seeking a Cabbage Patch doll, they may have been hoping to find a Teddy Ruxpin doll under their tree. Teddy Ruxpin was an animatronic bear who interacted with the child and told stories. It was based on the animated figures kids would see at theme parks or at their local play areas. Shortages around the holidays played into frenzied behavior. The doll was expensive for its day, coming in at around $68.

• Tickle Me Elmo (1996): “Sesame Street” fans fell right into the hype

of fered by Tyco Toys a nd Chi ldren’s Television Workshop. Stampedes occurred in toy stores, people were injured and reports of extreme price gouging ensued, all in an effort for people to get their hands on the giggling, red furball.

• Furby (1998): This creature reminiscent of the popular 1980s film “Gremlins” came out of the box speaking its own language and slowly learned English over time. The animated pet/friend became the must-have toy of the year, but production numbers were scant in comparison to demand.

• Ni ntendo W i i ( 2 0 0 6 ) : V ide o g a me aficionados were wowed by the motion-sensing game controllers of this new system. This helped push the Wii to the top spot for video game consoles for that year and created a demand that led to limits on units purchased, diminished inventory, and even

vouchers or wrist bands being offered by stores to get your hands on the Wii.

Toys through history that caused a ‘feeding’ frenzy


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Nearly everyone has a last-minute holiday shopping horror story to tell. Be it a late-season grab for a child’s must-have gift or fighting

fellow procrastinators for a parking spot come the waning days of the season, veteran shoppers have experienced it all.

W hile those with more experience might know the tricks of the late season shopping trade, novice procrastinators might need a few of the following tips to make it through the season without a horror story of their own.

• Consider online retailers. Shopping online might not be for everyone, but those without much time might want to consider online retailers, many of which guarantee delivery of the item by Christmas Day for orders placed as late as December 20. In addition, some retailers even guarantee delivery if the order is placed by December 22, but such guarantees often require consumers to choose overnight delivery, which can be costly.

When shopping online, if no gifts stand out, consider buying an electronic gift certificate instead. Such certificates can often be delivered directly to a loved one’s e-mail inbox, and it only takes a matter of seconds for the delivery to be made. Though some find this impersonal, nowadays many people would prefer a gift card instead of another sweater.

• Go the food-and-beverage route. One of the worst things about last-minute holiday shopping is dealing with fellow procrastinators at the local mall. Last-minute shoppers tend to be as short on patience as they are on time. To avoid the malls, last-minute shoppers can give the gift of food or drink for those friends or family members you will be seeing during the holiday season. A nice bottle of wine or a collection of gourmet cheeses make thoughtful gifts, and last-minute shoppers don’t need to visit the mall to get them.

• Consider a monthly gift. As a nice bottle of wine or a package of gourmet cheeses proves, not all great gifts need to be picked up at the mall. A monthly gift like a magazine subscription or a membership to a monthly club (i.e., “Pastry of the Month”) are gifts that keep on giving all-year. Late-season shoppers will find these options especially appealing as they can almost always be ordered in just a few minutes, whether it’s over the phone or via the Internet.

• Don’t abandon the mall entirely. Though pro-crastinators are in no danger of becoming extinct, most people do get their holiday shopping done well in advance of Christmas Day. As a result, truly last-

minute shoppers might find the mall isn’t so crowded on Christmas Eve. While the pickings might be slim for shoppers who wait until December 24, the lines may not be as long and the parking lot probably won’t be as packed. But keep in mind it will be impossible for a gift purchased on Christmas Eve to find its way under a tree unless you personally bring it to a loved one. If you can’t give the gift in person on Christmas, don’t wait until Christmas Eve to buy it.

• Donate in a loved one’s name. If a specific charity is near and dear to a loved one’s heart, make a donation in their name. Charities are among the many organizations that are struggling to survive in the current economy, and your donation might go a long way to helping a cause your loved one truly supports.

• Magazine subscription: A magazine subscription is an easy fix as a last-minute gift. Purchase one copy of the magazine at the newsstand and wrap it up nicely. Put a note that a year’s worth of this periodical is on the way. No one will suspect that the gift was a last-minute thought.

• E-certificates: Retailers like music or book sellers will e-mail a gift certificate code to the person of your choice on a selected date. For those who are never without an e-reader or mp3 player, digital gifts could fit the bill.

• Gas card: It may sound funny and tacky, but a gas card from a brand-name station is a universally acceptable gift for anyone who drives regularly. With fluctuating gas prices, filling up the tank can be an expensive venture. Having a pre-paid gift card can help.

Online retailers are also there to help last-minute shoppers. Many online retailers guarantee in-time-for-Christmas shipping even on gifts ordered as late as December 23. However, overnight shipping charges will cost more. But it’s all worth it to get the item in time.

Last-minute holiday shopping tips

www.sunjournal.com

That sports jersey from sophomore year of high school has seen better days, but you can’t seem to part with it even now. What about that hair band concert T-shirt you’re too embarrassed to admit is still tucked in the back of your closet? Are the kids making fun of your college alma mater tee that has holes under the arms? T-shirts hold special places in the hearts of many people. Now quirky, athletic and downright memorable tees can be turned into customized gifts for everyone on a holiday shopping list.

T-shirts tell a lot about a person – interests, political views, favorite sports teams – and more. The average person has a collection of T-shirts acquired through the years taking up space in closets and drawers, all because it can be difficult to throw out shirts that have so many memories. Clever gift-givers can use these T-shirt collections to create unique and thoughtful gifts that will be appreciated throughout the years. Here are some ideas for gifting.

• Cut up T-shirts to make a scrapbook of certain times in a person’s life. Include funny anecdotes, photographs and artwork to customize the book for the recipient.

• Head to the local craft store and pick up an empty shadowbox frame. Fold a friend or loved one’s prized T-shirt and place it on display in the shadowbox (the depth of the box makes it easier to accommodate the bulk entire shirt). The “artwork” can then be displayed in a bedroom or den.

• Turn T-shirts into a decorative or cuddly quilt for adults and children. stitch’T (www.stitcht.com, 212.860.7029) crafts one-of-a-kind, handmade compositions from your own special T-shirt collections – for any occasion. The company will produce quilts that fit twin- to king-size beds, crib quilts and pillowcases and shoppers can customize the color, size and layout of each project.

• Each T-shirt tells a story, each one is a part of my life,” offers happy customer Judy Caliendo. “My stitch’T quilt makes me laugh and remember – and that’s the best part.”

• Talented sewers can turn vintage T-shirts into new works of fashionable attire. For example, a graphic tee can be sewn to an elastic-waisted skirt to create a pull-on dress perfect for a budding fashionista. Downsize favorite T-shirts so they can be worn by children.

• Make holiday decorating easy for individuals who love to “do up” their homes in holiday decor, top to bottom. Gather ugly, quirky, and seasonal holiday T-shirts and sweatshirts and have stitch’T turn them into a holiday-inspired quilt perfect for tossing over a recliner or sofa. Every year the quilt can be part of holiday decorating tradition.

Take out those T-shirts hidden in drawers and closets and show off tee pride with custom gifts sure to bring a smile to the faces of friends and family this season.

Vintage T-Shirts gain new life as unique holiday gifts

When it c ome s to t he hol idays, deck ing t he halls and donning festive

attire can help put you in the spirit; but, don’t forget your pet when you’re prepping for the season. Here are some great tips and gift ideas for pets and pet lovers to make the most of those special holiday moments.

Gifts for your pet:

Stay warm, dress up. To keep your dog cozy and stylish throughout t he w i nter s e a son, c on sider purchasing a Martha Stewart Pets houndstooth coat to wear during blistery weather walks. Or, turn heads at any holiday party with a throwback to 80s rock bands with Top Paw retro dog t-shirts.

Prep your dog. If you’re hosting guests during the holiday season, make sure you give your dog some extra attention. Pamper your dog with a fresh groom complete with a sugar cookie scent at PetSmart grooming salons to get your pet camera ready.

Ma ke su re to get t hei r teet h brushed so their breath is extra fresh when they greet your guests at the door.

Give them a treat. When hosting a holiday feast, your dog is likely to beg for a few table scraps. Keep them busy and happy with a dog bone or rawhide while company sits down to eat. Even rawhides can be festive when shaped like candy canes or snowmen so your dog can have a special holiday treat of his own.

Give them a vacation, too. If your family is traveling for the holidays, consider taking your dog or cat to a PetSmart PetsHotel. Likewise, if you have a busy day of holiday shopping ahead of you, drop your dog off at the store’s Doggie Day Camp. Your dog is sure to have a great time playing with other dogs, as well as interacting with the caring staff.

Keep dogs and cats happy and en-tertained. Many dog and cat toys get a makeover for the holidays. Check out the new festive designs and pick some up for your dog or cat to toss, tug and tease so they can have f un w it h your family and guests.

Gifts for pet lovers:

Deliver some treats. W hip up some delicious sugar cookies for pet parents and dog cookies for their pet. Then surprise someone you ca re about w it h a specia l holiday treat.

Picture this. You can’t go wrong with a personalized item featuring you r loved one’s pet. Severa l websites allow you to order printed photos or photo books. This year, pet parents can also show their love for their pet and the environment with pet-focused insulated cups that are BPA free and feature a variety of breeds.

Give a gift that keeps on giving. Help save homeless pets a nd give a gift at the same time when you purchase a Luv-A-Pet plush

toy from PetSmart. W hen you purchase one of the two plush Luv-A-Pet toys, Chance the dog or Lucky the cat, 10 percent of the proceeds go to PetSmart Charities to help save the lives of homeless pets.

To learn more about gifts for pets and pet lovers, as well as to access tips for dog and cat owners, visit www.PetSmart.com.


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Hosting a dinner party is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but choosing the menu can be both exciting and intimidating.

A dinner party is about sharing good food and enjoying one another’s company. So why not create something easy, convenient and unique for your next party and indulge your friends in a dinner they won’t soon forget?

Party prep tips

Go for the wow factor. Look to a delicious and f lavorful protein for your main dish, such as lobsters from Maine, which can be delivered directly to your door and are easy to prepare.

Keep things simple and organized. Allow your guests to pitch in and help create a communal dinner party. Ask your guests to bring a side dish or their favorite dessert.

Stock up. Visit your local wine shop to purchase a few different bottles that pair well with lobster, such as a flavorful Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp Chardonnay or a bubbly bottle of Prosecco or Champagne.

Shopping for lobster

The central Maine area has some well-established stores that sell lobsters and other fresh seafood. Call ahead if you’re in a hurry and have your selections set aside for you to pick up at a certain time. You can also order fresh live lobsters from http://www.GetMaineLobster.com and choose which day the delivery should arrive.

Plan one or two side dishes, such as corn on the cob or an arugula salad with a simple vinaigrette, and let the lobster shine as the main act. Planning this elegant and exciting dinner party is simple, and whether you are a gourmet chef or an amateur, hosting a lobster dinner creates a fun and decadent evening for your guests.

For more recipes and ideas, and to save 30 percent off your order, visit www.GetMaineLobster.com and enter the code “dinnerparty.”

How to prepare fresh lobster

1 tablespoon salt for every quart of water 1 lemon, quartered 2-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary 2-4 sprigs of fresh thyme 3 tablespoons of bacon grease, hardened 5-8 fresh bay leaves

Boil bay leaves for 30 minutes before adding Maine lobsters. Let Maine lobsters cook for about 9 minutes. Immediately add cooked Maine lobsters to an ice bath before serving.

Savory Butter

1 stick unsalted butter 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 1/2 teaspoon bacon grease, hardened

Heat over low heat until melted and fragrant. Keep warm until lobsters are served.

How to throw an elegant and easy dinner party

W hen company comes to stay for the holidays, the main meal on the big day tends to get the most attention. But with simple prep the night before, you can wake up your guests and their senses with a deliciously simple breakfast casserole for a welcome morning surprise.

Consider these simple tips before your house fills with guests this holiday season:

Shop in advance. By choosing the meal a few days prior, you can make a quick trip to the grocery store and stock up on the items needed to feed your guests. Purchasing quality pre-packaged refrigerated foods like Bob Evans Original Recipe Sausage Rolls is a great way to have brunch and breakfast food items at the ready for last-minute occasions as well.

Set up the space. The day before your gathering, set out clean dishware, silverware and glasses. Use napkins, and place settings for small gatherings to add a special touch. For larger gatherings, consider preparing a buffet for guests to help themselves.

Get cooking. Just because people will arrive in the mid-morning doesn’t mean you have to be up with the dawn. Do your food prep the night before, using the delicious recipe for a breakfast casserole made with savory sausage, vegetables, herbs and cheeses below. Then simply pop the casserole in the oven an hour before guests are set to arrive.

Finish the table. Set out pitchers of water with sliced strawberries, cucumbers or lemon for guests to enjoy, along with orange juice, milk, coffee and tea. Dice fresh fruit to serve with your meal and get ready to enjoy your delicious brunch. Don’t forget to place butter, bread, jam and honey on the table. For a special touch, add fresh cut flowers in vases as well.

Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 50-55 minutesServes: 10 to 12

2 1/2 cups seasoned croutons1 pound Bob Evans Original Recipe Sausage Roll 4 large eggs2 1/4 cups milk1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry1 can (4 ounces) mushrooms, drained and chopped1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded1/4 teaspoon dry mustardFresh herb sprigs, optionalCarrot strips, optionalPicante sauce or salsa, optional

Spread croutons on bottom of greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Crumble and cook sausage in medium skillet over medium heat until browned.

Drain sausage; spread over croutons. Whisk eggs and milk in bowl until blended. Stir in soup, spinach, mushrooms, cheeses and mustard. Pour egg mixture over sausage and croutons. Refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Bake egg mixture 50-55 minutes or until set and lightly browned on top. Garnish with herb sprigs and carrot, if desired. Serve hot with picante sauce, if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

To download a coupon good for $0.40 off the sausage used in this recipe, visit www.bobevans.com/save.


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Breakfast casseroles make holiday entertaining a breeze

Breakfast funniesQ. What do snowmen eat for breakfast?A. Frosted Flakes.

Q. What do you get if you cross mistletoe and a duck?

A. A Christmas Quacker.

Q. What do you call Santa when he stops moving?A. Santa Pause!

Q. How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?A. Nothing, it was on the house!

Q. What does Santa clean his sleigh with?A. Comet.

Q. What’s Santa’s favorite candy?A. Jolly Ranchers!

United States Army Captain Joseph Lapointe is not coming home for Christmas this year. He is presently

deployed to Afghanistan and his story is similar to many service men and women stationed in a war zone. This year, Lapointe will work on Christmas Day, half a world away from the people who love him and the country he has sworn to protect.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Hume, an infantryman, was deployed to Iraq in 1990. Christmas Eve was spent at a freezing-cold, wet practice range waiting for the army chief of staff to arrive. He never showed. On Christmas Day they worked, all day.

Specialist Jesse Tremblay, who is w ith the Army Reserve’s 619th Transportation Company based in Auburn, Maine, has spent two Christmases in Iraq. He said that once he “had guard duty on Christmas Day at the dining facility. It was just like every other day in Iraq, except they gave us a half day off and we got to play some football.”

Also with the 619th, Staff Sergeant David Nelson has been to Iraq three times. During one deployment, he said, “My platoon had a holiday mission: we left on the 23rd and came back for the holiday meal on the 25th.”

Nelson added,

“ When you’re over

there, the unit you’re

with is your family.”

“We had a really tight platoon,” said Staff Sergeant Dana Plourde of the 619th. “We became family.”

For Plourde, the last of his three deployments in Iraq was the most difficult. Plourde got married between his second and third deployments and his wife, Nikki, became pregnant right before he left. Although he was allowed two days leave to come home for his son Paxton’s birth, he missed Paxton’s first Christmas. “We had Skype and AT&T phones, so I got to see my son,” but it wasn’t like being home, he said.

Amanda Perry, wife of Captain Benjamin Perry, commander of the 619th, which has units in both Auburn and Dexter, Maine, shared that, “Ben was deployed during Christmas of 2004, and I was sad because it was our first Christmas as husband and wife.” Captain Perry was “out on a mission [on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day] and we didn’t even get to talk on the phone,” she said.

A sergeant and squad leader, as well as the civilian unit administrator, Shawn Larnach said the hardest part about being deployed during the holidays was “being away from my family.” During his 2009 deployment, Larnach woke up at 2 a.m. on Christmas morning so that he could be with his wife, Heather, and their two children via Skype as they opened their presents.

Larnach said that the experience was both “good and bad. Sometimes it made it much harder [because] it brought it home that we were 6,000 miles apart.”

According to Hume, whose deployment predated the invention of Skype, “A soldier’s favorite thing is a letter from home. Some guys got a lot, and some guys got none, but everyone took care of one another.”


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TUG AT THE HEARTSTRINGS:

‘I won’t be home for Christmas’

Submitted photoHeather, Ethan and Josephine Larnach, Christmas 2009. Shawn was in Iraq and “Flat Daddy took his place in front of the tree. The Larnachs have a new son this year, Henry, who is only a few weeks old.

Submitted photoMen and women of the 619th Transportation Company in Iraq for the holidays in 2009.

Deborah Conway photoOne-year-old Hannah Perry sits near the Christmas tree at the 619th’s holiday party this year. She is the daughter of Amanda and Captain Ben Perry.

The B i g A p p l e m a y b e w e l l k n o w n f o r i t s fabulous neighborhood

delicatessens, Seattle may have been the first to serve a skinny grande vanilla latte with a caramel swirl, and when we think of Wisconsin, images of crazed fans sporting giant “cheesehead” hats often comes to mind. When we think of Maine, however, we often see ourselves on rocky beaches or at backyard picnics, balancing a tray of steamed lobster, clams, butter and farm fresh corn-on-the-cob on our laps, a bottle of Gritty’s or a glass of wine in our hand.

Maine Gourmet Chocolates has found a way to make a somewhat sweeter version of our Maine clam bake. Stephanie Bernatchez, of Maine Gourmet Chocolates & Specialty Popcorns, has been making candy, molded chocolates and homemade sweets in the Lewiston-Auburn area for about 20 years. She uses her own molds to replicate a clam bake using delicious chocolate.

Bernatchez also makes a variety of needhams and nut brittles, both local favorites, as well as fun barks and flavorful popcorns such as a spicy cayenne and a sweet chocolate.

“People go cra z y over my Cheeseca ke Bombs,” said Bernatchez. Smooth and creamy, she makes them in four f lavors and dips them all in chocolate.

If you ask Lisa Chiavarolotti-Chouinard of the Ita l ian Ba ker y to recommend a regional favorite she has many suggestions. Staying true to their Italian roots, the Italian Bakery makes a tiramisu that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

According to Chiavarolott i-Chouinard, “Tiramisu is an Italian dessert made with lady fingers soaked in espresso and coffee liqueur, layered with mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder.”

Chiavarolotti-Chouinard also recommends the Italian Bakery’s creamy cannoli and festive European-style cookies including almond f lavor rainbow cookies, Florentine lace and others.

A perennial favorite at Grant’s Bakery is the pork pie. According to Doug Grant, “Some products (like the pork pie) remain unchanged since my grandparents started the bakery.”

Pork pie, also called meat pie or tourtiere, has its roots in the rich French-Canadian history of the Lewiston-Auburn area. “There’s a meat pie on the table of every holiday party I go to,” said Grant. Last year Grant’s Bakery produced nearly 1,600 tourtiere pies during the Christmas season.

Personally, having grown up surrounded by Italian tradition, my own favorite is a rich and saucy seafood dish on Christmas Eve. Although Lobster Newburgh and Lobster

Fra Diavlo have received rave reviews at my holiday table, any type of seafood will suffice, as long as it’s savory and plentiful.

In addition to the f lavorful Italian and French-Canadian contributions to our local holiday cuisine, there is also a strong Greek influence in Lewiston-Auburn.

“Ch r ist ma s t i me,” accord i ng to Ni k y Karamousadakis, of Niky’s Greek Restaurant in Lewiston, “is a family time. As a child, the women in my family would all get together and make dozens and dozens of cookies ... the most traditional is the Melomakarona.” They are also Karamousadakis’ favorite.

Although they are made of many of the basic “cookie” ingredients, Melomakarona is also made with a little cognac and walnuts, and then is dipped in sweet honey syrup before it is served. Niky’s Greek Restaurant will have Melomakorona on the menu this holiday season as well as “some surprises,”

both sweet and savory. You can eat there or order a dish or platter to bring home for your holiday celebration.

Susan Hall, of The Vault, in Lewiston, recom-mends several popular wines to compliment your holiday feast. To accompany a wide variety of dishes, from salads to seafood and entrees with a spicy kick, she recommends a 2010 Pine Ridge Chenin-Viognier. Also, a 2009 Delas Cotes du Rhone Rouge, with its “raspberry and cherry tones and elegant finish, will pair nicely with roasted turkey, pork and roasted vegetables.”

For those who enjoy a good brew, Gritty’s “Christmas Ale is already hitting the shelves and will be going on tap in bars, restaurants, pubs and taverns all over New England.” According to Thomas Wilson, of Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Co., “Christmas Ale has a lovely, dark red/amber color and a rich, full-bodied, malty taste with a slightly roasted undertone. It’s the quintessential beer for the Christmas season,” and it only comes ‘round once a year.

With its rich cultural influences and young entrepreneurial spirit, the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn are rich with both old and new traditions to fill your holiday table with food and drink that will delight and satisfy your family and your guests.


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Deborah Conway photoTourtiere meat pie from Grant’s Bakery is a year-round regional favorite.

Submitted photoStephanie Bernatchez, of Maine Gourmet Chocolates & Specialty Popcorns, has been making candy, molded chocolates and homemade sweets in the Lewiston-Auburn area for about 20 years. She uses her own molds to replicate a clam bake using delicious chocolate, above.


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This busy holiday season, entertaining may be at the top of your to-do list, but costs can stack up quickly, especially when it comes to wine. Believe it or not, you can find award-winning wines at low prices – allowing you to spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank.

“I know what a struggle it is to balance kids, work, family and the holidays – especially while staying on a budget,” said Amy Clark, founder of MomAdvice.com and value shopping expert. “This year, don’t skip throwing a holiday party. Instead, wow your guests with wines from ALDI. These wallet-friendly wines won’t put a cramp in your holiday style or your budget.”

Clark shares some of her favorite award-winning wines from ALDI that will make the perfect accompaniments to each of your holiday courses:

Sovinello Private Collection, Pinot Noir (Italy) – Consists of cherry and strawberry f lavors with a hint of chocolate. The unique f lavor combined with juicy plum works well with pork, turkey, grilled salmon and firm cheeses.

Landshut Riesling (Germany) – Aromas of mild lemon butter cream, pistachio nougat and peach jam. Tangy orange zest with a slight mineral finish. This versatile wine compliments a variety of foods, including ham or chicken, and, of course, German-style dishes.

Walker Napa Valley Red Wine (California) – Flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, raspberry, black pepper and vanilla enhance this blend of Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, providing the perfect companion for pasta dishes.

Chaza Moscato (South Africa) – Light body with a sweet taste thanks to its pear, apricot and sweet peach flavors. Its crisp, refreshing finish balances well with spicy dishes, salads and desserts, or just enjoy it on its own.

Gonfalone Chianti (Italy) – Brilliant ruby color, distinctive bouquet and dry, yet rounded f lavor. Compliments roast meats and ripe cheeses.

Landshut Sweet Red (Germany) – Aromas of spiced cherries and strawberry compote with a fruity, sweet medium body and a light tangy watermelon finish. Pairs especially well with rich desserts.

In October, six wines received medals from the Beverage Testing Institute in the 2011 World Value Wine Competition. Most are priced at $4.99 or less, making it easy to serve high-quality wines for low prices.

If you want to serve your guests an elegant yet affordable appetizer, try this recipe from ALDI for Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce, and serve it with one of the ALDI award-winning wines.

For more information about ALDI, visit www.aldi.us.

Baked Brie with Cranberry Sauce

Serves 10Recipe courtesy of Chef Kates, ALDI Test Kitchen

1 wheel edenVale Brie Cheese 1/2 cup Southern Grove Dried Cranberries 1 cup Burlwood Cellars Chardonnay 1/2 cup Berryhill Blackberry Fruit Spread

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place unwrapped brie on a foil-lined baking sheet. Heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until brie is warmed through and soft to the touch.

Meanwhile, bring dried cranberries and wine to a boil in a small saucepan. Add fruit spread, reduce heat to medium high and simmer 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often. Sauce is ready when liquid has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. To serve, pour over warm brie. Can be eaten alone or spread on crackers.

Holiday entertaining on a budget

Other recipes found at www.aldi.us include Peanut Butter Cup Brownies, Holiday Cocktail Sausages, Cheese Fondue, Broccoli Salad, Cauliflower Gratin, and more.

Giving gifts at Christmas is a time-honored tradition. But who really needs more

stuff ? W hat do you give those who really don’t need anything? A poinsettia is nice, but in most cases, they only last a few weeks. This year, why not have Santa deliver a potted houseplant?

If chosen correctly, plants make wonderful gifts. They brighten up home s a nd of f ic e s w it h exciting varieties of foliage color, texture and form. Some, like the African Violet, bloom regularly. Pot ted pa l ms, fer ns, iv y a nd philodendrons are common gifts but there are hundreds of choices from around the world sure to bedazzle. Many specimens require a minimum of care and all help clean the air.

You must decide how much space t he recipient has for t he new arrival, what lighting is available and whether the person you’re buying for will take on the not-too-cumbersome commitment of watering and ferti l izing the plant. Pets and young children who may chew on tasty greenery need to be considered.

W hat a re t he pla nt’s l ig ht ing requirements? Unless the person on your list has a greenhouse or sunroom, choose a plant with low-to-medium light requirements. Although many plants from the tropics thrive in full sun, most will grow, but more slowly, in filtered or indirect light.

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Be sure to choose a healthy plant. The leaves should not have any brown edges, which indicate too much fertilizer or excessive heat. The lower leaves should show no sign of yellowing, a sure sign of improper watering. Inspect the intervals between the leaves. Some plants are overfed to produce rapid growth, leaving wide gaps. Choose a full, bushy plant instead.

Check on the young stems and under the leaves for any sign of insects. Look at the bottom of the pot and the soil on top. If you see protruding roots in either place, the plant has outgrown its pot and should be passed over unless you intend to repot it. While you’re looking at the roots, check to see if they are white and healthy or brown, an indication that the plant is dying.

I n a d d i t i o n t o c o m m e r c i a l greenhouses, which usually offer an experienced staff, you can find wonderful potted plants at many

locat ions. Flor ists of ten have beautifully potted plants, perhaps even a dramatic bonzai.

Large stores like Home Depot have well-maintained plants, although they are usually offered in a plain green or black plastic pot. Still, the price is right. Your local grocery store usually has a small variety of plants, especially useful herbs. The latter can also be planted out in the garden for future culinary use.

If you still haven’t outspent your gift budget after you’ve chosen a plant and/or a tasteful pot to go with it, a thoughtful accessory to

consider is a book on houseplants. There are books devoted to a single variety, such as African Violets and Bonzai. Growing in a terrarium or under f luorescent lights offers further options for specialization.

Any reference book you select s h o u l d g i v e t i p s o n p l a n t maintenance and propagation, or you can provide the recipient with a supply of fertilizer or attractive watering can.

With all the varieties of plants available, finding the right one may be a challenge. As long as you keep the recipient in mind, you’re sure to choose the perfect plant that will last for years to come.


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A bold and unusual gift ideaBy Doris A. BlackFeature Writer

When making your holiday shopping list, why not consider a product sold, and made, r ight here in

Lewiston-Auburn? These products are part of small business endeavors that thrive on the Made in Maine label. Products reflect Maine ingenuity, are reasonably priced, and often available in area retailers or by mail order to many shipping destinations.

Start your shopping trip at www.mainemade.com where you can search for Maine Made products by category (apparel, giftware, home furnishings, pet products, etc.) or by town/zip code. A recent search came up with 39 Maine-made businesses in L-A.

Mainely Pet Portraits – mainelypetportraits.com

Take a favorite photo of your special pet and send it to artist Lisa Bonenfant in Auburn. She’ll paint a true-to-life portrait of the pet or pets on a piece of roofing slate. Bonenfant said, “I enjoy painting on old roofing slates. The slate gives the portrait a unique and nostalgic feel.”

Items can be picked up or delivered locally or mailed to a destination. Bonenfant also paints pets on glassware, vases, Christmas ornaments, plates, and mugs.

Hungry Yankee Moose – hungryyankeemoose.com

Want homemade baked goods that are quick and easy to make? In addition to selling a Hungry Yankee Moose recipe book, this compa ny creates mi xes t hat ma ke delicious, tummy-p l e a s i n g b a k e d goods. They offer a l ine of cook ie, br ow n ie, br e ad, a nd cof fee c a ke baking mixes. By just adding a few simple ingredients t o t h e i r m i x e s , anyone can have a hot, freshly baked treat, claims owner, J a n C o n a n t o f Auburn.

Berts’ Awesome Stuff – bertsawesomestuff.com

Here you’ll find homemade pickles, dilly beans, pickled beets, corn relish, chutneys and jams. Auburn couple, Bruce Litt le and Chriss Hayden, a high school teacher and nurse/health educator respectively, use many recipes from their parents and grandparents and incorporate their own experiences in cooking, gardening, canning, and pickling in making their “awesome stuff.” Their products are in many retail locations and they visit many arts and crafts shows throughout the state.

Maine Gourmet Chocolates and Coastal Cookies – mainegourmetcoastalcookies.com

You’ll find many gourmet foods and specialty confections, all made fresh to order. The Xtra large cookies and variety of Xtra large lollipops are delightful items. The lines of Maine Nautical Chocolates are made from actual sea shells, lobster claws, and crab claws from Maine’s ocean. Owner Stephani Bernatchez said that her regular customers go for the three top sellers, “Needhams, Sea Salt Nut Bark and Popcorn.”

Bates Mill Store – batesmillstore.com

For over 50 years, the Bates Mill Store has been an icon in the L/A area. They proudly sell bedspreads and coverlets woven at Maine Heritage Weavers, that employ former Bates Fabrics employees who use the same equipment to weave these superior-quality bedspreads as taught to them by their parents and grandparents. They have a retail location in Lewiston and shipping is offered.

Bright Ideas in Wood – 415 Grove Street in Lewiston, 783-7419

This company makes hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind rolling pins, collector grade writing


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instruments, Christmas orna-ments, wine bott le stops/keys, l ight/fan pulls and solid-wood lamps made of exotic woods with no two items alike. They also offer custom lasering on any of their wood products.

Labadie’s Bakery – whoopiepies.com

Since 1925, Labadie’s Bakery has satisf ied the sweet cravings of generations in L/A. While you can stop by the bakery and pick up their many baked delights, you can also get whoopee pies and creme horns individually wrapped and shipped to insure freshness for your holiday gift giving. Whoopie pies come in 5-inch, 12-inch, and 16-inch sizes.

Brettuns Village Trunk Shop – www.brettunsvillage.com

You won’t find many places that buy, sel l, and ref inish trunks,

chests, toy boxes, wood boxes, and tool boxes for antique dealers, i nter ior decor ator s, a nd t he creative shopper.

Brettuns Village Trunk Shop does it all with a store at 557 Lincoln Street in Lew iston. They ship trunks to many locations. Some of their products have been seen in Hollywood movies.

BUKRAP – www.bukrap.com

BukRap, pronounced “book wrap,” is a comfortable, multifunctional, ergonomic vest with many large pockets to hold water bott les, cameras and other gear. No matter what outdoor activ it y you are enjoying, BukRap is able to store all of your gear and necessities with the weight distributed equally around the body.

Owners, inventors, (and retired L ew i ston educ ator s) Ma r sha Auster and Joan Tankey said, “Our product is made in Maine. We have home sewers and many BukRap units are made in a Maine factory.”

L-A productsfrom page 14

Brettun’s Village

Craft sales are the perfect outlet for finding unusual and unique gifts.

One-of-a-k i nd item s abou nd in all shapes and sizes for every budget, age group and gender. To find original artwork in all forms imaginable, look to craft shows and find a variety of gift ideas not only for Christmas but for any occasion.

Understa ndably, most of t he products at craft shows are geared toward women, but a surprising 32% of buying customers are men, either purchasing products for themselves or as gifts for other family members. As in the retail market, children often inf luence what their parents spend.

There are some ver y ta lented crafters selling their wares at craft shows. It is easy to be envious of the seamstresses who design and sew such beautiful shirts and sweaters, skirts, jackets and vests.

There are also marvelously intricate quilts, throws and pillows. It’s hard to decide which pieces to buy and easy to spend more than intended.

Jewelry is another category hard to resist. Often you can find the most a ma z i ng brooches a nd neck laces gea red for today ’s trends. As a matter of fact that’s one of the nicest things about craft

shows. Vendors are constantly redesigning their products to meet the changing needs and tastes of the public.

Home décor items abound as well. You can find beautiful dried flower arrangements and wreaths, for example, at a fraction of the cost of retail. Typically we may think of crafting as a female pastime, but there are many men who enjoy creating original pieces of art.

Woodworkers create handmade benches, tables or chairs, often offering unique products made from their own patterns.

Potters display their wares to the delight of many discerning buyers. The kids will love the inventive toys made by some very creative minds.

As a general rule, craft shows re-quire that vendors sell handmade or ha nd-a ltered products. A n altered product is one in which the vendor has changed the original appearance or use.

For example, a vendor who intends to sell sweatshirts must add a collar or embroider a design, often going beyond the obvious, to create a totally new product.

Many vendors are husband and wife partners working together in a joint business. And a business is exactly what it is.

Some crafters are able to make a living from craft shows, hauling their creations from show to show.

Every Friday evening, the routine begins: packing their creations, loading their vehicles, unloading at their destinations and setting up. On Sunday they tear down, load the vehicle and head home to start all over again the next weekend.

It’s work, but it’s also their job. Du r i ng t he week, t hey ma ke more crafts to sell the following weekend. It is often a seven-day-a-week job. And if they didn’t love it, they wouldn’t do it.

Many crafters return to the same show every year. As a matter of fact, craft show organizers offer returning crafters first choice of space before opening it to new vendors. However, not ever y crafter returns. If supplies are low, they may have to skip a show or they might just want some much-needed time off.

With dozens of craft shows to choose from on any given weekend, vendors decide which ones to attend based on prof itabi l it y, convenience and fun.

To successfully peruse a craft sale, arrive early. Veteran craft show patrons know to be among the first into a show for the choice items.

If you see something you like, buy it. If you don’t, by the time you view all the other booths, someone else may have snatched the item you wanted. You may even want to consider buying two because you may never find that item again.

For a truly uncommon gift, look to craft showsBy Doris A. BlackFeature Writer


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Are you looking for a nice piece of jewelry this holiday season?

How about a pearl necklace, a ruby pendant or a platinum bracelet? Do you know which is the most expensive of these three? Whether you are considering gemstones, gold or platinum, it’s wise to be familiar with jewelry terms before setting foot in a jewelry store. As the old adage goes: buyer beware.

Let’s start with the most expensive type of jewelry on the market today: platinum.

It is rare to find a piece of jewelry made of pure platinum. A precious metal, platinum is often combined w it h ot her me t a l s , s uc h a s rhodium, palladium, iridium or osmium. The amount of platinum used is indicated by markings such as 900 Plat. or Pt.

In this example, 900 means 900 out of 1,000 parts pure platinum, or in other words, the item is 90% platinum and 10% other metals.

If a marking reads without num-bers and just contains the word “platinum,” then the piece con-tains 950 parts or above pure platinum. Any amount over 900 may be indicated with just the word “platinum.” However, it is not uncommon to see pieces indicating not only the platinum amount but also the amount of other metals such as 700 platinum/700 Irid. Naturally, the more platinum, the higher the price.

Silver is often marked in a similar manner. For example, a sterling

silver piece marked 925 means that 925 parts out of 1,000 are pure silver. The term silverplate refers to a layer of silver over another less valuable base metal, while vermeil describes a layer of gold over sterling silver.

Gold jewelry dictates a different numbering system for marking the pure content of the metal. The term “gold” is generally understood to mean 24 karat gold, or pure gold.

Ot her ma rk i ngs refer to gold mixed with different metals to add strength. Commonly seen are 22K, 14K and 10K. Most men’s jewelry is made of 10K because of its higher strength and durability.

When a layer of gold is added to a base metal, it is called gold plate, gold overlay or rolled gold plate and is indicated in the marking (22K Gold Overlay or 14K RGP).

When the gold karat content in the layer is minimal, it is marked accordingly, such as 1/40 22K Gold Overlay. Gold plating will eventually wear off just as silver plating does, revealing a rather dull finish similar to nickel.

Gemstones come in every color imaginable and can be obtained no matter what your budget, but know what you’re buying. Natural gemstones are mined stones of Mother Nature’s creation.

In contrast, synthetic or imitation stones are not. Synthetic stones are laboratory created or “grown” with the same physical characteristics as natural stones. Imitation stones are either made of glass or plastic.

Gemstones are commonly treated to enhance their color or durability. Color en ha ncers include heat treatments, irradiation, diffusion, dyeing or bleaching. Treatments

t hat a f fect cla r it y or su r face appearance include impregnating or fracture filling.

Not all treatments are permanent. Some treatments increase t he value of the stone and others may require that the stone be handled with special care.

Reputable jewelers

will inform you

if a gemstone you

are considering

has any of these

traits due to

enhancements.

Si ze, weig ht a nd ra r it y pr ice gemstones. Size is expressed in millimeters. A stone measuring 5x7 millimeters will cost more than one 2x3 millimeters.

Weight is measured by carats. There are 100 units to a carat so a one-half carat stone would be written as .50 carats.

As a general rule of thumb, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and some of the more exotic stones are high end. Garnet, topaz and amethyst are among the more common, less expensive stones.

Diamonds are perennial favorites but it takes a practiced eye to detect clarity, color, cut and carat—the four criteria for valuing a diamond. That’s why experts use a 10-power m a g n i f ic at ion t o de t er m i ne d ia mond g rade. A “f lawless” diamond must have no surface or internal imperfections.

Diamonds are measured in carats. Small diamonds may be stated as

decimals. For example .20 carats represents a diamond with a weight range between .195–.202.

As with other stones, diamonds m a y b e t r e at e d to en h a nc e appearance. Cubic Zirconia is a lab-created imitation diamond commonly used in less expensive jewelry. Mother Nature creates pearls in a variety of colors such as purple, blue, bronze, gold, orange, black and white.

Because they are made by oysters and other mollusks, unassisted by man, they are very rare and expensive. Cultured pearls are made by mollusks as well, but with human intervention.

Pricing for natural pearls and cultured pearls are based on size, measured in millimeters, and the quality of their luster. Imitation pearls are made from synthetic materials such as plastic.

Keep your wits about you when buying jewelry this holiday season. Deter m i ne how much money you want to spend and tell the salesperson so they have a good idea of what pieces to show you.

Remember, jewelry salespeople work on commission and may try to push you toward a more expensive piece. It’s easy to get swept away by the “spirit of giving” at this time of year, so keep in mind that it’s the thought that counts.

The quick jewelry reference for last-minute shoppersBy Doris A. BlackFeature Writer


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You’re down to the wire and it’s crunch time.

There’s only a couple of people on your list and you’re running out of ideas. You’re considering gift cards but those are so impersonal. What to do?

Is there someone on your list who would make a good philatelist? That’s the fancy term for stamp col lector. Sta mp col lect ing is a hobby t hat doesn’t requ i re expensive equipment or lots of supplies. In order to get started, here are the basic tools needed.

• Stamp albums. Albums enable the collector to organize and display stamps while keeping them safe. Albums should have lots of space and thick pages made of acid-free paper.

• Hinges a nd mounts. Hinges are small, folded, rectangular pieces of paper coated with gum. One end i s moi stene d a nd fastened to the back of the stamp and the other end to the album. Mounts hold the stamps onto the

album page without disturbing the gum on the back of the stamp. The front of a stamp mount is clear plastic with sleeves to insert a stamp. The back is coated with gum and adhered to the album page. These are excel lent for mounting expensive stamps.

• S t a m p t o n g s . R e s e m b l i n g t w e e z er s , s t a mp tong s a re specifically designed for picking up stamps. They should always be used when picking up stamps because f ingers can crease or stain a stamp. Make sure the tongs do not have sharp edges.

• Stamp catalogs. A catalog helps the collector identify a stamp and can give a rough indication as to its value. They can also contain useful reference information.

• Magnifying glass. A magnifying glass lets the collector examine stamps in more detail, like the inscription and design. It is also useful when looking for tears, creases or printing errors.

• Glassine envelopes. These are thin, translucent envelopes that the collector can use to store sta mps before putt ing t hem into an album. They can also be

used for mailing stamps to other collectors.

• Perforation gauge. Perforations are the tiny holes between the blocks of stamps in a sheet that a l lows for t he sepa rat ion of individual stamps.

A perforation gauge measures the number of holes per 2cm length of the perforations. Even though two stamps may look alike and are the same issue, they can still have a different perforation count.

A gauge is useful in distinguishing and identifying each stamp. This dif ference in perforat ions can even determine a stamp’s rarity and value.

• Watermark detector. Watermark detectors let the collector view the hidden embossed pattern that was on the paper when the stamp was printed. Not all stamps have watermarks and identical stamps can have different watermarks. Watermarks can help identify forgeries and stamp varieties.

• Sta mp ma ga z i nes or news-papers. These tell the collector about current trends and what’s hot, and help them find other collectors with similar interests.

Last minute doesn’t have to mean tacky or impersonal. You can show people remaining on your list how

much they mean to you by giving them something unique.

Gifts: Last minute doesn’t have to mean tackyBy Ronda AddyFeature Writer

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It’s t ime to sta r t g i f t buy ing. You have n a r r o w e d d o w n

what to get almost everyone on your l ist w it h one except ion, your grandchild. No clothes or money this year for them. You’re concerned that you won’t be able to find that one cool toy that fits them because your grandchild has special needs.

When looking for a toy for a special needs ch i ld, choose one t hat focuses not on the child’s disability but on their ability and interests. Take into consideration the child’s developmental age rather than their chronological age.

If you have a seven-year-old that understands things on a five-year-old level, then get a toy geared toward a five-year-old.

Keep in mind that toys don’t have to do everything. Simplicity is a good thing. Even the simplest of toys can spark a child’s imagination and improve their skills.

Modeling clay, for example, can help ch i ld ren w it h At tent ion Deficit Disorder use their hands

to maintain focus. Coloring books can help develop their motor skills.

Jump ropes, balls and yo-yos can help strengthen their muscles and improve their coordination and balance. Blocks, Legos and Tinker Toys can help them express their creativity and improve their problem solving, motor skills and visual acuity.

The National Lekotek Center, an organization that makes playing accessible to children with disabilities, recommends looking for these general features when choosing toys for special needs children:

• Safet y. W hat are the built-in safety features? Are there small parts that are easy to swallow? Is the toy the right size for the child’s strength and body?

• Du r abi l it y. Ca n t he toy be washed? Will it hold up and not break?

• Versatility. Is there a right and wrong way to play with the toy? Can it be adjusted to be played with in different positions, like sitting up and laying down? Is it easy to store? Does it appeal to the different senses?

• C h a l l e n g i n g . I s t h e t o y challenging but not frustrating? Can it be used with success? Is it at the correct developmental level?

• Engaging. Does the toy promote learning? Does it allow the child to make choices?

• Stigmatizing. Does the toy set the child apart in such a way that they will be teased or made fun of?

• Popular. Does the toy reflect what is popular with other children their age?

For children with specific needs, t he Nat iona l L ekotek Center recommends the following.

Toys for hearing-impaired children should have:

• Adjustable a nd/or a mpli f ied sound

• Varying sounds and vibrations

• Bold, contrast ing colors and lights to visually stimulate and keep attention

• Interesting textures

• Scented parts

Toys for visually impaired children should have:

• Raised or large parts

• Realistic and familiar sounds and objects

• Easy-to-operate components

• Different textures and shapes

• Bold or bright colors

• Distinct scents

Wit h a l it t le imaginat ion a nd the items available at most craft stores, most toys can be adapted for special needs children. A battery-operated toy, for example, can be adapted by adding a pressure or position switch.

To adapt the toy, just put a battery interrupter between the battery and the device. The interrupter will be attached to a wire that goes to the switch. The switch could be a joystick, vibrating device or a round button. These can be operated by the hand, foot or head or by blinking an eye.

T he abi l it y of t he ch i ld w i l l determine t he t y pe of sw itch and the length of the wire. Adapt a rocking horse by attaching an elevated seat back, a lap belt and larger handgrips.

If you still have questions and want more information, here are few places to go for help.

• N a t i o n a l L e k o t e k C e n t e r . T he Center ca n recom mend appropriate toys and activities. C ont ac t 1- 8 0 0 -36 6 -PL AY or http://www.lekotek.org.

• A merica n Toy Inst itute. The Institute publishes a toy guide with pictures and descriptions for infants and preschoolers. For more information, visit http://w w w t o y-t m a .o r g /i n d u s t r y/publications/index.html.

• Exceptional Parent Magazine. The magazine contains photos a nd descr ipt ions of toys for special needs children and the skills they encourage. For more information, log on to http://www.eparent.com.

Buying a toy for a special needs ch i ld doesn’t need to be a ny harder than buying for someone else. Just keep in mind the child’s l i ke s a nd d i s l i ke s a nd t hei r skills and limitations. Choosing t he r ig ht toy c a n i mprove a ch i ld’s motor sk i l ls, ba la nce, coordination, concentration and cognitive abilities.

Cool toys for the special kids on your shopping listBy Ronda AddyFeature Writer


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Got a cook on your Christmas list, but don’t know

what to get them? They’ve got all the latest appliances and the best gadgets and gizmos- what more could they possibly need? Probably not anything, but if you’re looking for something special to give them, how about a pot of herbs that they can grow indoors and use from time to t ime in their cooking? Sound ideal? Read on to learn more.

The best herbs to grow indoors are those that won’t tolerate cold weat her. Bay, g inger, lemon- grass and rosemary fit into this category. You can also grow invasive herbs in pots to keep them under control. Some of these include comfrey, horsetail, lemon balm, mint and oregano.

Depending upon how much room the cook has in their kitchen, you

can either plant several different herbs i n i nd iv idua l pots a nd present them to the cook, or you can combine severa l dif ferent herbs into one pot, complete with a festive ribbon, and present it to the cook.

To combine herbs, you’ll need to choose a group that shares the same soil, light and water needs.

Whether you decide to plant herbs alone or combine them, you will need the following materials:

• Herbs in nursery pots

• Large pots made of terracotta, fiberglass, resin or wood

• Potting soil

• Compost

Once you have gathered the supplies, you’ll need to make your indoor herb pot. Follow these directions.

1. Fill the pot with potting soil and work in some compost.

2. Press the potted herb into the soil to make a planting hole.

3. Slip the herb out of its nursery pot, loosen its roots and place it into the hole.

4. Press the soil around the herb.

5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for each herb you are planting.

6. Water the soil thoroughly.

To make your herb pot special, find some recipes that require the herb. Print them onto some nice paper and present them a long with the herb pot. The cook will appreciate the time you put into the herb pot and enjoy trying out the new recipes.

This year, surprise the cook on your list. Give them an indoor herb pot and the chance to add a dash of flavor to their cooking.

For the cook on your listBy Tresa EricksonFeature Writer

Only plant together herbs that share cultural needs or conditions in terms of soil, light, and water. Show off a collection of thymes or basils, for example, or carry out a theme, such as a Mediterranean garden or plants for f irst aid. Container plantings offer a convenient way to keep herbs handy – in or near the kitchen, for instance. Small pots nestle easily on a windowsill. For more information on growing herbs, visit www.bhg.com/.

Got a few people on your Christmas list this year who are starting to show an interest in sewing?

W hile buy ing each of t hem a brand-new deluxe sewing machine may be out of the question due to budgetar y constraints, putting together a sewing kit for the people on your list who are learning to sew may be ideal.

You can throw all of the items they will use the most into a plastic organizer with room for other stuff they will collect in the future.

To get started, shop around and find a container that will hold a large amount of sewing items.

Then fill it with these items:

• Dressmakers’ carbon

• Fabric shears

• Gauge

• Needles

• Regular scissors for cutting paper

• Seam ripper

• Straight pins and a pincushion

• Tape measure

• Thimble

• Thread

• Thread snip

• Tracing wheel

Arrange the contents neatly and decorate the outside of the kit with buttons, bows and other decorative items. Then wrap the kit, add a ribbon and voila ... your sewing kit is complete.

If you have someone on your list who already has a sewing kit with all of the goodies, don’t worry. You can still find them a gift that will keep them sewing happily for years to come.

Sew ing books, maga zine sub-scriptions and patterns will come in handy for instructions, advice and project ideas, while thread racks and organizer boxes will help keep supplies organized.

Notions like buttons, snaps, zip-pers, elastic, ribbon, sequins and beads will ensure that a sewer can tackle almost any project without frequent trips to the store.

If none of these will work, you can always stop by any of the craft or fabric stores in your area and purchase a gift certificate for each of the sewers on your list.

That way, they can choose their own gift. If you find gift certificates too impersonal, you can make a list of the sewing classes offered around town and pay for a class of their choosing for each sewer on your list.

As long as you put some thought and creativity into your gifts, you’re sure to delight all of the budding sewers on your list and inspire them in their craft. Get busy!

Treasures for budding sewers


Just one block from LL Bean

Glitz and GlimmerNew arrivals by Anne Koplik

people��r m�nth visit

Sunj�urna�.c�m

It is fine to admit you buy gifts for your pet. Many of us do. Here are some ideas

that are sure to make your pet the envy of the neighborhood.

The BiOrb is a crystal-clear acrylic bowl that looks like a traditional fish bowl but offers the technology of a larger aquarium. The 16-gallon aquarium comes in eight colors with a five-stage internal f ilter, ceramic media, air pump, halogen l i g ht u n it , p lu g-t op 12-v olt transformer, water treatment, fish food and set-up instructions.

Other accessories such as an LED light, volcano, aquarium stand and an air stone are available. When full, the aquarium weighs 132 pounds. For more information, check out www.reef-one.com.

The CatFisher Rod and Reel comes with two catnip-scented mice that can be cast up to 40 feet. The rod is collapsible for easy storage and the mini tackle box in the handle contains the second mouse lure. For more information, check out www.bamboopet.com.

The Doggie Bag to Go Pet Carrier was voted the Best Pet Product

for spring 2005 by the Best Media Guide. With genuine leather trim, the carrier is designed to look like a handbag and has an adjustable leather strap with silver hardware.

The lightweight carrier has a plush velvet cushion padded interior, a removable, washable interior cushion mat, ventilation panels on both ends, an elasticized safety cord with a collar hook, duel zippers, two outside pockets, an optional cooling mat and silver hardware feet to keep it off the ground.

Two sizes are avai lable: small for pets up to seven pounds and large for pets up to 15 pounds. For more information, check out www.cocojorhawaii.com.

The Komfort Kennel is a climate-controlled pet carrier powered by electricity that provides automatic cooling and heating. The carrier comes in two lines, standard and designer, and four sizes, small, medium, large and extra large.

Made from high molecular weight polyethylene, the standard carriers look like classic carriers, while the designer carriers come in four high-gloss metallic, wood grain or simulated leather finishes.

Customized carriers will soon be available with camouflage finishes,

personalization options and video capabilities that allow users to view their pets by cell phone. Dogs, cats, rabbits or any other household pet can use the Komfort Kennel. For more information, check out www.komfortpets.com.

The Ther m-Perch is desig ned to protect exotic birds from air conditioning and cold drafts. The thermostatically controlled perch is made from non-toxic scratch-and-bite resistant plastic, uses 12 volts of electricity, attaches to wire cages and has an irregular shape to reduce foot cramping and pressure sores.

It comes in three sizes: sma ll for finches, cockatiels, canaries a nd p a r a k e e t s , me d iu m f or pionus parrots, African grays and amazons, and large for macaws, touca ns a nd la rge cockatoos. For more information, check out www.khmfg.com.

This is just a small sample of the products available designed to make any pet the envy of the neigh-borhood. Be sure to check out the Web sites for complete information and additional products.

Extraordinary: The ideal giftBy Ronda AddyFeature Writer

Looking for an extraordinary gift? Check out ReefOne on Facebook.

Holiday 12-16-11

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