VOLUME: 4 JANUARY 2012 ISSUE: 3

jackieThe examiner’S

Women & Family Magazine

KellyCochran

Juggling academics, sports, faith and politics p10

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Tips for training a bad dog or cat p6

Get your kids’ rooms organized p9 Hit the slopes with the family p12

JANUARY 2012� JACKIE

IndependenceANIMALS BEST FRIENDS ADOPT-A-PET, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, PetSmart, 39th Street and Missouri 291. Independence Animal Shelter dogs will be available for adoption, and ABF dogs may be viewed.“THE MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL TIME MACHINES, demonstration organ recitals, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays, at Community of Christ Temple on even weekends; the Auditorium on odd weekends, Walnut Street and River Boulevard, Independence. Free. Visit www.CofChrist.org/dome_spire/recitals.asp or call 816-833-1000.TODDLER TOWN – for ages 5 and younger, 10 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Children will enjoy an indoor playground in the gym and a craft project on Wednesdays. (Closed when Independence schools are not in session). Cost, $1 per child. Call 816-325-7370.GATHER INN, for retired people, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Community of Christ Stone Church Education Building, River Boulevard and Lexington Ave., Independence. Activities: 9:30 a.m. blood pressure checks; 10 a.m. Bible study; 11 a.m. program; noon lunch ($3.50). 254-2211.“MANIFEST DESTINY” GALLERY WALK, 2 p.m. Thursdays, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. The idea of manifest destiny compelled thousands to move west in the 19th century. Explore the origin of the term and its lasting impact on United States history. Free with regular museum admission, $6 for adults; $5 for ages 62 and older; $3 for ages 6 to 17. Call 816-325-7575 or visit www.frontiertrailsmuseum.org.“THE LIFE OF CHRIST IN PICTURES,” 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Jan. 6 through April 30, Mormon Visitors Center, 937 W. Walnut St. Noted artist Liz Lemon Swindle has created a narrative of the life of Jesus Christ as illustrated in a series of paintings in this moving display. Free. Call 816-836-3477 or visit www.lds.org.HERITAGE SCRAPBOOKING – for adults, 10 a.m. Jan. 7, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. This is a way of maintaining and recording family history in a creative way. To register, call 816-252-7228.SUNDAY FILM SERIES, 2 p.m., Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific Ave. Learn about different aspects of western history. Topics: Jan 8, “Basic Ox Training;” Jan. 15, “Advanced Ox Training;” Jan. 22, “Mules;” Jan. 29, “Hooved Animals and Indian Live.” Free with regular museum admission, $6 for adults; $5 for ages 62 and older; $3 for ages 6 to 17. Call 816-325-7575 or visit www.frontiertrailsmuseum.org.BEGINNING BALLET – for ages 7 to 13, 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays Jan. 9-April 30, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. This class is an introduction to ballet techniques. Cost, $50. Call 816-325-7370 to register.BEGINNERS LINE DANCE – for adults, 8 to 9 p.m. Mondays Jan. 9-Feb. 27, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Cost, $20. Call 816-325-7370 to register.“FROM TOPS TO TRAINS: Toys from the Truman Home,” 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 10, Truman Visitor’s Center, 223 N. Main St. A special exhibit featuring toys and other memorabilia that belonged to the Truman family. Free. Call 816-254-9929.BRAIN DANCE, 10:40 to 11:10 a.m. for walking age to

2 years; 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. for ages 3 and 4, Tuesdays/Thursdays Jan. 10-Feb. 2, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Kids will explore dance concepts, develop skills and create dances. The $35 fee includes a parent. Call 816-325-7370 to register.YOUTH TENNIS LESSONS, 5:30 to 6 p.m. for ages 5 and 6 ($20); 6 to 6:45 p.m. for ages 7 to 10 ($40), Wednesdays Jan. 11-Feb. 15, Palmer Center Gym, 218A N. Pleasant St. Cost, $20. Registration deadline: Jan. 9. Call 816-325-7843 to register.AFS CHAPTER, 7 p.m. Jan. 11, Fort Osage High School Library, Twyman Road and U.S. 24. Meet 16 Independence AFS students, host families and their friends. Program presented by Daniel Schartz of Germany, Camilla Caselli of Italy, Mon Sukchalermchai of Thailand, and Ilay Hayal of Turkey. Call 816-254-8105.TALKIN’ TRUMAN, 11 a.m. Jan. 12, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. Library archivist

will commemorate Truman with an informative, highlighting rarely seen and unique items from the Truman Library’s collection. Free with regular admission, $8 for adults; $7 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 15. Call 816-268-8200 or visit www.trumanlibrary.org.“A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE,” presented by the City Theatre of Independence, 8 p.m. Jan. 12, 13, 14, 20 and 21; 2 p.m. Jan. 15 and 22, Powerhouse Theatre inside the Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Cost, $10; Jan. 14 is a dinner theatre and is $23. For reservations, call 816-325-7367.CENSUS RESEARCH – for adults, 7 p.m. Jan. 12, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. Learn how to search effectively in Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest, as well as print indices and soundex. To register, call 816-252-7228.BALLROOM DANCE, 7 to 10 p.m. (lessons 6 to 6:45 p.m.) Jan. 14, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple

Ave. Fees: Lessons are $2 per person; the dance is $8 per person or $15 per couple. For details, call 816-325-7843.DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY CELEBRATION, 7 p.m. Jan. 16, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. Deputy Superintendent Dred Scott, of the Independence School District, is the keynote speaker. Students from the Van Horn Music Department will showcase their talent, John Olivarez will recognize the Essay Scholarship, and much more. Free. For details, call 816-325-7843.POETRY READ-A-ROUND, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Hidden Valley Christian Union Church, 17500 Hidden Valley Road. Bring poems to share. Call 816-373-3416.BEGINNING GENEALOGY with Andrew McKinley – for adults, 10 a.m. Jan. 17, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. Class focuses on procedures, skills and techniques needed for beginning a search of your family genealogy. To register, call 816-252-7228.ENGLEWOOD ART WALK, 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 20 10900 E. Winner Road. Seven galleries in the Englewood Station Shopping District, Winner Road and Sterling Avenue, open their doors to art lovers. See artists in action, demonstrations, and enjoy live music. Free. Call 816-252-3372.SHEPHERD’S CENTER OF INDEPENDENCE Adventures in Learning, 8:30 a.m. registration; {EDITOR’ S   P ICK}

This will teach you a new way of maintaining and recording your family history in a creative way.

This class, designed for adults, will show you how to incorporate photographs, printed media, memorabilia and embellishments to create decorated family history scrapbooks.

Participants are invited to exchange ideas, get tips from guest speakers or just enjoy the day. Bring your scrapbooking “stuff.”

The class will run two hours.

Heritagescrapbooking

calendar

| FILE photo

Jackie CONTACT US

Phone: 816-350-6365 Fax: 816-254-0211 (news)

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© 2012 GATEHOUSE MEDIA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Cover pHoto by karen HaCker at tHe portrait Gallery, 124 S. Main St., independenCe, 816-461-5400.

MORE ON PAGE 14

WHEN: 10 a.m. Jan. 7 WHERE: Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road, Independence. REGISTER (required): 816-252-7228

JACKIE �

Jackie

JANUARY 2012

wine 101

So many customers, so many questions.

Whenever a customer comes in to the Cork and barrel and asks us a question, i know there are several more people wondering the same thing. Here are some interesting facts about wine and wine making and answers to some of the questions we have been asked. a standard bottle of wine is 750 ml or about 25 ounces. that’s three 8 oz glasses of wine or about six 4 oz glasses of wine per bottle. there are about 85 calories in a 4 oz glass of dry wine. it is fruit juice after all.

to make one bottle of wine it takes two and a half pounds of grapes. there are 12 bottles of wine in a case, so to make a case of wine it takes about 30 pounds

of grapes. one acre will hold 400 grape vines and will produce enough fruit to make 800 gallons of wine. there are 128 ounces in a gallon and a standard bottle holds 25 ounces, so depending on the grape you could get anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 bottles of wine. does anyone want to know how many calories that is? i sure don’t! Wine is made in large barrels that hold 60 gallons of wine. depending on the grape and the wine maker’s idea of the

finished product, the barrels are toasted in different ways. the cooperage starts making the barrels with oak staves and puts bands around the top to hold it in a barrel shape. in France and other euro-pean countries they set them outside to dry.

in america most barrels are dried in kilns. after they have aged the barrels are placed over a small fire so that the inside of the barrel gets charred or toasted. levels of toast include light, medium, and heavy. depending on the grape and style of wine, these barrels have a hand in the flavors you taste. toasting a barrel will en-hance the oak flavor in wine and can give wine a vanilla, butterscotch or a creamy carmel flavor. toasted barrels can also impart a spicy or smoky flavor to wine.

a barrel can be used and reused for about three to five years. after that they no longer add any oak flavor to the wine.

Some wineries shave the inside of the barrel about a quarter of an inch to reveal fresh wood. Sometimes they even retoast the barrel and can get another three to five years out of the barrel.

the shaving can only be done once as the staves have become to thin to shave again.

Email us at corkandbarrel@live.com if you have any questions about wine. We will do our best to answer them. You can also call us a 816-257-7911 or visit our new location at 10819 E. Winner Road, Independence Missouri.

Dawn

you ask, we’re glad to answerwritten by

Dawnbrooks

dawn Brooks is owner of cork and Barrel at 10819 e. Winner Road in Indepen-dence. You can reach her at 816-257-7911 or corkandbarrel@live.com

� JACKIE JANUARY 2012

BY AveRY MAnn | aMeriCan proFile

ou don’t have to be able to paint a trompe l’oeil frieze or completely remodel your home to give it a fresh

new look. If you’re DIY-challenged, keep in mind that a coat of paint and a change of accessories can make a huge differ-ence to any room.

In the living room in newer homes where open-plan spaces have replaced separate living and dining rooms, dens and offices, it can be a challenge to create a homogeneous look to a room that serves multiple purposes. a stylish living room is less about your choice of furniture and accessories than it is about having a clean and clutter-free look. Create activity zones and cozy corners with screens, wall di-viders and bookcases, and store things close to where they are used to make switching from one activity to another quick and simple. remember, a large decorative box with a lid hides a multitude of sins. Choose what stays on per-manent display in the living room to reflect your personality.

In the kitchen Update a fitted kitchen with new doors and drawer fronts and replace outdated ap-pliances for a complete overhaul. on a smaller budget, make changes with new light fittings, smaller appliances, such as a kettle and a toaster, trendy window dressings, and a new vase for flowers or a striking fruit bowl. it’s harder to achieve a complete new look in a room where the furniture is fixed, so it’s important to keep work sur-faces clean and clear of clutter so that what you have on show is more effective.

Get a new look Simple decorating

and design ideas

StoCk.xCHnG pHoto

Y

decor

In the bathroom another room where the furniture is fixed, the bathroom will also benefit from re-ducing the clutter and hiding everything away you don’t want on show. a thorough cleanup, removing lime scale and mold from around taps, and a good tile grout cleaner can make a world of difference in this space. Use a laundry hamper that dou-bles as a seat, if there is room, to create instant comfort. Change dingy plastic toilet seats for classic wood ones to bring warmth into the room. Update accessories such as toilet paper holders and toothbrush racks, and replace or dye towels to trendy col-ors, and you have an instantly stylish bathroom.

In the bedroom one quick way to get a new look in the bedroom is to rearrange the furniture. Swap and change dressers and bedside cabinets between rooms for a matched look in each room or for a more eclectic effect. the quickest update will come from a new bed set, a throw and a few fancy cushions with matching drapes. develop the theme and keep things organized with a few stackable decorative storage boxes.

‹‹

JACKIE 5

816-796-9400

Don’t Wait. the Best UpgraDes go First.

www.hav2cruise.com

Call: Mary houseowner/Cruise specialist

offer good now through 3/31/2012

home savings

BY ed del GRAnde

SCrippS HoWard neWS ServiCe

dear ed: I enjoy your passion for sav-ing water and I’m ready to start upgrad-ing my plumbing fi xtures to be more effi cient so I can lower my water bill. Can you give me some guidelines to get started? Please keep in mind that right now I’m on a fi xed budget. — Brenda, New Jersey

A: I have the perfect project for you to consider.

First, here are some water-saving ba-sics. You can save thousands of gallons of water a year in these three areas — with effi cient toilets, showers and faucets.

My fi rst two suggestions are to replace any toilets and showerheads made before

1990. You can noticeably reduce water consumption by upgrading to a new high-effi ciency toilet or water-conserving showerhead.

While these projects are well worth investing in, material and labor costs may hold you back for now. So, to get you on the fast track to water conservation, I recommend starting with your faucets.

Standard faucets can use about 2.2 gallons per minute. New high-effi ciency faucets can use 1.5 gallons per minute and can deliver signifi cant water savings over standard faucets.

Here’s even more good news: As long as your present faucets are in good shape, in most cases you won’t have to change them. At the very end of the fau-cet spout is a small, inexpensive control

called an aerator.Aerators screw into the spout and con-

trol the water fl ow. If you can unscrew the present aerator and take it down to your local plumbing supply house, its representatives can set you up with a new “low-fl ow, high effi ciency aerator” to match your present faucet. Once you in-stall a new water-saving aerator on your older faucet, you’ll have a water-saving faucet.

Bottom line: This is one project that can really conserve your water -- and your wallet.

Master contractor/plumber Ed Del Grande hosts TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. Visit ed-delgrande.com or write eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com. Always consult local con-tractors and codes.

Small fi x, big savingsSave water with newer faucets, aerators

StoCk.xCHnG pHoto

JANUARY 2012

6 JACKIE

pets

Stop bad behaviortips for dealing with a destructive dog or catBY SheRRY phIllIpS | aMeriCan proFile

T wo dog beds, three cushions, one comforter, dozens of rolls of toilet paper, a paperback book and a pair of pre-

scription swim goggles: Bella the boxer has quite a resume when it comes to chewing.

FliCkr pHoto by Me’ntHedoGS

JANUARY 2012

JACKIE 7

pets

StoCk.xCHnG pHoto

JANUARY 2012

“She started with toilet paper, and we thought it was relatively harmless,” says Bella’s owner, Ellen Galvin, 44, of Portland, Ore. “We were less amused when we found the sofa cushions destroyed.”

To protect your house from your dog, trainer Gary Cassera of Balanced Dogs in Marlton, N.J., offers two options.

“You can use a crate or baby gate to con-tain your dog to a certain room or area of your home,” he says. “Or you can make sure your dog gets enough exercise.”

If you choose to use a crate, the general rule for young dogs is to crate them no more than one hour per each month of age.

“This has to do with their ability to con-trol their bladder and bowels,” Cassera says. “For older dogs, the most important factor is that they have already released physical and mental energy that would cause them to naturally want to sleep.”

Cassera says dogs need daily physical activity.

“Take them out and walk, bike or Roller-blade,” he says. “Or play search games in-side the house. Get their energy level from 100 percent to about 20 percent before you leave them alone.”

When it comes to cats, destruction usu-ally involves scratching.

“It’s natural for cats to scratch,” says vet-

erinarian Colin Chaves of Fort Bragg, Calif. “Get them a good scratching post.”

Cats also need exercise, which Chaves says often is overlooked. Cats exercise by playing or chasing treats.

“When animals sleep 12 hours at night, they can be bored during the day,” Cassera says. “They don’t have email or Facebook. They have what we provide. If you don’t exercise them or give them toys, they might chew your curtains.”

Galvin is seeing to it that curtains don’t make Bella’s list of destroyed household items.

“We knew her behavior was our fault; she wasn’t ready to be left home alone,” she says. “Now we crate her, take her with us on dog-friendly outings, or check her into dog day care.”

“If you don’t exercise them or give them toys, they might chew your curtains.”— Gary CaSSera, trainer

� JACKIE JANUARY 2012

JACKIE �JANUARY 2012

organization

clean your room!

eight tips to curb children’s clutter

5 rules for kids’ roomskids’ bedrooms breed clutter. Use these “room rules” to keep it under control:

1. do not allow food in bedrooms.2. place all dirty clothes in a basket or hamper daily.3. do not leave poten-tially dangerous items, such as balls, plastic building pieces and roller skates, on the floor.4. put away toys no longer being played with before getting out something new.5. Straighten up the room before going to bed.

BY SheRRY phIllIpS | aMeriCan proFile

FliCkr pHoto by diSpoSable dreaMS

avoid toy boxes and trunks. Small items sift to the bottom, and you have to empty the con-tents and make a mess to find them. instead,

buy assorted sizes of clear plastic bins for catego-rizing and storing each child’s belongings.

Store frequently used items, such as socks, play clothes, art supplies and favorite toys, in designated, easy-access bins, shelves and

drawers that are labeled with details of the con-tents. (Use picture labels for pre-readers.) this way, when it’s time to tidy up, it’s easy for kids to stow their items and deposit dirty clothes.

keep a small laundry basket, to collect dirty clothes, in each child’s closet.

Hang a see-through shoe organizer low on a closet door, and label the pockets so kids know where to stash small items such as hair

accessories, game pieces and guitar picks that easily get lost.

put a bin, crate or basket near the exit door to collect sports gear. after games or practice, have kids deposit kneepads, cleats, batting

gloves and other equipment in the container. that way, they’ll always know where to find the items.

Hang pegs or hooks at child level for jackets, backpacks and hats.

buy a filing box and help your child set up files for schoolwork, pictures, awards and certificates, personal mail, articles for future

reports and hobby brochures.

Create clutter-free zones in your home. be-longings left in these designated areas can go to “clutter jail” — and there’s a fee to get

them out. or, create a “swine fine” jar. if kids don’t pick up their belongings, call out “swine fine!” and require them to deposit a designated amount of money in the jar. these two strategies work best when mom and dad are accountable, too. let kids collect the fine when you leave items out.

For more information, visit familymanager.com.

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n o matter their age, kids create clutter. But by establishing guidelines, you can keep the chaos under control and teach children valuable lessons about taking good care of their belongings. Try these ideas to reduce kids’ clutter in your home:

10 JACKIE

cover storycover story

kellY cochRAn

JANUARY 2012

SPECTRUM/ Kelly CochranHIGHEST HIGH

It is a tie between defeating Lee’s Summit North’s number one, a girl who had played tennis most of her life and had been so sure she would beat me, and being accepted into the Missouri Scholars Academy after writing so many essays, collecting teacher recommendations, taking intel-ligence tests, etc.

LOWEST LOWMy family built the house we’re living in now. We

had just remodeled the house we were moving away from, a house I adored. We spent every day for a few months building an entirely new one – cleaning, priming, painting, shingling, etc. That period of my life was really stressful for my family, and we strug-gled getting along. I had recently become a teen-ager. It was difficult feeling like a part of the family when we were all being worked so hard every day on a project I didn’t support. God got me through it, though, and I’m happy in our home.

WHAT I REALLY WANT TO DO

In 10 years, I see myself married with kids in a job I love. I will also definitely be playing tennis.

ACHILLES’ HEELBeing too meticulous.

I mean, I have to sched-ule relaxing time. Some-times I am just so driven and so busy, I don’t save time with my family and friends like I want to.

MOST IMPORTANT MENTOR

Christ. I have started to recognize and understand how much I need Him.

MOMENT OF EPIPHANY

When I was stressing about college. I finally felt comfortable about put-ting it in God’s hands. He will make it clear where I should go, and He will help make that big decision. I find comfort in that.

SMARTEST THING I’VE EVER DONEWhen I decided to get out of that car to go to tennis camp and choosing

between going to the Math and Physics Institute and AP Calculus. I chose AP because I had the teacher for pre-calculus and we worked well togeth-er. Going to the institute would have also meant driving into Independence, and I think that would have been too much with everything else.

DUMBEST THING I’VE EVER DONEThe dumbest thing I have ever done would be the time I marched into

state Sen. Will Kraus office while on a field trip to Jefferson City, question-ing him on a recent vote he had cast for a controversial senate bill. In my research, I had found that the bill’s sponsor was a man who had contrib-uted the majority of Kraus’ campaign funds. I was so irate, I mailed him a scathing letter the day before my visit. On the field trip, Kraus welcomed me into his office and explained his vote. He had read the bill, thought it over, and voted, he explained, with the firm belief that he was helping small business owners and their employees. The lawyers who had written the articles I had come across would have less lawsuits as a result of this bill, less money in their pockets. I sent Kraus an apology, asking him to disregard my previous letter. I felt like such an idiot.

BY kellY evenSon |

kelly.evenson@examiner.net

For years, Kelly Cochran felt like others viewed her as a nerd, only excelling in academics.

So the summer before she entered the eighth grade, Co-chran went to several different

sports camps to try to fi nd a sport she liked.“Volleyball did not go so well,” said the

senior at Fort Osage High School with a smile. “I almost did not get out of the car for the tennis camp. But I am so glad I did.”

The STudenTCochran was born and raised in Eastern

Jackson County. The oldest of three, she said she has always had a good relationship with her parents, Ron and Jodi Cochran.

“I really do consider them my best friends,” she said. “From a very young age, they were open with me, and they stressed the importance of me being open with them. I can talk to them about anything.”

Family has always been a priority in the Cochran household. Cochran said no matter how busy she is or how many responsibili-ties she might have, family comes fi rst, no matter what.

“It makes me feel so comfortable to

know that I have this kind of family because I know a lot of people who don’t have this kind of situation,” she said. “It takes the stress off because I know I am able to talk with my parents and have a good relation-ship with my brothers. I like having this kind of relationship.”

Cochran said it is sometimes diffi cult to balance her family with school and activi-ties. She has a 4.0 grade point average and is in advanced placement classes. Her fa-vorite subject is mathematics, although she also has a love of history as well.

But success does not come without work. The straight-A student said her parents instilled one important lesson in her early on: Work comes before play.

“I have always been successful at aca-demics, but I work hard to get there. I feel like for some, school comes easy to them, but I study for every test and work hard in the classroom,” she said. “I think my 4.0 GPA shows that I am willing to work for every grade.”

Cochran said she has always enjoyed math because “there are so many ways to get to the right answer.” She said history is a favorite because it encompasses every sub-ject. The one class that has been the most challenging – physics.

“I believe every subject has a history, so it is fun to apply it to things like math or sci-ence. American history is also fun because I think you can learn a lot from it. It is an

JACKIE 11

cover story

kellY cochRAn Fort osage senior shows ‘maturity and wisdom beyond her years’

JANUARY 2012

SPECTRUM/ Kelly CochranHIGHEST HIGH

It is a tie between defeating Lee’s Summit North’s number one, a girl who had played tennis most of her life and had been so sure she would beat me, and being accepted into the Missouri Scholars Academy after writing so many essays, collecting teacher recommendations, taking intel-ligence tests, etc.

LOWEST LOWMy family built the house we’re living in now. We

had just remodeled the house we were moving away from, a house I adored. We spent every day for a few months building an entirely new one – cleaning, priming, painting, shingling, etc. That period of my life was really stressful for my family, and we strug-gled getting along. I had recently become a teen-ager. It was difficult feeling like a part of the family when we were all being worked so hard every day on a project I didn’t support. God got me through it, though, and I’m happy in our home.

WHAT I REALLY WANT TO DO

In 10 years, I see myself married with kids in a job I love. I will also definitely be playing tennis.

ACHILLES’ HEELBeing too meticulous.

I mean, I have to sched-ule relaxing time. Some-times I am just so driven and so busy, I don’t save time with my family and friends like I want to.

MOST IMPORTANT MENTOR

Christ. I have started to recognize and understand how much I need Him.

MOMENT OF EPIPHANY

When I was stressing about college. I finally felt comfortable about put-ting it in God’s hands. He will make it clear where I should go, and He will help make that big decision. I find comfort in that.

SMARTEST THING I’VE EVER DONEWhen I decided to get out of that car to go to tennis camp and choosing

between going to the Math and Physics Institute and AP Calculus. I chose AP because I had the teacher for pre-calculus and we worked well togeth-er. Going to the institute would have also meant driving into Independence, and I think that would have been too much with everything else.

DUMBEST THING I’VE EVER DONEThe dumbest thing I have ever done would be the time I marched into

state Sen. Will Kraus office while on a field trip to Jefferson City, question-ing him on a recent vote he had cast for a controversial senate bill. In my research, I had found that the bill’s sponsor was a man who had contrib-uted the majority of Kraus’ campaign funds. I was so irate, I mailed him a scathing letter the day before my visit. On the field trip, Kraus welcomed me into his office and explained his vote. He had read the bill, thought it over, and voted, he explained, with the firm belief that he was helping small business owners and their employees. The lawyers who had written the articles I had come across would have less lawsuits as a result of this bill, less money in their pockets. I sent Kraus an apology, asking him to disregard my previous letter. I felt like such an idiot.

important subject,” she said. “Physics, on the other hand has been diffi cult for me. I have found myself staying after so that the teacher can explain the terms in a math-ematical way so I can see how the concept works.”

The AThleTeCochran never saw herself as an athlete.

But after going to a tennis camp the sum-mer before her eighth grade year, that all changed.

“I fell in love with tennis,” she said. “I love the challenge, both the physical and the mental. You can be a good athlete and not win just on your athleticism. You also need to be able to analyze what your op-ponent is going to do.”

As an eighth grader at Osage Trail, Cochran was a manager for the girls team at Fort Osage High School. Then, during tryouts for the high school squad, some-thing surprising happened – the girl who had been playing tennis for only a year made the varsity squad.

“Tryouts are really just a tournament,

and I kept on winning,” she said. “It was a tough thing for some of the seniors to handle because it is not often that a fresh-man makes varsity. But I got the varsity 5 spot. I kept on with challenge matches through the season and fi nally ended up in the varsity 3 spot.”

Jordan Groves, Cochran’s tennis coach, said one of her biggest strengths as a tennis player has always been her consistency. He said even as a freshman, she did a fantastic job of keeping the ball in play.

“I think that is primarily why she was able to play on the varsity team as a fresh-man,” he said of her consistency. “However, in the past couple of years, she has added placement and power to her game. She has learned how to make her opponent move a lot more during a point. I was particularly impressed with the fact that she started lifting weights after her junior year so that she would be able to hit the ball harder as a senior. It defi nitely paid off. She had a tremendous senior year.”

As a senior, Cochran became a sectional qualifi er. In addition, she became the fi rst

tennis player in school history to move past districts.

“Telling my coach my scores was a sur-real moment,” she said. “But I had worked hard throughout the summer trying to beef up my serve. At that moment everything paid off.”

Groves describes Cochran as an “incred-ible” person, both on and off the tennis court.

“Kelly has maturity and wisdom beyond her years. It is rare to fi nd a high school student like Kelly who consistently makes mature and wise decisions in so many areas of her life,” he said. “From the way she man-ages her time, to the thoughtful words she says, Kelly exhibits a remarkable combina-tion of integrity, maturity, wisdom, humility and kindness.”

Cochran is adamant that no matter what happens after graduation, she will continue playing tennis, whether that is at the col-legiate level or just for fun.

“I have thought about playing in college, but it really depends on where I go,” she said. “Even now, thinking about the end (of

high school tennis), I know I am going to miss everything about it. The whole varsity lineup was seniors this year, and we have grown up together. I am going to miss that group of people.”

The polITIcIAnAlthough tennis is a big part of Co-

chran’s life, she is quick to point out that it is not the only part of her life. In addition to being president of the National Honors Society and a member of the Fellowship of Christen Athletes leadership team, she is the founder and president of the Young Conservatives Club.

The idea for starting the club came after volunteering with Bryan Pratt’s state senatorial campaign in 2010. She said after campaigning and learning about the issues, she said she realized there was no politi-cal forum for students at Fort Osage. After working with the school’s administration, she kicked off the group last year.

“There was no where kids could feel comfortable talking about what they are

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family activities

Head to the mountains, strap on some skis and get going. If you don’t know how to ski, these tips will get you started. Get the right equipment. There’s more to getting the proper ski equipment than walking into a store and pulling it off the rack. Proper equipment in-

cludes skis, boots, bindings, poles and accessories such as goggles and a helmet. Beginning skiers would be wise to rent equipment.Master basic moves. Once you’re capable of going down a hill without breaking your neck, it’s important to master basic moves in order to become a

proficient skier. Craig McNeil, certified ski instructor and former director of freestyle skiing at some of Colorado’s most prestigious ski resorts, gives six basic steps to learn how to ski.

learn the basics before you head to the slopes

it’S all doWnhIll

BY AveRY MAnn aMeriCan proFile

JANUARY 2012

family activities

MAInTAIn RhYThM. this is accomplished simply by fi nishing the turn once started and working with the ski instead of against it.

because it’s impossible to learn how to ski on the in-ternet, the neophyte alpine skier would be wise to fi nd a coach or a more experienced skier to demonstrate proper technique.

lIFT And TIlT. this helps skiers use the inside ski to initiate turns. it requires the skier to lift the tail of the inside ski and tilt the ski toward the outside of the foot, with the ski tip remaining on the snow. Make sure you move the feet close together as you practice the lift and tilt method.

RIGhT SkI, leFT SkI. this is simply making sure the lift and tilt method uses the proper ski to initiate the turn. to turn left, lift and tilt the left ski. to turn right, lift and tilt the right ski.

conTRol YouR Speed. the key to controlling your speed involves knowing how to control your edges as you turn and turning properly in order to slow down or speed up.

look AheAd. apprehensive skiers too often stare at the ground, hoping not to become a permanent part of the landscape. looking ahead, ironically, will make that less likely. looking ahead for two to three turns allows the skier to properly plan ski movement.

1

2

3

4

BReAThInG. proper ski breathing involves exhal-ing on every turn. this helps the skier focus and maintain proper rhythm.5

6

Find travel deals and more at

RadarFrog.com

JANUARY 2012 JACKIE 1�

1� JACKIE

workshops begin at 10 and 11 a.m. Jan. 20, Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th St. Choose from several activities and classes. Registration is $1; $4 for lunch. Call 816-254-0521 for lunch reservations.YOUTH SPORTS EXPO, 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 21, Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave. The Expo will feature booths from various organizations, leagues, teams, camps and facilities. Free. Call 816-325-7843.“THE PRESIDENT’S PHOTOGRAPHER,” a National Geographic traveling exhibit, through Jan. 22, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, 500 W. U.S. 24. Exhibit includes 50 framed photographs taken by official White House photographers from 1963 to present day. Free with paid museum admission, $8; $7 for seniors; $3 for ages 6 to 15. Call 816-268-8200 or 800-833-1225.“SYMPHONY OF VOICES,” presented by Cantus and the Kansas City Metro Men’s Chorus, 2 p.m. Jan. 22, Community of Christ Temple, River Boulevard and Walnut Street. Proceeds will go to the Community Services League. Cost, $30. For tickets, visit http://cantusforcsl.eventbrite.com.WRITER’S BLOCK – for adults, 10 a.m. Jan. 24, Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. This group will discuss the writing and publishing process with guest speakers and each other. To register, call 816-252-7228.“THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF JACK’S COW” puppet show, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 28, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. This hand puppet show by Anitra Steel tells what happened to the cow in the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. The $5 cost includes seeing the museum and a finger puppet for children. For reservations, call 816-833-9777 or visit www.hazelle.org.“THE CREEPY CREEPS OF PILGRIM ROAD” auditions, to be presented by the Children’s Performing Theatre, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 29, Powerhouse Theatre, inside the Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads. Play will be presented in March. Call 816-325-7370.PUBLIC SKATE, Independence Events Center, 19100 E. Valley View Parkway. Public sessions are open to skaters of all ages and skill levels. These sessions take place at various times and are usually two hours long. Cost, $5; $3 for 12 and under and 55 and older, non-residents add $1 to each price. Skate rental, $2. For times, call 816-442-6128.“ART AND MARIONETTES OF ROBERT LEROY SMITH,” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday through July 31, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road. Exhibit of puppets made by other companies that competed with the Hazelle Rollins Kansas City factory. Cost, $3, $1.50 to age 16. Call 816-833-9777 or visit www.hazelle.org.MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING has grief survivors meeting second Monday in Independence. Help for bereaved or injured victims, volunteers accepted. For time and location, call Michelle Fordemwalt, 816-295-1545.LA LECHE LEAGUE, Jackson County A.M. Group, 10 a.m., second Thursday, Trails West Public Library. For

breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 816-254-5992.WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT GROUPS, sponsored by the Child Abuse Prevention Association, 6:30 to 8:30 Mondays. For locations, call Karen Costa, 816-252-8388, ext. 16.WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 816-404-6460 or 257-2335.

Blue SpRInGSDISCOVER NATURE FAMILIES: Nature hike – for families, 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 5, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Head outside to discover the world of nature illuminated by an almost full moon. Call 816-228-3766 to register.SNAKES ALIVE – for all ages, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 7, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Discover how snakes are one of the most surprising groups of animals during this hands-on program. No registration required. Call 816-228-3766.CLOGGING – for ages 7 and older, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays Jan. 9-Feb. 13, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $39. Call 816-228-0137 to register.ROCK CLIMBING – for ages 7 to 12, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays/Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Jan. 10-21, IBEX Climbing Gym, 801 N.W. South Outer Road. Cost, $40. Call 816-228-0137 to register.BALLET & JAZZ CLASSES – for children, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for ages 7 to 10, Tuesdays Jan. 10-March 27; 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. for ages 10 to 13, Thursdays Jan. 12-March 29; 8 to 9 p.m. for ages 13 to 18, Thursdays Jan. 12-March 29, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. There is a fee. Call 816-228-0137 to register.CHESS CLUB FOR KIDS: Beginners, 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 10-Feb. 14, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Kids 8 to 16 will be matched so everyone can learn and play at their own level. Cost, $18; $15 for returning students. Call 816-228-0137 to register.COMPUTER CLASSES, computer basics, 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 12-13; intermediate Microsoft Word, 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 12-13; beginning Microsoft Word, 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 17-18; Windows XP, 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 17-18; beginning Microsoft Excel, 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 19-20; navigating the Internet/email, 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 26-27, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $36 per class, or take three different classes for $93. Call 816-228-0137 to register.MAD SCIENCE FUNSHOP: Session I – for ages 6 to 12, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 12-Feb. 2, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Topics: PH Phactor, Chem in a Flash, Junior Reactors and Slime Time. Register by Jan. 6. Cost, $55. Call 816-228-0137 to register.BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES: East Coast Swing – for adults, 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 12-Feb. 2, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $34. Call 816-228-0137 to register.PRE-DANCE – for ages 4 to 6, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 12-March 29, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Children will learn basic ballet, jazz and movement games. There is a fee. Call 816-228-0137 to register.

BRAIN DANCE – for children, 10 to 10:45 a.m. for ages 2 and under; 11 to 11:45 a.m. for ages 3 and 4, Fridays Jan. 13-March 30, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Learn eight fundamental movement patterns to nursery rhymes that wire the central nervous system. There is a fee. Call 816-228-0137 to register.ANIMAL WINTER SURVIVAL – for all ages, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 14, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Discover survival strategies animals use to endure the long winter months. Call 816-228-3766 to register.BEGINNER & BEGINNER PLUS LINE DANCE CLASSES, 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 18-Feb. 15, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $34. Call 816-228-0137 to register.SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 18-Feb. 15, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $34. Call 816-228-0137 to register.GUITAR LESSONS – for beginners, 5:30 to 7 p.m. for ages 10 to 15; 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. for adults, Thursdays Jan. 19-Feb. 23, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $49. Call 816-228-0137 to register.RAPE AGGRESSION DEFENSE SYSTEMS (RAD) TRAINING – for women ages 15 and older, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 21 and 22. Learn realistic self-defense tactics from the Blue Springs Police and certified RAD instructors. Cost, $25. Call 816-228-0137 to register.YOUTH SPORTS & RECREATION EXPO, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 28, Adams Pointe Conference Center. See new products and meet with representatives from various youth athletic organizations. Find out about youth sports and recreational resources within the community. Free. Call 816-228-0137 for details.COOKING WILD: Squirrel – for adults, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 N.W. Park Road. Learn about hunting, skinning and cooking these bushy-tailed mammals. Call 816-228-3766 to register.BELLY DANCE CLASSES, basic belly dance 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.; or belly dance technique 6 to 7 p.m., Mondays Jan. 30-March 5, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $60. Call 816-228-0137 to register.FEED THE CRITTERS on exhibit at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center at 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call 816-228-3766.WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 816-220-1007.TOUGH LOVE Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit support group, for families dealing with unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m. Tuesdays, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200.MOM TO MOM LUNCH CLUB, a support group for new moms, 1 to 2 p.m., first and third Tuesday of each month, St. Mary’s Medical Center Professional Building, 300 Mock Ave. Call 816-655-5585.LA LECHE LEAGUE of Blue Springs, 7 p.m., third Tuesday of each month, Parkview Church. For breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women interested in breastfeeding. Call Kayl, 254-5992 or Stephanie, 816-833-0250.

BuckneRLAKE CITY SHOOTING RANGE & OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER, Landahl Park, 28505 E. Truman Road. Range hours: Noon to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. The following programs are free, but registration is required. Call 816-249-3194DISCOVERING NATURE FAMILIES: Introduction to skeet shooting – for families with children 12 and older, 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 21. Skeet shooting is a great way to enjoy a new sport while improving your basic shotgun skills and hit ratio on winged game.WOODCARVING 101 – for adults, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 28. Learn some old-time techniques in carving faces or figures on the handle of a walking stick. Class size is limited, so register early.DISCOVER NATURE FAMILIES: Trap shooting – for families with children ages 12 and older, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 29. This course will cover basic firearm safety, different actions on shotguns, proper shot size; proper firearm fit and shot follow through.

kInGSvIllePOWELL GARDEN activities:FAMILY NATURE HIKE , 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 8. Join Youth Education Specialist Stephanie Acres and explore the 1-mile loop of the Byron Shutz Nature Trail for a refreshing mid-winter outing. Reservations required. Call 816-697-2600, ext. 209.FEATHER YOUR NEST: A Conservatory exhibit, opens 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 14 and runs through March 4. A variety of “indoor garden rooms” will be created by local design experts within the conservatory. Free with regular admission.SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS HIKE – for adults, 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 15. Hike the 3.25-mile Byron Shutz Nature Trail and back through the Rock & Waterfall and Island Gardens with Alan Branhagen, director of horticulture. Cost, $9; $5 for members. Registration deadline: Jan. 9. Call 816-697-2600, ext. 209 to register.HANDMADE HERBAL SOAPS – for adults, noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 21. Learn step-by-step how to make all-natural vegetable soaps using the cold process method. Cost, $92; $84 for members. Registration deadline: Jan. 13. Register at 816-697-2600, ext. 209.RARE BOOKS ON PRACTICAL PLANTS, 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 27. Join Bruce Bradley from Linda Hall Library for an introduction to some of the earliest printed books on plants. Cost, $9; free for members. Registration deadline: Jan. 23. Register at 816-697-2600, ext. 209.FENG SHUI TABLETOP FOUNTAIN, 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 29. Water trickles down three flickering candles, pouring from the tallest and flowing into the basin below. Cost, $69 per project; $62 for members. Registration deadline: Jan. 16. Call 816-697-2600, ext. 209 to register.Powell Gardens is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Winter admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for ages 5-12; free for members. Visit www.powellgardens.org for more activities and details.

– Jillayne Ritchie

calendarFROM PAGE 2

JANUARY 2012

www.facebook.com/examiner.net

The examiner

JACKIE 15JANUARY 2012

Highlights, lowlights, semi per-manent, permanent. Slicing, weaving, bleaching, toning, glazing and camouflage, are

just a few descriptive terms for the bazil-lion techniques to color your hair.

It can be confusing and exciting all at the same time.

My very best advice for anyone who is toying with the notion of artificial haircol-or is to NEVER do it yourself. I know; you see, for 30 years I have been fixing many DIY haircolor mistakes. The best of us can spot a kitchen color from a mile away. So even if you think you are saving money and your color looks fine, it can probably look a lot better left in the hands of the professional. Even if the commercials say you can do it, do yourself a favor and go with the pro.

Why? Because you deserve it. It’s that simple. Now that I have established this idea, let me share a few descriptions for some of my favorite color techniques that might inspire you right into a new haircolor scheme this winter. First of all, I always suggest reviewing your haircolor and cut choices with the seasonal changes. Sometimes the climate will warrant a change in your haircut (curly hair gets curlier in warm humid weather), while sometimes the season itself will require a change (like fading tans in winter will make your blondes look too light).

So if your stylist does not suggest a

consult, ask for one in advance. Give them a heads up (no pun intended) that you are looking for a review or maybe a new look. They will appreciate the lead time to give it some thought. With all that said I want to mention my almost all time favorite, always lovely, color technique. It is a duel color highlight process, and if you add a base color to it this can actually be considered trilights. This is a method of highlighting and lowlighting your hair at the same time all while covering the gray at the roots!

Your stylist can always adjust the bal-ance as need be every time you have this done, so you always have lovely dimen-sional color. It is one of the most flattering color methods there is. I love it. This is truly beautiful all the time. It can be de-signed to be bold or natural, so it can suit everyone! Just a little something to think about for the new year perhaps?

I wish you all a happy and joy filled new year!

Mary

written by

Marycostanzo-schwaller

looking for that perfect color

the cutting edge

16 JACKIE JANUARY 2012

JACKIE 17JANUARY 2012

1� JACKIE

BIG toppingspuT YouR heART InTo IT

If your doctor has ordered you off eggs and bacon and onto oatmeal, cereal makers are ready for you. Flavored versions of instant oatmeal have been around for a while and now are available at supermarkets and at restaurant chains eager to feed people racing to school and work. Health benefi ts are not the same with all oatmeal fl avors, so be sure to read labels. You might also check Quaker.com. Along with extensive product information, the website of-fers photos of ingredients that can be added to an onscreen bowl of prepared cereal. You can see what your oatmeal will look like and shop for toppings ac-cordingly.

But if you’d rather start from scratch and rely on your own creativity, you can begin by cooking your own oatmeal, either rolled oats or the regular in-stant fl avor, or even steel-cut oats, which take longer to cook but produce a very robust breakfast.

It’s nutritious, versatile, a famous stick-to-your-ribs winter warm-up. But plain oatmeal looks so … plain. For a dish that’s awesomely healthy, it seems downright boring. Unadorned rolled oats – the familiar fl attened fl akes – have no so-dium and no cholesterol, and a single serving made from half a cup of

dry cereal has only 150 calories. It’s low in fat, high in fi ber and scores points for heart health.

The packaging of both regular and instant versions of oatmeal makes carefully phrased claims about this. “Three grams of soluble fi ber daily from oatmeal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease,” says Quaker Old Fashioned Oats.

Shake up your oatmeal with these new fl avors and tasty toppings

conTInued on neXT pAGe ››

pHotoS and reCipe by BY MARGAReT MApleS

JANUARY 2012

food

JACKIE 1�

FUNERAL &CREMATION

SERVICES

Your Life. Your Style. Your Way.

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ThInk FlAvoR

Now for the toppings. You’ll probably include the usual suspects, such as brown sugar, raisins, chopped apples and maple syrup, so we didn’t include those on our list of suggestions. We tried to stick to heart-healthy toppings, so peanut butter is not listed, but a small amount tastes great in oatmeal. And why not a teaspoon of jelly for extra fl avor?

For the sake of speed on a weekday morning, prep as much as possible the night before. Then arrange a buffet of sliced fruits, spices, chopped nuts and other garnishes and let your family mem-bers mix and match to suit themselves.

Top: For stylish oatmeal, try fresh rasp-berries and chunks of pineapple, enriched with a little half and half and dusted with chinese 5-spice powder. MIddle: canned fruit cocktail and Greek yogurt make a great contribution to oatmeal. Rinse away heavy syrup before spooning the fruit onto the cereal. RIGhT: This oatmeal is topped with small chunks of spicy turkey sausage and crushed pineapple, with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkling of ground cinnamon and rosettes of Greek yogurt.

TRY SoMe oF TheSe ToppInGS

Milk or half and half Smoothes the texture and adds a little richness.Turkey sausage Spicy patties can be precooked and refrigerated, then sliced and reheated for serving.Fruit cocktail drain off the syrup and rinse lightly before serving.Mandarin orange sections the sweet citrus note lends a little bounce to oatmeal.pineapple the crushed version can be mixed with cooked oatmeal, so you get a little fruit fl avor in every bite. Chunks of pineapple are very pretty, es-pecially paired with berries. Blueberries if cooked with the oatmeal, the berries split and turn the cereal a beautiful shade of violet. Maybe a little unsettling at breakfast. to keep blueberries whole, add them after the cereal is cooked.Raspberries the sweetly tart fl avor works in wonderful counterpoint with oatmeal.chinese 5-spice powder Has an upscale profi le that adds a little style to homey cereal. Ground cinnamon a familiar spice that adds another note to the medley of fl avors.Freshly grated nutmeg partners well with cinnamon.chopped pecans bring a little crunch and woodsy fl avor.honey this full-blown sweetness goes well with all the other toppings.Greek yogurt a bit thicker and tangier than other mainstream types, and high in protein.

JANUARY 2012

passionate about,” she said. “It is a small group, but it is great to bounce ideas off of others. I think you can learn about things better whenever you talk with other people about issues.”

Cochran turns 18 in the spring and is already preparing to vote in her fi rst presi-dential election next November. She said she takes voting so seriously that she has even made pamphlets for her parents in the past to help them make their decision.

“I have always had a passion for poli-tics,” she said. “I do see things as black and white. I know that there are a lot of gray areas, but my beliefs center on right and wrong.”

A strong believer in Christ, Cochran also spends time with the Fellowship of Chris-tian Athletes and with her church. She said she believes it is from church and God that she has gotten her moral background. Be-ing a Christian, she said, also fi ts into her political beliefs.

“My faith in Christ, my family and friends are the top priorities in my life right now,” she said. “It has only been recently

when I realized how much I need Him. I take strength in Christ.”

The GRAduATeWith graduation looming before her,

Cochran is ready for the next step. Uncer-tain where she will go to college, she said she is pretty sure she wants to major in mathematics.

“I have thought about Missouri S&T or William Jewell College,” she said. “There are so many different fi elds I can go into with mathematics. It is just something I really enjoy.”

Cochran said she will miss her teachers and friends the most when her time at Fort Osage High School ends. But she said she knows that friendships will start “anew” when she enters the next phase of her life.

“It is really a parting of ways after high school,” she said. “It is kind of momentous to think about the future. So many things will change. But I am blessed that my fam-ily makes it easy to do what I what to do. They really have shown me how to be my best.”

conTInued FRoM pAGe 11

cover storyCochran sees faith guiding her future

�0 JACKIE JANUARY 2012