Tuesday, May 30, 2017

A Few of My Favorite Things

We invite everyone to come to our next yummy Pathfinder Produce markets, at the Village Commons, Edmeston, on Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m., and at the UMC Hall, Morris, on Friday, from noon to 5 p.m.  We’re eager to share some of our summer greens with you … our hoop houses are fully planted with all sorts of delectable veggie varieties!

We also want to send our thanks to all our participants, vendors, volunteers, donors and sponsors for our recent Splash Path … it was a perfect day and we’ve posted some pictures at our Pathfinder Village Facebook page.  Feel free to tag and share.  We’re already starting to plan next year’s inclusive family fun 5K and fun walk.

In upcoming events at Pathfinder Village, we will host our Pathfinder School Graduation on Wednesday, June 21, where we’ll celebrate the accomplishments of our younger students and five graduates.  It’s a wonderful ceremony … if you plan to attend, please RSVP by June 12 at (607) 965-8377, ext. 409.  And you’ll want to mark your calendars for our 20th annual Summer Concert Series at the Pathfinder Pavilion, which will feature some of the area’s most-beloved bands and live performers.  The concerts are free, the public is heartily welcomed, and we invite you to wear your dancing shoes!  The concerts are offered each Saturday night at 7 p.m.

***

Despite the dreary weather for this holiday weekend, it was a good time to get stuff done, remember our service members, and visit with loved ones.  My tribe caught up on chores that needed to be addressed, like mowing, organizing, and repainting a really big room.

Today, I’ll admit to soreness from moving in ways that I normally don’t, but it is diminished by the sense of accomplishment.  The energy expended made me feel well, and the repainted room is brighter and less cluttered. I enjoy chores like spackling and painting … they’re sort of Zen, and it’s always good for homeowners to know how to tackle maintenance tasks.  (You can learn a lot of stuff by watching accomplished DIYers, reading, and watching YouTube. Over the years my go-to reference has been the Reader's Digest Home Maintenance and Repair Manual).

The work was nicely balanced with homey dinners at my parents’. Dad, a naval vet who served during the Korean and Vietnam eras (and who was an Army Reservist during Desert Storm) spoke about the upcoming Memorial Day parade.  My sister-in-law, who lives several hours away and is also a vet, was visiting. She brought along her newest pet, a “Morkie” named Almost (as in, Almost a dog, due to her size).  The pocket pup instantly ingratiated herself with everyone (we’re a mutt family).

While pet ownership is a big responsibility (daily care, food, vet bills) and not to be taken lightly, research shows us that pets offer people big health benefits.  I noticed Almost added to the relaxing atmosphere:  We all laughed as she used her most-serious puppy growl to tell off the dishwasher as it changed cycles.  Studies indicate pets can reduce stress, relieve depression, fill our need for social interactions, and improve heart health and lower blood pressure. 

Almost was well-behaved as we enjoyed Mom’s delicious dinners, which included a variety of healthy fruits and veggies. However, Mom is old-school and ends meals with treats (think Dessert Storm).  To meet the dietary needs of a family member with celiac disease, she’s gotten adept at making gluten-free versions of her time-tested favorites.  This weekend she offered up a chocolate cake with maple-walnut frosting.  (Honest, I had just a small piece!)

Many of us joke that chocolate is a vegetable … obviously it isn’t.  However, I heard on NPR earlier in the week that a current review of a long-running Danish study indicates that regular doses of chocolate or cocoa help reduce Atrial fibrillation, which can lead to strokes and cardiac arrest, and affects about 25% of all adults. The NPR report said, “Researchers have found that the compounds in cocoa, known as polyphenols, can improve vascular health by increasing blood flow. Cocoa compounds may also help suppress inflammation.” 

Based on the Danish study, even milk chocolate appears to offer benefits; researchers suggest eating one ounce of chocolate per day, for two to six days a week (dark chocolate is believed to have higher polyphenol content). Further research will be completed to determine if there are other factors influencing the reduction in AFib rates, but it looks like the guy who first put chocolates in red heart-shaped boxes was onto something!

Until next time, tackle those tasks, hug your pet, and enjoy a small bit of chocolate,


Lori

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

The Unicorn Craze

Wow, what a busy week at Pathfinder Village!  We enjoyed both the second annual commencement for our two-year post-secondary program, Otsego Academy, and our fourth annual Splash Path 5K and Fun Walk.  Congratulations to our recent graduate, Jared O., and our other students on finishing an eventful year. 

And our thanks go out to everyone who made Saturday’s Splash Path such a success.  It was so great to see Pathfinder just buzzing with activity -- friends and family members from all over completed the 5K, but were also playing basketball, using our Outdoor Activity Center, and through our 5210 friends, burning lots of energy hula-hooping.  What a fun time we all had!

We hope that everyone will stop by our Pathfinder Produce markets this week to check out all our wonderful and tasty fruits and veggies, just in time for Memorial Day picnics and gatherings.  We’re open in Edmeston at the Pathfinder Village Commons on Thursdays, from 1 to 5 p.m., and we host our other market in Morris at the UMC Hall, on Fridays from noon to 5 p.m.  We’ll be looking for you.

To continue with our theme of colorful and healthy fun, Director of Education Maura Iorio offers this blog on “The Unicorn Craze.”

***

With pretty pinks, bright purples, and dazzling blues, the “Unicorn Craze” is in full swing! From fun and sparkly t-shirts, to themed party supplies, nothing has escaped a unicorn makeover, not even our favorite foods. Pinterest is full of recipes for Unicorn Chocolate Bark, Unicorn Hot Chocolate, Unicorn Ice Cream Sundaes, Unicorn Cupcakes—you name it, there’s a unicorn version of it. A few weeks ago it seemed that all anyone was talking about was Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappacino. What do all of these magical treats have in common, aside from the glitz and glam? SUGAR! And lots of artificial coloring…

So how can you stay up on the latest foodie trend without sacrificing a healthy lifestyle? Pinterest to the rescue! Check out these recipes below, filled with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and best of all—fruits and veggies! All the magic, none of the guilt!

Healthy Vegan Unicorn Smoothie

Katie and Kate, the bloggers behind Well Vegan, estimate that the amount of added sugar in a grande (that’s medium in Starbucks lingo) Unicorn Frappacino is almost twice what is recommended for an adult to have in an entire day. Using brightly colored produce like beets, strawberries, and raspberries, the Well Vegan has put together a yummy, nutritious (and still pretty!) unicorn smoothie. Click here to check it out!

Rainbow Salsa

Need something to brighten up your next party or summer BBQ? Look no further! Full of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, and corn, this colorful take on salsa will be delicious and fun. The best part? You can substitute any of the vegetables in the recipe for your favorites instead. Just serve with chips and enjoy! Click here to check it out.

Fruit and Yogurt Unicorn Bark

This take on Unicorn Bark substitutes chocolate and artificial food dyes with yogurt and fresh fruits. Using only berries and mangos, this brightly colored frozen treat ditches all of the calories and sugars while keeping the fun! Click here to check out the recipe and video tutorial!

We hope you enjoy these nutritious, colorful, dare we say MAGICAL, recipes!

Until next time!


Maura (and Lori)

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

SPLASH PATH EVENT DAY AGENDA

Hello everyone!  This is a busy, busy week at Pathfinder Village as we’re in the final days before our Otsego Academy Commencement on Friday, and the Splash Path 5K and Fun Walk on Saturday!  BUT we always have time to bring you the freshest, yummiest veggies and fruits at Pathfinder Produce.
Our friendly neighborhood markets will be open for their usual hours:  In Edmeston at the Pathfinder Village Commons, from 1 to 5 p.m., and in Morris at the UMC Hall from noon to 5 p.m.  Stop on down and get all your tempting fresh items for the week (I’m starting to think about firing up the grill !!!!)
Below, we diverge from our usual blog format and share important information for our Splash Path participants.  As always, we look forward to seeing everyone at the markets, and we’re eager to celebrate our key events with our friends and families! 
******


Tuesday, May 9, 2017

The Importance of School Lunches

Hello again!  We hope everyone will join us this week for another “delicious episode” of Pathfinder Produce.  We’ll be open in Edmeston this Thursday, May 11, from 1 to 5 p.m., and our Morris Market will be at the UMC Hall on Friday, from noon to 5 p.m.  We look forward to seeing you!

We’re in the last few weeks before our Splash Path 5K and Fun Walk, which is set for Saturday, May 20.  Early registration ends on Wednesday, May 10, so cruise on over to splashpath.racewire.com to take advantage of our low pricing (fees increase slightly on Thursday).  We’re very pleased with the great community support and sponsors we’ve had signup this year, and we extend our heartiest thanks to all who make Splash Path such a fun and inclusive event. 

Despite the return of wet and chilly weather here at Pathfinder Village, our Dash to the Splash crew has kept on-pace with their training regimen.  Last evening, everyone went to Pathfinder Gym to train, and it was a lot of fun … we played music as we walked and jogged; a few of us decided to skip and gallop to change things up, and there was even an impromptu game of tag!  (Yup, I got tagged a few times … who says you can’t play games when you’re 50+)!!!!

For those of you training alongside the Dash Crew, here’s the regimen for Week 7:

5 min Brisk Walk
22 min Jog
3 min Walk

5 min BW
25 min J
3 min W

Repeat Day 2

***

There was a poem that was very popular in the 1970s called Children Learn What They Live. This poem by Dorothy Law Nolte, which was displayed in many schools and pediatric offices, told of how the environment in which a child grows in will influence what kind of adult he will become.

There is also an adage that says, “You are what you eat.”

This brings me to the topic of school meals. The National School Lunch Act was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1946. It provides low or zero cost meals in over 100,000 schools, and in 2012 served over 31 million children.

School breakfast and lunch programs are very important in giving access to nutritious food to children of all income levels. School meals are a great resource for busy parents who can save time by not packing lunches every day and still know their children are eating well.

These meals become critical for parents who struggle to make ends meet. According to Kids Count Data Center, in 2015, 23.3% of children and youth in Chenango County and 19.9% in Otsego County were living below the poverty level. For many of these children, school meals are their only access to nutritious food. Good nutrition is important, not only for physical health, but for brain development and mental acuity. Think about it: did you ever try to concentrate when you were extremely hungry?

In 2010, the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act was passed, raising the nutritional standards for school meals— meals featured less sugar and sodium, more whole grains, etc.  After all, our knowledge of food science has improved since 1946. This act met with some resistance, and some parents and others who plan and prepare the meals were skeptical that children would eat by the new standards.

I think that children are more adaptable and flexible than we give them credit for, and that the real challenge is to get Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers, who were raised on white bread and other convenience foods, to change their mindsets. Children are quite often taught, however unintentionally, to be picky eaters. So learn together, or get your children (or grandchildren) to teach you about different foods. You may find that whole grain bread or pasta is delicious, and that using other flavor enhancers than salt has delightful outcomes.

So this is where the poem at the beginning comes in. If adults can change their thinking for the sake of their children, then everybody benefits. Perhaps by extension, children who live with people who try new things will become adventurous eaters.  Children who live with people who try healthier foods will learn to eat well.

One other thought: In recent days the USDA has eased some of new school lunch regulations, but that doesn’t mean that school districts are obliged to follow suit. If it is important to you to maintain healthy meals in your schools, speak up. Attend school board meetings, study the school budget, encourage gardening projects, and write letters to your school district, legislators, and the USDA.  Grass roots change can make a difference, can help our kids eat better, and teach them to participate in their communities.

Until next time, teach your children well!


Martha (and Lori)

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Pricing Adjustments this Week :)

We’ve had some adjustments to our Pathfinder Produce prices this week. We hope to see you this Thursday at the Village Commons, or on Friday at the UMC Hall in Morris.
• Cumbers, Seedless - $.96 each
• Grapes, Green - $3.39/lb.
• Lemons - $.30 each
• Lettuce, Iceberg - $3.27/head
• Oranges - $.45 each
Thank you for your patronage of “the little market that could!”

Enjoy your day!

Lori

Monday, May 1, 2017

The Buzz

We hope everyone will come on down to our delicious Pathfinder Produce
markets, this Thursday, at the Pathfinder Village Commons, from 1 to 5 p.m., and again on Friday at the Morris UMC Hall, 17 Church St., Morris, from noon to 5 p.m. We've got such a great selection of fresh, tasty items for you to serve to your family at every meal.



Our Dash to the Splash folks are now in Week 6 for their training program, steadily working towards completing their 5K at Splash Path, which is set for Saturday, May 20, starting at 9 a.m. There's just a few more days to take advantage of our early registration … prices go up slightly this coming Saturday. Sign up today at splashpath.racewire.com … it's ever so easy, and you'll be glad you did. It's such a tremendous event in support of community wellness and inclusion programs.

Here's this week's Dash regimen, for those who are joining in with this fun fitness activity:
5 min Brisk Walk
10 min Jog
3 min BW
10 min J
3 min Walk
5 min BW
10 min J
3 min BW
10 min J
3 min W
Repeat Day 2

***

Several years ago, Pathfinder made a walking trail just east of the Village from the proceeds from one of our earlier Splash Path 5K events. We will be adding several fitness stations very soon, as well as benches and other amenities, through funds raised at last year’s Splash Path, and through additional support from our Edmeston Rotary Club and Rotary District #7170. The new equipment will add to everyone's enjoyment of the community trail, which is open to the public during daylight hours. (Stop at the kiosk just past the Streck Health Center to read and follow the basic rules of the trail: Among these are to carry a cell phone with you.  Also, “if you carry it in, please carry it out.”).

This past Saturday, I enjoyed walking the trail with some Pathfinder friends. As we walked we discussed some of the things we were seeing -- everything from pheasants to bunnies, from birch trees to bees.  About midway through our walk, we were joined by some students from Hamilton College, Clinton, who are members of the liberal arts school's HAVOC program in support of community volunteering and engagement. Everyone had a great time on our walk, and then headed to the gym for more fun activities.

We saw both honey- and bumblebees collecting nectar along the trail as we walked, and we talked about bees’ importance in the environment. Our discussion tied into some things I've been seeing on my Facebook feed over the past few months: Cheerios and now the Alt-National Park Service pages had lately offered seed packets for wildflowers, in support of helping honeybee populations. Honeybees, which are vital for pollinating our agricultural crops, have been decreasing due to changing land use patterns, mites, viruses and other causes that result in hive losses.
Honeybees do well visiting any number of flowering plants, including goldenrod, Black-eyed Susans, asters, sunflowers, and lavender, among others. Many of these species are native to our area; if you're not allergic to bees, it may be fun and helpful to plant some wildflowers nearby to support both wild and domesticated bees. (If you get seed packets from a company or group, just make sure that the seeds are not for invasive species to your region).  There also appears to be a growing trend in urban beekeeping, but one would need to be very careful to protect one's hives and neighbors from unwanted interactions.

I've also been seeing some cool things on people getting into beekeeping.  One college friend's octogenarian mom is starting her own backyard hives, using a common wooden-frame set-up. I saw another way to use mason jars to collect honey, as shared on this Makezine article, but the article doesn't really explain how one harvests the honey. I would guess once the jar is full of comb, you would remove it from the hive, replace it with a new sterilized jar, and shoosh away any remaining bees.  Back at the house, one would empty the jars, cut or crush the comb, and strain thoroughly. One should always remember, too, never to give honey to babies under 12 months. (Also, one should check local apiary regulations; some states require inspections for beehives.).

One recent innovation I read about that was funded through crowd sourcing is a new Flowhive system that combines high tech with functional design, and allows apiarists to harvest honey without disturbing the bees inside the hive. More information is at their website; and you can buy these very pricey hives at their online store.  (I did see several articles that were critical of the new hives; one author indicated that nature’s combs are superior, and had concerns about how the plastic comb may affect bee health and honey quality).

If I decide to try my hand at beekeeping, I'll keep you posted. Until next time, enjoy walks among the flowers, and save the bees.

Lori