Clover Kids Summer Program

The summer educational program, Clover Kids, for Franklin County school age children who have completed Kindergarten through 3rd grades will begin the week of June 8 and run through the week of July 6. The programs will be held in the four communities of Hampton, Latimer, Sheffield and Geneva from 1-3 pm.

The two hour weekly programs will include such activities as story time, games, crafts and snacks. Flyers have been sent home with the children from school. Registration fee is $15.00 per child. Children are to bring registrations and money with them to the first Clover Kids meeting scheduled in their community.

Those children who cannot attend the first week, parents are asked to bring registrations and money into the Franklin County Extension Office before June 8. T-shirts will be ordered for each child after the first meetings. Families interested in more information should stop by the Franklin County Extension Office at 3 First Ave NW, Hampton, Iowa.

picture courtesy of D Sharon Pruitt

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

Photo Contest - Heart of America

2009 Photo Contest for Silos and Smokestacks

Capture the Heart of America

Events/Festivals • Farm Life • Heritage Area Sites

• Images of the Past (pre 1950s) • Scenic

Are you pretty good with a camera, or have you captured a perfect picture? Why not submit for the photo contest?

Categories

Photos will be judged in the following categories.

a. Events/Festivals: Events/festivals throughout the Heritage Area, with emphasis on events at designated Heritage Area sites or agricultural related events. Photos featuring people are strongly encouraged. Events throughout the Heritage Area may be found at www.silosandsmokestacks.org under the Events Calendar.

b. Farm Life: Photos depicting farm life throughout the Heritage Area.

c. Heritage Area Sites: Photos taken at any of the 104 Heritage Area sites. Please list site name on entry form.

d. Images of the Past (pre 1950s): Photos from the past taken prior to 1950 depicting the culture and heritage of the region (need not be taken by individual submitting, yet must hold rights to images).

e. Scenic: Farm, fi eld or nature scenes throughout the Heritage Area.

SSNHA reserves the right to reclassify photos better suited to an alternate category

Judging

Photos will be judged by an independent panel according to quality, content, composition, relevance and creativity.

Winners will be announced no later than October 30, 2009.

Rules/Guidelines - Failure to follow ALL rules/guidelines may result in disqualification

Photos must be taken within Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA); visit www.silosandsmokestacks.org for map of region, listing of sites or to obtain a copy of the SSNHA Visitor Guide. Contest is open to amateur and professional photographers. Staff of Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area and members of their immediate family are not eligible. Employees and volunteers of designated sites are eligible to submit entries. Individuals need not reside within the Heritage Area.

Entries/How to Submit

1. Digital Images

a. Images should be formatted to a minumum of 5”x7” at 200 dpi, though larger images are preferred (please do not resample small fi les to fit requirements).

b. Images must be submitted on a PC formatted CD in JPG (at high quality) or TIFF format.

c. Please accompany CD with a completed entry form and print-out for each image submitted.

d. Digital mages may also be submitted online at www.silosandsmokestacks.org.

2. Print Images

a. Print size must be a minimum of 5”x7”, but 8”x10” is preferred.

b. Do not send matted, mounted or framed prints.

c. Negatives will not be accepted.

d. Attach a completed entry form to the back of each print. Do not write on the photo itself.

3. Images may have minor alterations for color, contrast, cropping, etc., but may not be signifi cantly altered, appear unnatural or have elements added or removed.

4. Photos containing recognizable people must be accompanied by a signed model release form. Model release forms availble at www.silosandsmokestacks.org.

5. Mailed entries must be carefully packed in padded envelopes with stiff cardboard.

6. Entries, regardless of medium will not be returned. Please do not send your only copy of an image. Images of the Past (pre 1950s) will be returned upon request and inclusion of a stamped/addressed envelope.

SSNHA IS NOT RESPONSBILE FOR ANY MATERIAL LOST, DAMAGED OR MISDIRECTED IN THE MAIL.

Reproduction Rights

Entry in the contest constitutes agreement to allow photographs to be published, exhibited and used in all forms and/or media by Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. Entrants retain all other rights to their photographs.

Awards

•Awards will be presented in each category for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, as well as Best of Show.

•Winning photos may be featured in the Silos & Smokestacks Visitor Guide and/or Web site.

Please send submissions to:

Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area

Attn: 2009 Photo Contest

604 Lafayette Street, Suite 202

P.O. Box 2845

Waterloo, IA 50704-2845

or submit online at www.silosandsmokestacks.org

Contest Details

•All entries must be taken within the 37-county Heritage Area.

•Submissions must be postmarked no later than Sept. 18, 2009.

•Participants may submit a maximum of three entries per category.

Please visit www.silosandsmokestacks.org for a map of the region and listing of sites within the Heritage Area.

For more information, call (319) 234-4567 or email photocontest@silosandsmokestacks.org.

Entry Form:

Entry form should be included with each individual entry (please print)

Name __________________________________________ Address _________________________________________

City _________________________________________ State __________________ Zip Code ____________________

Phone _________________________________ Email Address ____________________________________________

Category of Photograph (circle one): Events/Festivals, Farm Life, Heritage Area Sites, Images of the Past (pre 1050s), Scenic

Photo Title __________________________________________________________________________________________

Location/Site ___________________________________________________________ Date Taken ________________

By signing below, I verify that a) I have read all of the guidelines and agree to abide by them for the purpose of this contest.

b) I acknowledge that my image will become part of Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area’s permanent collection

of photographs. c) I am the photographer of the accompanying photograph and/or hold all rights therein.

Signature ________________________________________________ Date ________________________________

Aquatic Center Questions: Day Five

What will the user fees be, and how much will the Aquatic Center cost to operate?

The city is developing a pro forma operating budget.  Fees have not been set, but they will be competitive with facilities in the surrounding communities, and they will be designed to be both affordable and practical in terms of offsetting the Aquatic Center's operating costs.

How many employees will it take to run the pool?

The City is preparing information on staffing and budget.  It likely will require more employees to run the new pool.  That might mean spending more on compensation for employees.  The positive side of that issue is that the new Aquatic Center will create more employment opportunity for young people.

Has the City talked to the schools about partnering with them to be sure the Aquatic Center is used for the benefit of all sectors of the community?

The City currently has agreements with the schools for use of the pool.  At a minimum, those agreements will continue and they may be expanded with the new Aquatic Center.  

We at Hampton Today would like to thank Steve for answering a few questions.  Don't forget, June 15 at the bandshell at 6:30 pm --- get all your questions answered! 

Women's Farm Program Planned

“Annie’s Project”, a women managing farm information program, is planned this summer in Iowa Falls.   

Annie’s project is designed to empower farm women to manage information systems for critical decision making processes and build local networks.  The target audience is farm women with a passion for business and involvement. 

The series of six three-hour workshops will be held 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., on Thursday evenings from June 18 to July 30, in the computer lab in the Trade & Industry Building on the Ellsworth Community College campus in Iowa Falls.  Participants receive training for managing information in finances, production, marketing and risk management, regulations and documentation, human resources, and time management.

 The cost of the program is $50 per person due at the first session.  Registration is due June 12 and class size is limited.  To register or for more information, call the Hardin County Extension Office at 641-648-4850 or toll free 1-888-648-5005.  Annie’s project is sponsored by Iowa State University Extension, Hardin County Extension, Iowa Valley Community College District, USDA Risk Management Agency, and North Central Risk Management Education Center.

Annie's Project History

Annie's Project is based on the life of a farm woman in Illinois.  Annie grew up in a small town and had a goal to marry a farmer.  She spent a lifetime learning how to be an involved business partner.  She faced the challenges of three generations living under one roof, low profitability, changing farm enterprises, and raising a family.  Her daughter, Ruth Hambleton founded Annie's Project out of needs she observed in farm women she knew.

The first Annie's class included women whose farming experience ranged from thinking about marrying a farmer to many years as a business partner.  Each participant had valuable information and knowledge to share.  Annie's Project is now being offered in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma - and now Iowa. 

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

Aquatic Center Questions: Day Four

Why spend millions of dollars on an outdoor Aquatic Center that will only be used for part of the year?

The fact is that indoor, 12 month swimming facilities actually have lower usage than outdoor facilities.  Indoor pools by and large are not geared toward recreational purposes. Indoor facilities typically ahve higher operation costs, such as heating, cooling and staffing.  Besides the higher annual costs, the capital costs for an indoor pool are aols much higher than an outdoor pool.  As currently proposed, the bathhouse has meeting space built in, so that part of the Aquatic Center in Hampton could be used year round.

Who's behind this fundraising effort?  

The fund development effort is spearheaded by local volunteer leadership.  General Chair is Jim Davies.  Hampton resident Jennifer Hobson is Jim's administrative assistant.  Jim is guiding the activities of the volunteer Friends of the Hampton Aquatic Center.

When will the new Aquatic Center be open?  

The project timetable currently calls for the Aquatic Center to be complete in time for the summer 2011 swimming season.  We are in the fund development stage.  Our plan is to seek construction bids in early 2o1o, and begin construction in May 2010 and have the facility finished by May 2011.  May factors affect the bidding on such projects.  For example, Hurricane Katrina type of storm could drastically increase the cost of construction materials nationwide.  Because of this, the final constructed facility may differ somewhat from the current working concept. 

Jeff Christiansen Visits Dubai

Jeff Christiansen is in Dubai for business.  It's a 14 hour plane ride, and they are 10 hours ahead of us!  Jeff has been chronicling his trip on Facebook and has agreed to share pictures and comments here with us.  We will interview Jeff when he arrives home and get all the details then.  For now, these are pictures and comments from Jeff.  Enjoy!  

Arrived May 27th.  This is a picture of me with the Jumeirah hotel in the background. All rooms are suites.

Friday morning: Visited the Mall of Emirates, Jumeirah, Al Qasr Hotel, and the beach this morning. Tonight it is Dune Bashing in the desert, then dinner in tents in the middle of the desert with belly dancers. Hmmm, this aint Iowa.

Mall of the Emirates - inside ski slope, complete with lift.  It's 110 degrees outside!

Al Qasr Hotel- This is a resort. The rooms are like villas all surrounded by water in canals, so you take a boat everywhere.  One of the villas is $10,000 a day to stay!

Friday evening: The Dune Bashing was great. Imagine hundreds of Land Rovers and Jeeps tearing around the dunes in the desert. I asked after it was over if they have ever rolled one... "Oh yes it happens quite a bit, that is why we have these roll bars" with an Arabian accent. Glad I asked AFTER! Dining with a belly dancer was interesting, but the food was great. Not sure what I ate other than lamb.

People watching the ATV's on the sand dunes.  The Al Ahbob desert that we went dune bashing in. Yep it is as hot as it looks.

Camel rides at the camp.

The drive to the sheik's palace was lined with these peacocks. Tried to talk the driver into

 stopping in and saying "Hey from Iowa Sheik".

The tables we at at. This was a camp in the middle of the desert. Yep those are pillows not chairs.

Saturday afternoon: The night was a bust. Visited the worlds largest mall... ehhh... just like any other mall, just bigger and more expensive. Went to Hard Rock... closed, wasted $30 on cab ride, finally went to Applebee's...not very good and no beer. Just about fell in a hole in the sidewalk on the way home... priceless for those watching I am sure.

Sunday night: If last night was the worst, tonight was the best. Went to Irish Village to a pub for a couple of stouts, then to Century Village to Saphire for the best steak I have ever had, and yes even Iowa beef. It was a M7 Ribeye served raw on a Stonegrill (hot stone). You cut of a slice and lay it one its side to finish cooking. Awesome! Dipped in shitake mushroom sauce. Ready for bed all fat and happy!

Thanks Jeff -- we look forward to seeing you when you get home! 

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

Turn On The TV!!

Program: Living with Future Floods

June 4, Iowa Public Television

The Iowa Journal will explore if it is time for Iowa to change the way it deals with floods. This episode will air Thursday, June 4 at 8 p.m. on statewide Iowa Public Television. It will be rebroadcast on Friday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. on IPTV. The program will also be available online at Iptv.org. 

The 2008 floods destroyed 1.2 million acres of corn and soybeans and inundated communities, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa’s second largest city. A year after the floods, as residents and landowners continue to recover, many Iowans now search for long-term solutions to hold back the water. 

Suggestions include more intense conservation measures in rural areas to control run-off of flood waters on the landscape. In urban areas, some communities take a second look at ordinances regarding construction currently allowed in floodplains.  If changes aren't made, some elected state officials suggest compulsory measures. For more information about The Iowa Journal, visit www.iptv.org/iowajournal or call (515) 242-3146.

Aquatic Center Questions: Day Three

How are you going to pay it off with LOST revenue after the LOST levy ends?  

In fact, the LOST levy does not have a "sunset".  It is not set to expire, so Hampton may use the revenues for new projects that improve our community such as the Aquatic Center.  The key to minimal tax impact is for you to vote "Yes" on August 4 on allocating the LOST revenues to the Aquatic Center.

I've hear that there's a soil contamination problem with the Aquatic Center site.  What about that?

It's just not true - there is not contamination where the Aquatic Center will be located.  

Doesn't it make more sense to put the Aquatic Center next to the Franklin Wellness Center?  In fact, didn't the city miss a chance to do just that?  

Well, that's water under the bridge.  Yes, at one time there was discussion of placing an aquatic center near the Wellness Center.  It didn't come about.  The site of the current pool has all of the infrastructure needed for the Aquatic Center.  The bottom line on this issue is: Do we let old grudges prevent us from coming together to make a significant improvement to Hampton?  The answer to that is up to us.  Are we willing to work together for the benefit of the community?  

Just Say No!

Trouble Saying NO?

It’s often difficult for people to balance work and family lift, and get everything done they have to because they have difficulty in saying “NO” when asked to do extra things for their church or school, or extra work on the job.  Often they feel guilty and give in, say yes when they don’t want to, and become overloaded.  It’s not easy, especially for women, to say no.  But it’s something we all have to do to protect our time and energy.  Here are some suggestions to gracefully say no without alienating them:

v      Don’t feel that you have to give your answer immediately.  If you are uncertain about your response, say “I need some time to think it over.  I’ll get back to you.”  If they press you, say “I don’t think I can do it at this time.  Thanks anyway.”

v      Make sure your response is about you – not an implied criticism of the person asking.  Don’t convey annoyance that you were asked.  Just say “I understand you need help, but I’m in a time bind myself.  Perhaps I can help another time.”

v      Be brief but not defensive.  Avoid any lengthy explanation or apology for not being able to do what is requested.   It’s okay to say “I’d like to help out, but I have too many obligations this month.  Perhaps next time.”

v      Don’t try to change the other person’s response.  If you have to say no to a request, don’t tell the other person that he or she shouldn’t feel angry or disappointed.  If the other says “I’m really disappointed you can’t help”, don’t feel guilty and give in – just say “I understand your disappointment, but I have too many things on the table at this time.”

Saying no, and meaning it may require you to stick to your guns, even with friends.  It means you are more selective when you do say yes.

by Bev Peters 

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

picture courtesy of flickr.com 

Seven Stars

Nick Ahomdski.  Who is that?  Nick is the owner and head cook at Seven Stars!  Most of you know him as simply Nick.  

Nick hails originally from a city of about 60,000 in Albania.  He's been the United States for around 25 years.  He started out in Chicago, headed to Rockford and ended up owning a restaurant in Maquoketa.  One day, he was out for a drive and ended up in Hampton.  He saw the restaurant and thought it was a nice place to have a restaurant.  Nick called the realtor the next day and bought the place.  

14 years later, we are happily eating at Seven Stars!  His wife Beaji and two daughters live with him and they are proud to be citizens of Hampton Iowa.   

You can find Seven Stars on the south end of town, kitty corner across from Pamida on Highway 65.  They are open everyday but Monday.

Nick hinted at some surprises coming up.  All I can say about that is - you'll want to come for coffee in the morning!  See you there..........

Aquatic Center Questions: Day Two

I'm worried that this project will make my taxes go up.  How much more do you expect me to pay?  

In fact, there will be minimal impact on taxpayers. If Hampton voters approve allocating 100 percent of the Local Option Sales and Service Tax (LOST) revenue to this project, a major part of it will be funded from taxes that everybody is already paying.  And it will be paid in part by people who come into Hampton from surrounding areas to shop.  Working with the volunteer Friends of the Hampton Aquatic Center, the city has devised a method to finance the Aquatic Center that makes use of private gifts and grants, public sector grants, and revenues from taxes that already are levied.  This the impact upon tax payers is minimal.

Weren't we supposed to be saving half of the LOST revenue for a new pool?  Why were those funds spent on operation of the current pool?

The 2001 ballot initiative language said that half of the LOST revenues would be used for "a pool".  Before spending any of that revenue on operation of the current pool, City leaders sought guidance from the State Auditor's office and from the City Attorney.  Both the State Auditor and the City Attorney said that spending LOST revenue on operation of the current pool is appropriate and legal. 

Ok, so just how do you plan to raise money in such a gloomy economic environment?  And wouldn't to be more responsible to wait until the economy improves?

The history of Hampton and Franklin County is dotted with examples of the public unifying to support great public projects in spite of very, very difficult economic times.  To name just a few: our courthouse, Windsor Theatre, Beed's Lake, Harriman Opera House, Memorial hall, the U.S. Post Office, a telegraph office, a railroad depot, a candy factory, and an ice cream factory all were built in Hampton during recessionary periods.  Over the years Hampton and Franklin County Residents have proven they can overcome tough times and leave wonderful legacies for the people who will follow them.  Don't we owe that same kind of dedication to those who will live here after us? 

What's Up In The Garden

 Jackie Dohlman, Franklin County Master Gardener

Tips on Tree Leaf Galls, Controlling Squash Bugs, and Planting Peppers

There are light green growths on the upper leaf surface of my silver maple. What are they and what effect will they have on the tree?

The light green growths are probably a type of gall. Galls are abnormal plant growths caused by insects, mites or other organisms.

Heavy infestations of galls may disfigure a tree’s foliage and cause premature leaf drop. However, leaf galls normally do not cause serious harm to healthy, well established trees. Nothing can be done once the galls have formed. Preventative applications of insecticides or miticides (in future years) usually are not practical or necessary.

How can I control squash bugs?

Squash bugs can be serious pests of summer and winter squash. Squash bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts. Heavy feeding causes entire leaves to wilt, turn brown and die. Several methods can be used to control squash bugs in the garden. Brick red egg masses on the undersides of leaves and squash bug adults can be removed by hand. Adults also can be trapped under boards or shingles placed under the plants. Turn the objects over daily and collect and destroy the hiding squash bugs. Small, immature squash bugs (nymphs) can be controlled with insecticides, such as Sevin, permethrin or insecticidal soap. Sprays are generally more effective than dusts. If the squash plants are blooming, spray in the evening after the honey bees have quit foraging for the day. In fall, remove and destroy garden plant debris to deprive squash bugs of overwintering sites.

When can I plant peppers in my garden?

Peppers are a warm-season crop. Plant peppers in the garden after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, peppers can be planted in mid-May. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant one week earlier, while those in northern counties should wait an extra week. The last practical date for planting peppers is approximately June 20.

Got gardening questions? Contact the Hortline at (515) 294-3108 (Monday - Friday; 10 a.m. -12 noon and 1 - 4:30 p.m.) or send an e-mail to hortline@iastate.edu. For more gardening information visit us at Yard and Garden Online at www.yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu

Iowa Songwriter Coming To Hampton

Mark your calendars for Friday, June 5, when Dago & Criminal History will come to Hampton. The fun begins at 9 p.m. at Coconut Lounge and Dance Club, downtown Hampton. Dago (J.M. Marchellino) has been writing and performing original works for several years. His third album, Unbreakable, was just released in April. In addition to performing Dago's original works, the band plays great cover tunes from the 70's and 80's, so there's sure to be something for everyone.

"I write honest music about life," said Marchellino in a recent interview. Hugely popular among military personnel and motorcycle enthusiasts, Dago's songs talk about freedom, fighting for what you believe in, and touching what is real in life. Styles range from country, to blues, to folk, to rock-n-roll. "I guess I've invented a genre. We call it Biker Lifestyle Music, which just about sums it up," said Marchellino. If you're new to Dago's music, you should know before starting to listen that he pulls no punches. There's definitely adult content -- just like in real lives -- and it's part of what makes the songs so compelling.

The newest album, Unbreakable, was recorded, designed and produced right here in Iowa. Keri Holmes from The Kaleidoscope designed the album insert. "I'm so pleased with the way this CD design turned out. I was able to incorporate artwork and photos that mean something to Dago, so there's a lot of him in there, along with a lot of me. I designed his second CD too, Heroes, Legends, Monkeys and Me, and I like it, but Unbreakable is something special. Dago continues to grow as a songwriter and performer. This is his strongest work to date, and I wanted the album artwork and format to be just as strong.

You can order CDs from Keri Holmes by sending an e-mail request to keri@ourfocusisyou.com. If you want to order on-line, you can use Pay Pal. Otherwise send a personal check for $25 (tax and handling included) to: Keri Holmes;PO Box 383; Hampton IA 50441. All three CDs are available from Holmes.

Coconut Dance Club and Lounge, Friday, June 5, 9 p.m., $10 cover charge. Be there!

Aquatic Center Questions: Day One

As most of you know, there is a push to build an aquatic center in Hampton.  This week we will focus on a couple of questions each day so we can all become better informed!  Steve Kline, President of Leslie, Kline and Lukas has answered these questions.  

There will be a vote on August 4 on reallocated the Local Option Sales and Services Tax to the Aquatic Center.  We hope these answers will help clarify questions we all have.  There will be a public meeting June 15th at the bandshell.  Representatives from the City and Make A Splash will be there to answer questions.  

Does Hampton really need an aquatic center?  Why can't we just fix up or rebuild the old pool?

The old pool is beyond repair.  After 50 years of good service, it is literally crumbling.  While the difference between "aquatic center" and "swimming pool" is largely a matter of semantics, the fact is there have been significant advances in pool/aquatic center design since our current pool was built.  These design advances are to ensure the highest degree of safety, especially for children, access for all and best value to the community.  

I don't have kids and I don't live in Hampton.  Why should I care about whether we have a new aquatic center?

Franklin County's investment in the Hampton Aquatic Center will ensure that the facility is attractive and fun, a place where people want to spend their time.  Nearby communities such as Iowa Falls and Mason City already have attractive acquatic centers, and both of them drain families looking for summer fun away from Hampton.  The value of the Aquatic Center to the community lies in the ability to keep Hampton and Franklin county businesses close to home.  

Checks available June 1st for Farmers Market Nutrition Program for Seniors

  Low Income individuals and couples 60 years or older are eligible for Farmers Market Checks to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at your local Farmers Market. 

Requirements are:

Individuals 60 or older

Income below one of the following:

        Single:  $20,036

        Married:  $26,955

Where are the checks spent?   With eligible vendors who display the Farmers Market Nutrition Program sign at certified markets and permanent market stands.  They are only good for fresh, non processed fruits and vegetables grown in Iowa.

 Do I have to purchase the produce myself?         You may make the selections yourself or you may designate a proxy of your choosing to purchase for you if you are not able.

 Where do I get the checks?         In Franklin County the only distribution site is the Hampton Senior Center.  See Eileen Holm.  Call her first, because she has certain hours that are most convenient for her to accept applications.

 How much do I get?             Ten $3 checks per person in an eligible household or $30.  A married couple can get $60 total.  There is only one distribution for the summer per person eligible.

 The Franklin County Farmers Market supports this program and has fruit and vegetable vendors that will accept your checks.  Checks can be spent at any participating market or permanent vendor stand.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

picture courtesy of flickr.com

June Classes for Iowa Valley Continuing Education

Natural Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning should purify, not pollute your home. Avoid harmful chemicals with these healthier, common sense solutions. Spend some time learning what really works and is safer for you and your home. Learn how to use natural, safer cleaning that won't break the bank! Lots of hands-on in this class and free gifts at the end for everyone! Co-sponsored with Franklin County Conservation.
Course #: ENV 8000 002 $15
6/11 Thur. 7 - 9 pm
Hampton, Maynes Grove, 948 Hwy 65
Instr: Debra Brown

Introduction to Labyrinths
Learn about the history and uses of labyrinths through the ages, and have the opportunity to walk Chartres, Cretan, and Dancing Spiral labyrinths. Labyrinths are ancient paths, usually circular in nature, used for thousands of years for meditation, prayer, and enhanced creativity in cultures worldwide. Please register and prepay by 6/5.
Course #: ENV 1234 001 $15
6/13 Sat.  4-6:00 pm
Hubbard, Soul of the Prairie, 30062 JJ Avenue
Instr: Mary Dreier

Labyrinth Building
In this workshop, participants will be introduced to labyrinths and have the opportunity to walk three labyrinths at Soul of the Prairie. Together, we will create felted finger labyrinths and construct a large Cretan labyrinth from simple and inexpensive materials. You will leave the workshop with the skills needed to design and create your own Cretan labyrinth in a place of your choosing. Register & pay by 6/12. For more information visit www.soulofthepriairie.com
Course #: ENV 2345 001 $60
6/20 Sat. 1 - 5:00 pm
Hubbard, Soul of the Prairie, 30062 JJ Avenue
Instr: Mary Dreier

Reusable "Green" Bag
Be ‘in the know' and ‘on the go' with environmentally friendly reusable bags. Creating a reusable tote will help you make a green statement. There are many tote patterns and we will see samples of several of them. We will also discuss ‘green' concepts and how they relate to the world of sewing, crafting and quilting. Register and pay by 6/3 for supply list and additional information. Pay $10 for the pattern at the class.
Course #: CFN 2222 001 $20
6/15 Mon. 6 - 9:30 pm
Eldora, Eldora Clinic - 2413 Edgington Av Iowa Valley Room
Instr: Charleen Richtsmeier

Colorado Mountain Hiking
Do you believe that climbing mountains involves ropes and hanging precariously from cliffs? If so, it is time to learn the truth. Not everyone attacks a peak in that fashion. Some people have perfected the skill of mountain walking. Two of those adventurous souls are Steve Kenkel and Brent Heeren. These two experienced mountain walkers will explain the sport - such things as the gear and safety measures. They will also entertain you with some of their more interesting experiences. You might become a mountain walker, but even if you don't, you will definitely enjoy the evening.
Course #: REC 3055 001 $10
6/16 Tue. 7 - 8 pm
Toledo, Public Library, 206 E High
Instr: Stephen Kenkel

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is perfect for women to digest and dissect. Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love, writes of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: "I can't remember the last time I discovered a novel as smart and delightful as this one, a world so vivid that I kept forgetting this was a work of fiction populated with characters so utterly wonderful that I kept forgetting they weren't my actual friends and neighbors. Treat yourself to this book, please - I can't recommend it highly enough." Gather in The Roost, the renovated chicken house at Soul of the Prairie to dive into this book and its wisdom about friendship, literature, and the power to survive. Bring snacks to share if you'd like. For directions go to www.souloftheprairie.com/FindUs
Course #: PSD 2209 006 $10
6/28 Sun. 4 - 6 pm
Hubbard, Soul of the Prairie, 30062 JJ Avenue
Instr: Mary Dreier

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

Okie (or Texican) Beef Dump

You're gonna love this easy to make recipe - makes for great leftovers and perfect to take to a potluck dinner.  

1. In large, heavy skillet, brown 1lb xtra lean ground beef; 1 chopped onion; 1 chopped stalk of celery.
   
2. Dump into a 3-qt casserole--

• the meat mixture;
• 16oz can beans drained (red kidney, pinto, or 2 cups of those delicious home done Anazi beans);
• 12oz can vacuum packed corn (or 1 1/2 cup frozen corn);
• 4oz can drained chopped green chilies (more if you like it hotter);
• 2oz jar drained chopped pimento;
• 8oz can tomato sauce; 1tsp granulated sugar;
• 1 garlic clove, well-minced or crushed;
  
• 1 tsp freshly (this is important) ground cumin seed;
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper;
• 1tsp salt.

Stir well; cover loosely; microwave at HIGH for 4-6 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes.

Let rest for 5 minutes; reset microwave to MEDIUM; cook for 8 minutes; let rest for 5 minutes. This can be repeated as long as necessary and this dish only gets better the more it is reheated.

To serve: spoon each serving into a large flat soup "plate;" make a ring around the edge of slightly crushed corn chips (Fritos) and top with grated Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar); cover & wait for the cheese to melt or microwave at MEDIUM HIGH until cheese melts; hit with a dollop of sour cream and serve

This recipe was brought to us by Maese, a friend that lives in Oklahoma.  If you can stand it, here's her website: 

http://oldfeminist.blogspot.com/