TriCityLocal.comanksgivnig Sulement

Volume I, Issue 2

Consumers will spend less money ongifts this holiday season, according to asurvey conducted by Harris Interactive.The survey, which studied the shopping

habits of more than 2,000 Americans,found that, as a result of the economy,nearly half of consumers plan to spend lessmoney on gifts this holiday seasoncompared to last year and that one in fivewill spend significantly less.Ninety percent of Americans believe

that coupons are a great way to save

money and nearly two in five will usecoupons to save on gifts this year. Now,with the emergence of online coupons atTriCityLocal.com, shoppers can save a lotof money with only a few clicks. Onlinecoupons are often good for a percentageoff or free shipping.There is no cost to use these coupons

and the savings can be significant.TriCityLocal.com would like to play a

significant role in helping consumers putgifts under the tree this year and help

businesses sell in our challengingeconomy this holiday season.The more businesses who get involved

with the site by contributing coupons andtips, the better the services we can provide.Retailers also benefit from offering

coupons, according to the survey.Three out of four consumers said they

are more likely to return to a store thatoffers coupons and 72 percent said theywould be willing to try a new store if theycould use a coupon.

New Survey Finds Coupons will be aPopular Way to Save this Holiday Season

The hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season is fastapproaching and I, along with one of my freelance writers, havecompiled some timely features, helpful articles and stories in thisissue to entertain, inform, and assist you in getting prepared toenjoy the festivities.This supplement includes recipes, helpful hints, budgeting

tips, gift ideas and more to insure your holiday get-togetherswith family and friends are memorable.While creating this supplement, I have also been hard at work

developing TriCityLocal.com’s annual HOLIDAY “GIVE ITBACK” PROGRAM.To provide you with some “giving” history, last year

TriCityLocal.com teamed up with BloggingforMichigan.com andactively campaigned to send non-perishable goods to our ArmedForces overseas. It was a slow start for our first year of givingbut we still collected a dozen or so bags and boxes of cannedgoods and personal care items to send to our soldiers. Over 300Beanie Babies, donated by a very thoughtful family, were sent toour soldiers to give away to Iraqi children as a good-will gesturefrom the U.S.Because of Michigan’s economy being less than one would

wish it to be, as editor and site owner, this year I have decidedour readers and the businesses they frequent deserve a holidaybreak! I believe TriCityLocal.com can “GIVE IT BACK” bestby helping out local residents and our local economy.I am recruiting every reader who visits our site to print out this

page and the next page and take it to their local grocer, hairstylist, favorite restaurant, movie theater, bowling alley, floristshop, bakery or any other business they frequent and ask them toparticipate in our FREE COUPON PROGRAM. Businesses canalso help by printing out both copies and dropping them off atthe business next door to them. The more participation, thegreater the savings for customers which will, hopefully, result inmore sales for business owners.Please let the business know, it doesn’t cost anything to place

a coupon on TriCityLocal.com and they can HELPAREASHOPPERS SAVEA BUNDLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!Before you start thinking “who is this CRAZY LADY giving

away spots for businesses to list coupons on TrCityLocal.com,

and asking readers to pass the idea around? Doesn’t she have herown bills to pay - why is she giving things away?”Yes, of course, I have bills to pay and this has been a tough

year for many small businesses. As a small business owner, Iworry sometimes about making ends meet. But, the holidays areabout giving and shouldn’t we all have a stake in giving backand promoting economic growth in our community?A little history on how the “Give It Back” holiday program got

started: My fondest memory of my Mom, who passed away inJanuary 2007, will always be seeing her face light up and the joyshe experienced when she could do something for someone. Shewas happy and content and always gave far more than shereceived. So, I thought I would adopt her approach to life andsee how things worked out instead of spending my timeworrying about what I can’t change. Life is too short!Therefore, all area retailers and service businesses, home

businesses, and online businesses (yes, even my competitors),have the option to post a coupon FREE of charge onTriCityLocal.com now through December 31, 2008 to help uspromote holiday sales and savings throughout the Tri-City area.(See directions next page)Let’s keep it LOCAL, so everyone wins this holiday season!

Blessings,Barb Casper,

Owner and EditorTriCityLocal.com

FOOTNOTE: TriCityLocal.com has been online for a little overa year and a half and the site has grown from several pages tohundreds of pages and from 200 unique visitors per month inJanuary of 2007 to over 9,000 visitors monthly.

TriCityLocal.com is all about local community - a place wherevisitors can go and catch up on what is happening in our area,find out about local businesses and what they have to offer.Members can participate in discussions, self publish (blog), orshare photos, stories, news and events. TriCityLocal.com alsooffers plenty of ways to just hang out, kick back, relax and havefun online. Visitors can even create their very own unique andlocal space on the World Wide Web!

STOP BY TODAYAND START TALKING.With your participation, TriCityLocal.com can only get better!

Hay Holidays,

Welcome toTriCityLocal.com

‘Marketing W ith Online Coupons During the Holidays’ NOW through December 31, 2008, post a coupon offer for FREE when you sign up for a FREE complimentary business directory listing on TriCityLocal.com!

This will help you attract new customers, help our viewers save $$ through our coupon offers this holiday season and help us by bring customers back to our web site.

Once submitted, we review your coupon advertisement prior to placing it in the coupon section. We generally do this within one business day.

NOTE: When you begin to create your coupon listing you will be asked to pay $0 by Paypal or by mail. Choose the mail option and you will automatically be able to begin to create your coupon offer. All FREE coupon listings will be removed from the site on January 1, 2009.

SPECIAL SEASONAL OFFERTriCityLocal.com would like to help you to increase your business during the upcoming holiday season!

SIGN UP FOR AFREE COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS DIRECTORY LISTING AND YOU CAN POSTA FREE, PRINTABLE COUPON @ WWW.TRICITYLOCAL.COM

Offer expires December 31, 2008

Be sure to give accurate discount or savings information and list an expiration date for your coupon.

WHAT’S THE CATCH? There is none. We know that it takes regular and consistant marketing and advertising in order to gain the trust of your customers. They need to see that you are in this business for the long haul. And like you--we want to gain ‘your’ trust. We’re in business for the long haul too!

Listing a ‘FREE COUPON’ will be a great way to implement your holiday specials and an online trend you can’t ignore. As abusiness owner or manager, you should always be looking for cost-effective ways to fit marketing into a new context.

DIRECTIONS:1. GO TO WWW.TRICITYLOCAL.COM2. REGISTER for an account at the top right of the page.3. You will receive an email asking you to CONFIRM your account registration. Follow the instructions.4. Once your account is confirmed, LOGIN with your username and password at the top right of the page.5. Click on your business directory icon in your control panel. Add your business to our directory with a FREE complimentary listing. (You MUST have a directory listing to create a coupon).6. Once you have a directory listing, click on your COUPON icon in your control panel.7. Add your coupon information and click save. Be sure to give accurate discount/savings information.

YOUR COUPON WILL BE AVAILABLE TO AN AVERAGE OF 9,000 SITE VISITORS PER MONTH!NEED HELP YOU WITH YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS?

CALL 989-414-4786 M-F 9-5 www.tricitylocal.com

by Dinesh D'Souza

What is special about America?America offers more opportunity and

social mobility than any other country,including the countries of Europe: Americais the only country that has created apopulation of “self-made tycoons.” Only inAmerica could Pierre Omidyar, whoseparents are Iranian and who grew up inParis, have such ideal conditions forstarting a company like eBay. Only inAmerica could Vinod Khosla, the son of anIndian army officer, become a leadingventure capitalist, the shaper of thetechnology industry, and a billionaire toboot. Admittedly tycoons are not typical,but no country has created a better ladderthan America for people to ascend frommodest circumstances to success.Work and trade are respectable in

America, which is not true elsewhere:Historically most cultures have despisedthe merchant and the laborer, regarding theformer as vile and corrupt and the latter as

degraded and vulgar. Some cultures, suchas that of ancient Greece and medievalIslam, even held that it is better to acquirethings through plunder than through tradeor contract labor. But the Americanfounders altered this moral hierarchy. Theyestablished a society in which the life ofthe businessman, and of the people whoworked for him, would be a noble calling.In the American view, there is nothing vileor degraded about serving your customerseither as a CEO or as a waiter. Theordinary life of production and supportinga family is more highly valued in theUnited States than in any other country.Indeed America is the only country in theworld where we call the waiter “sir,” as ifhe were a knight.America has achieved greater social

equality than any other society: True,there are large inequalities of income andwealth in America. In purely economicterms, Europe is more egalitarian. ButAmericans are socially more equal thanany other people, and this is unaffected byeconomic disparities. Tocqueville noticedthis egalitarianism a century and a half ago,but if anything it is more prevalent today.For all his riches, Bill Gates could notapproach the typical American and say,“Here’s a $100 bill. I’ll give it to you ifyou kiss my feet.” Most likely the personwould tell Gates to go to hell! TheAmerican view is that the rich guy mayhave more money, but he isn’t in anyfundamental sense better than anyone else.People live longer, fuller lives in

America: Although protesters rail againstthe American version of technologicalcapitalism at trade meetings around theworld, in reality the American system hasgiven citizens many more years of life, andthe means to live more intensely andactively. In 1900, the life expectancy inAmerica was around 50 years; today, it ismore than 75 years. Advances in medicineand agriculture are mainly responsible forthe change. This extension of the life-spanmeans more years to enjoy life, more freetime to devote to a good cause, and moreoccasions to do things with thegrandchildren. In many countries, peoplewho are old seem to have nothing to do:they just wait to die. In America the old areincredibly vigorous, and people in theirseventies pursue the pleasures of life,including remarriage and sexualgratification, with a zeal that I findunnerving.

In America the destiny of the young isnot given to them but created by them:Not long ago, I asked myself, “What wouldmy life have been like if I had never cometo the United States?” If I had remained inIndia, I would probably have lived mywhole life within a five-mile radius ofwhere I was born. I would undoubtedlyhave married a woman of my identicalreligious and socioeconomic background. Iwould almost certainly have become amedical doctor, or an engineer, or acomputer programmer. I would havesocialized entirely within my ethiccommunity. I would have a whole set ofopinions that could be predicted in advance;indeed, they would not be very differentfrom what my father believed, or his fatherbefore him. In sum, my destiny would to alarge degree have been given to me.In America, I have seen my life take a

radically different course. In college Ibecame interested in literature and politics,and I resolved to make a career as a writer. Imarried a woman whose ancestry isEnglish, French, Scotch-Irish, German, andAmerican Indian. In my twenties I foundmyself working as a policy analyst in theWhite House, even though I was not anAmerican citizen. No other country, I amsure, would have permitted a foreigner towork in its inner citadel of government.In most countries in the world, your

fate and your identity are handed to you;in America, you determine them foryourself. America is a country where youget to write the script of your own life. Yourlife is like a blank sheet of paper, and youare the artist. This notion of being thearchitect of your own destiny is theincredibly powerful idea that is behind theworldwide appeal of America. Youngpeople especially find irresistible theprospect of authoring the narrative of theirown lives.As an immigrant who has chosen to

become an American citizen, I feelespecially qualified to say what is specialabout America. Here then is the remainderof my list of 10 Great Things AboutAmerica.America has gone further than any

other society in establishing equality ofrights: There is nothing distinctivelyAmerican about slavery or bigotry. Slaveryhas existed in virtually every culture, andxenophobia, prejudice and discriminationare worldwide phenomena. Western

Why Should Americans be Thankful?Editor’s Comment: With our country’seconomic down turn, I, for one, havefound it easy to fall into the trap ofbecoming very pessimistic in regards tothose who are leading our country andthose who have been managing ourfinancial institutions, which happen to bethe very backbone of our survival.

Recently, it seems other Amercians areexperiencing this same pessimism andthat this negative state of mind has madeits way into every aspect of Americanlife. In a matter of speaking, Americanshave found it “hard to see the picturewhen they are inside the frame.”

With this in mind, I set out to findsomeone with a positive viewpoint aboutour country who could highlight theblessings which have been bestowedupon us. Interestingly, one of the firstarticles I found was written by animmigrant who has become a U.S.citizen

After reading this article, perhaps thegreatest blessing this holiday season is toknow we have the ability and thefreedoms to look beyond the “have nots”and that, despite the economy, there ismuch to be thankful for in the U.S.A.

cont’d next page

civilization is the only civilization to mounta principled campaign against slavery; nocountry expended more treasure and bloodto get rid of slavery than the United States.While racism remains a problem inAmerica, this country has made strenuousefforts to eradicate discrimination, even tothe extent of enacting policies that givelegal preference in university admissions,jobs, and government contracts to membersof minority groups. Such policies remaincontroversial, but the point is that it isextremely unlikely that a racist societywould have permitted such policies in thefirst place. And surely African Americanslike Jesse Jackson are vastly better offliving in America than they would be if theywere to live in, say, Ethiopia or Somalia.America has found a solution to the

problem of religious and ethnic conflictsthat continues to divide and terrorizemuch of the world: Visitors to places likeNew York are amazed to see the way inwhich Serbs and Croatians, Sikhs andHindus, Irish Catholics and IrishProtestants, Jews and Palestinians, all seemto work and live together in harmony. Howis this possible when these same groups arespearing each other and burning eachother’s homes in so many places in theworld?The American answer is twofold. First,

separate the spheres of religion andgovernment so that no religion is givenofficial preference but all are free topractice their faith as they wish. Second, donot extend rights to racial or ethnic groupsbut only to individuals; in this way, all areequal in the eyes of the law, opportunity isopen to anyone who can take advantage ofit, and everybody who embraces theAmerican way of life can “becomeAmerican.”Of course there are exceptions to these

core principles, even in America. Racialpreferences are one such exception, whichexplains why they are controversial. But, ingeneral, America is the only country in theworld that extends full membership tooutsiders. The typical American could cometo India, live for 40 years, and take Indiancitizenship. But he could not “becomeIndian.” He wouldn’t see himself that way,nor would most Indians see him that way. InAmerica, by contrast, hundreds of millionshave come from far-flung shores and overtime they, or at least their children, have ina profound and full sense “becomeAmerican.”America has the kindest, gentlest

foreign policy of any great power inworld history: Critics of the U.S. are likelyto react to this truth with sputtering outrage.They will point to longstanding American

support for a Latin or Middle Easterndespot, or the unjust internment of theJapanese during World War II, or America’sreluctance to impose sanctions on SouthAfrica’s apartheid regime. However onefeels about these particular cases, let usconcede to the critics the point that Americais not always in the right.What the critics leave out is the other side

of the ledger. Twice in the twentiethcentury, the United States saved the world:first from the Nazi threat, then from Soviettotalitarianism. What would have been theworld’s fate if America had not existed?After destroying Germany and Japan inWorld War II, the U.S. proceeded to rebuildboth countries, and today they are Americanallies. Now we are doing the same thing inAfghanistan and Iraq. Consider, too, howmagnanimous the U.S. has been to theformer Soviet Union after its victory in theCold War. For the most part America is anabstaining superpower: it shows no realinterest in conquering and subjugating therest of the world. (Imagine how the Sovietswould have acted if they had won the ColdWar.) On occasion America intervenes tooverthrow a tyrannical regime or to haltmassive human rights abuses in anothercountry, but it never stays to rule thatcountry. In Grenada, Haiti, and Bosnia, theU.S. got in and then it got out. Moreover,when America does get into a war, as inIraq, its troops are supremely careful toavoid targeting civilians and to minimizecollateral damage. Even as Americabombed the Taliban infrastructure andhideouts, U.S. planes dropped rations offood to avert hardship and starvation ofAfghan civilians. What other country doesthese things?America, the freest nation on earth, is

also the most virtuous nation on earth:This point seems counter-intuitive, giventhe amount of conspicuous vulgarity, vice,and immorality in America. Indeed someIslamic fundamentalists argue that theirregimes are morally superior to the UnitedStates because they seek to foster virtueamong the citizens. Virtue, thesefundamentalists argue, is a higher principlethan liberty.Indeed it is. And let us admit that in a

free society, freedom will frequently beused badly. Freedom, by definition,includes the freedom to do good or evil, toact nobly or basely. But if freedom bringsout the worst in people, it also brings outthe best. The millions of Americans wholive decent, praiseworthy lives desire ourhighest admiration because they have optedfor the good when the good is not the onlyavailable option. Even amidst thetemptations of a rich and free society, they

have remained on the straight path. Theirvirtue has special luster because it is freelychosen.By contrast, the societies that many

Islamic fundamentalists seek wouldeliminate the possibility of virtue. If thesupply of virtue is insufficient in a freesociety like America, it is almost non-existent in a society like Iran. The reason isthat coerced virtues are not virtues at all.Consider the woman who is required towear a veil. There is no modesty in this,because she is being compelled.Compulsion cannot produce virtue, it canonly produce the outward semblance ofvirtue. Thus a free society like America isnot merely more prosperous, more varied,more peaceful, and more tolerant—it is alsomorally superior to the theocratic andauthoritarian regimes that America’senemies advocate.“To make us love our country,” Edmund

Burke once said, “our country ought to belovely.” Burke’s point is that we shouldlove our country not just because it is ours,but also because it is good. America is farfrom perfect, and there is lots of room forimprovement. In spite of its flaws, however,the American life as it is lived today is thebest life that our world has to offer.Ultimately America is worthy of our loveand sacrifice because, more than any othersociety, it makes possible the good life, andthe life that is good.

Reprint courtesy of tothesource.com

Did you know...Fossil evidence shows that turkeysroamed the Americas 10 million years ago.

* * * * *91% of Americans eat turkey onThanksgiving Day.

* * * * *There are regional differences as to the"stuffing" (or "dressing") traditionallyserved with the turkey. Southernersgenerally make theirs from cornbread,while in other parts of the country whitebread is the base. One or several of thefollowing may be added: oysters, apples,chestnuts, raisins, celery and/or othervegetables, sausage or the turkey'sgiblets.

* * * * *Thomas Jefferson thought the concept ofThanksgiving was "the most ridiculousidea I’ve ever heard."

* * * * *Fifty percent of Americans put the stuffinginside the Turkey.

Bay MedicalFoundation

Bay Medical Foundation raises fundsand supports Bay Regional Medical Centerin its mission of improving the health of thecommunities it serves.

During the season of giving thanks, it isappropriate to thank those that have madecontributions to our health and well-being.

Bay Medical Foundation was establishedas a non-profit corporation in 1979. TheFoundation has grown, along with what isnow, Bay Regional Medical Center; amulti-faceted community health sourcethat is said by many to be second to none.

The Foundation is directed by acommunity board of thirty five volunteermembers, who establish policy and makedecisions as to the use of funds throughoutBay Regional Medical Center and BaySpecial Care Hospital; an extended-stay,acute care facility. Funds are also solicited,used and held for Brian's House under theauspices of Visiting Nurse Services ofMichigan.

Maureen Groya,manager of BayMedical Foundation,and VictoriaMacKenzie,FoundationSpecialist, took timefrom their busy dayto talk about thevery-important workof the Foundation.

Maureen Groya spoke of the generosity ofthe people of Bay County, and that anincredible 30% of the employees of BayRegional Medical Center gave 1.7 milliondollars during Employee Fund Drivessince 1985. She indicated that the benefitsreaped by the community, from gifts giventhrough the Foundation are immeasurable.These gifts stay in our community andbenefit each and every one of us.

It is estimated that almost 15 % of theresidents of Bay County have no healthinsurance. This translates to 17,000 people.The Helen M. Nickless Volunteer Clinicon Center and Pine Streets in Essexville,provides free health care for the uninsuredof Bay County. Four million dollars were

Visting Nurse Services of Michigan is located on the West Campus of Bay Regional MecialCenter.

Above, a sitting area displays the brightly colored nautical theme used throughout Brian’sHouse. Below, an attractively furnished bedroom provides tranquil quarters and the open-airfeeling of being at sea.Victoria MacKenzie

raised by the Foundation for the Clinic,which is staffed by hundreds of volunteerphysicians, nurse practitioners,pharmacists, physician assistants,registered nurses and lay people. Theclinic is staffed to service 50 to 60 patientseach Wednesday night the Clinic is open.

We have all heard about thecompassionate care given at Brian'sHouse. For those unfamiliar with thefacility, Brain’s House provides care forterminally ill patients and their families.

Bay Medical Foundation's 2008 fund-raising campaign aims to add sixadditional patient suites to the existingtwelve suites at Brian's House on the westcampus of Bay Regional Medical Center.

Ground breaking is expected in 2009.The new suites are expected to be in useby the end of 2009.

The helping hand of the Foundation notonly serves the needs of Bay RegionalMedical Center; it also reaches out to thecommunities at large. Bay MedicalFoundation is the only group state-wide, toplace automatic external defibrillators(AED) in all of the public and privateschools in our area. The emergencydefibrillators have also been given tosporting complexes and civicorganizations in our community. Almostone hundred have been given thus far.

Gifts can be given to Bay MedicalFoundation in support of any of thefollowing:

Bay Special Care HospitalCancer CareDiabetes ProgramEducational ScholarshipsEndowmentGraduate Medical EducationGreatest NeedHeart ServicesHelen M. Nickless Volunteer ClinicOrthopedic Joint ExpressPediatricsPhysical Medicine/RehabRadiology/Diagnostic ImagingRespiratoryWomen's Healthand many others.

Brian’s House

The cottage atmosphere is repeated in thelinens and the paintings along the hallwaysat Brian’s House.

Make a donation to theBrian’s House CampaignCelebrating Life!

Bay Medical Foundation is askingyou to consider helping us meet theneeds of our expanding patientpopulation by making a donation tothe Brian’s House CampaignCelebrating Life!

You can be an important part ofBrian’s House by considering adonation to help construct these newpatient suites. Each suite will featureall the amenities of home for patientsand families to make the most oftheir remaining time together.

Donations to the Brian’s Houseproject, Celebrating Life! is animportant part of our efforts to carefor this special group of patients.The following area have beenestablished for those who wish toconsider a major gift.

Naming Opportunities

1 - Memorial Garden Area($125,000) (Committed)(Benches, boulders, pathways,bricks, etc. available)

1 - Sun Room ($50,000)1 - Family Sitting Area ($30,000)1 - Inside Water Fall/DonorWall

($25,000)1 - Outside Portico (leading to

Memorial Gardens) ($15,000)18 - Patient Suites ($12,000) (Three

Committed)1 - Inside Children’s Play Area

($10,000)2 - Existing Alcoves ($5,0002 - Consultation Rooms

(One Committed) ($3,500)

Naming recognition will be featuredin printed materials as well as thephysical location within Brian’sHouse. Naming recognition willaccommodate existing decor.

If you wish to discuss othergiving opportunities, please

contact Bay Medical Foundation at989-667-6262.

The official lighting of the BayMedical Foundation Memorial Tree willtake place on Sunday, December 7 from2:00-3:30 p.m. The names of thosebeing memorialized or honored will beread and the tree will then beilluminated.

Each attendee will receive a themed-related ornament. Complimentaryrefreshments will be servedimmediately following the ceremony.

It would be difficult not to beimpressed by the important work that isdone by the Foundation. If you look atthe Bay Medical Foundation donor wallin the Bay Regional Medical Centerlobby, you'll see a quote that sums upthe philosophy quite nicely:

“I shall pass through this world butonce. Any good therefore that I can door any kindness that I can show to anyhuman being, let me do it now. Let menot therefore neglect it, for I shall

not pass this way again.”- Mahatma Gandhi

So, in this Thanksgiving season, wegive thanks to those who help make BayMedical Foundation a genuine,compassionate presence in our lives.

Bay Medical Foundationsponsors Memorial TreeLighting Dec. 7

You may be a part of this event by makinga special tribute in memory of someone dearto you.

The names of loved ones remembered willbe read at the lighting ceremony anddisplayed in our chapel for approximatelysix months.

You may request donation informationvia email at:

victoria.mackenzie@bhsnet.org.or print out the form at

www.bayregional.org/memorialtree.

JOIN USYou may send, with your donation, aphoto (5”x31/2” or smaller) of yourloved one. Write your loved onesname on the the back of the photo. Toensure all names are listed in ourcollage, please reply and send in thephoto 14 days prior to the event oryou may send your photoelectronically to:victoria.mackenzie@bhsnet.org

1900 Columbus AvenueBay City, Michigan 48708Telephone: 989-667-6262

Easy Ways toGive BackDuring theHolidays

(ARA) – Your life is busy any time ofthe year, but with the holidays comes alonger to-do list and more stress. So,how can you embody the giving spiritof the season in an efficient waywithout breaking the bank (or yourback)?There are easy ways to give back

during the holiday season if you just geta little creative and make a resolutionto share.* When you’re out raking leaves or

shoveling snow, clean up an elderlyneighbor’s yard as well.* When cleaning your home to

prepare for guests and parties, giveextra clothing, furniture and “stuff” tocharity. If something has been stuffedinto a closet and hasn’t seen the light ofday for a year or more, it can go. Oldblankets, towels and piles ofnewspapers can be donated to localanimal shelters to help care forabandoned dogs, cats and small critters.* Instead of bringing the token bottle

of wine as a host gift to holiday partiesyou’ve been invited to, make adonation in your hosts’ name to a localcharity.* Use buy-one-get-one-free coupons

to purchase an item for yourself anddonate the extra free item.* Instead of making a list of clothes

and gifts you won’t use, ask fordonations to be made in your name toyour favorite charity.* Order cards and address labels

through nonprofit organizations and aportion of your purchase will benefitthem. This also helps get the word outabout the organization.* If you get a new gadget like a cell

phone or digital camera, contact themanufacturer of your old device andask if there is a way to recycle ordonate it.There are easy ways to incorporate

giving into your everyday holidayactivities. This year, make your holidaycount and remember to give back. Youcould be on the receiving end some day.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Wine Maker's DinnerFrankenmuthNovember 1Join special guest Chef John Zehnder, C.E.C.for a wonderful five-course meal atFrankenmuth's St. Julian Winery. The eventstarts with champagne in the hospitalityroom, followed by a sit-down dinnerfeaturing St. Julian wines. Space is limited, soreservations are necessary for this great wineand food experience.

Toast the SeasonLeelanau PeninsulaNovember 8-9 and November 15-16Leelanau Peninsula Vintners host the popularannual wine trail tour featuring a special winepour, accompanied by holiday-themedgourmet food, at each of the LeelanauPeninsula member wineries. Participantsreceive a souvenir glass, a holiday gift basketand an ornament.

Prime Outlets' DeerWidows WeekendShopping FunPak!Birch RunNovember 15-16As Michigan deer hunters head to the woodsto bag a buck, passionate shoppers can headto Prime Outlets Birch Run to bag a bargain!!Prime Outlets Birch Run kicks off the holidayshopping season during their 13th AnnualDeer Widows Weekend, Saturday andSunday, November 15 and 16. Experience thesavings and fun at one of the biggestshopping events of the year! Overnightpackages are available by calling the FlintArea Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Christmas and Holiday TraditionsAround the WorldGrand RapidsNovember 19-January 4Experience the most magical time of year asMeijer Gardens transforms into a world ofwinter magic with the glow of 300,000 lights,more than 40 captivating international treesand displays, strolling carolers, horse-drawncarriage rides and more surprises than can fitunder the tree.

Silver Bells in the CityLansingNovember 21A 60-unit electric light parade gets glowingreviews for its illuminated floats, fire trucks,snow plows and marching bands, and citysidewalks dress in holiday style for thelighting of Michigan's official tree at thecapitol and fireworks bursting above thedome. Nearly 50 arts organizations includingcommunity bands, ethnic dancers, barbershopsingers, bell choirs and storytellers perform atthis event.

International Wine & Food FestivalGrand RapidsNovember 21-23Michigan's premier wine and foodexperience, this festival will bring togetherwineries from around the world along withthe culinary experts of West Michigan, with avast array of extraordinary tastings, cookingdemonstrations, gourmet specialty items andaccessories as we head into the holidayseason. Tickets are $15 and will be availableat the door on the day of the event. No oneunder the age of 21 will be allowed into thefestival.

Dutch WinterfestHollandNovember 22-December 13This folk celebration is centered aroundSinterklaas, the benevolent St. Nicholas. Intrue Dutch tradition, Sinterklaas arrives on hiswhite horse surrounded by his mischievousZwarte Piet helpers.

America's Thanksgiving ParadeDetroit,November 27After you've stuffed the turkey, then hustledowntown for the 9:30 a.m. parade down thecity's famous Woodward Avenue. More than75 specialty units pass by, including thepopular Elmo and Uncle Sam balloons,Wizard of Oz float, high school marchingbands and Santa's sleigh.

North Pole ExpressOwossoNovember 28 and Saturdays and Sundays,November 29-December 21All aboard for a magical train ride to theNorth Pole aboard the 1225 steam locomotiveused as a model for the Polar Express movie.On the four-hour excursion, you'll chug fromthe Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso tothe North Pole in Chesaning, where you canvisit with Santa and his elves before returningto Owosso.

Christmas at CrossroadsFlintNovember 28-December 30 (Mondays andDecember 24 drive-through tours only; closedTuesdays,Wednesdays, Thursdays andChristmas Day. Open again December 26-30)Make tracks for Crossroads Village to ride theHuckleberry Railroad steam train, outlined withthousands of lights. You'll chug past glitteringdisplays tucked all around this 1800s living-history village.Also, watch a live stage show atthe opera house, shop the vintage stores and millaround to see costumed residents celebrating an1800s holiday.At the November 28 kickoff,choirs sing and fireworks herald the lighting ofthe towering Tree of Lights.

The Great Macaroni and Cheese Bake-OffOld Mission PeninsulaNovember 29The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula hostlocal restaurants that have turned the classiccomfort food, Macaroni and Cheese, intoculinary marvels! This rich and creamy fare ispaired with wines from Old Mission. Tastewhat our local chefs have come up with thisyear!

Events courtesy of puremichigan.org

HHoolliiddaayy HHaappnniinnggss AAccrrooss ee SSttaattee

ST. STANS FALL BAZAARNovember 159:00 a.m.1503 Kosciuszko Ave Bay City, MI(989) 893-6421

GODS HEART IS IN YOURHANDS MUSIC, ARTSAND CRAFTS FESTIVALNovember 15Birch Run EXPO CenterBirch Run, MI

NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY CHRISTMAS SHOWNovember 15Northwood University Midland, MI

HOLIDAY FOLK ART/CRAFT SHOWNovember 22Saginaw Valley State UniversityRyder Center University Center, MI

MIDLAND HOLIDAY ARTFAIRNovember 22&23Midland, MI - 23 miles Festive Holiday Art Fair inlobbies of arts center

JEWELRY SHOW AT WARMBIER FARMSDecember 6&7Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.Bay City, MI - 7 miles Jewelry Show at WarmbierFarms. Refreshments served. Free event!

MIDLAND MALL HOLIDAY SHOWMidland. MIDecember 12-14

HOLIDAY ART & CRAFTSHOWDecember 13SAT. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.Horizon Conference Center6200 State St Saginaw, MI$2 adult 10 & under freekeepsakecollectionshows.com989-781-9165

85 crafters from throughoutMichigan featuringwearable art, stainedglass,holiday folk art,ornaments, jewelry, purses,seasonal florals, and muchmore.

MIDLAND MALL HOLIDAY SHOWDec 19-21Midland

BAY CITY MALL HOLIDAY SHOWDec 19-21 Bay City

Area Cra Shows

by Dave GossFreelance WriterI need to confess- before I go further; I

have not set foot inside the Bay CityPlayers since 1987. I saw Leeds Bird asSalieri in their production of Amadeusduring the 1986-1987 season. It was afabulous production. I have no excuses thatwould validate not setting foot in the placefor twenty one years. I met Tom Caylor; the president of the

board of directors of Bay City Players, andKunio Ouellette; vice president, at thetheater for an interview. The enthusiasmand pride that they both have in thisbeautiful facility was quite evident.Tom and Kunio took me on a tour of the

place and gave a brief history of thebuilding and the talented folks who providethe talent and energy to keep Bay CityPlayers going. This is a organization madeup of volunteers. They keep the placegoing out of love for the job.Bay City Players is the oldest

community theater inMichigan. They have been inoperation since March19,1917. This is their 91styear of operation.The theater itself seats

367, and is small enough tomaintain an intimate contactwith the stage. The mainentrance and lobby area have

been newlydecorated since mylast visit and isspacious and well-appointed.Kunio gave me

the rundown on thenext attraction:Plaid Tidings. Thismusical, which features festive “plaid-erized ,” holiday songs as well as somehip-hop and some nostalgic standards;about a group of teenagers who return fromthe afterlife to perform a Christmas special,which was ordered by a heavenly phonecall from Rosemary Clooney. My wife and I plan to make up for our

absence at the Bay City Players byattending some of this season'sperformances. It is truly “The Gem ofColumbus Avenue.”

Bay City Playee Gem of Colums Avenue

PLAID TIDINGS

SHOW DATES December 4-7 December 11-14

BOX OFFICE HOURSMon. - Sat.12-2 p.m.; 7-9 p.m. Sun. 2-3:30 p.m.

ADMISSION Tickets go on sale December 1st.Adults: $18.00Senior Citizens: $16.00

Kunio Ouellette, left, and Tom Caylor, rightstand outside the Bay City Player’s theater.

Tom Caylor, president of board ofdirectors.

Kunio Ouellette vice presidentboard of directors.

Photos of the interior of the Bay City Players.

Family Features

Slaving away for weeks preppingfor your first holiday meal? Asthe lucky ones learn soonerrather than later, it’s not workingharder — it’s working smarterthat gets the job done right. Why

shouldn’t that apply to the upcom ing holidayseason?Hosting your first holiday feast can be in-

timidating. All the pressure of seamlesslyexecuting a complex meal in a timely man-ner can make even the most experiencedcook wish someone else would take over.No worries! Armed with delicious, depend-able recipes, time-saving tips and wonderfulwines for your guests, pulling it off seam-lessly isn’t as intricate as you might think.Who knows — even seasoned cooks mightpick up a few pointers.Keep the menu simple. Don’t feel abashed

about buy ing store-bought items to supple-ment the meal, as long as they are quality items. Source a good

local bakery for crusty rolls for the maincourse and a fresh apple pie or creamycheesecake for dessert. You may spend a bitmore, but you’ll save your sanity and, if youfind good sources, the store-bought itemscan be as good as homemade. Even tually, asyou build your skills, you’ll be able tobranch out to making more dishes fromscratch.Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Have your

guests bring some dishes and ask familymembers to lend a helping hand before themeal. It’s important to create a feeling of in-volvement for everyone, especially children.While you might not want them near the hotstove, they can certainly be part of the fes-tivities by drawing holiday pictures to put onthe refrigerator, setting and decorating thetable, or even making seasonal decorations.This homemade touch will charm yourguests — and save you time!Simplify your wine selection. Some wines

need to be aged for so long you won’t betaking a sip until 2018. When it comes to op-timal food pairing, oenophiles favor the

wines from the Rioja region in Spain fortheir unbeat able, consistent quality; in fact,they have long agreed that Rioja wines are literally made for food.Thanks to the Tempranillo grape, a smooth and delec-table Spanish classic, Riojas equally pairwell with each course of your holiday feast.Remember, Rioja wine is already aged in thebottle, so it is conveniently ready to serve onthe day of purchase.“As someone who often helps people

choose wines, it’s especially important to select holidaywines that will suit a variety of tastes,” noteswine expert, journalist and Rioja spokesper-son Adrian Murcia. “Rioja offers really at-tractive fruit aromas and flavors to thosewho might dig the big wines of California or Australia,but also possesses a beautiful touch of OldWorld elegance and soft-spoken seductive-ness — qualities that are absolutely essentialto any food-loving wine.” For more wineand food ideas, visit vibrantrioja.com.

Cajun Deep Fried TurkeyMakes: 12 to 15 servingsWine suggestion: Pair with a Rioja red

1 (15-pound) turkeyKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Garlic salt Cajun seasoning

4-5 gallons peanut or vegetable oil Deep-fry thermometer

26-40 quart large potHigh-pressure, outdoor propane cooker

Thaw turkey completely. Clean out cavity,rinse and pat dry. Season turkey with dry in-gredients to taste. (For more flavor, seasonthe night before you cook.) Place cooker outside in an open space,

away from the house. Never use a turkeyfryer indoors, in a garage or under a coveredpatio due to potential fire hazard. Heat oil inpot (allow enough room in pot for turkey tobe placed, as too much oil will cause over-flow), bringing oil to at least 375°F. Immerseturkey in oil. Maintaining at least 325°Fthrough out the cooking process, cook turkeyuntil golden brown, about 4 minutes perpound.

Corn BakeMakes: 6 to 8 servings

1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn

1 (8-ounce) package corn muffin mix

1 cup sour cream 1 large egg1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, stirtogether all ingredients. Pour into greased 9inches by 13 inches casserole dish. Bake for45 minutes, or until golden brown. Removefrom oven. Let stand for at least 5 minutesand then serve warm.

Affordable Rioja wines are widely available in the U.S. in the Spain sectionof your wine store, including:

� Bodegas Beronia Crianza 2005 ($10)

� Bodegas Faustino VII 2004 ($13)

� Bodegas Breton Crianza 2004 ($15)

� Bodegas Montecillo Gran Reserva 2001($25)

� Bodegas LANViña Lanciano Reserva2001 ($30)

� Bodegas Barón de Ley Finca Monastario2003 ($45)

Curry Pumpkin SoupMakes: 6 servings2 medium pumpkins (3 to 4 pounds)1 large pumpkin (for use as soup

tureen)2 cups chicken broth 1 cup water 1/4 cup maple syrup 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 teaspoons curry powder1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1 cup heavy cream

Toasted pumpkin seeds, optional Crème fraiche or sour cream, optional

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut two medium

pumpkins in half. Reserve large pumpkin foruse as soup tureen. Scoop out seeds andplace skin-side down on baking sheet. Bakefor 35 to 45 minutes, or until soft. Scoop outpumpkin flesh into food processor and pureeuntil smooth. Pour pureed pumpkin intosaucepan and add chicken broth, water,maple syrup and spices. Bring to a boil, thenreduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. While the soup is cooking, cut the top off

the large pumpkin to create the serving bowl.The hole should be wide enough to fit aladle. Hollow out seeds, checking for holesand lining with plastic, if necessary. Removesoup from heat and stir in heavy cream. Poursoup into large pumpkin and serve garnishedwith toasted pumpkin seeds and crèmefraiche.

ASumptuousSpread forthe Family

Family Features

Each holiday season, hosts strivefor the perfect balance betweenserving traditional fare and trying out palate-pleasing new recipes.Among friends and family

however, the classics — which conjure upmemories of holidays past — win handsdown. Here’s a sumptuous spread that’s sure toplease the whole family.For a perfectly roasted turkey — the

centerpiece of the holiday meal — baste thebird with Swanson chicken stock. The stockhelps keep the meat moist and gives a lovelygolden color to the skin. It also creates abase for homemade pan gravy that’s perfectfor drizzling over the turkey or toppingMoist and Savory Stuffing or even mashedpotatoes.Green Bean Casserole is an iconic blend

of rich flavors and textures. It features greenbeans, velvety Campbell’s Cream ofMushroom soup and crisp french fried onion

topping. Although it’s almost certain to beone of the first items gone from the table, ifyou do end up with leftovers, slice leftoverturkey, stir into the casserole and reheat for aone-dish meal the next day.Serve up a spoonful of instant

comfort with Creamy CornPudding. This super side dishcombines corn with cream ofchicken soup, eggs, Parmesancheese and fresh chives. It’s adelicious departure from thestandard creamed corn or cornbread.No holiday feast is complete

without dessert. This year, whynot add a Chocolate PirouetteCrusted Cake to the dessertbuffet? It’s a timesaving treat thatwill delight guests of all ages.

For more information, cookingtips and additional holiday recipes,visit www.campbellskitchen.com.

Roasted Turkeyand Pan Gravy

Moist and Savory Stuffing

Green Bean CasserolePrep: 10 minutes Bake: 30 minutes Makes: 12 servingsIngredients:2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each)

Campbell’s Condensed Creamof Mushroom Soup (Regular,98% Fat Free or 25% LessSodium)

1 cup milk2 teaspoons soy sauce1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 bags (about 16 ounces each)frozen cut green beans, cookedand drained

1 can (6 ounces) french friedonions (2 2/3 cups)

Directions:1. Stir soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper,beans and 1 1/3 cups onions in a3-quart casserole.

2. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes oruntil the bean mixture is hot andbubbling. Stir bean mixture andtop with remaining onions.

3. Bake for 5 minutes or until theonions are golden brown.

Green Bean Casserole

Creamy Corn PuddingPrep: 10 minutes Bake: 35 minutesMakes: 6 servingsIngredients:

Butter1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s Condensed Cream of

Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)1/2 cup milk2 eggs1 can (16 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained1/2 cup yellow cornmeal1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Directions:1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease 1 1/2-quart casserole with butter.2. Beat soup, milk and eggs with a whisk or fork in medium bowl. Stir in corn, cornmeal, cheese and chives. Pour soup mixture into prepared casserole.

3. Bake for 35 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.

Chocolate Pirouette Crusted CakePrep: 10 minutes Thaw: 2 hours Makes: 8 servings

Ingredients:1 box (19.6 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Fudge

3 Layer Cake1/2 of a 13.5 ounce canister Pepperidge Farm Chocolate

Hazelnut Crème-filled Pirouettes (about 18)

Directions:1. Thaw cake according to package directions. Place on a serving dish.2. Cut cookies into 2 1/2-inch-long pieces. Place cookies upright, side-by-side, all aroundedge of cake, pressing gently into the frosting. Place any remaining cookies on top ofcake. Serve immediately.

Tip: This cake can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

ChocolatePirouetteCrusted Cake

Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 3 hours, 30 minutes Makes: 6 servingsIngredients:1 12 - to 14-pound turkey1 3/4 cups Swanson Chicken Stock3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions1. Remove package of giblets and neck from turkey cavity. Rinseturkey with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Tie endsof drumsticks together.

2. Place turkey, breast side-up, on a rack in shallow roasting pan.Brush turkey with stock. Insert meat thermometer into thickestpart of the meat, making sure thermometer is not touching bone.

3. Roast at 325°F for 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until thermometer reads180°F and drumstick moves easily, basting occasionally withstock. Begin checking for doneness after 2 1/2 hours of cookingtime. Let stand for 10 minutes.

4. Remove turkey from roasting pan. Pour off any fat. Stir stockand flour in a small bowl until mixture is smooth. Stir stock mix-ture in pan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boilsand thickens. Season to taste. Serve with the turkey.

Roasted Turkey and Pan Gravy

(Family Features) Every autumn,families look forward to the daydedicated to an overwhelming amountof turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing- and giving thanks. However, for thosein charge of this meal, Thanksgivingcan more stressful than satiating.Whether these chefs are in charge dueto their renowned culinary creations orbecause it’s their turn to host, the truthis, many feel that the holiday turkeyhas become 18 pounds of anxiety andmess.

Here is some advice on how to makethe rest of the day as simple as possible.

Plan Ahead: Get more sleep Thanksgiving morning by preparing the side dishes thenight before. You can use the time saved to walk the dog with your kids or watch theThanksgiving Day Parade.

Go Pot Luck: Save time cooking by having a pot luck dinner. Assign a dish to eachof your guests rather than preparing the entire meal yourself. Your guests will enjoytasting everyone’s creations and trading recipes.

Simple is Better: The last thing a chef wants to think about on the big day is tabledecoration. Instead of worrying about the center piece and decorative options, just gosimple. Incorporate items from your backyard - like pinecones or leaves - and create animpressive centerpiece - at no cost!

Turkey Made Easy: Pick up an oven-ready turkey, such as a Jennie-O Turkey StoreOven Ready Turkey, so you can spend more time with family and friends and less timesweating in the kitchen. This requires no preparation, goes straight from the freezer tothe oven and makes for a tender juicy turkey.

Relax, Relax, Relax: Don’t forget that ultimately Thanksgiving is about beingthankful, not the mashed potatoes. Make sure to take time to relax and enjoy everyoneand everything around you.

Taking on the Turkey: Simplifying Thanksgiving

Leftover Recipe Suggestion:Cashew Turkey Croissants

Preparation Time: Under 30 minutes

Serving Size: 4

Directions:2 cups cooked and chopped Jennie-O

Turkey Store Oven Ready Homestyle Whole Turkey

1/2 cup sliced celery 1/3 cup chopped cashews 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt 2 tablespoons Major Grey mango

chutney 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 4 croissants*

In bowl, combine turkey, celery, andcashews. In small bowl, stir togethermayonnaise, yogurt, chutney, and currypowder. Stir mayonnaise mixture intoturkey mixture. Spoon 1/4 of filling onbottom of each croissant. Cover withcroissant tops.

*Cashew Turkey Pitas: Substitute 2 largepita bread rounds for croissants. Followrecipe as directed, except cut pitas in halfand open pockets. Spoon one-fourth offilling into each half.

Visit www.jennieo.com for additionalrecipes.

The True Meaning of Giving ThanksBy: J GardenerKids probably think of Thanksgiving like you

did, when you were small; it's that holiday thatfalls between Halloween and Christmas. We don'twear crazy costumes for Thanksgiving, we don'treceive or give gifts, as a rule. It can be hard forkids, in our consumer-driven culture, tounderstand just what it's all about. After all,holidays mean presents, right? It's odd, when you think about it. Thanksgiving

is the one holiday that really is all about givingand receiving, but advertisers still haven't figureda way to stretch our credit limits to the max.So how can you make a holiday with no

presents have some real meaning for your kids?You could start with the word, itself. We often

forget that Thanksgiving is a compound word-theday is meant for giving thanks. If your kids areold enough to enjoy receiving gifts and blessings,they're old enough to begin learning the conceptof thanks.Talk to your kids about ways they can give at

Thanksgiving. It's a great opportunity to teachthem that giving comes in many forms. WithChristmas approaching, maybe they can thinkabout donating some of the toys they've growntired of to charity, so that children less fortunatecan have a brighter holiday. Or, if your childrenreceive an allowance, they might want to donate aportion of it, between Thanksgiving andChristmas. There are even volunteer activities appropriate

for young children. Something as simple as a

neighborhood clean-up can involve manychildren, with supervision. Local residents andbusinesses can be approached about donatingtoward the effort, the proceeds of which can thenbe sent to a charity of the childrens' choice. Thanksgiving need not be just the holiday

between Halloween and Christmas. Even to yourchildren, it's a day that can have real meaning, andlive up to its name.

Author BioJ Gardener, is an award winning screenplay

copywriter and a regular contributing author onmany family oriented issues.

Article Excerpt Source:http://www.ArticleGeek.com

Servings: 8 to 10 Prep time: 45 minutes Baking time: 4 hours Standing time: 15 minutes

1 (12-pound) turkey, thawed 1 box (8.5-ounce) cornbread mix1 pound Johnsonville Italian Mild All

Natural Ground Sausage 1 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped green onions 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning1 can (10.5-ounce) chicken with rice soup1 stick (1/2 cup) softened butter 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Rinse the turkey in clean water and patdry with paper towels. Remove the gizzardsand neck. Place gizzards and neck in asaucepan and cover with water. Bring to asimmer to create broth for gravy. Simmer for30 to 45 minutes. Remove from the heat,strain, and reserve. 2. Meanwhile, prepare cornbread from mix,

according to package directions. Coolcompletely in pan. While cornbread bakes,brown sausage in a medium skillet overmedium heat. Stir sausage frequently while

browning to break up any large clumps. 3. Crumble cooled cornbread into small

pieces and lay on a baking sheet to air dry. In abowl, combine cornbread, cooked sausage,celery, and green onions. Add poultryseasoning and soup. Mix well; stuff insideturkey cavities. 4. Generously cover turkey completely with

softened butter. Tent with aluminum foil andbake according to package instructions. Onehour before bird is done, remove foil andbaste. The turkey is done when the internaltemperature registers 170°F deep in the thigh,and juices run clear when flesh is pierced. Thetemperature of the stuffing should be 160°F inthe center. 5. Remove turkey from oven, place on

serving platter, and tent with foil. Let turkeyrest for about 15 minutes so the temperature ofthe stuffing will reach 165°F in the center andthe temperature in the thigh will rise to 180°F. 6. While turkey rests, prepare gravy. In a

large skillet over medium-low heat, heatvegetable oil. Add flour; cook and stir untildeep brown. Add turkey drippings and whiskuntil thickened. Add reserved gizzard brothand simmer. Season with salt and pepper, totaste. 7. Remove stuffing from bird and place in

serving bowl. Carve turkey and plate withstuffing and gravy.

Holiday entertaining is a great wayto enjoy the season and makememories with friends and family. Noone knows this better than Sandra Lee,Food Network star and bestsellingauthor of 17 cookbooks. She can takeany holiday menu from good togourmet quickly and affordably. A festive feast doesn’t have to cost a

lot or require special shopping - startby looking in your pantry andrefrigerator. Sandra Lee finds thatstaples such as Johnsonville sausagemake recipes more flavorful and savestime. “A delicious side dish can makeany meal sing,” she says. “The Semi-Homemade Sausage and CornbreadStuffing recipe is simple - the extraflavor comes from the sausage.”This recipe - and more - are in her

new book, “Semi-Homemade Fast-FixFamily Favorites.”

Turkey With Sausage Cornbread StuffingExcerpted from the book, “Semi-Homemade Fast-Fix Family Favorites,” by Sandra Lee

Sausage-Stuffed MushroomsExcerpted from the book, “Semi-HomemadeMoney Saving Meals,” by Sandra Lee

Prep time: 25 minutesBake time: 15 minutesMakes 28 servings

Nonstick cooking spray28 large white button mushrooms

(each about 2 inches in diameter)1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil1 pound Johnsonville Hot Italian Links2 teaspoons Greek seasoning1/2 teaspoon salt1 package (10-ounce) frozen chopped

spinach, cooked and well drained1 jar (4-ounce) chopped pimiento,

drained1/3 cup shredded Romano cheese2 eggs, lightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spraybaking sheet with cooking spray. Wipemushrooms clean but do not get them wet.Remove mushroom stems; reserve. Lightlyspray mushroom caps inside and out withcooking spray; set aside. Finely chopmushroom stems; set aside.2. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-

high heat. Break up sausage into skillet; addchopped mushroom stems, Greek seasoning,and salt. Cook until sausage is crumbled andcooked through. Transfer sausage mixture toa bowl. Add spinach, pimiento, Romanocheese, and eggs; stir to combine.3. Stuff each mushroom with about 2

tablespoons sausage mixture, pressing firmlyinto mushroom. Place stuffed mushrooms onprepared baking sheet. Bake in preheatedoven for 15 to 20 minutes just untilmushrooms are tender and stuffing is heatedthrough. Sprinkle with additional Romanocheese (optional).

Cherry Lemon-Ricotta TrifleExcerpted from the book, “Semi-HomemadeDesserts 2,” by Sandra Lee

Start to finish: 25 minutesMakes 16 servings2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie

filling1 cup cherry preserves4 cups ricotta cheese1 cup sugar 1/4 cup limoncello liqueur1 tablespoon lemon juice2 teaspoons vanilla extract2 containers (8 ounces each) frozen

whipped topping, thawed6 large purchased croissants*

1. In medium bowl, combine cherry pie fill-ing and cherry preserves; set aside.2. In large bowl, stir together ricotta cheese,sugar, limoncello, lemon juice, and vanilla.Stir in whipped topping.3. Tear croissants into bite-size pieces andplace half in the bottom of trifle dish. Spoonhalf of the ricotta mixture on top of crois-sants. Spoon half of cherry mixture on top ofricotta mixture. Repeat with remaining in-gredients to make another layer.4. Refrigerate trifle until ready to serve (upto 8 hours).

*Note: If using day-old croissants, toastthem in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes beforeusing.

Sandra Lee’s “Semi-Homemade Fast-Fix Family Favorites” provides semi-homemade solu-tions that will bring dramatic results to your holiday table.

(ARA) - For most Americans, Thanks-giving without turkey is like the Fourth ofJuly without fireworks. That’s why it’s im-portant not to deprive yourself during holi-day meals. The holidays are full oftemptations and an occasional treat is fineas long as you make sure to keep short- andlong-term health goals in mind.

Your weight-loss efforts can absolutelystay on track this Thanksgiving holiday byfollowing simple tips from Weight Watch-ers that allow you to enjoy yourself.

1. Slow Down for Satisfaction. When sitting down to the Thanksgiving

feast, select foods you don't normally eat sothat you can easily eliminate several of thedishes. Do you really need both sweet pota-toes topped with melted marshmallows andmashed potatoes? Take small portions, eatslowly and savor every bite. Sit back, take abreak and if you’re still hungry continue.Remember, it takes about 20 minutes foryour brain to realize your stomach is full.

2. Plan to indulge. Don’t set yourself up for failure by de-

priving yourself of the special foods thatare prepared and served only on Thanksgiv-ing. Maybe it’s Aunt Martha’s candiedyams, Mom’s apple pie or your sister-in-law’s pumpkin cheesecake. Savor the spe-cial dishes instead of mindlessly poppingcheddar cheese cubes into your mouth be-fore the meal. Decide how much of that fa-vorite food will satisfy you. If you cannotconceive of eating just a small piece of pie,cut something else out to account for thelarger slice.

3. Don’t starve yourself beforehand. You’ll be more likely to gobble up every-

thing in sight. Eat a healthy, balancedbreakfast and lunch, and consider a snackbefore heading to the Thanksgiving celebra-tion to take the edge off your hunger.

4. Be creative. Practice saying “no” in case you get pres-

sured by well-meaning relatives to eatsomething you haven’t planned for or don’twant to eat. Try something like, “Thanks,but I’ll have to pass on that pumpkin pieright now because I’m so full from your de-licious dinner.”

5. Drink Moderately. Alcohol adds empty calories and can

make you lose sight of your goals. To re-

duce your alcohol intake, use low- or no-calorie beverages as mixers and alternatealcoholic beverages with low-calorie softdrinks or water.

6. Bag it. If you're hosting the meal, remember that

there is always tomorrow -- and leftovers.But if you won't be able to sleep knowingthat there's half a pie in the kitchen, freezeleftovers immediately or wrap portions foryour guests to take home.

7. Lighten it up. Whether you are the host or just bringing

a dish to someone else’s home, lighten upthose favorite dishes. No one will know thedifference. See the lighter version of aThanksgiving classic below.

8. Get moving. There are more ways to spend time with

family on Thanksgiving than just sittingaround eating. Why not go for a walk aftersupper, or get a game of touch footballgoing in the afternoon?

9. Be thankful for making good choices. Changing eating behavior and old habits

take time. But starting the holiday seasonoff mindful of moderation can be the key toa healthier season.

10. Control emotional eating. The holidays and stress go hand in hand.

Find ways to relax and focus on you overallgoals. Exercise daily and make Thanksgiv-ing a day more about family and friendsthan food. You’ll be thankful you did.

Want to indulge? Enjoy with thishealthy take on a holiday classic -- pump-kin pie!

Pumpkin Pie with Graham CrackerCrust from Weightwatchers.com POINTS Value: 3 Servings: 8 Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 65 minutes Level of difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

3 ounces reduced-fat cinnamon grahamcrackers, about 5 1/2 sheets

1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 large egg whites 1 large egg 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon table salt 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, or less to

taste 1 cup canned pumpkin 1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk 4 tablespoons light whipped topping

Instructions:

1. Position rack in middle of oven.

2. Preheat oven to 350 F. Place grahamcrackers and light brown sugar in a foodprocessor and process into crumbs (orsmash into crumbs in a sealed plastic foodbag with a rolling pin). Spoon crumbs intoa small bowl; add melted butter and com-bine with fingers into a coarse meal. Dis-tribute crumbs evenly on bottom and upsides of an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Chillfor 30 minutes before baking. Bake untilcrust starts to turn golden, about 8 to 10minutes; remove from oven and let cool.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, using anelectric mixer, whip egg whites until frothy;fold in egg, dark brown sugar, salt, pump-kin pie spice and evaporated milk. Beatpumpkin custard until smooth and pour intopie shell. Bake until a knife inserted in cen-ter comes out clean, about 45 to 55 minutes.Slice into eight pieces, top each piece with1/2 tablespoon of whipped topping andserve warm or at room temperature. Yieldsone slice per serving.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Ten Solutions for Guiltless Gobbling

(Family Features) As the holidays draw nearand families look forward to spending timetogether, get creative with the recipes youmake and the parties you host. Celebrity eventdesigner Preston Bailey, who has plannedevents for such notables as Donald Trump,Oprah Winfrey and Catherine Zeta-Jones, haspartnered with Uncle Ben's to encouragepeople to consider a charitable approach toholiday entertaining this year."I am urging my guests to give back to a

cause that is dear to my heart this holidayseason," said Bailey, author of threeentertaining books. "For me, it's the fightagainst hunger. In lieu of traditional hostess

gifts, I'm suggesting on my party invitationsthat guests make a charitable donation toFeeding America." Feeding America is thenation's largest domestic hunger-relief charity,and maintains a network of more than 200food banks that reach communities across thecountry.Although Bailey's number one tip this year

is to give back to a good cause, he also sharesthis advice for memorable holidayentertaining:* Fill clear glass vases of various sizes with

monochromatic seasonal produce, such aspomegranates, cranberries, clementines andartichokes, for a festive update to the

traditional cornucopia.* Get creative with your party theme - throw

a winter white party by substituting traditionalholiday décor with a snow covered forest.* Make extra food so you have plenty for

any surprise guests. Bailey's recipe for WildRice Salad with Cranberry and Hazelnuts isperfect for a large groupTo download a complete holiday

entertaining guide filled with recipes and tipsfrom Bailey - and give to Feeding America inthe process - visit UncleBensGivesBack.com.For every holiday entertaining guidedownloaded, Uncle Ben's will donate $1 toFeeding America.

e Season for Givingrow a Holiday Party for arity

Prep time: 25 minutesCook time: 25 minutes, plus 30 minutes tocoolMakes: 30 servings

Ingredients:5 boxes Uncle Ben's Long Grain &

Wild Rice Original Recipe1 2/3 cups dried cranberries1 2/3 cups toasted, roughly chopped hazel

nuts*1 cup chopped dried apricots3/4 cup chopped Italian parsley

For vinaigrette:1 1/4 cups freshly squeezed orange juice3/4 cup balsamic vinegar1/2 cup finely chopped shallot1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard1 1/4 teaspoons chopped garlic2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Prepare according to packageinstructions. When rice is finishedcooking, fluff with fork and allow tocool to room temperature.

While rice is cooking, whisk togetherorange juice, vinegar, shallots, Dijonand garlic. Slowly whisk in olive oil toemulsify.

Once rice is cool, stir in cranberries,

hazelnuts, apricots and parsley. Pourvinaigrette into rice salad and toss tocoat. Serve at room temperature.*To toast hazelnuts, preheat oven to

325? F. Spread hazelnuts on cookiesheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes oruntil slightly fragrant. Remove fromoven and wrap hazelnuts in a dishtowel.

Rub hazelnuts in towel to remove skins.Let nuts cool before chopping.

Each serving has 230 calories, 9grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, 4 gramsof protein, 34 grams of carbohydratesand 640 milligrams of sodium.Courtesy of Family Features

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