In this issue
2 • OnMyWayPre-K
3
The TorchispublishedmonthlybytheStatePersonnelDepartment
andisavailableonlineatwww.in.gov/spd
Submityourstoryideasto:[email protected]
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8 • CelebrationCrossingatStateMuseum
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December 2014
• 10tipstomakeholidayeatinghealthy
4• StepsChallengewinnersgetFitBits
• Cashinpoints
New Homeland Security Director takes office
• Holidayfavoritesmadehealthy
OnNovember24,thenewExecutiveDirectoroftheIndianaDepartmentofHomelandSecurity,DavidKanetookoffice.HewasappointedbyGovernorPenceonOctober30.
“Withnearly30yearsofexperienceinemergencyresponseandmanagementpositions,DavidKanehasdemonstratedhispublicsafetyexpertiseandepitomizedwhatitmeanstobeatruepublicservant,”saidGovernorPence.“IamconfidentthatheistherightmanattherighttimetoleadIndiana’seffortstoensurethepreparednessofthestateandthesafetyofHoosiersasExecutiveDirectoroftheIndianaDepartmentofHomelandSecurity.”
Since2005,KanehasservedasFederalSecurityDirectorfortheU.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurityTransportationSecurityAdministrationwherehesetthedirectionandoversawpolicyimplementationofthenationaltransportationsecurityprogram.Priortothisrole,heservedasanAssistantFederalSecurityDirectorforthedepartment.From1985to2002,heservedasanairmarshalwithintheU.S.DepartmentofTransportation’sFederalAviationAdministration.
Kanehasexperienceworkingatthecounty,stateandfederallevelinpublicsafety.HisabilitytocoordinateamongnumerousemergencyresponseagencieswasrecognizedwhentheU.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecuritySecretaryappointedhimastheFederalCoordinatingOfficialforthe2012SuperBowlinIndianapolis.
KaneservesontheExecutivePolicyBoardfortheIndianaIntelligenceFusionCenter,theFBIJointTerrorismTaskForceExecutiveBoard,theU.S.Attorney’sAnti-terrorismAdvisoryCouncil,andtheIndianaCounter-TerrorismandSecurityAdvisoryCommittee.HeisagraduateoftheIndianaLawEnforcementAcademyandhascertificationfromtheFederalLawEnforcementTrainingCenter.
KanereplacesJohnHill,whoservesasDeputyChiefofStaffofPublicSafetyintheOfficeoftheGovernor.
The Torch2
Congratulations to the Steps Challenge team and individual winners!
Education
Family applications are now being accepted for On My Way Pre-KIndiana’sOfficeofEarlyEducationandOut-of-SchoolLearning(OECOSL)isnowacceptingapplicationsfromfamiliesinthefirstfourpilotcountieswhomaybeeligibleforgrantsfortheirchildrentoreceivehigh-quality,prekindergarteneducationthroughtheOnMyWayPre-KprogramstartinginJanuaryof2015.Childreneligibleforthefirstphaseofthepilotwillinclude4-year-oldslivinginAllen,Lake,MarionorVanderburghCountieswhostartkindergarteninthefallof2015.JacksonCountyisalsopartofthepilotandwillbecomeoperationallaterin2015.
Familiesmustmeetthefollowingeligibilitycriteriatoapply:• Thefamilymusthaveanincome
below127percentofthefederalpovertylevel(Seeincomeeligibilityguidehere),
• ThefamilymustresideinAllen,Lake,MarionorVanderburghCounties,and
• Thechildmustbefour(4)yearsoldandstartingkindergarteninAugust2015.
ApplicationsarebeingaccepteduntilDecember15,2014.Ifmorefamiliesqualifythantherearegrantsavailable,awardswillbemadethrougharandomizedlotteryprocess.ThislotterywillbeheldonoraroundDecember17,2014,andfamilieswillbenotifiediftheyreceiveagrant.
Onceachildhasreceivedagrant,parentsmaychoosefromanyoftheeligible,enrolledOnMyWayPre-Kprograms.OECOSLiscurrentlyenrollinghigh-qualityprogramswhichareeithertop-rankedatlevel
3orlevel4onPathstoQUALITYorareaccreditedbyanapprovednationalorregionalaccreditingbody(Clickherefordetailsonprovidereligibility).
Approvedpre-Kprogramsmaybelocatedinapublicorprivateschool,licensedchildcarecenter,licensedhomeorregisteredministryaslongasthatprogrammeetsthequalityrequirementsandisregisteredasanOnMyWayPre-KProvider.Familiesmaychoosefromaprogramthatisfull-dayorpart-day,aswellasfromprogramsthatendwiththeschoolyearorcontinuethroughthesummer.Alistofapprovedpre-KproviderswillbemadeavailableinDecemberandpostedonline.Familieswhoneedhelpfindinganapprovedpre-Kprogramcanalsocall1-800-299-1627forassistancefromanearlylearningreferralspecialist.
• ToapplyinAllenCountyclickhere.
• ToapplyinLakeCountyclickhere.
• ToapplyinMarionCountyclickhere.
• ToapplyinVanderburghCountyclickhere.
• Forinstructionsonhowtocompletetheapplicationclickhere.
OnMyWayPre-KisthenameofIndiana’sfirststate-fundedprekindergartenprogram,whichwasapprovedasafive-countypilotbytheIndianaGeneralAssemblyin2014.InadditiontoAllen,Lake,MarionandVanderburghCounties,whicharemakingalimitedprogramavailableforabout400childrenbeginninginJanuary,JacksonCountywilljointheothersandbefully-
operationalbythefallof2015.Thepilotprogramisexpectedtoultimatelyserveapproximately2,000studentsinthefivecounties.
GovernorPenceandtheIndianaFamilyandSocialServicesAdministrationarecommittedtoaskingthe2015GeneralAssemblytosetasidefundsinthenextstatebudgettohelpensuretheongoingsuccessofOnMyWayPre-K.TheOfficeofEarlyChildhoodandOut-of-SchoolLearningisadivisionoftheIndianaFamilyandSocialServicesAdministration(FSSA).
Artwork by Jerry Williams
The Torch 3
Top ten tips to make a healthy holiday feast your family will loveFoodisakeyingredientinourholidaycelebrations.Manyofourtraditionsincludefood,anditcanoftenseemoverwhelmingandimpossibletomakehealthychoicesandnotgainweight.We’resurroundedbytastytemptationsduringtheholidayseason.Tostayontrackthisholidayseason,trythese10healthyeatingtips:
Don’t arrive at the table over-hungry:Avoidskippingmeals.Gettingover-hungryisarecipefordisaster.Itwillleadtoover-eatingandbeingstuffedisagoodideaonlyifyouareaturkey!Instead,trytochoosesmaller,healthiermealsandsnacksbeforethebigmealsuchasaneggwithasliceofwhole-wheattoast,orabowlofwhole-graincerealwithlow-fatmilkforbreakfast.
Substitution solution:Considerwhatfoodsyoucanpassoverandthosethatyoureallywant.Youmightopttoskiptheappetizersinfavorofdessert,orgolightonthestuffingtomakeroomformashedpotatoes.Makeafewtrade-offssoyoucanenjoywhatyouwantmost.
Scan the line up:Therearesomanyoptionstochoosefrom,itcanbeoverwhelming.Perusethefoodlayoutwithoutaplatefirsttomethodicallypickandchoosewhatyouwanttoeatandconsiderbalanceandvariety.Thisway,whenyouserveyourfoodyouwillstillhaveroomonyourplate(andinyourbelly)whenyougettotheendoftheline.
Saddle up to the sides:IdentifyhighfatThanksgivingfavorites,whichcanbefoundinfriedandcreamydishes,itemswithfull-fatgravy,aswellascheese-filledcasseroles.Ifyoucannotcontroltheingredientsthatgointoadish(or
yourdesiretoeatthem),simplylimityourselftoasmallerhelping.
Fill ‘er up:Fillhalfyourplatewithfruitand/orvegetablestofillyourbellyupwithhighfiber,lowercalorieoptions.Saveonequarterofyourplateforaleanmeatandanotherquarterforastarchorwholegrainoption.Plainvegetableswithoutaddedsauces,roastedsweetpotatoes,salads,andmashedpotatoeswithlow-fatgravytendtobethebestbetsbecausetheyarelowerinfatandcalories.
Go skinless:choosea3-4-oz(sizeofthedeckofcards)skinless,whiteturkeymeatforalowerfatserving.Hamisasaltieroption,butcanbeenjoyedinthesameportion.
Table manners:Choosesmallfirst-helpingssoyouwon’tfeelguiltyaboutgoingbackforseconds.Ittakesabout20minutesforthebody’sfullnessfactortokickin,soslowdownyoureatingbyputtingyourforkdownanddrinkingwaterinbetweenbites,andjoinintheconversation.
Quench your thirst:Thebodyoftenconfusesthirstforhunger.Stay
hydratedthroughoutthedaychoosingwaterorothercalorie-freebeverages.Alcohol,flavoredcoffees,applecider,hotchocolate,andotherholidaybeveragescanbeloadedwithcaloriesandaddedsugar,soenjoytheminmoderation.
Focus on everything but the food:Thetruespiritoftheholidaysisnotthefood,butconnectingwithfamilyandfriends.Positionyourselfawayfromthefood.Takeawalkoutsidetoenjoythefallweatherorplayagameinsteadofhangingaroundthefoodallnight.
Kiss the cook:Substituteafewhighfat,highsugar,andhighsaltingredientswithhealthieroptions.Forinstance,usefat-freechickenbrothtobastetheturkeyandmakegravy.Usesugarsubstitutesinplaceofsugarand/orfruitpureesinsteadofoilinbakedgoods.Reduceoilandbutterwhereveryoucan.Tryplainyogurtorfat-freesourcreamincreamydips,mashedpotatoes,andcasseroles.Try98percentfat-freecreamsoupandlow-fatmilk.Avoidusingthesaltshakerandinsteadoptforsalt-freeherbsandspices.
The Torch4
Thanks to the Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for this submission.
Shake up your holiday menu with healthy traditional favorites
Sweet Potato CasseroleThisdelightfuldishcanquicklybecomeadessertratherthanasidedish.
• Replacethesugarwithasmallamountofhoney(minimum1Tablespoontomaximum1/3cup)orsugar-freesweetener.
• Topping:Topwithpecansoroatsratherthanmarshmallows
Mashed PotatoesThishomemadeclassicisoftenhighinfatandcalories.
• Uselow-fatorfat-freemilk(orevaporatedmilk)insteadofcream
• Replacebutterwithlow-sodiumchickenbroth
Green Bean CasseroleRatherthanusinghigh-sodiumcannedproducts,impressyourguestsbymakingthisfavoritefromscratch!
• Makeyourowncreamofmushroomsoup• Usefrozengreenbeansinsteadofcanned
topping• TopwithalmondsinsteadofFrench-fried
onions
TamalesThistraditionaldishcancontainavarietyoffillings,butamainingredientisoftenlard.
• Tryusingcanolaoilforsome,orall,ofthelard• TrysubstitutingGreekyogurtorricottacheese
forpartialamounts,orinplaceof,lard
Pumpkin PieCommonplaceinholidaykitchens,thissweettreatcanbemodifiedwithoutsacrificingflavor.
• Usewholewheatcrust• Choosepurepumpkininsteadofpumpkinpie
filling• Uselow-fatorfat-freemilk(orevaporated
milk),ratherthansweetenedcondensedmilkorheavycream
Macaroni and CheeseThisfamily-friendlydishisaperfectopportunitytoincorporatevegetables--andreducefat.
• Addcauliflower,broccoli,greens,orothervegetablestothedishbeforebaking
• Usewholewheatpasta• Chooselow-fatdairy
Belowaretipsandrecipestohowtomakeyourfavoriteholidaydisheshealthierwithoutmissingoutontheflavor:
Basic Tamales1bagcornhusks4cupshotbroth,chickenorbeef11/4cupcanolaoil1Tablespoonbakingpowder7cupsinstantcornmasamix*Saltandpeppertotaste*Chooseyourfavoriteholidayfilling
Directions1.Soakcornhusksinhotwaterfor30minutes.Drainandplaceinbowl.2.Combinebroth,oil,andbakingpowderwithmasamixinelectricmixerbowl.Mixfor2to3minutestothicken;addsaltandpeppertotaste.Setaside.3.Combinefillingingredientsinbowl.Setaside.
4.Assembly:Spread2to3Tablespoonsmasaonsmoothsideofcornhusk.Place1to2Tablespoonsoffillingalongthemasacenterandrolltamalelikeajellyroll.Foldtailoverandplacetamaletail-sidedownonasheetpan.Refrigerateorfreezerawtamalesinzipperbagsuntilreadytosteam.5.Steamingtamales:Place2inchesofwaterinsteamerpot.Placetamales(foldedtailsdown)inbasket.Don’tovercrowdtamales.Cover,bringtoaboil,reduceheattolow,andcookfortwohoursoruntilcornshuckpullsawayfrommasa.
Healthy, Easy Green Bean Casserole2,8-ouncepackagesofmushrooms,chopped1onion,diced1teaspooncanolaoil3Tablespoonsflour1/2cupvegetablebroth1cuplow-fatmilk(canuseUHTmilk)1/2teaspoonblackpepper1/4teaspoongarlicpowder2,12-ouncepackagesoffrozengreenbeans1cupalmonds,divided
Directions:1. Preheatovento375°F.2. Placemushrooms,onion,and
canolaoilinmediumsaucepanonmediumheat;sauteabout5-7minutes.
3. Stirinflourandevenlycoatthevegetables.
4. Addvegetablebroth,milk,pepper,andgarlicpowder.Heattoboiling,stirringregularly.Onceboiling,simmerfor10-12minutes,oruntilthickenedtoagravy-likeconsistency.Continuetostirregularly.
5. Stirgreenbeansand1/2cupalmondsintothesaucepan.
6. Pourgreenbeanmixtureintoa9x9casseroledishandbakefor30-35minutes.
7. Meanwhile,toast1/2cupalmondsinapanonthestoveonlowheatforabout5minutes.Topcasserolewithtoastedalmonds.
The Torch5
Steps Challenge winners receive FitBits for excelling in challengeAsapartofEmployeeHealthandWellness,theStatePersonnelDepartment(SPD)launchedtheStepsChallengeandencouragedallthatparticipatedtocomplete200,000stepsduringJuly.Approximately8,100employeesparticipatedwithmorethan6,350logging200,000steps.Totalstepsloggedinthechallengewere2.4billion.Thankyoutoallwhoparticipated!
OnOct.8,theStepsChallengeTeamwinnerwasawardedFitBitsforeachparticipant.Outof137teams,theOfficeofUtilityConsumerCounselor(OUCC)teambeatalltherest.Theiraveragestepsperpersonaddedupto499,387or250miles.Theirteamconsistedof:DuaneJasheway,TakiaBland,ScottFranson,RandallHelman,EdwardRutter,JeffreyReed,SusannBrown,CherylWilliams,DanielLeVay,TheresaDavis,StacieGruca,EdwardKaufman,MichaelEckert,RobertMork,AlexStippler,RaySnyder,AbbyGray,AnthonySwinger,ScottBell,BarbaraSmith,PradeepSircar,CharlesPatrickandLorraineHitzbradley.
OnOct.29,theindividualwinnerfromtheStepsChallengewasnamedJosephBell,fromINDOTSeymourDistrict,isanactivemarathonrunnerandaveragesbetween10to20milesperday.
(Left to right) Joseph Bell, SPD Director Denny Darrow, John McCrary, SPD Wellness Director Cameron Troxell.
The OUCC Steps challenge team along with Cameron Troxell and former SPD Director Anita Samuel.
Redeem your Healthy Lifestyles points before it’s too late!YouraccesstoMyHealthyLifestyles.comendsDecember31.Theredemptioncenterhasbeenupdatedwith19newrewards!Checkoutthenewoptionslikefitnessgloves,ahydrationpack,ablenderandaheartratemonitor.Itisa“useitorloseit”policyforyourpoints.SobesuretoredeemthembyDecember31,oryouwilllosethem.
LogintoMyHealthyLifestyles.comandgototheRewardsCentertoselectyourprizes.
The Torch 6
18th Street Brewery, Brown County State Park and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis named “Best of Indiana”
Tourism
Withthousandsofvotescast,thepublichasselectedthewinnersoftheannualBestofIndianaFallawards.Theawards,acomponentoftheIndianaOfficeofTourismDevelopment’s(IOTD)popularfalltravelsiteVisitIndianaFall.com,askedHoosierstoselectIndiana’sBestFallBeer,BestFallCampingadventureandBestHauntedAttraction.Thewinnersare:
• Best Fall Beer:SinisterDoubleIPA-18thStreetBrewery,Gary.
• Best Fall Camping Adventure:BrownCountyStatePark
• Best Haunted Attraction:CreepyCarnivalHauntedHouse-TheChildren’sMuseumofIndianapolis
“ThesewinnerstrulyrepresenttheBestofIndiana.TheChildren’sMuseumofIndianapolisisaworld-classdestination,Indiana’srobustmicrobrewingindustryembodiestheentrepreneurialspiritofHoosiersandtheIndianaparkssystemistheenvyofotherstates,”saidMarkNewman,IOTD’sexecutivedirector.“Itisapointofpridetohavethesewinners,aswellasthediversesetofnomineesthatmadeupthecategories,inourstate.”Withnearly100microbreweriesthroughoutIndiana,theHoosierStateisinthemidstofabeerboom.Twenty-twofall-themedbrewswerenominatedinthiscategory.Indiana’sBestFallBeerisSinisterDoubleIPAfrom18thStreetBreweryinGary.TheBestFallBeercategorywasthemostcompetitiveofthethreeand
sawthehighestvoterparticipation,showingHoosiersloveIndiana-brewedbeer.18thStreetBreweryonlybottlesSinisterDoubleIPAonceayear,givingHoosiersyetanotherreasontolookforwardtofall.3Floyds’(Munster)MunsterfestandIechydDaBrewingCompany’s(Elkhart)BreakfastCookiesMilkStoutroundedoutthetopthreevotegetters.Indianaaboundswithnaturalbeautyandofferscampingopportunitiesdiverseenoughtoaccommodateallexperiences;from“glamping”torelivingtherusticdaysofthepioneers.Votersselectedthecampingoptionsat
BrownCountyStateParkasIndiana’sBestFallCampingAdventure.HometosomeofthemostchallengingbiketrailsinNorthAmerica,BrownCountyStateParkisnationally-knownforitsfallbeauty.TherearefewbetterlocationsintheHoosierstatetoexperienceautumn’sbrilliantdisplaysofcolorthanthissouthernIndianadestination.AlsofinishinginthetopthreewereLakeRudolphCampgroundandRVResortinSantaClausandTurkeyRunStateParkinParkeCounty.
CreepyCarnivalHauntedHouseattheChildren’sMuseumofIndianapolistakestheprizeasIndiana’sBestHauntedAttraction.Inits51styear,theCreepyCarnivaloffersvaryinglevelsoffrightforchildrenofallages,froma“lightson”optionforyoungerkidstothe“extremescream”forolderkidsandadults.TheCreepyCarnivalattractsover50,000visitorsannuallyandisnowIndiana’sBestHauntedAttraction.Seymour’sFearFairandHalloweenWeekendsatLakeRudolphCampgroundandRVResortwerealsointhetopthree.
NomineesforBestFallBeer,BestFallCampingAdventureandBestHauntedAttractionwererecommendedbymembersofIndiana’stravel,tourismandhospitalityindustrywithfinalselectionsmadebyIOTD.ThecompetitionbeganinearlySeptemberandthepubliccouldvoteforuptofivenomineesineachcategory.Publicparticipationinthisyear’scompetitionfarexceededlastyear’s.VisitIndianaFall.comisacompanionsitetotherecently-redesignedVisitIndiana.com,theofficialstatetravelwebsitewherediscounts,tripideasandhelpfultipsareeasilyaccessible.
TourismisbigbusinessinIndiana.AneconomicimpactreportreleasedinDecember2013showsthetravel,tourismandhospitalityindustryisthesixthlargestindustryinthestate(excludinggovernment),isdirectlyresponsiblefornearly140,000jobs,generatesover$2.1billionintaxreceiptsandcontributesover$10billioninrevenuetoIndianabusinesses.Therecently-launchedHonest-to-GoodnessIndianabrandcampaignaimstofurtherelevatetheundertoldstoriesofIndiana’sdestinations,assetsandattractions.
Best Fall Camping Adventure: Brown County State Park.
Best Fall Beer: Sinister Double IPA- 18th Street Brewery, Gary.
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INDOT
2014-2015 SECC met the 1.3M goal
Giving back
OnSept.3the2014-2015StateEmployees’CommunityCampaign(SECC)officiallybeganwiththetheme“HeartofPublicService.”ChairmanDORCommissionerMikeAlley,ledthewaytoreachthestate’sgoalof$1.3M.
“ThankyoufellowstateemployeesforshowingonceagainthatweshareTheHeartofPublicService!saidAlley.“I’mveryproudofourstateemployeeteam
forsurpassingourSECCcampaigngoalof$1.3million!Theimpactofyourgenerositywillbefeltacrossthehundredsofnon-profitorganizationsselectedbyyouasbeneficiaries.YourinvestmentswilltouchthousandsandimprovelivesandcommunitiesallacrossIndianaandbeyond.Thankyouforopeningyourmind,openingyourheart,andgenerouslyopeningyourpocketbook!”
Employeescanstillparticipateinthecampaignbycompletingapledgeform.Payrolldeductionsmadeduringthecampaignwilltakeeffectwiththefirstpayrollin2015.Ifyouhaveotherquestionsaboutthecampaign,pleasevisittheFAQpageorvisitwww.insecc.orgforadditionalinformation.
Use caution when driving this winterINDOTwantsyouandyourfamilytostaysafeontheroadsthiswinter.Byfollowingthesetips,you’llbereadyforwinterdriving.Anddon’tforget:IceandSnow,TakeitSlow!
WinterDrivingSafety• Knowledge:Beforeleaving
home,findoutaboutthedrivingconditionsthroughoutIndianaatindot.carsprogram.org.Safedriversknowtheweather,andtheirlimits.Iftheweatherisbad,remember:IceandSnow,TakeitSlow…orjustdon’tgo.
• Clear:Removeanysnowonyourvehicle’swindows,lights,brakelightsandsignals.Makesureyoucanseeandbeseen.
• Inspect:Checkyourvehicle’stires,wiperblades,fluids,lights,beltsandhoses.Abreakdownisbadonagooddayanddangerousonabad-weatherday.
• Time:Leaveplentyoftimetoreachyourdestinationsafely.It’snotworthputtingyourselfandothersinadangeroussituationjusttobeontime.
Caution:SlipperyWhenWet!• First Snow or Ice:Driversoften
aren’tpreparedforwinterdrivingandforgettotakeitslow.Remembertodrivewellbelowthepostedspeedlimitandleaveplentyofroombetweencars.
• Black Ice:Roadsthatseemdrymayactuallybeslipperyanddangerous.Takeitslowwhenapproachingintersections,off-ramps,bridgesorshadyareastheseallarehotspotsforblackice.
• Limited Visibility:Stayattentiveandreducespeed.Knowwhat’sgoingonaroundyou.
• Four-Wheel Drive:Onsnowandice,goslowly,nomatterwhattypeofvehicleyoudrive.EvenifyouhaveanSUVwithfour-wheel
driveyoumaynotbeabletostopanyfaster,ormaintaincontrolanybetter,onceyoulosetraction.Four-wheeldrivemaygetyougoingfaster,butitwon’thelpyoustopsooner.
• Give INDOT plow crews room to work.It’sadifficultjobandthey’reontheroad24hoursadaytokeepyousafe.Stayback,slowdownandwatchforplowsmakingsuddenstopsorturns.
TipsforsafewinterdrivingcanbefoundatWinterDrivingSafety.in.govWinterDrivingKitForEmergencies:• Icescraper&brush• Tools&flashlightwithbatteries• Sandorcatlitterfortiretraction• Boots,gloves&hat• Shovel• Jumpercables• Food,water&blanket• Flaresorreflectivetriangle• Coffeecan,candle&matchestocreatea“furnace”
• Firstaidkit• Cellphone• Prescriptionmedicinesyoutakeregularly
DriversinIndianacanmonitorroadconditionsandtrafficalertsacrossthestateatanytimebygoingtoTrafficWise.in.gov.Roadwayinformationisalsoavailablebycalling1-800-261-ROAD(7623)or5-1-1fromamobilephone.
The Torch 8
Things to do
10 reasons not to miss ‘Celebration Crossing’ at the State Museum DuringDecember,theIndianaStateMuseumhostsitsannualCelebrationCrossingexhibitthroughWednesday,December31.Thepopulareventbringsbackoldmemoriesandcreatesnewonesasvisitorsenjoyholidayfood,fun,sightsandsounds.Belowarethetop10reasonsnottomissCelebrationCrossingthisyear:
1. Celebration Crossing Opening DayOnFriday,Nov.28thecelebrationopenedwithholidaymerrimentfromthesoundsofbandsandchoirstothearrivalofSantaandMrs.Clausonthefrontlawnbyhelicopter.ChildrenofallagesareinvitedtoridetheSantaClausExpress,makecraftsandrekindlememoriesofholidayspastastheygazeintotherecreatedL.S.Ayresstorewindows.
2. Santa’s new houseDelightinthemagicoftheholidayseasonbyjoiningSantaandMrs.Clausintheirnewlyconstructedhomefilledwiththesmellofgingerbreadandpine,whiletwinklelightsinthewindowallaglow.ChildrenwilltakephotoswithSantaandwhisperChristmaswishesinhisear.
3. L.S. Ayres Tea RoomThisyearthehistoricL.S.AyresTeaRoomwillbeconvertedintotheperfectholidayplacetohavetheperfectholidaymeal.ThroughWednesday,Dec.31,walk-indinerswillbeinvitedtocelebratetheseasonwithfriendsandfamilyandselectfromamenuofamazingappetizerstodevilishdesserts,allwhileenjoyingthefestivedecorations,musicandscheduledentertainment.Reservationsrequired.
4. Santa’s Holiday BreakfastDuringthelastweekinNovemberandthefirst3weeksinDecember,guestswillgettostarttheirmorningsoffwithdeliciousholidaybreakfastasMrs.Claus,RaggedyAnnandotherholiday
charactersentertaintheyoungonesbeforetheyvisitSantaClausandridetheSantaClausExpress.Reservationsrequired.
5. Santa’s Holiday BrunchOnSunday,Dec.21adultsandkidsalikewilljoininthefunduringthisholidaybrunchfeaturingtraditionalbrunchdishesandfestiveholidaymimosas.BrunchalsoincludesavisitwithSantaandaccesstotherestoftheCelebrationCrossingactivities.Reservationsrequired.
6. Santa’s PlaygroundThroughoutthemonthofDecember,guestswillbetreatedtoSanta’s(Imagination)playgroundintheEarlGoodeEducationCenteronLevel2.Inadditiontothescience,technology,engineeringandmath(STEM)-basedactivityarea,therewillalsobecraftsandaplaceforcaregiverstositandrelaxwhiletheirchildrenplay.
7. Hoosier Radio Hour: A 1920s ChristmasOnTuesday,Dec.9andSunday,Dec.21guestswillbetransportedbacktothe1920sasmembersofthemuseum’sLegacyTheaterpresentHoosierRadioHour:A1920sChristmas.Situatedina1920s’radiostudio,thecastbroadcastsaliveretellingoftheCharlesDickensclassicAChristmasCarol.Periodmusic,anaudiencesing-alongandperiodslangwillengageaudiencemembersofallages.Theproductionisalsoavailablebyreservationtogroupsonotherdates.
8. Holiday SoundsSchoolandcommunitychoirs,bands,ensemblesandsoloistsperformholiday
musicinthemuseum’sGovernorFrankO’BannonGreatHalleachday.Enjoyholidaysoundsinaspectacularatmosphere.
9. Celebration Crossing: A Family New Year’s EveEndtheyearwithabangwithafamily-friendly,alcohol-freecelebrationintheGovernorFrankO’BannonGreatHallonWednesday,Dec.31from6to9p.m.Activitiesincludeface-painting,artsandcraft,games,doorprizesandaspecialmusicalperformancebyIndianapolisbandTheTides.Aballoondropat8p.m.allowslittleonestocelebratetheNewYearinstyle.Reservationsrecommended.
10. Tea with DollyOnSunday,Dec.28dollenthusiastsareinvitedtobringtheirfavoritedolltothemuseumandenjoytheserenityofteatimeatTeawithDolly,anewholidayaffairinthehistoricL.S.AyresTeaRoom.Membersofthemuseum’scuratorialteamwillbeonhandtoexamineeachdollandprovideinformationonpopulardollsofthepast100years.Reservationrequired.
Forspecificdates,timesandcostsassociatedwithprogramming,ortomakereservations,pleasecall317.232.1637orvisitwww.indianamuseum.org.
Visitors wait to ride the Santa Claus express.
The Torch9
Annualentrance,boatingandhorsebackridingpermitsforIndianaStateParksfor2015areavailableonlineatInnsgifts.comandatstateparkspropertyoffices.
StateParksannualentrancepermitscost$40forIndianaresidentsand$60forout-of-stateresidents.GoldenHoosierPermits,whichareannualentrancepermitsforHoosiersage65orolder,cost$20.
AnnualentrancepermitsallowentryintoallIndianastateparks,lakesandgatedstateforestrecreationareas.Campinggiftcardsfor2015canbepurchasedonlineatInnsgifts.com,atanystateparkorlakeoffice,orbycalling1-866-622-6746.
Get your holiday pack early!
After speaking at the Indiana War Memorial’s Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, Governor Mike Pence joins Hoosiers in a standing ovation for Indiana National Guard Adjutant General Umbarger, who is retiring in May after nearly 50 years of military service. To see more pictures of the Governor, visit www.in.gov/gov/2387.htm.
Maintain not gain over the holiday season and new year
Thanks to the Indiana State Department of Health for this submission.
MaintainnotgainovertheHolidaysFormanyHoosiers,havingahappyholidaymeansputtinghealthynutritionandphysicalactivityonholdresultinginweightgain.Somegainfiveormorepoundsanddon’tloseitthefollowingyears.Excessweightoranunhealthylifestylecontributestoseveralchronicdiseasesincludingheartdisease,diabetes,hypertensionandcancer.Maintainingaweightthat’sappropriateforone’sheightandageisaneasywaytostayhealthyandsavemoneyonhealthcarecosts.So,makeacommitmenttoyourselfandtoyourhealthtoremainatyourcurrentweightthroughouttheholidayseasonthisyear!
Sometipsforstayinghealthyovertheholidaysinclude:• Planaheadtoaddmorephysicalactivityintoyourweek.Takealongwalkwiththefamilyfirstthinginthemorning,andthen
againafterthemealinsteadofheadingstraightforthecouch.
• Insteadofpilingyourplatesky-highthisholiday,tryfocusingonright-sizingyourportions.
• Ifyoudecidetogoshopping,plantogetinsomeactivitywhilethere.Whenyoufirstarrive,parkfarawayandthentakesomelapsaroundthemall.Packyourownsnacksandwatertoavoidthetemptationofthefoodcourt.Wearcomfortablewalkingshoesandremembertotakethestairsinsteadoftheescalatororelevator.
• Fillhalfofyourplatewithfruitsandvegetables,andthencorrectlyportionoutyourotheritems.
• Considermakingsubstitutionsinsomeofyourfavoriterecipes.Forexample,mashedpotatoes
typicallyincludelotsofbutterandwholemilk.Allofthatextrafatcanmakeithardertomaintainyourweightovertheholidays.Considerusingmascarponecheeseinsteadofbutterandlow-fatmilkinsteadofwholemilk.Youwon’tevennoticethedifference!
Agreatwaytokeepontrackistowritedownyourdailyphysicalactivity,howmanyfruitsandvegetablesyoueateachday,andhowmuchwateryoudrink.Itcanreallyhelp!HappyHolidays!
