Publisher Ponders! November 2008
November 18, 2008
I am still pondering October. To be exact-Colorfest. I am still confused over why a problematic event which reeks havoc on local businesses and residents is given so much praise. To be blunt, this event does not promote commerce for most locally owned businesses and is more of a hindrance than a boon. Secondly, why do residents pay for a permit for a yard sale which is held on their own property, ie:, ‘Yard Sale” and what’s up with the $2 per car parking which is parked on your own property? Oh yea, to offset expenses for a craft show that is overrated and break even or show an increase on the P&L. Moving on to more important issues, be sure to read Tim Eakin’s “Wall Street to Main Street” and how the current economic conditions are affecting us right here in Thurmont. With all of the hype on this coined phrase what a shame the foot traffic has not increased on Main Street nationally or locally according to National Trust for Preservation. As a student of economics, I could not have picked a better time to working on my degree in this field. Join me in December when we visit the economic buzz words and how they affect our daily lives, money and future. On a lighter note, hats off to Commissioner Hooper and Jill along with their troop of volunteers for an incredible Halloween night in the park. Your dedication and creativity was well enjoyed by a record breaking crowd. Your work was awesome! I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Paul Hadfield, LCPC, from Catoctin Wellness Center and his column on “The Invisible Bully” as a continuing series from Catoctin Wellness Center and healthy mental tips to help us cope with a .com society. One more thing to ponder; with Thanksgiving upon us, I am confused about the Thanksgiving dinner. The Pilgrims invited the Indians to share in a feast to thank them. Great! Only one problem, the white man took the land from the Indians and we still continue to celebrate their kindness while we have not treated the Indian nation in good faith.
Gobble! Gobble!
Vickie Grinder
Publisher Thurmont Times
Tasty Tips from Tina - November 2008
November 18, 2008
Growing up in an Italian family we never had the traditional Thanksgiving extravaganza. We had ham, candied sweet potatoes, cream cheese stuffed celery and stuffed shells and homemade garlic bread. The ham was always served on the same Jewel Tea platter and the celery was served in a small, silver serving dish. The first time Ron had dinner with my family he quietly leaned over and asked where the turkey was. I told him my dad didn’t like turkey so we had ham. Then on Christmas when we had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and lasagna and homemade garlic bread, he leaned over and said, “I thought your dad didn’t like turkey?” Well, he likes it on Christmas. The man still married me. I guess the important thing about holidays is that there is some tradition involved.
My recipe this month isn’t going to be a traditional Thanksgiving Day recipe but one for the day after. After the first leftover turkey sandwich I’m about done with the bird. This is a quick one dish recipe that hits all the food groups.
Cheesy Veggies and Turkey
November 18, 2008
2 packs of frozen California style
vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower and
carrots)
1 block of Velveeta cheese
1 sleeve of Ritz crackers crushed
2-3 cups of diced leftover turkey
1 stick of butter melted
Spray casserole dish or 9 x 13 cake pan with non stick cooking spray
Cook vegetables according to package directions and drain
Cut up cheese in cubes
Mix veggies and turkey in pan. Stir in cubes of cheese. Sprinkle crackers over top and drizzle butter over crackers.
Cook at 350 degrees for about 30-45 min. until cheese is bubbly and crackers are golden brown
This is also a great side dish without the turkey.
My drink recipe is an after-dinner drink. There are two types of after-dinner drinks. One is sweet, like a dessert and the second is a digestif which aids in digestion. This is supposed to help the stomach relax after a big meal.
1 pint lemon sorbet
3/4 litre Italian prosecco [or any sparkling wine]
4 1/2 ounces of vodka [optional]
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 2008
November 18, 2008
“When I got my puppy,
he had all of his shots?”
Puppies and kittens can go to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. This is the age when they can be separated from the mother and should have their first vaccinations. However, this is only the beginning of a vaccine series. They are by no means finished. For the first 5 to 6 weeks of life, puppies and kittens have protective antibodies from their mother. These (passive) antibodies only last so long. The puppy or kitten needs to produce it’s own antibodies (active) in response to vaccines which stimulate their immunity.
Though both the puppy and kitten vaccine boosters are called distemper vaccines, they are completely different. The puppy distemper/parvovirus vaccine includes the highly contagious: 1) canine distemper and 2) canine parvovirus as well as 3) canine parainfluenza and 4) two canine hepatitis (adenovirus) fractions. This 4 in 1 booster vaccine needs to be given every 3 to 4 weeks until approximately 4 months of age. This allows the vaccine to “take”(in other words, “protect” the patient) somewhere along the line of multiple boosters and also challenges the body’s memory in order to fight disease.
DH(L)PP:
Canine distemper (D) is a highly contagious virus that attacks the lungs and brain, hence the name distemper, and is usually fatal. Parvovirus (P) is an intestinal virus that attacks the intestinal tract causing severe diarrhea, vomiting and potential death. Parainfluenza virus (P) causes respiratory disease. It can be partly responsible for kennel cough disease. There are two types of hepatitis virus (H) included in the combination vaccine.
Leptospirosis (L) is a bacterial disease that can be carried in any mammal’s urine. The disease causes kidney and liver damage. It has often been combined in the DH(L)PP or can be given separately. Sometimes a dog can have a reaction to this vaccine and should no longer receive it.
The core canine vaccine series with DHPP or DHLPP is very important to prevent possible fatal diseases that are preventable. The youngest dogs are the most potentially susceptible. Boosters are given every 3 to 4 weeks until about 4 months of age allowing 3 to 4 boosters as young puppies.
FVRCP:
Kittens need to receive 2 to 3 feline distemper combination vaccines (FVRCP) to develop their own active immunity after separation from their mothers.
FVR refers to feline viral rhinotracheitis which causes upper respiratory disease with eyes and nasal passages affected with mucoid discharge. The C stands for calici virus causing mouth and tongue ulcers and Chlamydia which causes respiratory infection. P stands for panleukopenia or feline distemper, a virus that attacks the intestinal tract and sometimes brain (hence the name distemper). It is highly contagious and can kill kittens.
Some other vaccines include Lyme vaccine for dogs only (no Lyme disease found in cats at this time)) and Feline Leukemia vaccine which is cat specific. Both of these vaccines require two boosters the first time with yearly follow-up boosters. There are quick, in-house screening tests that help check for exposure to Lyme and two other tick borne diseases in dogs, and Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS in cats. It is good to check a pet’s status for these diseases before trying to protect against them with vaccines.
Rabies vaccine is required by law to be given to all cats and dogs 12 weeks of age and older. Rabies is found in our local population of racoons, skunks, and foxes on a regular basis and is a real threat as it is fatal to our pets and humans alike.
Bordetella: One of the causes of kennel cough in dogs. This vaccine should be given prior to kenneling, obedience classes or a stay at the groomer’s shop where other dogs are present at the same time.
Ideally, all vaccines should be completed by 16 weeks old in puppies and 12 weeks old in kittens. In this way they are adequately protected. Until the series of vaccines is completed, puppies and kittens should have limited exposure to other cats and dogs, public places such as dog parks and hiking trails. They should also avoid long distance travel
“November” Questions of the Month
November 10, 2008
Due to several requests we are going to repeat the Guardian Hose Company question, understanding if a paid fire department is incorporated, your taxes will increase.
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