Serving Kansas City (Wyandotte County) Kansas for over 50 years!
Local author Ruth Campos will give a talk at 6 p.m. April 29 at the South Branch of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, Kan.
She will be speaking about her brand new book, “My Journey in Faith.” Campos has roots in the Argentine community and is a former teacher at Sumner Academy. Copies will be available for purchase and signing.
by Lori Wuellner
Have you ever gone into a room and forgotten what you went to retrieve? It happens to most people.
Have you fueled your brain lately? Just like your car, your brain needs fuel to operate effectively.
Consuming a well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for the brain and the rest of the body, too.
Here’s where to find some key nutrients that are especially important for your brain:
Vitamins
Vitamin C- citrus fruits, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, cantaloupe
Vitamin E- vegetable oils (corn, canola, sunflower, soybean and olive), nuts, leafy green, some fortified cereals
Vitamin B12- animal products like meat, fish, poultry, eggs and milk; and some breakfast cereals fortified with B12
Folate- leafy, green vegetables; dry edible beans; and fortified cereals
Beta-carotene- dark-colored vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach and winter squash
Omega-3 Fatty Acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)- all fish, but especially high in pink salmon, trout, albacore tuna and shrimp ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)- flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybean oil and walnuts
Minerals
Selenium- seafood, mushrooms, egg yolks, poultry, liver, red meat, whole grains, seeds, soybeans, nuts and vegetables like garlic, onions and broccoli
Interestingly, many of the risk factors for age-related memory impairment are the same risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
So, following a heart-healthy diet can help decrease the risk of multiple diseases (high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity) plus improve brain health.
Heart-healthy eating includes decreasing saturated fats (found in dairy and animal products) as well as coconut, palm oil and chocolate. It also means avoiding trans fats (found in margarine, shortening and processed foods). Find out the latest on FDA targeting trans fats in processed foods at http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm372915.htm.
In the meantime inventory your eating habits to see how well you are doing consuming the above foods. To give you a jump-start try the recipes that follow rich in many of the vitamins important for your brain.
Lori Wuellner is a Wyandotte County Extension agent, Family and Consumer Sciences, K-State Research and Extension, 1216 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. Telephone 913-299-9300, email [email protected].
Grapefruit Spinach Salad Oriental
•10 ounces (about 4½ cups) fresh spinach, washed and drained
• 1 4-ounce can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1 5-ounce can water chestnuts, diced
• 2 grapefruits, sectioned and diced
• ¼ cup vegetable oil •1 tablespoon vinegar
• 2 tablespoons grapefruit juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon—each bottled hot pepper sauce, salt and dry mustard
Directions
Tear spinach coarsely and place in large salad bowl.
Add mushrooms, water chestnuts and grapefruit. Mix together oil, vinegar, grapefruit juice, soy sauce, hot pepper sauce, salt and dry mustard.
Toss dressing with spinach mixture and serve. Makes 6 serving. Per Serving: about 150 calories and 9 grams (g) of fat. (Source: North Dakota State University)
Rainbow Veggie Salad
1 can red kidney beans (15.5 ounce, drained and rinsed)
1 can black beans (15.5 ounce, drained and rinsed)
3 carrots (scrubbed and sliced)
1 yellow squash (small, washed and sliced)
1 zucchini (small, washed and sliced)
½ cup light Italian dressing
½ teaspoon pepper
1. Mix all the vegetables in a large bowl.
2. Pour dressing over veggies.
3. Sprinkle with pepper.
4. Stir gently, coating all vegetables.
5. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.
Makes 10 Servings. Nutrition Facts per serving: 90 calories; 2 g total fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 210 mg sodium, 14 g total carbohydrates, 5 g dietary fiber, 2 g sugar, 4 g protein. (Source: Healthy Choices for Healthy Families, University of Kentucky, March 2014)
The Wyandotte Daily News is interested in news of your community event in Wyandotte County. Send information to Mary Rupert, editor, at [email protected] and include your name and phone number.
UG scheduled to meet March 20
The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. March 20 at the Commission Chambers, City Hall, lobby level, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. The UG Commission also will meet in a special session at 5 p.m. March 20 at the Commission Chambers. An agenda for the 7 p.m. meeting might be posted at www.wycokck.org.
Program to discuss how to recognize gambling problems
The Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., will hold a program from 1:30 to 3 p.m. March 24 on how to recognize gambling problems. This presentation will address how and when to get help for a gambling problem. It is presented by Chiquita Miller of K-State Extension. To register, call 913-906-8990.
Blood drive to be March 25
A blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 25 at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Francisco Lounge, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, Kan. To register for this Community Blood Center blood drive, visit https://www.esavealifenow.
Program offered on ‘Letting Go of Life’s Disappointments’
“Letting Go of Life’s Disappointments” will be the topic of a program that meets on Tuesdays at the Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. The group will meet at 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. beginning March 25. A group of participants will explore their feelings and journey toward acceptance of loss and grief and eventual healing. Journals will be provided for those who do not have one. Meetings will be on Tuesday, March 25, April 1 and April 8. To register, call 913-906-8990.
Wyandotte County GOP to meet March 25
Heath Kohl with the Kansas Republican Party will be the guest speaker at the Wyandotte County GOP town hall meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. March 25 at the Frontier Steakhouse, 94th and State Avenue. Those attending may arrive early to have dinner. Sen. Clark Schultz and David Powell, candidates for insurance commissioner, will be future speakers. Brandon Kenig with the Young Republicans will speak in April.
Community meeting planned on education March 27
“How Best to Access Success in Wyco,” a community meeting, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 27 at the Dr. Thomas Burke Technical Education Center at Kansas City Kansas Community College, 65th and State Avenue. A panel discussion will be sponsored by El Centro, KCKCC Advancement Council and MainStream Coalition on kindergarten through 16th year education in Wyandotte County and the effect of recent Kansas legislation. Partnerships in the Wyandotte education community that help students succeed will be discussed. There will be a voter registration booth. Guest speakers include Ed Marquez, director of admissions, Donnelly College; Superintendent Cynthia Lane, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools; Joy Engel, assistant superintendent of the Turner Public Schools. The moderator is KCKCC President Doris Givens. To register for the program, visit www.mainstreamcoalition.org under “Upcoming Events.” Reservations are requested by not required.
UG scheduled to meet March 27
The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. March 27 at City Hall, lobby level, 701 N. 7th St., Kansas City, Kan. Several planning and zoning items are expected to be considered. An agenda for the meeting might be posted at www.wycokck.org.
CFI to sponsor recycling event
The Coalition for Independence will have a one-day recycled durable medical equipment extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28 at the CFI offices, 4911 State Ave. All current inventory will\ be available. The not-for-profit agency provides a low-cost alternative to purchasing new equipment for individuals. Items include walkers, manual and power wheelchairs, bath benches and grab bars. Donations of used equipment in good condition also are being accepted.
Program offered on diversifying markets for farmers markets
A program on “Diversifying Markets: Farmers Market,” Wholesale and Farm School, will be offered March 31 in Kansas City, Mo. The program has assistance from K-State Research and Extension. For more information, visit www.growinggrocers.org.
Created Equal Film Series – Part I – opens April 1
Marking historic anniversaries of the Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington, this film series explores facets of Civil Rights history. A portion of the documentary “Slavery By Another Name” will be screened. The event is at 6 pm April 1 at the Kansas City Kansas Community College Dr. Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center, 6565 State Ave. There will be a discussion a moderated by Clarence Lang, professor of African and African-American Studies, and American Studies at the University of Kansas. Created Equal is a program of the Gilder Lehrman Institute and the NEH with the Kansas Humanities Council.
Financial literacy for seniors: Adapting and adjusting for retirement
A financial literacy program will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 3 at Keeler Women’s Center, 2220 Central Ave., Kansas City, Kan. Attend this informative presentation about financial matters for seniors and retirement. Presented in partnership with Heartland Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo Bank. To register, call 913-906-8990.
Eleven ways you may be sabotaging your planters and baskets
A program on taking care of planters and baskets will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Sunflower Meeting Room, Wyandotte County Extension office 1208 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. The program will be presented by Kaw Valley Nursery, Manhattan Kan. It is sponsored by the Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners. Those attending may bring their lunches. There is a $5 fee for the class. Registration is not required. For information, call 913-299-9300.
Blood drive to be April 4
A blood drive will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 4 at Sumner Academy, old gym, 1610 N. 8th, Kansas City, Kan. To register for this Community Blood Center blood drive, visit https://www.esavealifenow.
Created Equal Film Series continues April 4
The Created Equal Film Series – Part II – will continue at 6 p.m. April 4 at the Main Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, 625 Minnesota Ave. The program will focus on the Freedom Rides of 1961, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights struggle. There will be a screening of selected scenes from “Freedom Riders” followed by a discussion moderated by Clarence Long, professor of African and African-American studies, and American studies at the University of Kansas. Created Equal is a program of the Gilder Lehrman Institute and the NEH with the Kansas Humanities Council.
ServSafe Course to be April 8
A ServSafe Course will be Tuesday, April 8, at K-State Research and Extension, Wyandotte County office, 1216 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. This course is for everyone who handles any type of food service or group meals. Also, it is for those interested in food service employment. The cost is $10, which includes class materials and workbook. The deadline for registration is April 1 because of limited seating and workbooks. Contact Lori Wuellner at 913-299-9300 or email [email protected].
Blood drive scheduled April 21
A Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 21 at the Sacred Heart Home Health Care, 7735 Washington Ave., Kansas City, Kan. To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Wyandotte County Extension Master Gardeners annual plant sale to be May 2-3
The annual plant sale of the Wyandotte County Master Gardeners will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 2, and 9 a.m. to noon (or as long as inventory is left) Saturday, May 3, at the Wildcat Room, Wyandotte County Extension office, 1200 N. 79th St., Kansas City, Kan. The Wyandotte County Master Gardeners will offer tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, herbs, and other vegetable and fruit plants started by the members, and collections of perennials, annuals, Kansas native wildflowers and ornamental grasses. New to the sale this year will be succulent plants, gently used books and gardening supplies. Master Gardeners will be on hand to help with selections and answer gardening questions. For information, call 913-299-9300.
Program covers post-harvest handling
A program for gardeners and those who raise food on “Post-Harvest Handling” will take place on May 12 in Kansas City, Kan. The program is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension. For more information, visit www.growinggrocers.org.
African-American Art Festival planned Aug. 9
The MoKan African-American Art Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Quindaro Park, 35th and Sewell, Kansas City, Kan. Those attending the free event may bring a blanket, enjoy artwork, stilt walkers Gullah basket weathers, African drummers and dancers, food and vendors. For more information about having an art exhibit there or being a vendor, contact 913-788-7330.